Three-wide sweep takes Blue Hen Special

Energetic Hanover (Captaintreacherous) waited patiently and exploded in the stretch to capture the $28,500 Blue Hen/Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday (Jan. 4) night.

It was a fierce battle leaving the gate as Penzance Hanover parked out Mack, Belmont Royale N and the 1/2 betting favorite I Did It Myway, pacing to the quarter.

Mack cleared to the lead passing the opening quarter in :26.4. Penzance Hanover retreated to the rail. I Did It Myway was parked to the half in :55 seconds flat, a :28.1 quarter, before finally clearing on the lead.  He then opened a two-length advantage.

Island of the Sea pulled first up into the chilly temperatures down the backstretch. Movement from the back of the pack included Effingham who was second over and Energetic Hanover started to roll racing third over. Penzance Hanover sat in the pocket and was looking for racing room.  I Did It My way continued on the lead passing the three quarters in 1:22.1 a :27.1 ticker.

At the top of the stretch, Energetic Hanover and driver George Napolitano Jr. circled three-wide and were raging with pace closing in with every stride.

Energetic Hanover found the wire late and won by a head in 1:50.4.  He paid $7.60 for the win.

ENERGETIC HANOVER REPLAY

Energetic Hanover is owned by former NBA basketball star Sam Bowie of West Palm Beach, Florida. Tony Alagna is the trainer. Penzance Hanover surged late to finish second with I Did It Myway racing gamely on the engine and finished third.

Pat Berry drove three winners and Bobby Glassmeyer recorded a training and owner triple. There is a Pick 5 carryover worth $1,184 on Monday.

Bally’s Dover races Monday thru Thursday with a post time of 4:30 pm.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Alex Kraszewski, for Bally’s Dover