Penzance Hanover won back-to-back races in the Blue Hen/Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday night (Jan. 26).
Driver Art Stafford Jr. drove a tactical race and put Penzance Hanover in perfect position.
Grand Cayman sprinted off the gate from post seven and grabbed the early lead. Penzance Hanover also left, settled, then rushed to the top passing the quarter in :27.1. Driver Art Stafford Jr. was able to throttle the speed of Penzance Hanover and backed the half off in :56 flat.
Heinikin Bythebay marched first over past the half. Backstreet Shadow shadowed that cover. Penzance Hanover continued on the lead and accelerated to the three-quarters in 1:23.3.
In the stretch, the betting favourite Penzance Hanover drew off to win by 1-1/4 lengths. He paced the mile in 1:51.1. Grand Cayman finished second and Backstreet Shadow took third.
Penzance Hanover is owned, trained and driven by Art Stafford Jr. of Felton, Del. He paid $6 to win.
Nikola Jokic made a stop at Bally's Dover on Thursday night. Jokic, Center for the Denver Nuggets, stopped for multiple photos in the winner's circle through the card while on the east coast for a game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 28). He also was named an All-Star started for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game.
Racing continues on Monday (Jan. 30) at Bally’s Dover. Post time is 4:30 p.m. (EST).
(with files from Bally's Dover)