Pocket trip powers Downers Delight to Blue Hen Open win

Downers Delight (Bettor’s Delight) benefitted from a harness racing pocket trip and won the Blue Hen Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday night.

Itsrockandroll A and Downers Delight were quickest off the wings of the starting gate approaching the quarter pole.  Itsrockandroll A,  the 4/5 betting favorite, powered to the top. Downers Delight accepted the pocket ride.

The ten year old war horse, Itsrockandroll A set fractions of 27.2 at the opening quarter. The half was reached in 56 flat, a 28.3 quarter.

Stevens’s Saloon moved to the outside early at the 5/8 marker and inched his way up, parked out and coverless past the half.  Itsrockanroll A continued to lead up the backstretch.  Steven’s Saloon drew alongside. Both pacers prepared to do battle and swords were drawn approaching the three quarter pole.  Downers Delight was content to watch the battle from the pocket.

Muskateer Hanover was towed into a 2nd over stalking position and ready to attack. Sweet Angel Boy joined the battle 3rd over on the rim. The three quarters were marched off in 1:23.3 a 27.3 

At the top of the stretch, Itsrockandroll A was able to put away the pesky Steven’s Saloon. The major danger proved to be Downers Delight.  Driver Pat Berry and Downers Delight snaked through along the pylons in deep stretch to win by a neck in 1:51.4.  He paid $13.40 for the win.  Itsrockandroll A fought hard to finish 2nd and Steven’s Saloon was 3rd.

DOWNERS DELIGHT REPLAY

Downers Delight (Bettor’s Delight) is owned by TLB Racing LLC of Harrington, Delaware. Traci Berry trained and her husband Pat Berry drove.  The victory was the eleventh of twenty three starts this season.  James Downer was the breeder.

The three year old DSBF Finals begin next week carrying a purse of $110,000 each final.

Bally’s Dover races Monday through Thursday with a 1st race post at 4:30 pm.

Next week will be the final week of live racing before the Christmas Holiday break.

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

by Alex Kraszewski, for Bally’s Dover