9-1 Mack finds room late in Open Pace

Mack (Mach Three) found room along the pylons late and surged to a 9-1 upset harness racing victory in the $27,500 Blue Hen Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday (Dec. 7) night.

There was a three-horse scramble between Heinikin Bythebay, Sprocket and Captain Cowboy for the early lead approaching the quarter.  Heinikin Bythebay won the early battle and sped past the quarter in :26.2.

Sprocket pulled the pocket and was joined by the 9-5 betting favorite Penzance Hanover past the quarter. The two pacers battled to the half in :54.2.

Penzance Hanover cleared for the lead and took control of the race leading the field down the backstretch.  Virgo moved first over, and Stag Party joined second over both in attack mode.  Mack and driver Montrell Teague were screaming for room from last but sat patiently along the pylons for clearance. Penzance Hanover was on a mission and maintained the lead passing the three quarters in 1:22.1.

At the top the stretch Penzance Hanover started to bear out allowing Captain Cowboy to find room. Mack was also able to find room late along the pylons and was raging with pace. Mack won the photo finish with Captain Cowboy by a nose in 1:51.1 with Penzance Hanover, the race favorite, third.

MACK REPLAY

Mack is owned by George and Tina Dennis Racing of Wyoming, Delaware and is trained by Joe Columbo. He paid $21.00 to win.

Montrell Teague scored four driving wins. Simon Allard recorded a driving triple on the betting card.

Racing continues at Bally’s Dover, Monday thru Thursday. Post time is 4:30 pm.

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

by Alex Kraszewski, for Bally’s Dover