Dover: Alagna Armada finishes 1-2 in Progress Pace

Harness racing's last six-figure stakes event for 2021, the $310,000 Progress Pace for 3-year-old colts and geldings at Dover Downs, went to Rockyroad Hanover over fellow Tony Alagna trainee Abuckabett Hanover in 1:49 3/5.

Driven by Dexter Dunn from post five, Rockyroad Hanover left quickly and was able to clear Chase H Hanover (Matt Kakaley) before the 26 1/5 opening quarter. Charlie May, the 3-2 favorite and driven by Tim Tetrick for the first time, was advancing two-wide at that station after firing out from post seven, and Charlie May forged his way by Rockyroad Hanover to take charge in the second quarter.

Charlie May reached the half in 54 1/5, but Abuckabett Hanover (Andy McCarthy) was sent first-over out of fourth before that point, and he would make his way into second on the way to the 1:21 3/5 three-quarters. Lou's Pearlman (Yannick Gingras) worked out the second-over trip, and Virgo (Corey Callahan) joined the outer tier in the third-over slot.

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Abuckabett Hanover and Charlie May continued to trade blows around the last turn and into the stretch, but Rockyroad Hanover was always lurking right behind them, and once the passing lane became an option, Dunn steered his horse into that path. Once he had the space, Rockyroad Hanover had the kick to go with it, getting up to prevail by half a length. Abuckabett Hanover finally wore down Charlie May to get second, and they were followed by Lou's Pearlman and Virgo.

Alagna trains Rockyroad Hanover, a Captaintreacherous colt who won the Cane Pace earlier this year, for owners Riverview Racing LLC., Bradley Grant, Kenneth Jacobs, and Plouffe Head And Vj Stable. Bred by Hanover Shoe Farms, Rockyroad Hanover has compiled a record of 6-3-4 from 25 career starts, and he has now earned $595,134. Sent off at 9-2, he paid $11.00 to win.