Bar Hopping gelding doubles up at Dover

Keg Stand (Bar Hopping) won his second straight Open Handicap Trot harness racing event at Bally’s Dover on Tuesday night. But it wasn’t easy.

There was plenty of action early on when Herodotus spotted the field five lengths before the start of the race. Rivers left alertly along the pylons and parked out JLCruze as well as the 1/2 betting favorite, Keg Stand approaching the quarter pole. JL Cruze cleared the lead passing the opening quarter in 28. Keg Stand continued parked out and bullied his way to the lead before passing the half in 56.4.

Herodotus, who was parked the mile, made a supersonic move up the backstretch. JL Cruze remained along the pylons. That Ole Bar Stool trotted 1st up but faded on the rim. Herodotus drew alongside the pace setter Keg Stand, passing the three quarters in 1:25. Both trotters battled late in the lane. Neither one gave way until the final stride. Keg Stand survived the battle and won the war winning by a neck in 1:53.4. He paid $3.00 for the victory.

Herodotus put forth a Herculean effort and finished 2nd. JL Cruze was placed 3rd.

KEG STAND REPLAY

Keg Stand is owned by David R. Hamm and EVM Racing LLC both from Delaware. Nicholas Devita trained and Anthony Morgan drove.

Racing continues on Wednesday night and is highlighted by the Signature race of the Bally’s Dover racing season, the $267,960 Progress Pace. The race will prove to be a battle between Matron winner Captain Albano, Breeder’s Crown victor Mirage Hanover and $25,000 supplement Nijinsky.

Tim Tetrick drove 5 winners on the betting card. Tony Morgan chipped in with a driving four-bagger.

Racing continues on Wednesday with a 4:30 post time. Live racing from Bally’s Dover will be dark on Thursday (Thanksgiving).

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

by Alex Kraszewski, for Bally’s Dover