Energetic Hanover waited patiently through the mile and exploded in the stretch to capture the $37,500 Blue Hen/Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday (Jan. 4) night.

A fierce battle formed leaving the gate as Penzance Hanover parked out Mack, Belmont Royale N and the 1-2 betting favourite, I Did It Myway, pacing to the quarter. Mack cleared the lead passing the opening quarter in :26.4. Penzance Hanover retreated to the rail. I Did It Myway was parked to the half in :55 flat, in a :28.1 quarter, before finally clearing on the lead. He then opened a two-length advantage.

Island of the Sea pulled first-up into the chilly temperatures down the backstretch. Movement from the back of the pack included Effingham, who was second-over, and Energetic Hanover started to roll racing third-over. Penzance Hanover sat in the pocket and was looking for racing room. I Did It My Way continued on the lead passing the three-quarters in 1:22.1, a :27.1 ticker. 

At the top of the stretch, Energetic Hanover and driver George Napolitano Jr. circled three-wide and they were raging with pace closing in with every stride. Energetic Hanover found the wire late to win by a head in 1:50.4. He paid $7.60 for the win. Penzance Hanover surged late to finish second and I Did It Myway raced gamely on the engine to finish third.

Energetic Hanover (Captaintreacherous-Eloquent Grace) is owned by former NBA basketball star Sam Bowie of West Palm Beach, Florida. Tony Alagna trains the five-year-old gelding.

Pat Berry drove three winners and Bobby Glassmeyer recorded a training and owner triple.

There is a Pick 5 carryover worth $1,184 on Monday, Jan. 8. Bally’s Dover races Monday through Thursday with a post time of 4:30 p.m.

(With files from Dover Downs)