Third straight Open score for Penzance Hanover

Penzance Hanover (Somebeachsomewhere) and harness racing driver Art Stafford, Jr. won their third consecutive start in the $27,500 Blue Hen/ Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday (Feb. 23).

Foggy weather conditions lingered as six open pacers lined up for the start of the race. Rose Run Uriah grabbed an early lead and Baba O’Riely accepted the pocket trip entering the quarter.

Penzance Hanover, the 4/5 betting favorite, left from post 8, settled, then rushed to the top past an opening quarter in a scorching :25.3.

Penzance Hanover passed the half in :54.2 (:28.4) and the three quarters in 1:22.1, a :27.4 quarter.

Wager On Me braved a first over charge past the 5/8 marker. Kinder Jackson followed second over down the backstretch.  Penzance Hanover maintained a length and a half lead to the head of the stretch.

Baba O’ Riley and Rose Run Uriah were closing fast along the pylons.  Penzance Hanover dug down for more and held off the late charges to win by a measured neck, in 1:51 flat. He paid $3.60 for the win.

PENZANCE HANOVER REPLAY

Penzance Hanover is owned, trained and driven by Art Stafford Jr. of Felton, Delaware. Baba O’Riley finished second for trainer W. Bart Dalious.  Barton Dalious drove. Rose Run Uriah finished third for trainer Traci Berry.  Pat Berry drove.

Crissy Crissman-Bier trained four winners and George Napolitano Jr drove four winners on the betting card.

There is a pick 5 carryover worth $2,400 to Monday’s 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