Steven’s Saloon upsets in $25,000 open

Steven’s Saloon (Always B Miki) chose the overland trip enroute to an upset harness racing victory in the $25,000 Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Thursday night. 

Wehadababyetzaboy (Art Stafford Jr) and Downers Delight were the quickest away from the wings of the starting gate into the first turn.

Wehadababyetzaboy held a brief lead as the give and go was activated. Downers Delight settled in second then sprinted to the top as Wehadababyetzaboy retreated to the pocket. The opening quarter was paced in a scorching 26.1.

 Downers Delight, the 2/5 betting favorite, took control of the race as had been in the past and powered to the half in 54.3.(28.2)

Steven’s Saloon and driverJason Thompson started their preferred journey first over and coverless up the backstretch.  Lou’s Starr, the invader from Rosecroft, was carried into a second over striking position on the rim.  Wehadababyetzaboy, who won three races in a row, waited in the pocket and was ready to pounce.

Downers Delight  braced for the challenge of Steven’s Saloon and. Both rival pacers raced on even terms passing the three quarters in a punishing 1:22 flat a 27.2 quarter.

At the top of the lane, Steven’s Saloon was able to wear down the Bally’s Dover Horse Of The Meet, Downers Delight. Wehadababyetzaboy had little response from the pocket.  Steven’s Saloon powered to the top and won by three quarters of a length in 1:50.1.  He paid $13.00 for the win.

STEVEN’S SALOON REPLAY

Downers Delight fought hard but finished second. Wehadababyetzaboy saw his three race win streak come to an end and finished third

Steven’s Saloon ( Always B Miki) is owned by Richard Ashley and Michael Cain both from Delaware. John Canccelliere is the breeder.

Tim Tetrick captured the Bally’s Dover leading driver honors. 

Chuck Crissman Jr. the achieved leading trainer.honors at the meet. 

Downers Delight earned the Bally’s Dover Horse Of The  Meet

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

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

by Alex Kraszewski, for Bally’s Dover