Dover, DE — Yanks Dugout won his third consecutive race, gamely holding off a late challenge from Northern Express to take Tuesday’s (Feb. 8) $25,000 Open Handicap Trot at Dover Downs.

Despite late pressure, Yanks Dugout was safe at home in Tuesday’s Open Trot at Dover Downs. Fotowon photo.

Northern Express left aggressively and parked Yanks Dugout through a :27.4 first quarter before yielding to the pocket. Once in control, Yanks Dugout and Tony Morgan put the field to sleep through middle fractions of :56.3 and 1:26.1. On the far turn, Swansea challenged from third and worked briefly into the lead at the top of the lane. Yanks Dugout remained steadfast, regaining the lead in deep stretch and holding off Northern Express (Russell Foster) by a half length in 1:54.2. Swansea (Tim Tetrick) finished third after flattening late.

Ron Burke trains Yanks Dugout, a 5-year-old Triumphant Caviar gelding who paid $4.40 to win, for Ivan and Duke Sugg.

Pat Berry captured a driving triple.

Racing at Dover Downs continues on Wednesday (Feb. 9); first post time is 4:30 p.m.