Slugger On Deck takes out $51,300 Bally’s Dover Late Closing Series final

Slugger On Deck (He’s Watching) won impressively winning the $51,300 Bally’s Dover Late Closing Series Final on Thursday night. The early inside speed was produced by Romain Raider and Jim King Jr. ‘s entry mate Arette pacing into the 1st turn.  

The 3/5 betting favorite Slugger On Deck and harness racing driver Allan Davis floated on the outside from third then rushed to the top. They were parked to the opening quarter in 26.4  From there it was all Slugger On Deck. He raced comfortably to the half in 55.1(28.2) and the three quarters in 1:23.4 (28.3).  My Boy Brunson raced 1st over up the back stretch but was a non factor. Arette waited in the pocket chasing stablemate Slugger On Deck but to no avail.  Slugger On Deck won by two and a half lengths and paced his mile in 1:51.4, a lifetime best.  He paid $3.20 for the win.  Arette finished second and Romain Raider was third.

SLUGGER ON DECK REPLAY

Slugger On Deck ( He’s Watching) is owned by Jo Ann Looney- King.  Jim King Jr. trained.  Allan Davis drove.

After the race winning driver Allan Davis commented. 

“ I waited on the outside.for the inside speed to settle.  I then brushed to the top.  He was strong tonight and Lasix helped.” 

Trainer Jim King Jr was very pleased with both his horses finishing first and second. 

He commented that “Slugger On Deck was really good and I am happy with the way he raced.”

Tonight is the final night of live harness racing for the season at Bally’s Dover.

Live harness racing from Harrington Raceway will begin on Monday April 13.

Qualifying races will take place on Tuesday April 7.

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

by Alex Kraszewski, for Bally’s Dover