Always B First lives up to her name in Open Pace

Always B First (Always B Miki) survived a four-horse flash photo and won the $25,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Wednesday night (Feb. 15).

Always B First and driver Tim Tetrick left quickest away from the starting gate and grabbed the lead passing the quarter in a blistering, :26.2. She continued to lead the field to the half in :55.1, a :28.4 quarter.

Disturbed Hanover moved first over from fifth and past the half.  Feeling Sweet picked up the live flow from a second over position.

Always B First maintained a two-length advantage passing the three quarters in 1:23.1 and then leading in midstretch,  Always B First became leg weary, but dug in late to win by a diminishing neck in 1:52.2.  She paid $3.00 to win.

ALWAYS BE FIRST REPLAY

Always B First is owned by Oompa’s Farm Inc. Robert Mondillo, Craig Henderson and Allen Wenc.  Robert Cleary trains.  Feeling Sweet finished a late charging second for trainer Joe Columbo. Pat Berry drove.  Dewitt For Josie finished third for trainer Mike Hall. Simon Allard drove.

Art Stafford Jr drove three winners on the betting card.

Penzance Hanover takes on Backstreet Shadow in the $27,500 Blue Hen/ Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday. Post Time is 4:30 pm.

For complete race results, click here.

by Alex Kraszewski, for Bally’s Dover