10-1 Divine Deo upsets in Open Pace

Divine Deo (Bettor’s Delight) and harness racing driver Allen Davis utilized the passing lane and won the $25,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Wednesday night (Jan. 25).

Normally in a six-horse field one would expect little action. Not tonight.

Despite stormy weather conditions, four pacing mares battled for early race positioning.  Divine Deo protected her rail position and parked out Incaseyoudidntknow, Always B First and Majorca N.

Incaseyoudidntknow muscled her way to the top, passing the quarter in a blistering :26.3. Majorca N took back to fifth.

Devine Deo followed the early action from the pocket.   Incaseyoudidntknow, the 3/5 betting favorite, was stubborn on the lead and parked Always B First the entire mile. The team raced to the half in :55.2.

The dueling leaders continued their private war to the three quarters in 1:23, a :27.3 quarter.  Majorca N grabbed the 2nd over cover.

Always B First remarkably held the lead but not the rail and was up by a length passing the three quarters.

In the stretch, Incaseyoudidntknow still had strength.  Divine Deo utilized the passing lane and forged forward to win by a neck in 1:52.1.  She paid $23.40 for the win.

DIVINE DEO REPLAY

Divine Deo is owned by Mulligan Stables of Georgetown, Delaware and is trained by Jason Johnson. Incaseyoudidntknow finished a hard-fought second for trainer Les Givens. Jim Morand drove.  Always B First was a game third for trainer Robert Cleary. Brett Beckwith drove.

Tony Morgan drove 5 winners on the betting card.

There is a pick 5 carryover of $2,314 to Thursday night’s card.

Backstreet Shadow, Penzance Hanover and Grand Cayman headline Thursday’s nights Blue Hen/ Open Handicap Pace Thursday at Bally’s Dover. Post Time is 4:30 pm.

For complete race results, click here.

by Alex Kraszewski, for Bally’s Dover