A Blue Million shows steel in chilly Dover Open win

A Blue Million (Swan In A Million) trotted his way to his fourth consecutive harness racing victory competing in the $25,000 Open Handicap Trot at Bally’s Dover on Tuesday.night.

A Blue Million and Last Glow charged quickest away from the starting gait and trotted into the first turn together.

A Blue Million finally cleared the lead but not before being parked out by a stubborn Last Glow. before the quarter pole.  Speed Away also left from the outside but found a seat in third.

The opening quarter was reached in 28 flat.  Arrowhead Hanover attempted a quarter pole move early from fourth, however that strategy proved unsuccessful.

A Blue Million refused to yield and gave the cold shoulder to the parked out Arrowhead Hanover. The half was secured in 56.1. (28.1)

The battle continued up the backstretch and into the chilly 12 degree arctic temperatures.  A Blue Million and Arrowhead Hanover continued their late night slugfest.

Somebody Special, the mare taking on the boys, followed into a second over journey and Victor Laszlo was anchored third over on the outside.

A Blue Million was finally able to put away a hard fought effort by Arrowhead Hanover as the three quarters were timed in 1:24.4.(28.3)

A BLUE MILLION REPLAY

A squadron of trotters began to take flight from the back of the pack all in pursuit of a battle torn  A Blue Million when Arrowhead Hanover weakened.   

At the top of the lane, Victor Laszlo, the 2-1 betting favorite, geared up three wide and Muscle Dynasty was carried out four wide.  Last Glow was preparing to make his presence felt in the pocket and was charging hard along the pylons. A Blue Million showed  grit and determination winning by a half length.  He trotted the mile in 1:53.1, a lifetime mark, despite the arctic temperatures. He returned $7.60 to win for his investors. Last Glow finished second and Speed Away was third.

A Blue Million (Swan In A Million) won his fourth consecutive start for owner Stephen Stoll, of Montgomery, Indiana,  the home state of college football champs the Indiana Hoosiers

Tim Crissman trained and Montrell Teague drove.

Tim Tetrick won four races on the betting card.

The feature race at Bally’s Dover on Wednesday night is the Fillies and Mares Open Handicap pace.  The contenders include Ballast, last week’s winner and Square Deal who is in search of her fourth consecutive victory.

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