I Did It My Way overcame an outermost starting position and a challenging journey to secure consecutive victories in the Blue Hen/Open Handicap Pace at Bally's Dover on Thursday (Feb. 8) night.
The 8-year-old veteran Mack swiftly took the lead at the beginning of the race. I Did It My Way departed from post eight and settled into fourth place along the inside rail. However, Sir Issac Newton was not content with a passive position and surged forward to claim the lead, clocking a rapid :26.1 for the first quarter. Mack willingly embraced the pocket trip, trailing behind. Sir Issac Newton and driver Tim Tetrick maintained their lead and moderated the pace, crossing the half-mile mark in :55.1, completing the second quarter in a leisurely :29.
The 3-2 favourite, I Did It My Way, manoeuvred to the outside from fourth position, launching a powerful surge up the backstretch in pursuit of Sir Issac Newton. The two horses engaged in fierce competition, reaching the three-quarter mark in 1:23, with a speedy :27.4 quarter. As they approached the home stretch, Sir Issac Newton began to tire, while I Did It My Way maintained a strong position on the outside.
Simultaneously, Sprocket made a daring three-wide move, while Mack patiently awaited an opening along the inside rail. In the final stretch, I Did It My Way surged ahead and secured a hard-fought victory by a length, crossing the finish line in 1:50.3. The final quarter was paced in :27.3, and the win paid an even $5.00. Sprocket finished in second place, while Mack claimed the show payoff.
I Did It My Way, sired by Captaintreacherous and dame Fly Me To The Moon, is owned by Hamm, Evm Racing LLC, and Glenn R. Phillips, all residents of Delaware. The horse was trained by Chuck Crissman Jr., with Corey Callahan serving as the driver. Bally's Dover hosts races from Monday through Thursday, with a post time of 4:30 p.m.