Dover, DE — Bella Artiste benefited from an early speed duel and won the $51,750 final of a late-closing series for Delaware-eligible 3-year-old pacing fillies at Bally’s Dover on Wednesday night (April 2).

Sparks were flying early when Little Miss Peyton parked out Tilted Crown through the opening quarter in a blistering :26. Tilted Crown eased off the accelerator and took a pocket trip behind a headstrong Little Miss Peyton through a :55.2 half. Bella Artiste, the 3-5 favorite, gathered momentum and rushed first-over before the three-quarters in pursuit of Little Miss Peyton while Odds Beater followed second-over and One Hot Shark followed third-over.

Little Miss Peyton continued on a tenuous lead as Bella Artiste drew alongside. The stablemates raced on even terms passing the three-quarters in 1:24.3. The blistering early fractions took their toll on pacesetter Little Miss Peyton as she became leg weary late, and Bella Artiste roared home to win by 2-1/4 lengths in 1:55.1. Little Miss Peyton finished second and Tilted Crown was third.

Bella Artiste, a daughter of Badlands Hanover driven by Jim Morand for trainer Les Givens, is owned by Nanticoke Racing, Chad Tate and Arthur Feeney. She paid $3.20 to win.

Elegant A was a wire-to-wire 1:52 winner in the $25,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace over Disturbed Hanover and Melody Hanover. Tim Tetrick drove for owner owner Pollack Racing and trainer Jeff Cullipher.

Bally’s Dover boasts an outstanding Thursday (April 3) card, the final day of live harness racing for the season. There is a $51,000 late closer final for Delaware-eligible 3-year-old male pacers, and Itsrockandroll A will take on seven rivals in the $25,000 Open Handicap Pace. First post is 4:30 p.m.