Late rally wins $25,000 Open Trot

Northern Express (Muscle Massive) rallied from a second over trip and won the $25,000 Open Handicap Trot at Bally’s Dover on Tuesday night (Feb. 14).

Northern Express, who had finished 2nd and 3rd in his last nine starts, finally got the job done for driver Russell Foster.

JL Cruze, who was parked the mile last week, was under a full head of steam and forced seats to be taken by Northern Express and Embrace The Grind nearing the quarter pole.

JL Cruze was allowed to control the race fractions of :27.2 to the quarter.  He was then able to back the half off to :56.3, a :29.1 quarter.

Embrace The Grind moved first over from fourth down the backstretch and challenged JL Cruze for the lead. The three quarters were flashed in 1:25, a :28.2 quarter.

Northern Express shadowed second over on the rim.  Fifty Ways sat in the pocket. At the top of the stretch the two combatants, JL Cruze and Embrace The Grind began to tire late.

Northern Express vacated his cover and steamrolled past the field to win by three quarters of a length in 1:54.1.  He paid $9.60 for the win.

NORTHERN EXPRESS REPLAY

Northern Express is owned and trained by Arty Foster Jr.  Muscle Dynasty closed to finish second for trainer Shea Lare.  Corey Callahan drove. Fifty Ways held the pocket trip and finished third for trainer Joe Columbo. Ross Wolfenden drove.

Tony Morgan drove three winners on the betting card.

Always B First takes on Shes Pukka N and Divine Deo in the Mares Open Handicap Pace on Wednesday. Post Time at Bally’s Dover is 4:30 pm.

For complete race results, click here.

by Alex Kraszewski, for Bally’s Dover