:25.4 third quarter helps Sprocket score again

Sprocket made it three wins in a row as he captured the $27,500 Blue Hen/ Open Handicap Pace at Dover Downs on Thursday night.

Last week he equaled the harness racing track record for aged pacing geldings in 1:48.2 at Dover Downs.

On Thursday, driver Pat Berry launched Sprocket out of the gate fast from post 8 but was parked three-wide into the 1st turn. Penzance Hanover and Movin’ On Up, who parked Sprocket early, took advantage of the hot pace and took seats before the opening quarter.

Sprocket controlled the race fractions and paced the opening quarter in :27. The half was reached in 55.4 (:28.4).

Driver Pat Berry took advantage of 20 mph wind conditions at his back and reached the 3/4 marker in 1:21.3.

Sprocket paced the 3rd quarter in a sizzling :25.4. It may have been the fastest third quarter ever paced at Dover Downs.

In the stretch, Sprocket started to become leg weary. Penzance Hanover and the 4/5 betting favorite Movin On’ Up were charging fast. However, Sprocket was able to dig down deep and prevailed, winning by a diminishing neck in 1:50 flat. He paid $6.80 for the win.

Sprocket (Sportswriter) is owned by Edwin F. Gannon Jr of Dover, Delaware and is trained by Traci Berry, driver Pat Berry’s wife.

SPROCKET REPLAY

Penzance Hanover finished second for trainer/ driver Art Stafford Jr. Movin’ On Up was third for trainer Chuck Crissman Jr.

Tim Tetrick recorded 4 driving wins on the betting card. Pat Berry had a driving triple.

Racing resumes on Monday at Dover Downs. There is a $14,668 Pentafecta carryover on the last race (12th).
Post Time is 4:30 pm.

For full race results, click here.

by Alex Kraszewski, for Dover Downs