Downers Delight and driver Pat Berry utilized the passing lane to capture the $39,286 Blue Hen Open Handicap Pace in a photo finish at Bally’s Dover on Thursday, March 27.
As the gate folded in, Adam Twelve (Corey Callahan) and Downers Delight rocketed off the wings, battling for early control. Itsrockandroll A (Allan Davis), the 6-5 betting favourite, also left alertly but settled into third. Adam Twelve muscled his way to the top, posting a :26 opening quarter, while Downers Delight secured the pocket trip.
With the field strung out in a single file, Adam Twelve maintained command through a :54.2 half. Into the backstretch, Itsrockandroll A made the first move, tipping from third and launching a fierce bid. Armada Hanover (Tim Tetrick) tracked second over, while Wehadababyetzaboy (Jason Green) gained ground third over. Meanwhile, Downers Delight waited anxiously in the pocket as the field hit three-quarters in 1:21.4.
Turning for home, it was a three-way showdown. Adam Twelve fought to hold his ground, Itsrockandroll A surged on the outside, and Downers Delight took advantage of the the passing lane. The trio hit the wire in unison, but Downers Delight prevailed by a nose in 1:50, returning $16.40 to win. Itsrockandroll A settled for second, while Armada Hanover was just a head back in third.
Owned by TLB Racing LLC and trained by Traci Berry, Downers Delight (Bettors Delight–Astrmowin) has been unstoppable since being claimed for $50,000 USD in January. His fourth straight win at the meet pushed his 2025 earnings to $98,353, bringing his career total to $334,061.
Bally’s Dover wraps up its 2024-2025 live harness racing season next week, highlighted by the Bally’s Dover Late Closer Finals for three-year-old DSBF eligibles.
Live racing continues Monday through Thursday, with the first post at 4:30 p.m.
(With files from Bally’s Dover)