Always B First captured the Mares Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Wednesday night (Jan. 11). Trainer Bob Cleary and driver Brett Beckwith made their first visits to Bally’s Dover winning ones.

Four pacing mares left quickly from the gate heading to the quarter. Beyond Words N forced seats by Shes Pukka N, Always B First and Divine Deo and passed the quarter in :27.1. Divine Deo was impatient in the pocket and took the lead past the quarter then backed the half to a pedestrian :56.4.

Incaseyoudidntknow, the even-odds favourite, moved confidently in front of the stands from fourth. However, that move stalled midway down the backstretch. Divine Deo maintained the lead to the three-quarters in 1:24.3.

Always B First vacated her position from third past the three-quarters. She gained ground quickly entering the stretch and won by a measured neck in 1:53.1. Always B First paid $6.40 for the win. Divine Deo finished second and Beyond Words N was third.

Always B First is owned by Oompa’s Farm Inc., Robert Mondillo, Craig Henderson and Allen Wenc.  She is trained by Robert Cleary. Brett Beckwith drove.

Driver Simon Allard, trainer Shea Lare and owner Frank Chick scored triples on the betting card.

Thursday’s (Jan. 12) feature race is the Blue Hen Open Handicap Pace. Penzance Hanover looks to repeat.

Post time at Bally’s Dover is 4:30 p.m. (EST).

(With files from Bally's Dover)