Dover, DE — Muskateer Hanover fired his best shot and captured the $25,000 Open Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday night (Feb. 19).

Due to heavy rains, the harness racing track was downgraded to sloppy. Muskateer Hanover took full advantage of the speed-favoring conditions and splashed his way to the top. Wehadababyetzaboy also left from the outside and secured the pocket racing into the first turn.

Muskateer Hanover and Driver Allan Davis barreled through a :27.2 opening quarter and hydroplaned to the half in :56.2.

Steven’s Saloon, the 1-2 favorite and last week’s Open winner, rumbled first-over up the backstretch and engaged Muskateer Hanover in a cutthroat duel reaching the three-quarters in 1:23.3 while Jack’s Shadow N raced anxiously from the pocket.

At the top of the lane, Muskateer Hanover dug in gamely and prevailed by a diminishing neck, winning in 1:51.3.

MUSKATEER HANOVER REPLAY

Steven’s Saloon fought gallantly to finish second. Jack’s Shadow N closed late and picked up third.

Muskateer Hanover, a son of Sweet Lou, is owned by Calcutta Stables and trained by Jason Johnson. He paid $5.60 to win.

Bally’s Dover races Monday through Thursday. Daily post time is 4:30 p.m.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Alex Kraszewski, for Bally’s Dover