Oct 14, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – DAAMERICANSKY, continuing his rejuvenated form, made the lead 3/16 and headed right down the road, held off DING DING DINGER with the mildest of encouragement. The latter left well then yielded for the pocket 3/16, stayed close, to the Pocono Pike, tried hard but just couldn’t get there. BLOW A CLOUD N was three-wide leaving, tucked back fourth, uncovered down the backstretch, urged ¾, neither gained not lost ground late. THEFREEDOMFIGHTERN followed good cover second-over, three-wide late turn, had closing speed. AMERICAN CHROME kept a hole closed at the 1/8, sat third-in, room inside, not that much. LORD OF MISRULE was last-in, gained in very tight quarters near the line. SWEET N FAST N moved to third-over 5/8, four-wide nearing the stretch, couldn’t make up the needed ground.
SECOND RACE – THE LIONKING AS was first to show three-wide, but took back to tuck third, was reserved off the very fast pace until the 5/8 when he went raw, had the lead ¾ and the pegs midturn, far head enough so as not to be caught by BELIEVER. The latter stayed in and was shuffled to last then joined the lively outer flow on the turn, went three-wide and ate up real estate late. MISS MCKEE went in fourth at the 1/8, then moved second-over, left uncovered midturn, went along nicely. CASINO CUTIE IT was slightly off cover third-over, did not tip wide for the drive, passed tired horses. ZLATAN gapped at the half, then was stuck in, not too much in the lane. LIGHTFOOTEDLEGEND came away sharply, yielded at the 26.4 quarter to sit the pocket, shuffled back as the leader gave way around the turn, looked o be on a line once clear and didn’t gain. WINNERUP paid a 26.4 price to get command, continued to go fast, tired in the last quarter.
THIRD RACE – FEHERTY left between horses for the pocket, tried to quarter-move but abandoned that attempt, broke away behind the leader from the rest, outside before headstretch, just along after a long duel. SPORTS TEEN was three-wide most of the 1/8 to take over the lead, went off to discourage an early move, paced in 27.2 down the back causing a two-horse breakaway, looked to bear out slightly in the lane but was very game in just missing. MAJOR DESIRE was a little off the gate, went around a straggler on the turn then came up the inside to grab third late. R MADDY BLUE CHIP was second-over well off the leaders, uncovered on the far turn, just missed third. A STUD NAMED SAM moved out raw 5/8, retucked third on the turn, not all that much late. FAR BETTER was innermost of three leavers, yielded, retreated from the half.
FOURTH RACE – MUAY HANOVER stayed in, tightened in late backstretch through the turn, had full clearance in the stretch and trotted right off. DARK POOL moved uncovered to the 5/8, never quite reached the leader, able to get around the midstretch trouble and edged BROADWAY BRUISER for second. The latter was outside early then backed off to last, came through on the inside as the pace slowed down, almost second. CIMERONKEN followed cover but couldn’t keep up with it, then had to be quickly steered wide to avoid the two hooked horses. GEMOLOGIST was on the move 3/16 to get the lead 5/16, went on at a quick clip, bore out in the headstretch and hooked wheels with RIVER OTTER, placed. The latter outleft everybody, yielded for the two-hole, edged out early stretch but got hooked by the pacesetter. SLATED TO WIN was third-over, broke 5/8.
FIFTH RACE – KILLER MARTINI was three-wide most of the 1/8 then went up to tuck third, moved raw to the 5/8, reached the leader late backstretch, had a small edge around the turn but couldn’t clear, finally put away the leader, then all-out to hold off SULLIVAN. The latter left nicely and sat in the pocket, backed out late turn behind the winner then went wide of him, gained ground but came up just shy. WALTER MITTY was third-over behind gapping cover, widest in the lane and beat out MAJOR OFFENSE for third. The latter was second-over but gapped lively cover, a little better late but still caught for show. DIALAMARA headed on down the road, was under attack from late backstretch, not equal to this stretch challenge. PICKLED PREACHER was inside, little late. LOUD SPLASH was away last and lost ground from before the half.
SIXTH RACE – TWO AM went away quickly and got everybody in behind him before the quarter, extended a brusher to clear and sat the two-hole behind fast numbers, to the Pocono Pike and trotted right on by. HOCKEY HANOVER got an early position, quarter-moved but pushed almost the length of the frontstretch to clear, kept up the good pace without pressure until late on the turn, second-best. PLAY TRIX ON ME was uncovered at the 11/16, grinded up, flattened just a little bit very late. KING ALPHONSO left, took the pocket past the 1/8, sat third-in, got what he could. MARION GONDOLIER was second-over, came home steadily. DEE’S RED DELICIOUS went around a gapper then gapped during the third quarter, outside on the turn, OK finishing. GRAPPLE HANOVER offered little. KAZANS POWER lost contact in front of the stands, broke late.
SEVENTH RACE – REGAL SON was looped and three-wide to the 1/8, went to the pocket 3/16, not tight not long into the backstretch as the winner sped up, not tight until early stretch, outside and wore down THE CANDYMAN CAN. The latter was away well and circled the field for the lead, rested a little in quarter two then sprinted in 27 the third split to be clear, stayed clear until into the stretch, then couldn’t sustain late. ARTISTS RUFFLES was uncovered before the 3/8, kept on coming, never closer to the lead than at the wire. BELLOWS BINGE stay connected, but was outpaced in the Pocono Pike. TJ BLAST took back at the 1/8 to tuck, sat in, gapped a little on the turn, evenly late. SO SO DE VIE was never involved.
EIGHTH RACE – STATEMENT MADE A was away powerfully to clear right to the lead, never appeared in danger. LEAR SEELSTER tucked third, moved out early backstretch but soon tucked back in, went to the Pocono Pike and won a multi-horse battle for second. There was inquiry to see whether LEAR SEELSTER had bothered HULOU and made him go inside pylons when retucking; after a long debate, no placing was made. CAPTAIN MALICIOUS retained the pocket as there was only one strong leaver, not quite enough in the last 3/16. HULOU sat in, was in close quarters shortly into the backstretch, went to the deep Pocono Pike and did OK. AMAZON stated uncovered into turn two, never got near the lead but stayed contending for minor awards. BEACH FIRE K was second-over, not particularly helped by his cover, fair late. ROCK THREE TIMES never was heard from. PEMBROKE JOEY was last at every call.
NINTH RACE – EUROBOND left, was behind cover then briefly three-wide to the 3/16 as the pocket horse squeezed out, back to two-wide and went around that one to the 5/16, set the pace, was passed past midstretch by RICH AND MISERABLE but responded gamely and got the nod. The latter was away second, got out to the 3/16 to take the lead before yielding to the winner, sat the pocket, went to the Pocono Pike and got a nose up before deep stretch, just caught. KENOGAMI COCO came outside ¾ and closed very solidly. LUCKY MATTER went uncovered 5/8, advanced but not quite enough, still a good mile. SORTIE never entered the main picture. JUST MAYBE THE ONE went to the front, yielded to two horses, was moving into the deep Pike but made a break before midstretch.
TENTH RACE – SNOWBALL’S ROMEO went right to the top, yielded by to a quarter-mover and sat tight behind that one, to the Pocono Pike and gradually worked his way to the front in a long duel with SOMBODYITREASURE. The latter was second early then improved that position by one past the quarter, accelerated down the backstretch, paced his last half in 54.4 and still was caught. IM A GIGOLO N started an uncovered grind 9/16, gradually advanced, never closer than at the wire. STONE HANOVER stayed in third, was surrounded to the wire. SCOOTNROLL went to second-over, finished very strongly. QUATRAIN BLUE CHIP gapped at the back.
ELEVENTH RACE – IMAROCNROLLEGEND N showed speed, then quarter-moved after the front end settled, rated the second quarter, then sprinted off in 26.4 down the back and just kept pouring it on to win by a country mile. PALOMAR started the outer tier, one-geared it raw and was good to be the very distant second. BLACKLIGHT left between horses to command past the 1/8, forced a tuck, yielded to the winner, couldn’t go on with that one. YS MATHIS gapped significantly second-over during the backstretch sprint, then was better in the last 1/8, wide and gained some. MAC ANOVER was three-wide just past the 1/8 then went into the early pocket, stayed in, had to wait on the far turn, Pocono Pike, didn’t gain late. CLASSY HILL was looped and tucked fourth, also caught inside far turn, not too much late. MCNEILL Z TAM gapped down the back, then was blocked in the stretch pursuit for minor awards. JK MUSICMAN didn’t make his presence felt here.
TWELFTH RACE – The wind, which occasionally has surfaced then soon faded, picked up to a stretch tailwind … STELLAR BB was three-wide almost to the 3/16 in the four-horse field, got to the top in 26.1, rated the half then had twin 27.3s for these coming home and won handily, another $50,000 claim. BENJI’S BEST used positioning to force his early foes to work past the 1/8 then yielded, came outside midturn and did well to be clearly second. INDIGO ART was between horses to get command 3/16, pushed then yielded at the ¼, not enough the last 3/16. THNDRFRMTHETHRON N started gapping midbackstretch.
THIRTEENTH RACE – ALEX TYE was on the grind at the half, advanced steadily, took over to midstretch, then just held off GOOD ROCKIN. The latter spotted early, then was second-over, three-wide late turn, had a spurt near the wire that made it interesting. BAY MEADOWS was in front at the 1/8, strung a foe to the 5/16 then yielded for the pocket, had room in the Pocono Pike but did not have a crisp response. PATERNITY SUIT A was three-wide to the 1/8 then up to command to the 5/16, set the pace, didn’t have enough at crunch time. CAPTAIN CASH yielded, sat in, had room in the lane, fair. P L MUNSON was third-over, four-wide headstretch, OK. BULLVILLE TERROR sat in and was badly shuffled, angled all the way to five-wide in the stretch and had solid pace. KINGOFTHEJUNGLE lost contact at the back.
FOURTEENTH RACE – CAN’T SAY NO raced away to grab control, rated the half, was in a three-horse breakaway from late backstretch, urged to maintain the lead. CHOCO CHARLIE enjoyed a pocket trip, to the Pocono Pike and did well but settled for second. SIMPLY VOLO went up to tuck fourth at the 1/8, came uncovered off turn two, reached the wheel of the leader but no closer, held his ground well far ahead of the others. Then came the second group of three battlers: JOEY PRO stayed in, outfooted his two rivals in this group. FRAC left and eased in third just past the 1/8, stayed with the front ones until nearing the 11/16 then gapped them. SKYWAY JAGUAR moved outside but didn’t make much of a dent. Then came the last three: NICE STUFF and MAGNIFICENT SEVEN were always far back. GERARD broke early, couldn’t recover.
Oct 11, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Track rated “good +1” for the first four races, and then changed to “fast + 0” for the balance of the card … AS ALWAYS did not leave, but moved before the 3/8 and quickly made the lead by the half, came home in 56 in off going as too much for these. OHARE HANOVER came out in the flow before turn two, three-wide before midturn to two-wide late turn, paced his own last half in 55.3 as the only one close at the wire. MY BOY JACK was four-wide early, made the lead 3/16, yielded, caught behind a tired one late turn, angled behind the place horse and was just third over BALI BEACH. The latter got forward positioning in the early scramble, gapped on the turn, then swung wide and had pace on the end. MESSIER SEELSTER got away some, then sat in and was shuffled to last, not that much in the Pocono Pike late. INTENTIONS was three-wide early, looped, made the lead 5/16, yielded near the half, stayed with the winner until late turn then tired significantly. OCTAVE was shuffled then backed outside, only 1½ lengths off third. ROSA’S REBEL tried to follow the winner, was left raw at the half and never headed the third-in horse, fell back.
SECOND RACE – ONE AFTER NINE was three-wide to the 1/8, tucked fourth 3/16, underway raw off turn two but only at the wheel of the leader until midstretch, then stayed strong and caught the frontstepper with his own last half of 56.3.CASTYOURCROWN was looped, refused a pocket tuck and went on to the lead just past the 5/16, went along at a good clip in the circumstances and was clear into the stretch, but couldn’t resist the winner. PRACTICAL CAL got a forward spot, moved out behind the winner to midturn, wide stretch, did well while ahead of the rest. QUICKEST HANOVER went up quickest of all to be on top to the first turn, yielded past the ¼ for the pocket, tired before headstretch. SPREE moved outside 5/8 but had little to offer and retucked. THE OTHERS were the back half of the field at every call, never factoring.
THIRD RACE – TORONTO was three-wide early then on top at the 1/8, yielded for the pocket and sat just behind the third quarter duel, to the Pocono Pike and along late; easy as 1-2-3 for Tyler. NUMBER ONE HIT was four-wide in the contested early pace, to two-wide 1/8 to the lead 3/16, had to roll on down the back to keep out the threat of BULLVILLE JONATHAN, held his ground very well against the winner after doing a lot of work in a fast mile. The latter got away third, tried to bumrush the leader with a 27.2 third quarter but was kept outside, tired but still far ahead of the rest. BEACH TOWN BOY was two-wide early, took a tuck, not in the picture thereafter. NOTYOURTYPICALMAN angled wide into the lane and got the last check. BOLTMAN tried to go up second-over but gapped in a fast panel. THE OTHER PAIR never entered the radar.
FOURTH RACE – PAINT BY NUMBERS was two-wide to the lead past the 1/8 then yielded for the pocket, out to reclaim the lead and did so 3/8, fended off uncovered pressure and was in control late. LILYBET was five-wide past the start, three-wide 3/16 then two-wide and got the lead past the ¼, soon yielded to the winner, stayed close, not a threat to win but held well to get second over J-S MISS EMMA. The latter left and got good positioning, stayed close, to the deep Pike and close for second. SHEZABARHOPPINCHIC went uncovered past the 3/8 and made a big move to pressure the leader, held her ground to early stretch, then tired some. MYREANNA gapped far turn but then had some trot up the inside late. KRISTIELEIGH sat in, angled across the track headstretch to midstretch, fair. MISS MAYTRIX moved second-over but gapped. KOKOMO was not prominent.
FIFTH RACE – Track upgraded to “fast” … IRISH SONG moved second-over and had great cover, three-wide to headstretch, best of four pacers game to the wire. BETTE TINA left, quickly tucked third, came with a 27.3 rush down the back to challenge, never backed off all the way to the finish. SOUTHWIND MOLLY got a great trip along vacant inside space the last half, to the Pocono Pike and right there. BETTING HANNAH was away well enough to force tucks, had pressure from the place horse, tired a little late. AT MY PEAK stayed out of trouble and got the last check. HALLEYSBIGCOMET was behind cover when having to be grabbed into 5/8 as a horse broke in front of her. CHILLIN BYTHE POOL left, took the pocket under a hold, very much in contention ¾ when making a break. LIFELOVN YANKEE was already gapping cover when breaking 5/8.
SIXTH RACE – ROMANTIC TILE S checked behind the early breaker, sat third until going raw just past the 5/8, pocket before the ¾, outside again headstretch, best in a tight four-way picture. MONEY MATTERS was three-wide early right to the top, rated the half, left with an open lead as the pocketsitter fell back down the back, almost held the lead to the line. SAYONARA ANGEL went wide early avoiding trouble, in, went around the gapper and tucked third, to the Pocono Pike, right there. DIGNITY HANOVER, head cocked right in spots, gapped last in the main pack at the ¾, moved three-wide midturn, then moved all the way in to the deep Pike and by far was moving fastest of all at the wire – one to watch for. BUCKET HEAD couldn’t make up ground. CHARLIZE HANOVER was between horses early, got the two-hole when a foe broke 3/16, started to fall back not far into the backstretch. WHITTLE A SONG was in the pocket early when breaking. INFANTA DEO broke just after the start.
SEVENTH RACE – NUTTINBUTHEBEST was three-wide before the 1/8 to the lead 3/16, had to fight off third quarter pressure, did so and had a clear lead early stretch, wasn’t caught. PERFECT QUEEN moved out in the lane and was gaining rapidly late. CAVIART LUCIA was sent to the top, yielded for the two-hole, OK late but caught for second. DARK MIRAGE had cover, three-wide around it midturn, OK late. CHEEKIE BABE was fair. AILEY HANOVER was extremely wide in the stretch from a tough spot. NEVER NOT DANCING was looped between horses and tucked third at the ¼, moved quickly raw at the half and went up in 27.2 to challenge, but couldn’t sustain her move past midturn.
EIGHTH RACE – TROYCEN got a forward spot, uncovered 11/16, gradually moved to the lead past midstretch. VINCENTI came out behind dull cover on the turn, wide, had a bit too far to come. ZETTE FLAME was parked to a quick quarter, had a clear lead from the 3/8 to the 5/8, didn’t make the advantage last late. CALIFORNIA GOLD spotted fourth, came out second-over but gapped, best of the rest. A ONE A was evenly inside. KING KENNY broke taking back early. FATHER OF IRELAND was outside midfield, took back, not heard from again. HEARTBREAK HILL left, yielded at the ¼, sat in the pocket and tightened in down the back, in contention when going offstride headstretch. DOWN THE PIKE MIKE ruined his chances early.
NINTH RACE – JULA MAGICIAN made the top and yielded, gapped towards the half but quickly made up ground down the back and went right up to the leader on the turn, trotted by nicely in a fast mile for these. GOOGOO ON STAGE was not away quickly, but then got in gear from sixth to the ¼ and had the lead before turn two, put up big numbers on a big lead from before the half through mid-far turn, but then was overhauled by the winner. BAR COINS stayed connected to the top five, outside at the ¾ and was a distant next. KAACHING KAACHING was four-wide leaving, got to the top 3/16, yielded at the 5/16, gapped a gapper then backed out behind the winner, soon raw and not gaining. WORLDSSTONECOLD AS, far back off the second turn, passed the others for a check. JOE EXOTIC never factored. VICTORY YANKEE took back early, then was gapping considerably before the half. MR BLUMETTI was three-wide early and looped, went up to the lead 5/16, yielded to turn two and soon was falling far back. F X HANOVER broke at the half.
TENTH RACE – RED POWER was three-wide early then two-wide much of a 26.4 quarter, got no rest as choosing to park out an early challenger, disposed of him 5/8 and briefly had some clearance after fast fractions, then held off many horses charging while bearing out some. ACTOR HANOVER went to the lead then yielded and sat the pocket, which he kept closed during the midrace duel, got a bit loose 5/8 but narrowed in by headstretch, outside, very good. BIPBOPNALLIE left a big gap towards turn two and down the back, gained inside then came up the deep Pocono Pike with good pace. TELL THEM LOU was also far back much of the way, gained in tight quarters through the latter part of the lane, possibly shut off at the wire. DOUBLE METAL got position early, moved out midturn then ducked in to headstretch as the pocketsitter pulled, OK. TREVOR’S ACE was never close. DIAMOND HEAD moved at the ¼ and went his second split in 26.4 trying to clear, but was wide and couldn’t get by, done 5/8.
ELEVENTH RACE – CHUPPAH ON was last until headstretch, had room up the Pocono Pike and had a giant stretch kick to gain the victory late. IN LOU OF MONEY was the only leaver and strung the field out to the 5/8 while going good fractions, disposed of all rivals except the winner to his inside. MACKIE HANOVER sat in the pocket, a little loose on the turn, found a little bit better pace nearing the wire. BLONDE ONTHE BEACH looked at leaving but took back, then second-over, wide, couldn’t reach. ALLEYESONME AS popped out raw 5/8, started retreating nearing late on the turn.
TWELFTH RACE – BANG BANG BOINGA got away third, moved out into a blindswitch late turn but then ducked back in headstretch, through in the Pocono Pike to take the decision at $88.20. SO LONG HANOVER had no early speed, was behind dull cover, three-wide to the ¾ and gained steadily from there but was just beaten out. DIVINE SPIRIT tailed the place horse ¾, was gapping through the turn, widest late and moving very well (although the pace was slowing). WORTHY OF HONOR had the lead into the first turn, put up a fast first quarter then rated the second, got pressure on the far turn, held OK. RED REDEMPTION was away well to sit the two-hole, outside midturn, beaten less than a length. TRICKY DICK stayed in, wasn’t quite keeping up early stretch, did better midstretch, then was blocked by a wall of horses late. AP HALL OF TRIX tucked fourth near the 1/8, started uncovered before the half, never got close, then ran midturn. FOCUS POCUS made a nasty break early.
THIRTEENTH RACE – BEAUTY IS BLIND went to the early lead and got others to tuck, yielded to the favorite to sit the two-hole, edged out early stretch and went past the leader just before deep stretch. BAREFOOT’NPREGNANT was three-wide early, up to a tuck 3/16, in, Pocono Pike, loomed midstretch, did get a photo decision over CAPSAICINN for second. The latter tucked early then moved out 5/16 to get the lead, set a good pace, not quite enough. THREE WAY SPLIT sat in and advanced up the inside, looked in tight quarters deep at the pegs late. COOLNCALCULATING N backed out to second-over 5/8, a bit of pace between horses late. MORROCKIN K started uncovered towards turn two, never reached the leader, evenly. JUBILEE QUEEN was outside, gapped letting a foe out, never a major danger. CHANEL BEACH was far back. GETTIN GONE went away slowly and was disconnected before the half.
FOURTEENTH RACE – HALL IT OFF moved second-over 5/8 and went up, three-wide past midturn, closed determinedly. FINLANDIA sat in, moved out on the turn, then followed cover three-wide, then swung even wider, finished solidly. STORM BRINGER went to the lead, yielded at the ¼ for the pocket, had a chance up the Pocono Pike, a bit shy. CHARMING BANK was outside to a good quarter, rated the second quarter, couldn’t make his lead last to the wire. TUFF TO BE LINDY was three-wide leaving, tucked fourth at the 1/8, started raw 9/16 and spurted 5/8 to make a good challenge to the leader, faded the last 1/8. CHOCOLATE MATTERS was off the gate, not a factor. SNOWFALLA gapped third-over far turn.
Oct 9, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – “Sloppy +1” throughout the card … MUSCLE MACH A was away third then quarter-moved, set the pace, drew away from these in the stretch. VAGANOVA settled in the early pocket at the 1/8, sat third-in, came up the Pocono Pike to take second. SI SEMALU was in front going to the 1/8, yielded to the winner and stayed close until the stretch, outside, but tired. CAPTAIN KEEN was second-over, three-wide midturn, outfooted LUZIANA for the next spot. The latter started uncovered at the half, gained throughout the third quarter but began backing off midturn. DEERFIELD BEACH gapped much of the way. SPORTY REDHOT sat in and was shuffled to last, never a factor.
SECOND RACE – IMAGINEUWITHOUTME left between horses and wound up in the pocket, quickly moved late backstretch to get the lead before midturn, won coasting. FRANKIE ROCKS A hustled to catch the gate, away third, moved out off turn two but soon retucked, outside in the lane and found better strides late. JEREMES GENERAL was four-wide early, out until the 3/16 to make the top, yielded to the winner’s move past the ¾ and tired in the lane. CHANCELLORCULLEN N was never prominent. CALVERY HILL had dull cover, got the distant last check. A WISH FOR WINGS was always near the rear. TRICK CARD was three-wide early and looped, with cover then to the inside to the 5/16, briefly had cover past the half then left raw, never threatened. QUAKE BLUE CHIP offered little.
THIRD RACE – GINGER TREE CAREY had some speed, pulled from third at the half and went her third split in 27.4 to clear to the lead ¾, looked to be in control. DELILAH DE VIE had cover from going to the second turn, wide around it when it gapped on the turn, finished very well. CASSIE’S BELIEVER went out to grab the early lead, yielded for the pocket, was shuffled some on the turn as the winner took over, then to the Pocono Pike, had a decent response and was well ahead of the others. AL-MAR-GOT A FEVER began uncovered towards turn two, got cover at the half but couldn’t stay with it, left raw ¾, continued on evenly. TRIPLE DIP took over at the 3/16, rated the half, did not have enough sprint to keep the winner outside ¾, tired. THE REST OF THE FIELD did not make their presence felt.
FOURTH RACE – B FLOVER was looped early and outside, saw the early pocket horse move 3/16 then went up behind that one to gain the lead to the 3/8, fought off pressure, won nicely. QUICK BET was second early, moved before the winner 3/16 then yielded for the two-hole, clearly second-best. DIVINE MOONSHINE went up second-over behind good cover, three-wide late turn, steadily. TSM EMILIA T sat in, shuffled some on the turn then three-wide with cover, four-wide in the lane and was coming on well. WORKOUT GIRL spotted midpack, backed out to third-over, blindswitched past midturn, came between horses with trot from midstretch. OK SUNNY was uncovered into turn two, made a big move at the leader the entire third quarter and through the turn, then tired. FORTUNAPEDIA was four-wide early to get to the front, yielded, was gapping inside before the 5/8. RELENTLESS JACKIE could offer little. AMBERS CHAMPION lost gait early.
FIFTH RACE – SPORTSMANSHIP was third-over, tipped wide early stretch, was still seventh nearing midstretch but had the most pace late and was along at $141.60, the biggest price at Pocono since June 2, when the win mutuel was $169.40 on … SPORTSMANSHIP. LAREDO TORPEDO N was uncovered from the 3/8, battled the leader from just before the 5/8, never stopped digging. POINTSMAN cleared to the lead at the 3/16, got a second quarter breather then came under the gun the last 3/8, almost held gamely. BRINGITONHOME N was third-in, had to be handled carefully late in very close quarters while with pace. BIG MACH was second-over, tipped wide, OK but outkicked. HIGHVIEW CONALL N was fastest away, yielded 3/16 for the two-hole, Pocono Pike, not all that much late. KJ OWEN stayed in in last, never had clearance. LITTLE ADMIRAL was fourth-over, tried gaining four-wide late turn but could not.
SIXTH RACE – TEDDY BROSVELT raced third-over, swept three-wide 11/16 and remained three-deep through the turn, overhauled BATTING STATS. The latter left, was looped and tucked, went uncovered second turn, cleared to the lead just past the ¾, almost lasted to the line. ARCH CREDIT went in front going to turn one, yielded, shuffled early turn then out in a blindswitch, found room to angle wide and made a good comeback. CAPTAIN KRUPNIK took a rough step past the start, recovered and was second-over, was blindswitched by the winner late backstretch, left uncovered before mid-far turn, next in line. GINGER TREE KNOX was fourth-over, wide with cover on the turn, finished OK. GLIDE IN THE WIND was too far back. BUTTER TOFFEE sat in and was shuffled back around the far turn. POND JUMPER was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to 3/16 command, set the pace, engulfed in the last quarter.
SEVENTH RACE – ROCKNROLL CAPTAIN had a great second-over trip advancing nicely, three-wide midturn, to the lead just past midstretch and proved best. CAPTAIN TERROR, looking very hard to control, raced third-over, four-wide headstretch, closed well for second. DIVISION BELL stayed third-in, out in a blindswitch headstretch, not clear in the lane but gained in the path behind the winner. HOW ARE YEE JOHN was in front going to turn one, yielded for the two-hole, Pocono Pike, not enough. TITANIUM N was uncovered at the half, challenged but didn’t reach past the leader’s wheel until headstretch, not quite enough. REYS N A RUCKUS was wide early to the lead just past the 1/8, set the pace, little left late. SOUTHWIND DREDGE gapped in last.
EIGHTH RACE – RIPPLE OF HOPE wasn’t involved in the early skirmishes, moved raw into turn two and had cleared by the 5/8, in control from that point. CS EXPLOSIVE CHIP was three-wide leaving to the front before the 1/8, encouraged a tuck, slowed at the half, didn’t fight the brushing leader 5/8, kept up well behind that one. TSM PRINCE TRISTAN was four-wide early to two-wide by the 1/8, took the pocket, came outside 11/16 but fell back in the stretch, still a clear third. SHOCK PROOF gained some for his placing. SURE BIRD was gapping at the half, got the last check. BEETLEJUICE was third leaving, couldn’t keep up. WINE BAR was never close. BUBBA ARUBA moved behind the winner’s cover, but gapped it, was left raw, then broke 11/16. MANUKA was trying for early position as the innermost of the quicker starters but lost gait.
NINTH RACE – NAMJE gapped much of the first half, then moved second-over, left raw midturn, closed well to edge JUMPINTHEJAILHOUSE by half a nostril. The latter was away sharply to clear from post eight in a fast ¼, yielded to the 3/8, saw another lead change on the turn and was shuffled a little third-in, had a crisp response deep in the Pike to just miss in another good showing by the Brocklehurst Brigade. SANCHEZ ROCKS was uncovered at the half, trotted steadily at the leader and went by midturn, couldn’t hold the lead to the finish. STOP RESISTIN was double-looped, patiently went on past the fast quarter to the lead to the 3/8, came under pressure, yielded command on the turn but persevered OK. KING CAST gapped third-over. SCHNICKEL FRITZ raced into the early pocket, inside, gapped far turn. O JONNIE never entered the picture. PHOENICIAN lost contact in the last quarter.
TENTH RACE – CRAZY CUTE protected an early forward spot, moved uncovered off turn two and went 27.2 down the back to clear 11/16, far and away the best this afternoon. SHES PUKKA N did not have good cover, three-wide far turn, paced very well late. APRIL AVA used the rail to advantage, yielded 5/16, was stuck behind a tired pacesetter, to the Pocono Pike and along for third. SURREAL FEELING had too far to come, widest and closed well. NATASHA tried to gain up the inside in the stretch but didn’t have enough. BYE BYE FELICIA did not factor in this one. MAJOR OCCASION A proceeded up gradually, took the lead past a quick quarter and went on at a rapid clip, fought with the winner down the backstretch before yielding, gradually backed up. SUNNY DEE was three-wide early but took back, theoretically had great cover from the winner except she couldn’t stay with it and clogged the two-wide tier.
ELEVENTH RACE – FINAL DREAM left well, yielded, retook in front of the stands, opened a big lead which she maintained for a half-mile from the 3/8 on, got a little tired (30.4 last quarter) but still prevailed as the longest shot on the board. NICE STUFF was three-high to curve one, made the top 3/16, yielded to the winner, didn’t keep up midrace, but stayed steady to the inside of the winner in the lane. SKYWAY JAGUAR sat last, gained up the inside far turn and in the stretch to just miss second. CHOCO CHARLIE sat in, moved outside in a blindswitch late turn angled wide and gained as the pace slowed. FRAC was never a factor by missed second by only a half length. KARETS spotted third to the 1/8, uncovered off turn two but couldn’t make an impression.
TWELFTH RACE – INVINCIBLE was far back behind dull cover down the back, three-wide ¾ then ducked inside for the stretch, got the nod over ANDOVERS TOUCH. The latter was first on top, saw two go by, back out 9/16, reached the leader late backstretch and fought with that one past a quick ¾ and into the lane, trotted on steadily to just come up short. EVANNA quarter-moved and went fast fractions, got pressure late backstretch, was still in the fight when breaking midstretch; an inquiry gave no reason for placing. LATOKA was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to get in front at the ¼, yielded just past the 3/8 for the pocket, left behind before the ¾. CRITICAL MASS gapped down the backstretch. HALLANET tried to gain two-wide but could not. MONEY MAVEN gapped in front of the stands and broke going to the half.
THIRTEENTH RACE – GEORGIE MARTIN N was looped between horses early and finally made the top 5/16, looked to be in control but a late surge from BRING ME DIAMONDS made it interesting. The latter was three-wide early then two-wide to the front 3/16, yielded 5/16 and sat the pocket, fell back a little upper stretch then found much better gear and narrowed in while bearing out some. DOUBLEOFFTHEWALL left, stayed close until late on the turn, just held in a photo for third over BULLVILLEKARLA. The latter was second-over behind not-robust cover, three-wide midturn, found her best strides a little too belatedly. ALKIPPE tucked then was not heard from again. VELOCITY MCSWEETS was never on the radar. YES DOUBLE DOWN came uncovered 3/8 but never got closer than the wheel of the pocket horse before falling back. LITTLE SANDY TOES gapped at the half, no factor.
FOURTEENTH RACE – ENZIO made the lead 3/16 in quick opening fractions, rated the half, then trotted home powerfully by herself for a double for Meadows trainer Kelly Paver. CLASSICALITY was uncovered at the 3/8 then got cover on turn two, went inside the cover ¾ and wait to wait for clearance, got it headstretch and along for a clear second. ZLATAN was first to emerge with the lead, yielded 3/16, struggled to keep up early backstretch then got tighter, then loose again, held third. MASSIVE OPULENCE was third-over, ducked in, angled out early stretch and had some late trot. EV’S GIRL moved uncovered at the half, never reached the lead, bore out late turn, still got the final payday. KEYSTONE THUNDER and CREWS HILLTOPPER were always far back. TUIS SHADOW spotted fourth to the ¼, not much the last half. BANZAI AS ran early.
Oct 6, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Stretch headwind … JAGGER ROCKS sat third-in, went up the Pocono Pike as the pocketsitter went outside, won easily. BAY MEADOWS came through at the start and took the lead, yielded to the brusher to sit the two-hole, outside early stretch, won a three-way photo for second. DA DELIGHTFUL backed out to third-over before the half, was blindswitched ¾ and went back in, had pace up the far inside. SKIP TO MY LOU was away second then improved that positioning by one before the 3/8, couldn’t last until the line. THEFREEDOMFIGHTERN backed outside 11/16 and soon went three-wide, four-wide late turn and lost ground straightening away, finished well. JK MUSICMAN was out with cover at every call, moved three-wide midturn but couldn’t gain. ROCK THREE TIMES never factored. MCNEIL Z TAM was looking to go in the 4-hole to the 3/16 but got rank and went wide, stayed on the outside uncovered, tired.
SECOND RACE – KING ALPHONSO was second-over, left raw to the ¾ as the first-over cleared, was in a good fight in the stretch and proved the best late. ROCK PARTY moved first-up before the half, took over 11/16 as the leader broke, almost maintained the advantage to the wire. GEMOLOGIST was quickly away to the lead, hung a foe 5/16 then yielded for the pocket, wound up maintaining the pocket after the grinder cleared and the pacesetter broke going to the infield, had a chance in the Pocono Pike, just a bit shy. SWEET HEART AS gapped earlier in the backstretch then caught up with cover, not quite enough late. JOEY PRO went evenly inside. KEYSTONE SERGEANT went outside ¾ but couldn’t make an impact. BROADWAY BRUISER was far back throughout. CHUCKY DE VIE was looped leaving, found no hole so pressed on past a fast quarter to get the lead, was challenged down the backstretch, tired, broke, went to the infield. MUSHANA broke before the ¼.
THIRD RACE – WALTER MITTY was third-over from last, three-wide ¾ through the turn, continued on with the most late pace. SWEET N FAST N was second-over, crucially blindswitched ¾, worked between horses early stretch and finally with room to close for second. KILLER MARTINI went uncovered 5/8 and challenged hard, got a slight advantage late turn which he maintained until deep in the lane. SULLIVAN yielded for the two-hole, went to the Pocono Pike, couldn’t quite summon enough late. PICKLED PREACHER was third-in, didn’t have stretch clearance. BLOW A CLOUD N was under encouragement to clear early, went on with a good second split into the wind, got pressure late backstretch, no more to give from midturn.
FOURTH RACE – WILBERFORCE left and got an early distant pocket, narrowed in and pulled out off the second turn, worked by past the fast ¾, only finished in 31.1 but that was more than enough. MUAY HANOVER sat in, gapped down the backstretch, then finished evenly. LIBERO HANOVER shot out to a good-sized lead in a fast quarter, rated the half then got pressure from the winner, resisted it to past the ¾ then yielded, held well for third after hard usage. ZOOMING was outside early, gapped second-over down the back, wide and did OK late. URSIS DES CAILLONS got in the outer flow, a little late. SWANCREDIT didn’t enter the main picture. HOT SUMMER KNIGHT was three-wide early to the 3/16, got into third off the first turn, back outside far turn but had little to give. MONTALBANO BI was loped and between horses, found the pegs past the ¼, not a factor thereafter.
FIFTH RACE – INDIGO ART was last, moved third-over ¾, three- then four-wide late turn, had strong late pace to win going away. THE CANDYMAN CAN was three-wide to nearing the 3/16, thought about taking back to tuck but went on and was urged to get the lead just past the 3/8, had no pressure until the 11/16 but still rolled along, couldn’t handle the winner but was game to retain second, was reclaimed to tie the Pocono record again at $50,000. THNDRFRMTHETHRON N moved out to the 11/16 and soon got cover, three-wide midturn, outkicked and just missed second. BELLOWS BINGE looked at leaving but tucked, third-in, not clear until the stretch, then OK in the Pocono Pike. T J BLAST blasted away and forced a hot quarter, yielded, came back out 11/16 but didn’t quite have enough. SOMEBEACH BARON was between horses early, used to make the lead at the 26.3 quarter then strung the chalk out just past the 3/8 before yielding, not much left in the stretch.
SIXTH RACE – GANGSTER HANOVER went to the lead, got a slowed half, then sprinted in 27.1 to leave the rest gasping, finished out strongly to leave these well in his wake. MAX left and worked into the two-hole past the 1/8, couldn’t quite stay with the winner to the ¾ but had enough to retain second. PLAY TRIX ON ME sat inside, to the Pocono Pike, OK. KENOGAMI COCO stayed in, outside late turn, fair. TWO AM gapped at the back. SYLVESTERAMERICA IT, hard to steer, was three-wide much of turn one, then went forward but never appeared to threaten the winner and fell back. SORTIE went up behind the parked horse into turn two, three-wide far turn but didn’t have much late.
SEVENTH RACE – ARTISTS RUFFLES moved out uncovered from last before the half, put in a fine third quarter to grid methodically to the leader, battled that one on the turn while well ahead of the rest, the strong horse late. DING DING DINGER moved from fourth soon off the first turn to gain command before the second bend and a fast half, fought with the winner from before the ¾ and through the turn, no match for that one but did hold onto place in a three-way picture. DIALAMARA was shuffled to last then moved out ¾, went between horses in the stretch and squeezed through with some pace. AMERICAN CHROME backed out, was behind the winner but couldn’t stay with him, got to a clear third midturn, but couldn’t sustain. LORD OF MISRULE tucked second after vying for the early lead, then was shuffled out of it as the pacesetter gave way. DRAWING DRAGONS left and would not yield in the 26.3 first fraction, did yield nearing turn two, couldn’t keep up late backstretch.
EIGHTH RACE – A STUD NAMED SAM got forward positioning, then quarter-moved, had an easy time of it. FEHERTY made the front at the 1/8, yielded, moved out midturn, found better steps late to be a clear second. SPORTS TEEN, four-wide to turn one, took control 3/16, yielded a like distance later for the pocket, couldn’t go enough in the last ¼. ASTAIRE sat in, evenly. MAJOR DESIRE was well off the gate, moved outside 3/8 and got cover at the half, went three-wide 11/16 and gained until midturn then tired. SPORTY DRAGON gapped inside. FAR BETTER took back early, went raw at the half but never got close. TOPVILLE CRUISER was far back early, never got closer, then faded badly in the lane. STEP ON THE GAS misstepped going to turn one.
NINTH RACE – The video system malfunctioned and did not record this race to watch for replay. From notes while watching the race live: STELLAR BB quarter-moved, had the pace he wanted and was very good; also taken for $50,000. REGAL SON took over at the 3/16, yielded at the 3/8, stayed very game to the wire. BENJI’S BEST vacated last 11/16 to go up raw, solid. ALEX TYE pushed the early pace, yielded, had room in the Pocono Pike and certainly wasn’t far off.
TENTH RACE – Same technical problem – sorry. From the notes watching the race live: CHIN CHIN HALL worked to get the lead in a fast opener, yielded to the first parked horse and sit tight behind that one as he fought with a parked challenger, came through on the inside for the score. WARRIOR ONE pushed the pace early, yielded, was shuffled to last, went to the deep Pike and had a good response (in the 30.1 last quarter). JOEY moved with cover on turn two, went three-wide past the 5/8, ducked in to second-over, went on for third. NEXTROUNDSONME went to third-over in a blindswitch, swung three-wide as JOEY went to the two-path, flattened. CRYSTAL FASHION was three-wide to the 3/16 then two-wide to the lead 3/8, immediately under constant pressure in the fast fractions, tired. MORAIRTIME stayed outside behind cover before the ¼, left raw 3/8 and battled hard but couldn’t clear, tired.
ELEVENTH RACE – ROLLIN IN NEW YORK was two-wide in a four-way early dogfight, got to the inside at the 1/8 and accelerated to not let anybody by, fought off two separate challenges while going big fractions, went clear late in an impressive showing. SOMBODYITREASURE was three-wide to the 1/8 then took back for the pocket 3/16, kept up OK in the lane but wasn’t getting to the winner. SCOOTNROLL was out following cover wide early backstretch, left three-wide raw for a while then to second-over, three-wide headstretch and did well. LYONS NIGHT HAWK was in the early mix, stayed connected, not quite enough late. BULLVILLE TERROR got going to the half and was three-wide soon off turn two to get to uncovered just past the 5/8, pressured the leader but couldn’t sustain in the last quarter. PATERNITY SUIT A was out in the wide flow but couldn’t keep with it. SNOWBALL’S ROMEO was four-wide early, had to take the air two-wide the duration, looped just past the 5/8 and faded. MAJOR OFFENSE didn’t have anything from the start.
TWELFTH RACE – JUST MAYBE THE ONE, not smooth at several points but always battling, was first to show, yielded off the first turn to sit in the two-hole, came through in the Pocono Pike and won over MARION GONDOLIER. The latter was between horses past the 1/8 then settled inside, started first-over off the second turn, gradually improved then challenged the leader hard on the final turn, drifted out through the stretch but still was going forward. CASINO CUTIE IT moved second-over, went inside the drifting horse late and was along for third. WINNERUP was three-wide to the 3/16 in a quick opener, made the lead off the first turn, kept on going, had a challenger before the ¾, tired in the stretch. THE LIONKING AS sat in, had some late in the Pocono Pike. SEVEN IRON was involved early, yielded, gapped far turn. BANK BOX TREASURE moved outside but couldn’t keep up.
THIRTEENTH RACE – P L MUNSON moved outside 5/8 and was three-wide not long thereafter to two-wide raw ¾, put away the leader and drew off at 45-1. AMAZON was stuck in until midturn, angled out three-wide and was along for second. PEMBROKE JOEY made the lead to the first turn, yielded, kept the pocket closed in the midrace duel, outside late turn, third-best. LINCOLNJAMES left between horses for command, then would not yield to the parked rival in wicked early fractions, got a new challenger to the ¾, tired in the lane. HURRIKANE GEORGIE gapped in quarter two, tighter, then didn’t have much in the last 3/16. DREAM OF LUCK had no good luck, parked three-wide past the 1/8, then briefly having cover until being left raw, urged to clear but couldn’t in a fast duel, looped ¾. BEACH FIRE K and ABSOLUTE INTENT never entered the main picture.
FOURTEENTH RACE – BABES DIG ME led the outer tier going into turn two, one-geared it up solidly, kept on going until he made the lead, then held off WHITE HAIR ROCKS. The latter had a perfect cover trip, three-wide stretch, moving well late to just miss. IMAROCNROLLEGEND N left wide, had cover early, got in full gear 3/16 to work to the top 3/8 in a fast half, under relentless pressure from the winner, held his ground well. CAPTAIN CASH had the lead at the 1/8 and yielded 3/16, inside, gapped on the turn then moved out into a blindswitch, coming back a little late. MAC ANOVER was buried inside, went to the Pocono Pike and gained. TUXEDO BAY was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to 3/16 control, yielded and sat in the pocket, little late response. BLACKLIGHT was moving well at the wire from last. KINGOFTHEJUNGLE gapped third-over. YS MATHIS was not heard from.
Oct 4, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – “Good +1” throughout the card … DOUBLE METAL pressed on early against the rail horse and cleared him 3/16, set a good pace in the off going without pressure, won nicely. ARTIST BEST as noted left hard and defended the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, neither gained nor lost late ground. BOLTMAN was three-wide early, eased into third 3/16, came out raw 11/16, couldn’t gain late. PHANTOM LIFESAVER moved with cover, gapped it then moved tighter and wide into the lane, not gaining. THE COOKIE MONSTER started to go outside then went back in but in doing so bothered SCOTT ONTHE ROCKS, gained inside on the turn, then had little late, placed. PET SUR-ROC started out from last but was losing ground coming off the second turn.
SECOND RACE – SERRANO VOLO was off the gate a little, came on uncovered at the half and went 28.2 the third split to get the pocket ¾, back out again midturn, had passed the leader by the time that one broke, good. HURRIKANE WILLIE G used the rail well and was in the pocket, moved 5/16 to the lead 3/8, sped up down the backstretch, looked like he was going to be second when running late, placed for LOB. KISS AN ANGEL tucked between horses, moved out early turn then soon got cover, steadily late. GROSSETO AS and CHARMING BANK both stayed inside, did OK late. PADRE looped all leavers four-wide to get the lead by the 1/8, yielded to sit the pocket, got loose down the backstretch. SJ’S LADY LOU was looped and three-wide early, made a break past the 1/8, caught stride but then dangled on the outside while not being prominent. BREEZING PRAYER was gapping last before she made a break past the ½.
THIRD RACE – CASTYOURCROWN left, rode the very loose pocket behind the runaway until later in the backstretch, then outside, went by past midturn, all alone. MR BLUMETTI followed the winner, took one bad step behind cover 11/16 then righted, uncovered late turn, clear second. JOE EXOTIC followed the first two, out with cover on the turn, couldn’t go with them late. WORLDSSTONECOLD AS gapped significantly in last, then found a high gear in the last split and finished strongly. CREATE went to the top and set a very fast pace, paid the price the last 3/16. F X HANOVER broke before the ¼.
FOURTH RACE – Light rain during this race, and there is now a stretch tailwind … AILEY HANOVER yielded, then was quarter-mover #1, yielded again, came out of the pocket midturn with cover, briefly blindswitched, then clear and had the most finishing. SOME KINDA ANGEL went up to grab the racetrack 3/16, saw two go by in quarter two, back out raw past the 5/8, got a small advantage but couldn’t clear inside, grabbed second very late. HAZEL PARK was quarter-mover #2, fought to keep the first-over on the outside, held pretty well. HALLEYSBIGCOMET was inside, able to go up into the pocket and then the Pocono Pike, briefly loomed but flattened a bit. BYGONE HANOVER moved raw at the half then got cover 5/8 but gapped it, was moving pretty well at the wire while wide. THE NEXT TWO were never close. SWEET GADGETS was a bit rough at the start, was a gapping last at every call.
FIFTH RACE – THINK OF GALAXIES sat in third, trapped far turn, escaped being boxed midstretch and had a big burst in the last 1/16 to be along in time. ALLEYESONME AS was away second, on the move 3/16 to get the top, stepped it up to meet backstretch pressure, caught by the late spurt of the winner. AVAYA HANOVER was quickest early, yielded for the two-hole, a bit rough and a bit loose down the back then tighter, Pocono Pike, not enough. FREE FLYING TICKET started uncovered at the half and went up in 27 to challenge, gradually gave ground. BNB was outside early, took until past the ¼ to get him inside, then out second-over but rough and gapping. RHYME N ROLL finished mildly.
SIXTH RACE – No more rain, very little wind … THESUNRISESAGAIN was double-looped early and gradually went up, had cover to the ¼ to the lead 3/8 then rested to the half, got no pressure down the back, handled confidently late. PAINT BY NUMBERS was four-wide to the first turn, got to two-wide and then the lead near the ¼, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and did well but couldn’t go by. KRISTIELEIGH was three-wide early, went to the lead, hung a foe to near the ¼ and yielded, popped out of third late turn, went on OK. LILYBET kept a hole shut early, sat in, angled wide headstretch, took a while to find a higher gear, OK late. MYREANNA moved outside 11/16 but made little progress; CIAO BELLA gapped her cover. CARAMELA HANOVER lost gait at the start.
SEVENTH RACE – NUMBER ONE HIT left strongly to take over right away, slowed the second quarter while having the field strung out at the half, tapped late and responded with a surge in a very impressive win. INTENTIONS defended the pocket early, stayed fairly close until before midstretch. RIPPLESONTHEBEACH went outside 5/8 to clear a gapper ¾, couldn’t gain further and reported back with “b.e.” MESSIER SEELSTER tried for early positioning but couldn’t get it and was a bit rank being taken back, not much the last half. THE OTHER THREE were having their own private race for the last check.
EIGHTH RACE – PINE BUSH WILBUR used the rail to advantage to control the pace, wide out of the first turn but got squared away, slowed the half, had no threat until late turn when VINCENTI challenged, defeated that one in a stretchlong duel. The latter was uncovered at the bottom of the second turn, moved up nicely and got the pocket as its former occupant had trouble, stayed there until late on the turn, gave the winner a good tussle. HEARTBREAK HILL stayed connected, wide in the lane and came on with good trot. LEGION OF HONOR backed out behind cover to avoid a shuffle, stayed third off the top two, then tired. COMMAND THE MARKET was in the group sweeping by the fading horse, so-so. KING KENNY broke to the first turn, made a good recovery to get back with the field by the half, although not a factor thereafter. CHECK MY SCORE raced away for the pocket, developed a problem near the half and started to gap badly, then was taken off the course.
NINTH RACE – LINDYSALWAYSTHINKN was five-wide nearing the first curve, three-wide 3/16 to a tuck at the ¼, moved with cover before the 5/8 and was able to retuck in the pocket, came out again for the stretch and worked by very nicely late in a fast mile for this kind under these conditions. OHARE HANOVER settled into the 3-hole, moved before the 5/8 and took command before the ¾, not enough for the winner but far better than the rest in a good try of his own. TUFFENUFTOWEARPINK defended the pocket against many outside leavers, shuffled late backstretch then outside and retucked a distant third, well ahead of the rest. ROSE’S REBEL was far off the front action, circled the others. OCTAVE was gapping by the half. BALI BEACH tried to advance uncovered towards turn two but couldn’t reach the backstretch cover. PHILOSOPHIZER had little. MOHAWK SEELSTER came through to take control, put up a fast half, but was done when challenged late backstretch.
TENTH RACE – CIGAR SMOKING TONY was parked past the quarter, yielded to the chalk for the pocket and stayed tight, to the Pocono Pike, got the lead midpond and then held off MIKIBYTHESEASIDE to his left. The latter stayed close early, sat in, went to the deep Pike and was making up ground quickly late. RED POWER was three-wide to the 1/8 then went behind cover, lost the cover past the ¼ and proceeded on to the lead 3/8, dealt with the first-over and turned for home with the lead, may have drifted out a little, held well, but not enough. TELL THEM LOU pushed away well from the pole and yielded past the ¼, uncovered 9/16 and went in 27 down the back to put extended pressure on the leader, seemed rebuffed mid-far turn but kept on going late. DIAMOND HEAD was second-over but couldn’t quite go with his cover. ACTOR HANOVER was in a bad spot third-over behind a horse not tight on cover, wide stretch, OK.
ELEVENTH RACE – NUTTINBUTHEBEST pushed away well from the rail and set the pace, rated the half, got no pressure, was measuring off the win late in the 27.4 kicker. BEACH BALLSY was away well to retain the pocket, got going midstretch and narrowed in but couldn’t reach the winner. DARK MIRAGE tucked third before the first turn, stayed connected until the far turn. KEYSTONE DELIGHT went evenly. ROCKIN GOOD TIME sat in and got the last check. BLOOD IN BLOOD OUT gapped most of the way to the half, moved uncovered but didn’t make much of a dent; IMONABEACH HANOVER followed that cover, swung wide, couldn’t reach.
TWELFTH RACE – GHOSTINTHESHELL S was on top at the 1/8, parked a foe well past a 26.3 opener before yielding, immediately retook, rebuffed a good first-over challenge, drew clear very impressively. PERTH ANGEL DE VIE left well, yielded, stayed connected, came up to the pocket as the two-holer broke on the turn, edged BIG NUDGE for second. The latter gapped second-over during a backstretch duel, swung wide and had some late trot. DAGO HANOVER followed lively cover, outtrotted. FOCUS POCUS tucked early, was shuffled to last, didn’t work back into it. KAZANS POWER started an uncovered bid at the half and went in 28 down the back to go head-and-head with the leader until headstretch, then suddenly fell back, went offstride midstretch. MISS VET HANOVER was three-wide to the 1/8 then limbed out long past the 26.3 first stanza, yielded, gapped during the backstretch duel but then got tighter, but then broke midturn and was taken to the centerfield.
THIRTEENTH RACE – WATERBOARD used the rail well to get the pocket, came up the inside and caught EASYRUNNER HANOVER. The latter took over 3/16, set the pace, stayed clear of the outside challengers in the stretch but couldn’t handle the one to her left. SILVER TAIL tucked fourth past the 1/8, then went second-over, three-wide past midturn, won a photo over BEAUTY IS BLIND for the distant third. The latter looked at leaving but was taken back while not liking the idea, uncovered into turn two and attacked, faded in the stretch. HURRIKANEMYSHANNON had little to offer after an inside trip. GETTING GONE, a little off the gate, was fourth-over behind a gapper, very wide turning for home and even wider late with pace, returned with “b.e.” BEAM M W never got a call. MORROCKIN K dangled outside in the second half of the field throughout, gapping cover when she got it.
FOURTEENTH RACE – PRACTICAL CAT was outside with cover early, went on to lead off the first turn, just too good for these. WHAT A DANCE was far behind entering the backstretch, advanced with cover, had very good late trot. FINLANDIA came out of fifth raw 5/8, gained but not as much as the place horse. SNOWFALLA made the lead to the 3/16, yielded off turn one for the pocket, got loose in the last ¼. BLUE DEVIL took back at the start, never again in the main picture. PRAIRIE VIRTUE offered very little. STORM BRINGER was among a bunch leaving but soon broke. TUFF TO BE LINDY yielded and was forwardly-placed, edged out of third midturn but broke.
