Blue Hen Open goes again to Penzance Hanover

Penzance Hanover (Somebeachsomewhere) cruised to his second consecutive harness racing victory in the $27,500 Blue Hen/Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday night (Feb. 16).

Baba O’Riley left quickest off the gate and forced tucks by Grand Cayman and Penzance Hanover.  Backstreet Shadow was forced to take back to last.  Baba O’Riley led the field to the quarter briefly, in :26.3.

Penzance Hanover was eager and driver Art Stafford Jr fed his horse racetrack as they sprinted to the front past the quarter.  Penzance Hanover rolled to the half in :55 seconds flat, a :28.2 quarter.

Stag Party moved first over before the half.  Semi Tough and Backstreet Shadow followed in flight on the rim.  However, they became victims of excess cover and were unable to gain any ground on the leader.

Penzance Hanover continued on an uncontested lead and idled past the three quarters in 1:22.4, a :27.4 quarter. Baba O’Riley held pocket position but could not gain any ground.

Penzance Hanover was in total control in the stretch and won by a half a length in 1:50.3 as the betting favorite.  He paid $5.60 for the win.

PENZANCE HANOVER REPLAY

Penzance Hanover is owned, trained and was driven by Art Stafford Jr.  Baba O’Riley, who is named after a song by the rock group “The Who”, saved ground and finished second for trainer W. Bart Dalious. Barton Dalious drove.

Grand Cayman finished third for trainer Crissy Crissman- Bier.  George Napolitano Jr. drove.

Tim Tetrick drove three winners.  Chuck Crissman Jr. had a training triple.

There is a Pentafecta carry over of $2,413 on the 13th race on Monday at Bally’s Dover.  Post Time is 4:30 pm.

For complete race results, click here.

by Alex Kraszewski, for Bally’s Dover