Island Of The Sea rocketed to victory in the $27,500 Open Handicap Pace at Bally's Dover on Thursday night (March 23).

Rosecroft shipper Island Of The Sea left alertly and parked Capt Jack Hanover to the quarter in :26.1 Capt Jack Hanover continued on the engine and led the field to the half in :54.2.

World record holder for a five-eighths mile dash Rose Run Uriah rolled first over and quickly challenged Capt Jack Hanover down the backstretch. Penzance Hanover, the 4-5 betting favourite, shadowed second over and was in perfect position to pounce.

Capt Jack Hanover accepted the strong challenge by Rose Run Uriah and they raced as a team to the three-quarters in 1:21.3. Penzance Hanover circled three-wide into the stretch. Island Of The Sea found room along the pylons and passed pacesetter Capt Jack Hanover on the wire. Island Of the Sea won by a hard-fought head in 1:49.4. Capt Jack Hanover finished second and Penzance Hanover settled for third.

Island Of The Sea is owned by Eric and Lisa R. Ell of Denton, Md. Simon Allard drove the Eric Ell trainee, who paid $28 to win.

Racing continues on Monday (March 27) with the $50,950 final of the DSBF “overnight” series late closer for three-year-old filly trotters. There is a $4,015 carryover to 13th race on Monday. Post time at Bally’s Dover is 4:30 p.m. (EDT).

(Bally's Dover)