Rose Run Uriah set a world record for a five-eighths mile dash at Bally’s Dover (a five-eighths mile track) on Thursday night (March 16).
The Traci Berry trainee led every step of the race through opening splits of :25.4 and :52.4 to stop the clock in 1:06.4, which also lowered the track record of 1:08.3 set in 2009 by Rare Bunny. The previous world record for a five-eighths mile dash was set by Nuclear Dragon in 1:07 at Miami Valley Race Track on Feb. 28, 2022.
Rose Run Uriah is owned by Andrew Glassmeyer and Tib Racing of Delaware. Pat Berry drove.
In the featured $28,500 Blue Hen Handicap, Penzance Hanover charged home to claim his fifth consecutive win.
It was a battle royale racing to the quarter as Ollies Ztam launched from post two and denied early seats by Heinikin Bythebay, Baba Oriley and Capt Jack Hanover. Favourite Penzance Hanover left but retreated, finding a tuck in seventh. Ollies Ztam rumbled to the quarter in :26.3.
Heinikin Bythebay finally cleared for the lead in front of the grandstands but remained stubborn, parking Baba Oriley. The half was reached in :55.
Capt Jack Hanover circled three-wide at the five-eighths marker. Penzance Hanover was then able to inherit a second-over trip on the rim. At the top of the stretch, Penzance Hanover was in high gear and gunned down pacesetter Heinikin Bythebay and a parked Capt Jack Hanover. Downers Delight mounted a fierce charge late in the stretch. Penzance Hanover held on to win by a head in 1:51. Heinikin Bythebay held second and Downers Delight snagged third.
Penzance Hanover is owned, trained and was driven by Art Stafford Jr. of Felton, Del. He paid $7.40 to win.
Racing continues Monday (March 20) at Bally’s Dover. Post time is 4:30 p.m. (EDT).
(with files from Bally's Dover)