Stevens Saloon made an impressive uncovered march in the last three-eighths of a mile to win the $37,671 Blue Hen Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday, Feb. 12. 

After a narrow miss in a first-over effort last week, Jason Thompson dropped Stevens Saloon in sixth early while Muskateer Hanover (Allan Davis) sprinted past Itsrockandroll A (Tim Tetrick) to the front. Muskateer Hanover paced the opening quarter in :26.4 and continued to lead with little pressure to the half in :55. The top two were given a cushion as third-placed Primo Maschio (Art Stafford Jr.) slowed in front of the stands, forcing the field to circle him.

As the group bunched up again, Stevens Saloon used his momentum to launch a first-up move and closed quickly on pacesetter Muskateer Hanover approaching three-quarters in 1:23. Itsrockandroll A, the 3-2 favourite, raced patiently in the pocket as Muskateer Hanover and Stevens Saloon traded blows around the final turn. In the stretch, Stevens Saloon muscled past Muskateer Hanover and prevailed by a length in 1:51.2. Muskateer Hanover held second over Itsrockandroll A.

Stevens Saloon secured his first win of the year in five starts for owners Richard Ashley and C.M. Cain and trainer Joe Hundertpfund Jr. The five-year-old son of Always B Miki-Lasting Love is now 17-for-59 lifetime. He returned $10.20 for the win. 

“I was a little concerned at how far back he was, but he’s tough and I was happy with the outcome,” said Hundertpfund after the win.

One race earlier, Armed Bandit returned after a two-week absence and extended his winning streak to nine. The seven-year-old son of Heston Blue Chip-Bandolera Hanover, driven by Pat Berry, went all the way in the claiming event and won by three-quarters of a length in 1:53, remaining undefeated since moving to Dover after his Sept. 25, 2025 start. Traci Berry trains the gelding for TLB Racing LLC. The win price was $4.80.

Tim Tetrick scored a four bagger on the 12-race card.

(With files from Dover Downs)