Downers Delight (Bettor’s Delight) made every pole a winning one and captured the Open Handicap pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday night.

Downers Delight was the quickest leaving off wings of the starting gate and showed he meant business. Wehadababyetzaboy and Primo Maschio also left but retreated finding seats in second and third respectively pacing toward the first turn.

Downers Delight, was on a mission and proved it by scorching the opening quarter in 27.2. Downers Delight was in total control of the race reaching the half in 56.1 (28.4)

Steven’s Saloon and driver Jason Thompson pulled the right line advancing 1st up and coverless past the three eighths marker. Jack’s Shadow N lined up second over. Primo Maschio shadowed third over and racing up the back stretch straight away.

Downers Delight and Steven’s Saloon were at each other’s throat racing as a team and passing the three quarters in 1:23.2, a blistering 27.1 quarter.

Steven’s Saloon held a brief lead on the outside but not the rail. He was unable to clear the lead when Downers Delight refused to yield.

Wehadababyetzaboy was a non-threatening competitor racing from the pocket.

Downers Delight dug in gamely and muscled his way clear to the lead in deep stretch winning by a neck. He paced the mile in 1:51.2 and returned $3.20 as the bettor’s choice.

DOWNERS DELIGHT REPLAY

Steven’s Saloon never gave up but finished 2nd. Itsrockandroll A encountered late pace and finished 3rd.

Downers Delight ( Bettor’s Delight ) is owned by Tlb Racing LLC. Traci Berry trained and Pat Berry drove. James Downer is the breeder. Pat Berry celebrated his birthday in fine fashion by sweeping both the Mares and Males Open Handicap paces.

There is a Pic 4 carryover worth $1,387 to Monday’s races.

Bally’s Dover races Monday thru Thursday. Post time is 4:30 pm

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

by Alex Kraszewski, for Bally’s Dover