Slugger On Deck won impressively over stablemate Arette in the $71,250 final of a late closing series for three-year-old pacing colts eligible to the Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund stakes at Bally’s Dover during the meet-closing card on Thursday, April 2. 

The early inside speed was produced by Romain Raider (Barton Dalious) and Arette (Tim Tetrick) pacing into the first turn. The 3-5 betting favourite, Slugger On Deck floated on the outside from third then rushed to the top for driver Allan Davis. He was parked to the opening quarter in :26.4, but from there, it was all Slugger On Deck. 

He raced comfortably to the half in :55.1 and the three-quarters in 1:23.4. My Boy Branson (Brandon Givens) raced first-over up the backstretch but was a non-factor. Arette chased his stablemate home but to no avail. Slugger On Deck won by 2-1/2 lengths in 1:51.4, a lifetime best.

Sweeping the series for a perfect three-race record to start his sophomore season, Slugger On Deck paid $3.20 for the win. Arette completed the 1-2 finish for trainer Jim King Jr. Romain Raider finished five lengths back in third.

"I waited on the outside for the inside speed to settle then I brushed to the top. He was strong tonight and Lasix helped,” noted Davis after the victory.

Slugger On Deck is a homebred for Jo Ann Looney-King of Harrington, Delaware. The Hes Watching-End To End Hanover colt now boasts nine wins in 13 career starts and earnings totalling $154,015.

The final $34,722 Open Handicap Pace of the meet was won by Stevens Saloon and driver Jason Thompson, who chose an overland trip en route to the upset victory.

Wehadababyetzaboy (Art Stafford Jr.) and Downers Delight (Pat Berry) were the quickest away from the wings of the starting gate into the first turn. Wehadababyetzaboy held a brief lead as the 'give and go' was activated. Downers Delight settled in second then sprinted to the top as Wehadababyetzaboy retreated to the pocket. The opening quarter was clocked in a scorching :26.1.

Downers Delight, the 2-5 betting favourite, took control of the race as he has done in the past and powered to the half in :54.3. Stevens Saloon and Thompson started their preferred journey first-over up the backstretch. Lous Starr (Russell Foster), the invader from Rosecroft Raceway, was carried into a second-over striking position on the rim. Wehadababyetzaboy, who won three races in a row, waited in the pocket and was ready to pounce.

Downers Delight braced for the challenge of Stevens Saloon. Both rival pacers raced on even terms passing the three-quarters in a punishing 1:22 flat. At the top of the lane, Stevens Saloon was able to wear down Downers Delight. Wehadababyetzaboy had little response from the pocket. Stevens Saloon powered to the top and won by three-quarters of a length in 1:50.1. 

He paid $13 for the win. Downers Delight fought hard but had to settle for second while Wehadababyetzaboy saw his win streak come to an end as he finished third.

Stevens Saloon, a five-year-old Always B Miki-Lasting Love gelding, is trained by Joseph Hundertpfund Jr. and owned by Richard Ashley of Felton, Delaware and Michael Cain of Harrington, Delaware. He earned his second win of the season in 11 starts and now has 18 career wins with a bankroll of $378,385.

Tim Tetrick captured the Bally’s Dover leading driver title and Chuck Crissman Jr. achieved leading trainer honours at the meet. Downers Delight was named the Bally’s Dover Horse Of The Meet.

Live harness racing from Harrington Raceway will begin on Monday, April 13. Qualifying races will take place on Tuesday, April 7.

(With files from Bally's Dover)