Steven’s Saloon delivers $19 upset

Steven’s Saloon regained his winning form and won the Blue Hen Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday night.

Muskateer Hanover and Its Rockandroll A were launched from the wings of the starting gate approaching the first turn.  Muskateer Hanover, the 6/5 betting favorite, won the early battle clearing the lead in a highly contested battle in 26.2.Itsrockandroll A settled into the pocket.  Downers Delight pressed the early pace then retreated to the pylons into 3rd passing the quarter pole.       

Muskateer Hanover continued on the lead at the half in 55 seconds flat and a 28.3 ticker.  

Steven’s Saloon, who was unable to get untracked in his previous races, grinded first up and coverless into the chilly air temperatures approaching the backstretch. Wehadababyetzaboy shadowed 2nd over and Sweet Angel Boy circled from the back of the pack when Wehadababyetzaboy tired.  Itsrockandroll A remained patient in the pocket.

Muskateer Hanover and Stevens Saloon raced shoulder to shoulder and neither gave way, as they blitzed the three quarters in 1:22.4, a 27.4 third quarter. 

At the top of the stretch, Steven’s Saloon bullied his way to the lead in deep stretch and won by a neck, pacing the mile in 1:51.1.  He paid $19.00 for the victory.

STEVEN’S SALOON REPLAY

Steven’s Saloon (Always B Miki) is owned by Richard A. Ashley and C. Michael Cain both from Delaware.  Joseph Hundertpfund Jr trained and Jason Thompson drove.  Pocket sitter Itsrockandroll A finished 2nd and Downers Delight sat the pylons to finish 3rd.

Trainer Joe Huntertpfund Jr commented on Steven’s Saloon’s performance by stating. “ He’s much better when pacing 1st over like he raced at Harrington”.

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

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

by Alex Kraszewski, for Bally’s Dover