Backstreet Shadow showed his class and won the Blue Hen Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday night (Jan. 12). 

After being a disappointment in three previous tries, Backstreet Shadow, the 1-2 favourite, rewarded his backers and trainer Jim King Jr. with the victory. 

Island Of The Sea left alertly and protected the pylon position before reaching the quarter in :27.  Grand Cayman was parked then rushed to the top after the quarter. Grand Cayman, loose on the lead, passed the half in :56.

Backstreet Shadow moved first up from fourth and steamrolled past pacesetter Grand Cayman at the five-eighths marker. Penzance Hanover followed second over up the backstretch but his bid stalled. Backstreet Shadow was able to impose his will on the field in the stretch and won throttled down by 3-1/4 lengths in 1:50.4. Grand Cayman finished second and Mack was third.

Backstreet Shadow is owned by Robert Di Nozzi of Katonah, New York. Tim Tetrick drove the $3 winner.

Two drivers hit grand slams on the night. Tim Tetrick and George Napolitano Jr. drove four winners each on the 14-race betting card.

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

(Bally's Dover)