Dover, DE — Slugger On Deck impressively won the $51,300 final of the Bally’s Dover Late Closing Series for Delaware-sired 3-year-old male pacers on Thursday night (April 2) at Bally’s Dover.
The early inside speed was produced by Romain Raider and Arette pacing into the first turn. Slugger On Deck and driver Allan Davis floated on the outside from third then rushed to the top. They were parked to the opening quarter in :26.4. From there, it was all Slugger On Deck. He raced comfortably to the half in :55.1 and the three quarters in 1:23.4. My Boy Brunson raced first-over up the backstretch but was a non-factor. Arette waited in the pocket chasing stablemate Slugger On Deck but to no avail. Slugger On Deck won by 2-1/2 lengths and paced his mile in 1:51.4, a lifetime best.
Arette, Slugger On Deck’s stablemate, finished second and Romain Raider was third.
Slugger On Deck is owned by Jo Ann Looney-King and trained by Jim King Jr. He paid $3.20 to win.
“I waited on the outside for the inside speed to settle,” said Davis. ” I then brushed to the top. He was strong tonight.”
Steven’s Saloon wins $25,000 Open Handicap Pace
Steven’s Saloon chose the overland trip enroute to an upset victory in the $25,000 Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday night.
Wehadababyetzaboy (Art Stafford Jr) and Downers Delight (Pat Berry) were the quickest away from the wings of the starting gate into the first turn.
Wehadababyetzaboy held a brief lead as the give and go was activated. Downers Delight settled in second then sprinted to the top as Wehadababyetzaboy retreated to the pocket. The opening quarter was paced in a scorching :26.1.
Downers Delight, the 2-5 betting favorite, took control of the race as he had in the past and powered to the half in :54.3 (:28.2).
Steven’s Saloon and driver Jason Thompson started their preferred journey first over and coverless up the backstretch. Lou’s Starr, the invader from Rosecroft, was carried into a second over striking position on the rim. Wehadababyetzaboy, who won three races in a row, waited in the pocket and was ready to pounce.
Downers Delight braced for the challenge of Steven’s Saloon and both rival pacers raced on even terms passing the three quarters in a punishing 1:22 flat a :27.2 quarter.
At the top of the lane, Steven’s Saloon was able to wear down Downers Delight. Wehadababyetzaboy had little response from the pocket. Steven’s Saloon powered to the top and won by three quarters of a length in 1:50.1. He paid $13 for the win.
Downers Delight fought hard but finished second. Wehadababyetzaboy saw his three-race win streak come to an end and finished third
Steven’s Saloon ( Always B Miki) is owned by Richard Ashley and Michael Cain both from Delaware. John Canccelliere is the breeder.
Tim Tetrick and Chuck Crissman Jr. took top driving and training honors, respectively, at the Bally’s Dover meet.
Tonight was the final night of live harness racing for the season at Bally’s Dover.
The Delaware circuit shifts to Harrington Raceway, which will open its spring meet on Monday, April 13.