Chapheart cruised to a wire-to-wire for his third consecutive score in the $25,714 Winners Over/Select Handicap Trot at Bally’s Dover on Tuesday, March 18.
Driver Pat Berry utilized Chapheart's quick early speed to grab command of the field of six through a sizzling opening quarter of :26.4. Chapheart, the 7-5 betting favourite, rumbled to the half in :56 before That Ole Bar Stool (Jason Thompson) moved first-up and trotted down the backstretch in pursuit of Chapheart.
Chapheart kept the throttle down, trotting to three-quarters in 1:24.1. From there, Chapheart pulled away from the field in the stretch and won by six lengths. He trotted the mile in 1:53 and paid $4.80 for the win. Inaminute Hanover closed to finish second and Rivers was third.
Dylan Davis trains Chapheart (Chapter Seven-Hip To My Heart) for owners Michael Casalino Jr. of Freehold, New Jersey and Dylan Davis Racing o Harrington, Delaware.
Earlier on the betting card, Melvin G won the $14,286 DSBF Late Closer first elimination for three-year-old colt and gelding trotters in 1:57.2 for the driver/trainer combo of Jim Morand and Les Givens.
Tony Morgan earned a driving triple to lead all drivers on the evening.
Wednesday’s feature race is the 10th race $25,000 USD Mares Open Handicap Pace. Ludacrous A looks to stay perfect since making the move to the United States, looking for her fourth victory in as many stateside tries.
Bally’s Dover races Monday through Thursday. Post time is 4:30 p.m.
(With files from Bally's Dover)