Penzance Hanover won his third consecutive race in the $27,500 Blue Hen/Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday (Feb. 23).
Rose Run Uriah grabbed an early lead and Baba Oriley accepted the pocket trip entering the quarter. Penzance Hanover, the 4-5 betting favourite, left from post eight, settled, then rushed to the top past an opening quarter in a scorching :25.3.
Penzance Hanover passed the half in :54.2 and three-quarters in 1:22.1. Wager On Me braved a first-over charge past the five-eighths marker. Kinnder Jackson followed second over down the backstretch.
Penzance Hanover maintained a 1-1/2-length lead to the head of the stretch. Baba Oriley and Rose Run Uriah were closing fast along the pylons. Penzance Hanover dug down for more and held off the late charges to win by a measured neck, in 1:51 flat. Baba Oriley took second and Rose Run Uriah finished third.
Penzance Hanover is owned, trained and driven by Art Stafford Jr. of Felton, Delaware. He paid $3.60 to win.
Crissy Crissman-Bier trained four winners and George Napolitano Jr. drove four winners on the betting card.
There is a Pick 5 carryover worth $2,400 to Monday’s (Feb. 27) betting card.
Racing continues on Monday at Bally’s Dover. Post time is 4:30 p.m. (EST).
(With files from Bally's Dover)