Penzance Hanover and Art Stafford Jr. made a well-timed move and won the $27,500 Blue Hen/Open Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday night (Feb. 9).
Grand Cayman and Ultimaroca outsprinted the field, pacing toward the quarter pole. The speedsters ushered tucks by Penzance Hanover, who floated and found a seat in fifth. Backstreet Shadow was forced to take back to last. The quarter was passed in :26.1 as Grand Cayman and Ultimaroca continued their private war. The half was reached in :54.3.
Ultimaroca, parked, began to retreat at the three-eighths pole. Driver Art Stafford Jr. and Penzance Hanover moved off the pylons from fourth. They were in full flight as they challenged Grand Cayman to the three-quarters in 1:21.1.
At the top of the stretch, Grand Cayman, who set all the speedy fractions, became leg weary. Penzance Hanover powered into the lane and won by 2-1/4 lengths going away. He paced the mile 1:49.2. It was a lifetime mark for the nine-year-old, who returned $4.20 to win. Grand Cayman settled for second and Baba O Riley picked up third.
Penzance Hanover is owned, trained and driven by Stafford Jr.
Tim Tetrick earned four driving wins. Tony Morgan drove three winners. Chuck Crissman had a training triple.
There will be three exotic carryovers on Monday’s card at Bally’s Dover. The Pick 4 has a carryover of $3,316 and the wager begins on the second race. The Pick 5 has a carryover of $1,868 which starts on the sixth race. The Pentafecta has a carryover of $1,874.
Post time at Bally’s Dover is 4:30 p.m. (EST).
(Bally's Dover)