Feeling Sweet upset in the $25,000 Mares Open Pace at Bally’s Dover on Wednesday night (March 15).
Three pacing mares battled for the early lead as sparks were flying approaching the quarter pole. Shield Maiden protected the rail, the 2-5 betting favourite Dont Fence Me In was parked in the two-path and Feeling Sweet was parked three-wide passing the quarter in :27.
As the dust settled, Dont Fence Me In took the lead away from a stubborn Shield Maiden. Feeling Sweet then cleared and led the field to the half in :54.4. Dewitt For Josie immediately applied first-over pressure to Feeling Sweet before the half. Divine Deo followed second over on the rim. Feeling Sweet accepted the challenge and passed the three-quarters in 1:23.
Feeling Sweet maintained a 1-3/4-length lead in the stretch. Dont Fence Me In surrendered along the pylons and Dewitt For Josie tired late. Feeling Sweet won by 4-1/4 lengths and paced the mile in 1:52. Dewitt For Josie finished second and So Irresistible took third.
Feeling Sweet is owned by George and Tina Dennis Racing of Wyoming, Del. Mike Cole drove the Joe Columbo trainee. She paid $12 to win.
There is a $1,761 Pick 5 carryover to Thursday’s (March 16) racing card. The wager begins in the sixth race.
The featured 11th race on Thursday is the $28,500 Blue Hen Handicap Pace. Penzance Hanover will be looking to win his fifth consecutive race. Capt Jack Hanover will also aim for his fifth consecutive win.
The 13th race will add a twist. The distance will be five-eighths of a mile.
Post time on Thursday at Bally’s Dover is 4:30 p.m. (EDT).
(With files from Bally's Dover)