Jody prevailed on Wednesday night (March 13) to win back-to-back editions of the $33,784 Mares Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover.
Tae was launched off the wings of the starting gate and led the field to the opening quarter in :26.4. Jody left from post eight and settled into fourth, pacing toward the quarter. Southwind Icenfire settled in the pocket.
Tae was in total control and was able to back off the pace through a :29.2 quarter to the half in :56.1. Jody, the 3-2 betting favourite, edged off the pylons and raced first-over past the half. Lyons Bettorday picked up the chase second-over and Got The Gold was in gear following third-over.
Tae and Jody were eye-to-eye for the third consecutive week. They battled through a solid :27.4 panel to the three-quarters in 1:24. Jody was able to wear down the pacesetter, Tae, at the top of the stretch, going on to win by a half-length in 1:52.4. Lyons Bettorday angled wide to make his bid and finished second. Got The Gold was closing at the end but not making up any ground on Jody and finished third.
Jody (Betterthancheddar-Topgun Lady) paid $5 to win. She is owned by Reginald A. Hazzard II of Millsboro, Delaware. Wayne Givens trained and Allan Davis drove the winner.
Montrell Teague won four races on the betting card.
There is a $19,727 Pick-5 carryover beginning on the sixth race for Thursday night. Thursday night’s feature is the $19,000 USD Winners Over/Select Pace. Belmont Royale N, who finished third in back-to-back starts, takes on Mack and former claimer Iwannabewithyou. Post time is 4:30 p.m. at Bally’s Dover.
(With files from Bally's Dover)