Keg Stand Secures Back-to-Back Wins at Dover

The gelding Keg Stand, sired by Bar Hopping, achieved his second consecutive victory in the Open Handicap Trot at Bally’s Dover, though the race was fiercely contested. 

The race began with Herodotus spotting the field five lengths. Rivers started strongly along the pylons, forcing JL Cruze and the favourite, Keg Stand, to battle for position near the quarter pole. JL Cruze gained the lead at the 28-second mark, but Keg Stand, enduring a tough journey on the outside, pushed to the front before the half-mile in 56.4 seconds. 

Herodotus, parked throughout, surged on the backstretch to challenge Keg Stand. Meanwhile, That Ole Bar Stool attempted a first-over move but faded. Passing the three-quarter mark in 1:25, Keg Stand and Herodotus were locked in a tight duel. The stretch run saw a relentless battle, with Keg Stand prevailing by a neck in 1:53.4, paying $3.00 for the win. Herodotus, showing incredible determination, secured second, while JL Cruze finished third. 

Owned by David R. Hamm and EVM Racing LLC, Keg Stand is trained by Nicholas Devita and driven by Anthony Morgan. 

Wednesday night’s card at Bally’s Dover features the season’s highlight, the $267,960 Progress Pace. Top contenders include Captain Albano, Mirage Hanover, and Nijinsky. 

On the undercard, Tim Tetrick notched five wins, while Tony Morgan added four victories. Post time on Wednesday is 4:30 PM, with racing paused on Thursday for Thanksgiving.