Always B First lives up to her name

Always B First (Always B Miki), was first as she captured the $25,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Wednesday night, Jan. 11.

Harness racing trainer Bob Cleary and driver Brett Beckwith made their first visits to Bally’s Dover winning ones.

Four pacing mares left quickly from the gate heading to the quarter.  Beyond Words N forced seats by Shes Pukka N, Always B First and Divine Deo and passed the quarter in :27.1.  Divine Deo was impatient in the pocket and took the lead past the quarter.  Divine Deo backed off the half in a pedestrian :56.4 (29.3)

Incaseyoudidntknow, the even odds betting favorite, moved confidently in front of the stands from fourth.  However, that move stalled midway down the backstretch. Divine Deo maintained the lead to the three quarters in 1:24.3 (27.4)

Always B First vacated her position from third, past the three quarters.  She gained ground quickly entering the stretch and won by a measured neck in 1:53.1. She paid $6.40 for the win.

ALWAYS B FIRST REPLAY

Always B First is owned by Oompa’s Farm Inc. Robert Mondillo, Craig Henderson and Allen Wenc.  She is trained by Robert Cleary. Brett Beckwith drove.

Divine Deo cut most of the mile and finished 2nd for trainer Jason Johnson. Allan Davis drove. Beyond Words N saved ground from the pocket and finished 3rd for trainer Michael Hall.  Simon Allard was her driver.

Driver Simon Allard, trainer Shea Lare and owner Frank Chick scored triples on the betting card.

Thursday’s feature race is the $27,500 Blue Hen / Open Handicap Pace.  Penzance Hanover looks to repeat in that contest. Post Time at Bally’s Dover is 4:30 pm.

For complete race results, click here.

by Alex Kraszewski, for Bally’s Dover