Grand Cayman with mild upset in $28,500 Open

Grand Cayman (Always B Miki) and harness racing driver George Napolitano, Jr. worked out a perfect trip and won the $28,500 Blue Hen/ Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday (Dec. 29).

Penzance Hanover left alertly off the gate. Grand Cayman, at odds of 5-1, protected rail position in the pocket as they raced to the quarter.

Penzance Hanover, the 2-1 betting favorite, was allowed to cut out fractions of :26.4, :55.2 (28.3) and 1:22.4.(27.2).

Incaseyoudidntknow, the only mare in the race, moved off the rail from 5th and raced uncovered before the half.  Her bid stalled pacing down the backstretch and clogged the outside racing lanes.

Grand Cayman protected rail position throughout the mile and surged along the inside, passing a leg weary Penzance Hanover, in deep stretch.

Grand Cayman won by 1 1/4 lengths in 1:51.2 and paid $12.60 for the win. He is owned by Vincent P. Ferriero Jr. of Deland, Florida and trained by Crissy Crissman.

Island Of The Sea, saved ground alongside the inside and finished 2nd for trainer Eric Ell.  Allan Davis drove. Mack raced evenly along the rail and picked up the show spot for trainer Joe Columbo.  Ross Wolfenden drove.

GRAND CAYMAN REPLAY

George Napolitano Jr. earned a driving triple on the betting card.

Racing continues from Bally’s Dover on Monday (January 2, 2023). Post time is 4:30 pm.

For complete race results, click here.

by Alex Kraszewski, for Bally’s Dover Downs