It has been said that sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good. That proved to be correct in the harness racing Open Handicap Trot tonight at Dover Downs.
At the start of the race, Scirocco Rob protected rail position by parking out Morairtime and Northern Express. Jack Parker Jr and Morairtime were hard pressed and cleared the lead in 26.4. Scirocco Rob, the three to five race race favorite, settled into the pocket. Morairertime marched to the half in 55 seconds flat.
At the five eighths marker, Northern Express trotted first up and challenged Morairtime to the three quarters in 1:23.3. Jack Vernon was towed into a 2nd over trip on the rim.
As Morairtime and Northern Express battled in the lane, Tim Tetrick guided a fired up Scirocco Rob into the passing lane. Scirocco Rob held a brief lead before going off stride in the stretch, before and after the wire.
The Judges placed Scirocco Rob from 1st to 4th for failure to lose ground while on a break. Northern Express was declared the winner. Northern Express won by a neck in 1:52 and was sent off at odds of 11-1.
NORTHERN EXPRESS REPLAY
Northern Express (Muscle Massive) is owned and trained by Arty Foster Jr. Russell Foster drove.
Jack Vernon was placed 2nd for trainer Dylan Davis. Corey Callahan drove.
Morairtime was placed third for trainer Carol Jamieson-Parker.
Dover Downs will conduct qualifying races on Wednesday March 31. The racing season concludes on Thursday April 1st.
Racing continues on Wednesday at Dover Downs. Post time is 4:30 pm.
Stall Applications for Harrington Raceway must be turned in by April 1st.
For full race results, click here.
by Alex Kraszewski, for Dover Downs