21-year-old drives winner in Open Trot

Black Hope (Bar Hopping) and 21-year-old driver Cole Olsen upset the harness racing field in the $25,000 Open Handicap Trot at Bally’s Dover on Tuesday night.

Crystal Fashion and JL Cruze (Art Stafford Jr.) left alertly trotting to the quarter. Crystal Fashion set fractions of :27.4, :57.1 and 1:25.2.

Black Hope, at odds of 21-1, moved off the rail from 5th in front of the stands, and picked up the 2nd over cover provided by Muscle Dynasty. Black Hope was gapping that cover when Muscle Dynasty went on a break approaching the 3/4 pole.

Driver Olson was able to avoid any mishap and sent his charge in high gear attacking the pacesetter Crystal Fashion at the top of the stretch. JL Cruze remained in the pocket.

In deep stretch Black Hope won by a half a length, trotting the mile in 1:54.4. He paid $44.00 for the victory.

BLACK HOPE REPLAY

Black Hope is owned and trained by Darren N. Olsen of Pocomoke, MD.  JL Cruze finished second for trainer Eric Ell.  Pacesetter Crystal Fashion picked up the show spot for trainer Chuck Crissman Jr.

Tim Tetrick had 5 driving wins on the betting card.

On Thursday night November 16, there will be (2) divisions of the Progress Pace elimination races at Bally’s Dover. The first 4 finishers in the official order of finish of each elimination race return for the $260,000 Progress Pace Final on Wednesday November 22. There is also a $110,000 DSBF Final for 2-Year-Old Colt and Gelding pacers on the betting card. Bally’s Dover races Monday thru Thursday. Post Time is 4:30 pm.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Alex Kraszewski, for Bally’s Dover