Lenna Defeats Older Foes In Dover Distaff Open
Fresh off a 1:51.3 win in the Simpson Stakes at Pocono Downs, Lenna made her return to Delaware a victorious one as she rallied to collar 7-5 favourite Jett Propelled for a 1:53.1 score in the $34,722 Fillies and Mares Open Pace at Bally's Dover on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
With Tim Tetrick at the lines for trainer Doug Lewis, Lenna — the 8-5 second choice and the lone three-year-old in the field — secured a pocket ride behind Jett Propelled (Jason Thompson) through splits of :27.4, :57.2 and 1:25.3 before angling off the pegs a quarter-mile from home. Lenna worked into the lead coming off the last turn but briefly ceded the lead back to Jett Propelled when she drifted to the three-path off the corner. After straightening for home, the American Ideal-L Dees Lioness filly found another gear and nabbed Jett Propelled by a neck. Earth Angel (Corey Callahan) finished third at 28-1, another length back.
Now an 11-time winner from 29 career starts for owner Forrest Bartlett, Lenna paid $5.20 to win.
Lenna was one of three winners for Tetrick, who shared top driving honours on the 15-race card with Brandon Givens. Brooks Gray and Les Givens led all trainers with two wins apiece.
Bally's Dover opens its 2026-27 stakes schedule on Thursday with the $115,000 USD Grade 3 Matron Stakes and a trio of $20,000 USD first-round preliminary Delaware Standardbred Breeders' Fund splits — all for two-year-old male pacers. The 13-race program will also feature the first $27,500 USD Blue Hen Open of the meet. First post is 4:30 p.m. (EST).
(Bally's Dover)