Dover: Shake That House takes down Progress Pace final

Captain Crunch couldn’t close out his racing career a winner as Shake That House broke a four-month losing streak to pull off a 9-1 upset in the $335,000 Hap Hansen Progress Pace at Dover Downs on Wednesday night (11/27).

Starting from post eight, Captain Crunch secured the front at the opening quarter in 26 seconds as American Mercury chased from the pocket ahead of fellow leavers US Captain and Dancin Lou. Those positions remained unchanged until the half in 53 4/5 when Dancin Lou attempted to mount an uncovered bid and Shake That House followed soon after.

Driver Yannick Gingras tried to get separation on the field with a 27 1/5 third quarter behind Captain Crunch, but Shake That House was starting to take aim and wore him down nearing the wire for the 1:50 1/5 score. US Captain finished third.

“I thought if there was enough speed and they came back to me he would be right there,” said winning driver Tim Tetrick. “When I caught my cover he felt really good. When I tipped and got around Andy (McCarthy, Dancin Lou), he was able to track that other horse down.”

The victory was the seventh on the year for Shake That House, who is owned by Crawford Farms Racing, Alan Johnston and Northfork Racing Stable. The Chris Oakes trainee has now earned $583,914 in 2019.