Itsrockandroll A took full advantage of a pocket ride given by driver Allan Davis to win the $35,714 Open Pace on Thursday, Feb. 27 at Bally's Dover.
Captaincountrystar (Pat Berry) out-sprinted the field through an opening quarter in :27.2 while Itsrockandroll A secured the pocket position and the remainder of the field retreated to the pylons. Captaincountrystar controlled the pace of the race and was allowed to back off the half in :56.1. The 8-5 betting favourite, Armada Hanover (Tim Tetrick), a winner in his last three starts, angled off the pylons and travelled first-over down the backstretch. Captaincountrystar and Armada Hanover were on even terms passing the three-quarters in 1:24 as Itsrockandroll A surveyed from the pocket. Turning for home, Itsrockandroll A enjoyed his role as the pocket rocket and found room late along the pylons to win by a head in 1:51.4. Pacesetter Captaincountrystar finished second and Armada Hanover was third.
Itsrockandroll A (A Rocknroll Dance-Miss Worthy Whitby) is trained by Don Brittingham and owned by Elizabeth and Bret Brittingham of Delaware. The 10-year-old gelding is now two-for-seven on the year and went over the $700,000 mark in earnings with his 38th career win.
Tim Tetrick drove four winners on the betting card to lead all drivers.
Bally’s Dover races Monday through Thursday with a post time of 4:30 p.m.
(With files from Bally's Dover)