Tae survived the elements and a late-closing Jody to win the featured $22,973 mares conditioned pace at Bally’s Dover on Wednesday (Feb. 28) night.
Last week, Jody defeated Tae narrowly at the wire. On Wednesday night, the tables were turned as Tae held on to defeat Jody at the wire.
Tae left for early position at the start of the race. She settled, then brushed to the top but was parked to the opening quarter in :27 over a rain-soaked racing surface. Jody, the 7-5 betting favourite, settled into the pocket.
Tae and driver Pat Berry were not going to take any prisoners and sloshed their way to the half in :56. Twin Delight moved first-up down the backstretch and Southwind Icenfire shadowed her second-over on the rim; however, those bids stalled. Tae continued on an uncontested lead to the three quarters in 1:24.1.
At the top of the stretch, Jody vacated the pocket and was closing fast. Tae braced for that challenge and held on gamely to win by a nose in 1:53.1. Jody closed fast but lost in a heartbreaker to finish second. Southwind Icenfire was third.
Tae (Im Gorgeous-Southwind Halie) is owned and trained by Brenda Teague of Houston, Delaware. She paid $7 to win.
Tim Tetrick defeated the elements and drove five winners on the night and a total of nine driving wins over the past two days.
Thursday's 10th race feature is the Blue Hen Open Handicap Pace. Penzance Hanover looks to win his third consecutive race. His main competition includes Sprocket, Mack and former claimer Iwannabewithyou.
Post time at Bally’s Dover is 4:30 p.m.
(With files from Bally's Dover)