Crystal Fashion, fresh from the 2021 Harrisburg Mixed Sale, paid instant dividends and won the Open Handicap Trot at Dover Downs on Tuesday night (Nov. 30).
Northern Express and driver Russel Foster blasted from the wings of the starting gate and reached the opening quarter in :27.1. Northern Express was in search of his third-consecutive win and continued to lead the field to the half in :56.1. Swansea, the 6/5 favourite, was content to sit in the pocket. Crystal Fashion moved off the pylons past the half from sixth and marched up the backstretch uncoverd and on the rim.
Northern Express braced for the challenge and maintained a narrow lead by three-quarters in 1:24.4. At the top of the stretch, Montrell Teague and Crystal Fashion had the leader Northern Express in their sights. In the deep stretch, Crystal Fashion powered past Northern Express and won by a head in 1:53.2. They paid $6.40 for the win.
Crystal Fashion, a recent purchase, rewarded new owner EVM Racing LLC of Middletown, Del. with a win. Chuck Crissman Jr. trained and Montrell Teague drove.
Northern Express fought gallantly but finished second for trainer Arty Foster Jr. and his son driver Russell Foster. Swansea sat in the pocket but could not gain on the leader. Scott DiDomenico trained and Tim Tetrick drove.
Corey Callahan had five wins on the betting card.
A rare phenomenon occurred in the third race. There was a triple dead-heat for place. Sharing in the photo were Sweet Gisele, Sashas Legacy and Rewrite The Stars.
Racing continues on Wednesday (Dec. 1) with a $1,447.23 Pick-4 carryover. Soho Burning Love A tackles Scuola Hanover in the featured Mares Open Pace.
Post time at Dover Downs is 4:30 p.m. (EST).
(Dover Downs)