Sprocket “The Rocket” soared to victory in the $37,162 Blue Hen/Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday (Jan. 25) night over an off racing surface.
Penzance Hanover and I Did It Myway were launched at the start of the race. Penzance Hanover won the early battle and was the controlling factor on the lead. The 2-5 betting favourite, I Did It Myway, gladly accepted the pocket trip.
Penzance Hanover controlled the early fractions. He breezed to the opening panel in :27.1 and continued on an uncontested lead to the half in :56.1, a :29 quarter.
Driver Pat Berry, who normally races Sprocket on the engine, was able to throttle his speed and settled in the four spot during the race. The field remained in single file midway up the backstretch.
Sprocket revved his engines and sprinted first-over in pursuit of the pacesetter Penzance Hanover. They raced to the three-quarters in 1:23.4, a :27.3 quarter. Mack and Energetic Hanover raced on the rim but those bids stalled.
I Did It Myway watched all the action from his pocket position at the top of the stretch and surged late but could not match the momentum of Sprocket, who won by a measured length in 1:51 and paced his final quarter in :26.4.
Stepping up in class for his second straight win, Sprocket paid $15.20 for his efforts. I Did It Myway found room late along the pylons and finished second. Penzance Hanover cut the mile and finished third.
Sprocket is owned by Tlb Racing LLC of Harrington, Delaware. Traci Berry trained and her husband Pat Berry drove the nine-year-old Sportswriter gelding.
Tim Tetrick drove four winners on the card.
There is a Pick-5 carryover of $1,133 to Monday’s (Jan. 29) betting card. Bally’s Dover races Monday through Thursday. Post time is 4:30 p.m.
(With files from Bally's Dover)