Musketeer Hanover fired his best shot and captured the $34,247 Open Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday, Feb. 19 over a sloppy surface brought on by heavy rains.

Muskateer Hanover took full advantage of the speed-favouring track conditions and splashed his way to the top early for Allan Davis. Wehadababyetzaboy (Mike Cole) also left from the outside and secured a seat in the pocket racing into the first turn. Muskateer Hanover barrelled through an opening quarter in :27.2 and travelled to the half in :56.2 where Stevens Saloon (Jason Thompson), the 1-2 favourite and last week’s winner, rumbled first-over.

Stevens Saloon chased Muskateer Hanover to three-quarters in 1:23.3, and the pair left the rest behind as they raced through the last turn. Stevens Saloon continued to grind down the stretch, but Muskateer Hanover held on by a head to score in 1:51.3. Jacks Shadow N (Tim Tetrick) closed from sixth at three-quarters and picked up the show prize.

Muskateer Hanover, a six-year-old son of Sweet Lou-Marinade Hanover, is owned by Calcutta Stable LLC of Rehoboth Beach, De. Jason Johnson trains the gelding, who is now 23-for-87 lifetime. The win price was $5.60.

(With files from Dover Downs)