Hypothetical took the lead early for Tony Morgan and never looked back in Thursday’s $18,000 Open/Handicap pace at Dover Downs.

A $25,000 purchase at the November Harrisburg sale, Hypothetical continues to pay good dividends to trainer Brian Malone and his wife Carrie scoring his third win with three seconds in his last six starts since. The son of ill-fated Somebeachsomewhere-Restive Hanover held off a late surge from Allwillworkout (Corey Callahan) with Automatic Dragon (Vic Kirby) third to win in 1:51.4.

Callahan guided Cash Is King to victory in 1:52.3 in a $16,000 conditioned event for trainer Nick Callahan, who owns the Rocknroll Hanover-Showherthemoney gelding with Lance Hood, Breakaway Racing and Bonuccelli Racing LLC. Brian J (Vic Kirby) and Gentlemens Bet (Art Stafford, Jr.) were second and third, respectively.

Little Ben came up big in one of two $14,000 conditioned paces to chalk up his fourth consecutive win. Tim Tetrick sat second behind Major Uptrend (Tony Morgan) until deep stretch then closed along the passing lane to score a 1:50.3 triumph for trainer Jim King, Jr. and owners Janet Hudson and JoAnn Looney-King. Silver Fox J (Frank Milby) was third.

Little Ben is a Jeremes Jet gelding from Honeys Bud Lite and won for the 30th time in his career. He has won $354,161 lifetime.

Star Messenger, who was a stablemate of Little Ben for nearly six years, until being claimed last meet by Gary Ewing, notched his fastest win 1:50.1 in another $14,000 division. Tony Morgan enjoyed a perfect trip behind Moonliteonthebeach (Tetrick) before exploding out of second in mid- stretch to go bye for his 29th career victory and $225,351 in earnings. Feel Like A Fool (Jonathan Roberts) was third.

Another son of Somebeachsomewhere, Fashion Bythebeach, owed by David Miller, won his first of 2018 scoring 1:51.1 decision in a $14,500 Winners pace with Vince Copeland handling the reins. Wichita Lineman (Allan Davis) was runner-up. Fox Valley Inferno (Eddie Davis, Jr.) was the show finisher.

In second $14,500 event, Real Kid got up for Jonathan Roberts in1:53.1 besting Casino Bags Anso (Copeland) and early leader Big Bad Mike (Tetrick). The gelded son of Real Desire-Lady The Kid is trained by Kevin Lare and owned by Frank Chick.

(With files from Dover Downs)