Island Of The Sea ends favorites 5-race win streak

Island Of The Sea (Always A Virgin), a 13-1 longshot, rocketed to harness racing victory in the $27,500 Blue Hen Special Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday night (March 23).

A Rosecroft shipper, Island Of The Sea left alertly and parked out Capt Jack Hanover to the quarter in :26.1  Capt Jack Hanover continued on the engine and led the field to the half in :54.2, a :28.1 quarter.

World record holder for a 5/8-mile dash, Rose Run Uriah rolled up first over and quickly challenged Capt Jack Hanover down the backstretch.

Penzance Hanover, the 4/5 betting favorite, shadowed second over and was in perfect position to pounce.

Captain Jack Hanover accepted the strong challenge by Rose Run Uriah and they raced as a team to the three quarters in 1:21.3, a spirited :27.1 quarter.

Penzance Hanover was willing to gamble his five-race winning streak and circled three wide at the top of the stretch.  Island Of The Sea found room along the pylons and passed pacesetter Capt Jack Hanover at the wire by a hard-fought head in 1:49.4.  He paid $28.00 for the win.

ISLAND OF THE SEA

Island Of The Sea is owned by Eric and Lisa R. Ell of Denton, Maryland. Eric Ell trained and Simon Allard drove.

Capt Jack Hanover was second for trainer Brooks Gray.  Tony Morgan drove. Penzance Hanover ‘s five-race win streak was snapped as he finished third for trainer/driver Art Stafford Jr.

Racing continues on Monday with the $50,950 final of the DSBF “overnight” series late closer for three-year-old filly trotters. There is a $4,015 carryover to 13th race on Monday. Post Time at Bally’s Dover is 4:30 pm

For complete race results, click here.

by Alex Kraszewski, for Bally’s Dover