Dover, DE — Angel Nation rallied from off contested fractions to record a 10-1 upset in Tuesday’s (March 29) $32,500 Open/Preferred Handicap Trot at Dover Downs.

 

Four trotters left in unison and battled through a :27 first quarter. After being parked three-wide through the first turn, Swan In Motion worked clear of 4-5 favorite JL Cruze and backed the half to :56.1. Northern Express, who strung the top pair out early, sprinted first-over up the backstretch and put Swan In Motion away past three-quarters in 1:25 while also towing Angel Nation and driver Andy Miller into contention. In deep stretch, Angel Nation edged forward to defeat Northern Express by a half length in 1:54. Judge Bob rallied off third-over cover for third.

 

Angel Nation, a 5-year-old Archangel gelding who paid $23.80 to win, is trained by Julie Miller for the Andy Miller Stable Inc. and Ted MacDonnell.

 

Earlier on the card, Rivers won the $51,350 final of a late closing series for 3-year-old male trotters who are paid into the Delaware Standardbred Breeders’ Fund stakes program. The Anders Bluestone gelding live up to his 1-9 billing, defeating Canoe Trip by 2-1/2 lengths in 1:58.2. Corey Callahan drove for trainer Nick Callahan.

 

Art Stafford Jr. led all drivers with four wins on the card.

 

Wednesday’s (March 30) $32,500 Mares Open Handicap Pace features Shes Pukka N and Majorca N. First post is 4:30 p.m.