Divine Deo utilized the passing lane and won the $25,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Wednesday night (Jan. 25).
Normally in a six-horse field, one would expect little action. Not tonight.
Despite stormy weather conditions, four pacing mares battled for early race positioning. Divine Deo protected her pylon position and parked Incaseyoudidntknow, Always B First and Majorca N. Incaseyoudidntknow muscled her way to the top, passing the quarter in a blistering :26.3. Majorca N took back to fifth.
Devine Deo followed the early action from the pocket. Incaseyoudidntknow, the 3-5 betting favourite, was stubborn on the lead and parked Always B First the entire mile. The team raced to the half in :55.2.
The duelling leaders continued their private war to three-quarters in 1:23. Majorca N grabbed the second-over cover. Always B First held the lead but did not clear to the pegs and was up by a length passing three-quarters.
In the stretch, Incaseyoudidntknow still had strength. Divine Deo utilized the passing lane and forged forward, and won by a neck in 1:52.1. Incaseyoudidntknow held second and Always B First finished third.
Divine Deo is owned by Mulligan Stables of Georgetown, Del. Allan Davis drove the Jason Johnson trainee who paid $23.40 to win.
Tony Morgan drove five winners on the betting card.
There is a Pick 5 carryover of $2,314 to Thursday night’s card.
Backstreet Shadow, Penzance Hanover and Grand Cayman headline Thursday night's (Jan. 26) Blue Hen/Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover. Post time is 4:30 p.m. (EST).
(Bally's Dover)