The betting public was all over Let It Ride N in his quest to triple up, and the 1-5 favourite didn’t disappoint thanks his 1:50.1 triumph in Thursday’s $32,500 Preferred Handicap at Dover Downs.
In rein to Dexter Dunn, Let It Ride N got away fourth and held that position for at least the first half of the mile. It was Penzance Hanover on the lead through first-half fractions of :26.3 and :55, but it’s a mystery who was the leader at the three-quarter pole as the track was covered by a foggy patch around that part of the track. Penzance Hanover was still in command at the top of the stretch when the field emerged from the fog, but Let It Ride rallied late and got up to win by three-quarters of a length over Penzance Hanover. Seventh Secret took home third prize.
Richard ‘Nifty’ Norman trains the nine-year-old son of Rock N Roll Heaven-Love A Gamble for William Hartt and Enzed Racing Stable Inc. The victory was the fourth of the season – and the 31st to date – for the career winner of $538,813.
Sweet Sun Daze was a popular winner in the $27,500 Blue Hen for owner/trainer/driver Toby Lynch, Jr.
Sent off as the 8-5 favourite, Sweet Sun Daze marched to the lead from Post 7 and had the field chasing her past the quarter pole in :27. The field was then lost in foggy conditions at the half and three-quarter calls, but at the top of the stretch it was Sweet Sun Daze who was still in charge. She went on to win by a length over Balder Son in 1:52. Sicily was third.
The eight-year-old daughter of Bettors Delight-Sweet Work Of Art now owns a 3-1-1 record from 10 starts this season. The 18-time winner went over $350,000 in career earnings with the win.