Factory Girl and Victor Kirby delivered an impressive upset on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at Bally’s Dover, capturing the $35,714 Fillies & Mares Open Handicap.
Majorca N (Corey Callahan) and the 22-1 shot Factory Girl blasted off the wings at the start, with Majorca N—riding a three-race win streak—clearing to the lead in a blistering :26.1 opening quarter. Factory Girl settled into the pocket as Majorca N controlled the pace to a :56.1 half after a moderate 30-second quarter.
Meanwhile, Incaseyoudidntknow (Jim Morand), the 3-5 betting favourite, advanced first-over down the backstretch, inching closer on the outside. But Majorca N found another gear, hitting three-quarters in 1:24 flat with a strong :27.4 panel. Elektra A (Tim Tetrick) tracked second-over, while Factory Girl remained patient in the pocket.
Turning for home, Majorca N clung to a 1-1/2-length lead, but longshot Factory Girl surged up the pylons with a powerful late kick, storming past to score a massive upset by a full length in 1:52. Majorca N fought gamely for second, while Incaseyoudidntknow settled for third.
A lightly raced daughter of Downbytheseaside-Passionate Beauty, Factory Girl has just 11 career starts over two seasons. She is owned by Angela Cornell of Freeport, New Jersey, and trained by Scott DiDomenico. The mare paid $47.80 to win.
Earlier on the card, Australian import Ludacrous A remained unbeaten in the U.S., capturing a mares condition pace in 1:51.4 for her second straight stateside victory.
Thursday’s 12th race features a showdown in the $25,000 USD Open Handicap Pace, with Wehadababyetzaboy looking to repeat after last week’s victory. He faces Itsrockandroll A, who was runner-up last time, and Armada Hanover, a rising star with seven wins in his last eight starts.
Bally’s Dover races Monday through Thursday, with a post time of 4:30 p.m.
(With files from Bally’s Dover)