Scirocco Rob won the Open Handicap Trot at Dover Downs on Tuesday night (March 30).
At the start, there was a three-horse scramble for the early lead. The 8/5 favourite JL Cruze left sharply along with Jack Vernon and the mare Pat Matters.
As the dust cleared going to the quarter, JL Cruze gave the lead to Pat Matters; she had settled in third early then brushed to the top. The quarter was reached in :27 and the half was reached in :55.1. Pat Matters maintained an uncontested lead.
Northern Express and Russell Foster moved off the pylons past the half and trotted first over in pursuit of pacesetter Pat Matters. Scirocco Rob and Tim Tetrick were towed second over and into a perfect position to pounce on the leaders.
Pat Matters continued a comfortable two-length lead, over JL Cruze. Pat Matters reached three-quarters in 1:23.1 and seemingly started to draw off as JL Cruze grew leg weary in the pocket.
Turning for home, both Northern Express and Scirocco Rob began gobbling up real estate with every stride. But in deep stretch, Scirocco Rob thundered home to win by three-quarter lengths in 1:51.3 and paid $6.60 to win.
Scirocco Rob is owned by Lewis Whitaker Jr. and Kathleen Whitaker. Mark Silva trains the winner.
Northern Express, who was placed first last week due to the untimely break by Scirocco Rob, finished second this week for trainer Arty Foster Jr. Russell Foster drove. Earlier in the week, Northern Express was announced as Dover Downs’ Horse Of The Meet.
Pat Matters, who set all the race fractions, finished third for trainer Nifty Norman. Andrew McCarthy drove.
Tim Tetrick won 4 races on the card. Pat Berry won three races.
Racing continues on Wednesday (March 30) at Dover Downs. First-race post time is 4:30 p.m. (EDT).
(Dover Downs)