Northern Express won the Open Handicap Trot at Dover Downs via placing on Tuesday night (March 23).
At the start of the race, Scirocco Rob protected pylon position by parking Morairtime and Northern Express. Jack Parker Jr. and Morairtime were hard pressed and cleared the lead in :26.4. Scirocco Rob, the 3-5 favourite, settled into the pocket. Morairtime marched to the half in :55.
At the five-eighths marker, Northern Express trotted first up and challenged Morairtime to the three-quarters in 1:23.3. Jack Vernon was towed into a second-over trip on the rim.
As Morairtime and Northern Express battled in the lane, Tim Tetrick guided a fired up Scirocco Rob into the passing lane. Scirocco Rob held a brief lead before going off stride in the stretch, before and after the wire.
The judges placed Scirocco Rob from first to fourth for failure to lose ground while
on a break. Northern Express was declared the winner.
Northern Express won by a neck in 1:52 and was sent at odds of 11-1. He is owned and trained by Arty Foster Jr. Russell Foster drove.
Jack Vernon was placed second for trainer Dylan Davis. Corey Callahan drove. Morairtime was placed third for trainer Carol Jamieson-Parker. Jack Parker Jr. drove.
Dover Downs will conduct qualifying races on Wednesday, March 31. The racing season concludes on Thursday, April 1. Stall Applications for Harrington Raceway must be turned in by April 1.
Racing continues on Wednesday (March 24) at Dover Downs. First-race post time is 4:30 p.m. (EDT).
(Dover Downs)