Stafford’s Penzance Hanover emerges in Open

On a foggy, rainy night, Penzance Hanover (Somebeachsomewhere) and harness racing driver Art Stafford, Jr. stormed home and won the $27,500 Blue Hen/Open Handicap Pace in an upset at odds of 8-1 at Bally’s Dover on Thursday night, January 5.

Backstreet Shadow, the three to five betting favorite, launched quickest off the starting gate.  Last week’s winner, Grand Cayman left from post eight and was able to tuck into the 4th position racing to the quarter.

Penzance Hanover protected the rail position behind the pace setter.

Backstreet Shadow carved out race fractions of :26.3 at the quarter. The half was reached in :55.2, a :28.4 breather.

Grand Cayman grinded first over past the half and challenged Backstreet Shadow at the three quarters in 1:23.1.  Slick Tony followed 2nd over and Island Of The Sea marched third over on the rim.

Art Stafford Jr and Penzance Hanover boldly pulled the pocket before the top of the stretch and won convincingly by 2 ½ lengths in 1:51.2 He paid $18.80 for the win.

PENZANCE HANOVER REPLAY

Penzance Hanover is owned, trained and driven by Art Stafford Jr. Mack shot the rail and finished 2nd for trainer Joe Columbo.   Ross Wolfenden drove. Backstreet Shadow finished 3rd for trainer Jim King Jr. Tim Tetrick drove.

Tim Tetrick won four races 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