Downers Delight responded to a week off by rolling to a third victory in a row in the $34,247 Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday, March 19.

Rivals Itsrockandroll A (Russell Foster), starting from post six, and Downers Delight (Pat Berry), from post seven, both launched at the start of the race. Downers Delight cleared to the lead but not before being parked out by an aggressive Itsrockandroll A through an opening quarter in :25.4. Wager On Me (Mike Cole) started an early attack, shifting out coming off the first turn while Stevens Saloon (Jason Thompson) shadowed him second-over. Downers Delight caught a mild breather to the half in :54.3. 

Downers Delight, the 4-5 favourite, picked up speed to three-quarters in 1:21.4 to deal with Wager On Me, who raced at his wheel down the backstretch. Entering the lane, Stevens Saloon gapped cover and Wager On Me tired, leaving it down to Downers Delight and the pocket-tripping Itsrockandroll A. Itsrockandroll A charged at the pylons, but Downers Delight dug in gamely and prevailed by three-quarters of a length in 1:50. Itsrockandroll A finished second and has now been runner-up to Downers Delight in their last three matchups. Renaissance Deo (Tim Tetrick) was loaded with pace and finished third.

Downers Delight, an eight-year-old son of Bettors Delight-Astrmowin, is trained by Traci Berry and owned by TLB Racing LLC of Harrington, De. The gelding is now 29-for-119 lifetime. He paid $3.80 to win

"He responded to the week off and raced well," said Pat Berry after the race. “I was really concerned with Itsrockandroll A. I’m afraid he’s going to get me soon.”

Earlier in the day, Bally’s Dover horsepeople gathered in the winner's circle to honour the memory of the late Hunter Myers and offered support for his family and friends. The third race was named in memory of the driver, who was fatally injured in an accident at The Meadows a year ago. A moment of silence was offered in his memory.

(With files from Bally's Dover)