Backstreet Shadow digs in to take Open Pace

Backstreet Shadow (Shadow Play) won the $27,500 Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday night (Feb. 2).

Penzance Hanover and Whitecookie were in a private duel as they were launched from the harness racing starting gate. Whitecookie was able to clear Penzance Hanover for the early lead but not before pacing a vicious opening quarter in 25.3.

The 6/5 betting favorite, Penzance Hanover, accepted the pocket seat grudgingly. Backstreet Shadow floated and secured a seat into the 4th position pacing to the quarter. Whitecookie continued on the lead and scorched the half in :54 seconds flat, a :28.2 quarter.

Backstreet Shadow was in high gear passing the three quarters in 1:22.1. That quarter was paced in :28.1.

Driver Tim Tetrick edged Backstreet Shadow off the rail in mid-stretch.  It was a well-timed move as Whitecookie became leg weary and tired and

Penzance Hanover was trapped on the inside without any place to go.

In the stretch, Backstreet Shadow encountered company, as Wager On Me shot the rail and Stag Party rallied on the outside.

The eight-year-old Backstreet Shadow was all heart and grit as he held on to win by a hard earned half a length.  He won in 1:50.4 and paid $5.60 to win.

BACKSTREET SHADOW REPLAY

Backstreet Shadow is owned by Robert Di Nozzi and is trained by Jim King Jr. Wager On Me finished 2nd for trainer Joe Columbo and driver Pat Berry. Stag Party closed to finish 3rd for trainer Mike Hall. Corey Callahan drove.

George Napolitano Jr scored a driving triple on the betting card.

Racing continues 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