Jul 15, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – 67 degrees and “sloppy +1” track … NOTHING TOSEE HERE left and yielded for the pocket, moved to the Pocono Pike and got the job done. LOVE THAT SMILE took over just past the 1/8, set the pace as she pleased, saw foes come to her on both sides near the line, not bad. NEED UR OPINION got underway raw 5/8 and inched closer the rest of the way. TRAFFIC JAM gapped down the back while staying in, evenly late. BULLVILLEKARLA gapped second-over. ITS MESMERISE N gapped at the rear.
SECOND RACE – FRAC sat third until given his cue ¾, moved up immediately and went by midstretch. FIX-IT-UP took the pocket early and stayed there, to the Pocono Pike, had some good trot at the very end. SON OF LIBERTY burst through the rail and set the pace of his own choosing, couldn’t make the lead stand up. MAKIN MAGIC TONITE came out ¾ but didn’t gain. CERTIFIED AGENT was behind the gapping PONDA’S MUSCLE MAN the first half; neither got close. CRAZY ABOUT PAT broke at the start.
THIRD RACE – AHDC Trot … IFNOTMEWHO was three-wide early then pressed on until getting the top 3/8, kept up a good pace and was the dominant force in here. NEWELL PLACE tucked fourth, then started a long grind uncovered at the 3/8, to the pocket to the ¾, narrowed in a bit and far ahead of the rest. REAL MCCOY gapped second-over late backstretch, left raw, edged BANG BANG BOINGA for the distant third; the latter defended the pocket early, was shuffled back to the ¾ then out on a blindswitch midturn, gained a little back. TURBOCHARGEDPETE beat out the rest. LINDYS BOOZE CRUZ gapped much of the way. TRUMP THIS had very little to offer. FASHION CANTAB dashed to the early lead, finally yielded 3/8 in good fractions for these, began to disconnect 11/16.
FOURTH RACE – AMERICAN SKILLS stayed outside early, had brief cover early in quarter two then went on to take the top near the ½, held off a bid from SANDY COURT. The latter left and yielded, made a “hidden quarter-move” in front of the winner then yielded for the two-hole, outside stretch and getting close late. BIG CITY DAISY lagged a little much of the first half, uncovered 5/8 and did advance, looked hard to steer early backstretch then got a wheel under a foe, regathered and finished well but was placed for causing interference. CLAIREDELOU was wide leaving and took command, saw two go by in quarter two, evenly. SHUTUPANDDRIVE followed cover, wide early stretch when crowded and checked hard. CAPTAIN CATCH didn’t factor.
FIFTH RACE – Another AHDC Trot … SHOEMAKER HANOVER had very good cover, left uncovered ¾ and rushed right past the new leader, opened up at will in the last 3/16. CAMPBELLINI stayed in, backed out ¾, four-wide headstretch, just up for second over WINNERESS. The latter moved out but gapped letting a horse escape the rail, three-wide headstretch, still almost second. BROWNIE went right to the lead, yielded, sat in, shuffled ¾, got room to gain mid-far turn and then went to the Pocono Pike, not much late kick. ALL RISE took the early pocket then moved 3/16 to the lead, was under pressure from the 3/8 and finally yielded ¾, then came back out far turn as the new leader tired but couldn’t get back into the main action. GRAFENBERG was outside early taking back to last, not prominent. ALLINDOTIME moved uncovered 3/8 and challenged hard for the lead, cleared ¾ but was all done at that point.
SIXTH RACE – Rain falling early in the card beginning to slacken off … EPIC ACE generally stayed fairly connected to the lead two to past the half, inside, able to advance inside as the pocketsitter came out to follow the first-over midturn, up the Pocono Pike and was able to outfinish these. LYONS LIBERTY was on top in a fast 1/4, yielded for the two-hole, moved outside mid-far turn, went wide, caught up the inside as bearing out. A STUD NAMED SAM advanced with a good move down the back and fought with the leader, got by that one early stretch, couldn’t hold on to the lead. EDDARD HANOVER gapped second-over, evenly late. KINGSTONS BAD BOY gapped at points, evenly late. PAST DUE made two speed moves, was pressured from midbackstretch, broke s being passed early stretch.
SEVENTH RACE – TREACHEROUS PENNY went right down the road, strung the field out in quarter two, had only one keep up with her in a 27 third quarter, then left that one behind to win easily. EAZY HUNTING was in the pocket in a lineup sans the breaker, kept close in the fast backstretch then weakened through the stretch. HUNGRY FOR MONEY gapped from the 3/8, did a little better in the last 1/8. THE NEXT TWO were always far back. SANTAFE’S APPETITE may have been in close quarters at the 1/8 when making a break.
EIGHTH RACE – T H TYSON came out before the 5/8, wound up third-over, three-wide late turn, went past everybody in the latter stages. HOWLENTHEHILLS went to the top at the 1/8, pushed the brusher until well past the 3/8 then yielded for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, steady but outfinished. ANTE UP HANOVER moved uncovered 5/8 and challenged, got a small lead in the stretch but couldn’t hold on to it. BOBBY’S BLUE CHIP moved second-over, in traffic midstretch, so-so late. LAST GOODBYE was doing OK late from way back. REGGIE THE FOURTH gapped at a couple of points. BULLVILLES PRINCE quarter-moved from midpack, needed until past the 3/8 to clear, was under pressure, tired.
NINTH RACE – DEFACEMENT left, yielded, looked ready to quarter-move before the parked horse came on but had to check as the leader broke, looped by the parked horse then onward to the pocket, outside far turn to take over, held MELODRAMA at bay. The latter came out with cover, wide headstretch, looked like he may have wanted to run in a little in the lane, steady. FRANCO’S GIRL was far back most of the way, gained some in the Pocono Pike past tired horses and breakers. BINGO BRAIN was very wide before turn one, outside at the ¼, went to the top when the leader broke, got a slow middle half, still gave way. DIVINE ZETTE went on to the lead early, made a break 5/16 and went to the Pocono Pike, regained trot but broke again and stayed inside, then couldn’t reenter the main course until further retreat because the rest of the field were in position, little chance of recovery after that. STRIKING TACTFUL moved outside but was empty in the stretch before breaking. PINK WINGS broke sitting third past the 5/8.
TENTH RACE – INCOMMUNICADO hesitated just before the start but then regathered and was able to defend the pocket, waited behind the rated pace then went to the Pocono Pike, had a nice late surge to gain into a 27.2 last quarter and be along. YANKS DUGOUT was in front at the 1/8 and set the pace of his choosing, did very well sprinting home in the fast last quarter but just got nipped. HIGHLAND MOWGLI considered improving early position but took back, moved out ¾ and challenged, very good. HERCULISA followed cover late on the turn, a couple of steps shy. PL NOTSONICE was last of the main bunch throughout. RICH AND MISERABLE broke early.
ELEVENTH RACE – KICKUPYAHEELS N charged through at the start, yielded, moved behind cover at the ½ and soon was uncovered, went by towards the 11/16, had to deal with SPITTING IMAGE but did so. The latter was out behind the cover of the winner, left raw late backstretch, challenged briefly, steadily for second. ROMANTIC EVENING was in the good outer flow backstretch, not enough. GEORGIE MARTIN N was four-wide early, took back to tuck, came clear in the stretch and finished with some pace. SIRI BLUE CHIP made the lead 3/16, pushed a foe until relinquishing at the 3/8, came again before the half and made the top again after that point, yielded to the winner and couldn’t stay close. THE LAST TWO never entered the picture.
TWELFTH RACE – COCKTAIL FASHION went to the top, yielded to the 3/16 to sit the two-hole, outside headstretch and worked past MISS PRINCIPLE late. The latter went on to take over the front 3/16, set a slow second quarter then picked up the pace, held OK but settled for second. CELEBRITY SERENA tucked third, stayed inside, next-best. RED OVERBACH avoided the outer tier, gapped on the turn, a bit better late. KEYSTONE APACHE was behind dull cover, advanced some when that one finally tucked back in, four-wide into the lane but never got close. MY BOY CHRISTIAN moved raw 3/8, one-geared forward some without ever threatening. GREEK LEGEND was second-over, couldn’t stay with cover and ducked back in.
THIRTEENTH RACE – IDEALINFUN was with cover early, in fifth at the 3/16, uncovered past the 3/8, and one-geared up raw, proved resilient and got the decision although drifting out a bit. KAY SAGE was first on top, yielded for the pocket, Pocono Pike and took a short lead midstretch, not quite enough. A CRAFTY LADY had cover early, tucked third 3/16, sat in until coming out past midturn, wide stretch and finished with pace. NEVERTELLMETHEODDS sat in, gapped, did better late deep in the Pike. THINK OF GALAXIES left for command, had the winner gradually move to her the length of the backstretch, came up empty in the stretch. SOMEGIRLSOMEWHEREA gapped at the back. LITTLE BEARCAT backed out to second-over 5/8 but was soon gapping.
FOURTEENTH RACE – SEVENTIER was out 3/16 to make the lead, yielded and stayed close in the pocket, outside headstretch, took the measure of BLENHEIM late. The latter, now with trotting hopples, took an early three-tuck, moved to the ¼ to get the lead 3/8, kept up a good pace stringing out the field, drifted out a little but still was a good second. HUNTING AS tucked fifth, moved uncovered 11/16, did not tip wide of the winner when he moved out headstretch, steadily. NANCY BAR yielded 3/16, sat in, gapped ¾, evenly. FORREST couldn’t gain enough late ground. SNOWMAN HANOVER never got close. HOT SUMMER KNIGHT gapped the last ¼. PADRE was between horses early, broke 3/16.
Jul 13, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Warm day … Changeable wind, starting as a mild stretch tailwind … STOP STARING didn’t want to let anybody go on the first turn, did yield to the brusher in front of the stands to sit the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and got the lead midstretch, may’ve won a little more easily than the margin suggests. JACKIE MOON started on a long uncovered mission before the second turn, relentlessly gained and very game to continue on to the finish. DONTLIKEITLEAVE had great cover second-over, went three-wide, not too far off at the wire. TOPVILLE SOMROCKET tucked early, then quarter-moved and rolled on at a good clip, couldn’t make the lead last. TRUTHBTOLDBLUECHIP challenged hard early then backed off into the early pocket, then third-in, deep Pike, fair. JK OBJECTION was out with cover early, tucked fourth 3/16, shuffled back, so-so. YS DO IT RIGHT was in a good flow but not close to the lead, too much ground to make up. QUICK SNAP sat in, not clear in the stretch.
SECOND RACE – BOARDWALK BET yielded for the pocket, moved out late turn when clear and just paced away from these. SPRINGSTEEN came through at the start to take over before the 1/8, set the pace, got backstretch pressure, no match for the winner but held on to the distant second. MODERN ROCK was second-over, wide, OK. THIRD EDITION gapped for most of the first half then tightened, Pocono Pike, not enough. SHVAIKO was uncovered into the backstretch, went up in 27 to challenge, backed off far turn. SPRINGBRIDGE DUEL didn’t enter the main action from third-over. GRATIAN HANOVER gapped at the 5/8, didn’t factor, then not clear nearing the wire.
THIRD RACE – NO DRAMA PLEASE was looped and with cover to the 3/16, went on to the top 5/16, was in control to the wire. BY A HOFF HANOVER was first on top, yielded, came again raw 5/8 and challenged, lost ground in the lane but preserved second over PENCILS DOWN. The latter was part of the first turn two-wide tier, tucked fifth past the ¼, underway again early backstretch, got cover 5/8, gapped it, then did a little better late. CHUCKY DE VIE was wide early to 3/16 command, yielded to the winner 5/16 for the two-hole, no kick in the last 3/16. SECRET OR NOT tightened in on cover third-over, then was no late factor. ARCH CREDIT sat in, couldn’t keep up ¾. ZLATAN was far back throughout, as was LOUS LANCELOT.
FOURTH RACE – Now the wind is calm … GLOBALDOMINATION N went right down the road, rated quarter two, then was never threatened. AMERICA’S GUEST moved third-over nearing the half, three-wide 11/16 the duration, steadily for a good second. BLOW A CLOUD N went into the pocket towards the first turn, couldn’t keep up late. AWESOMENESS started uncovered just before the 3/8 but never reached the winner, held OK. REMEMBER THE BEACH was wide leaving, got in third 3/16, inside, to the Pocono Pike, not enough of a response. COWBOY COOL was out early to be second-over, blindswitched 11/16, didn’t factor. ER VEGAS stayed in, didn’t have too much late.
FIFTH RACE – AMERICAN CLASSIC moved out behind the parked horse at the half then soon was three-wide to get to first-over 5/8, able to drop into the pocket before the ¾, outside stretch and went by CAVIART ROCKLAND. The latter left strongly looping horses, set the pace, couldn’t stall the winner but was far ahead of the rest. LOUIE THE HORSE N was looped and three-wide to the 1/8, in fifth 3/16, stayed in, outside late turn after the top two were gone, next in line. CALYPSO ROCK N gapped early, stayed in, not prominent. MAJOR SHOW went wide to get around fading cover but didn’t enter the main picture. BIG BOSS HILL was always far back. BUTTER UP yielded for the pocket, came up empty 11/16. NO LAUGHINGSTOCK was looped, between horses, found no hole so continued two-wide, looped 5/8 and faded.
SIXTH RACE – KINDA LUCKY LINDY showed some speed, went uncovered early in the backstretch and one-geared inching forward, enough to go clear at the end. AP HALL OF TRIX let and secured the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and OK for the deuce. MACMORRIS HANOVER was very wide early but worked his way to the lead and the inside past the 1/8, rated quarter two, then faced increasing pressure from the winner, couldn’t make the lead stand up. ARCHIBALD moved outside early but picked up an excess of cover, three-wide far turn and closed well. DANDY was second-over but gapped. ONE AFTER NINE did not have good cover third-over, went inside his cover in the lane but didn’t gain. SORTIE was near the back throughout. WEATHER VANES was gapping inside far turn when going offstride.
SEVENTH RACE – GONNAHAVEONEMORE came through at the start, yielded, quarter-moved, shook off the first-over and kept the Pocono Piker at bay. PLAY THE FIELD was three-deep to turn one then went on to the lead just past the 1/8, yielded for the pocket, tried to catch the winner up the inside and raced well but had to settle for second. ODDS ON DELRAY tucked past the 1/8, got cover when he moved before the half, three-wide past the ¾ to two-wide later on the turn, third-best. CLASSIFIEDMATERIAL gapped from midbackstretch. GOOD DEAL made up a good deal of ground after being behind bad midrace gapper A FEARSOME HANOVER; HOT DEUCE did not make up much ground. SIMPLE KINDA PLAN left between horses to take the early pocket, moved uncovered near the half but was tiring by the ¾.
EIGHTH RACE – Mild stretch headwind … SPEED AWAY stayed close to the pace then went uncovered 5/8, grinded, found a little bit more in deep stretch and triumphed. DIEHARD SEELSTER was on top early, pushed the winner a little past the ¼ then yielded for the pocket, went to the Pocono Pike, good. COLLEGE TUITION made two speed moves to set a pretty quick pace, still had the lead past midstretch but couldn’t hold it. BULLY BOY HILL made up ground left by a backstretch breaker and did a good job to keep narrowing in; AGGIORNAMENTO did not make up near as much ground. FRANK THE ELDER broke just at the start. SHADOWFAX started to gap a little off the second turn and then broke.
NINTH RACE – HUNTANOVER was three-wide to the 3/16 then two-wide for command 5/16, kept going at a good clip, held off LAST MACH. The latter stayed close until moving out raw 5/8, inched up closer and closer, never gave up. CIGAR SMOKING TONY beat the field away, yielded to the winner 5/16, had his chance in the Pocono Pike but couldn’t produce enough. CURBSIDE PICKUP was outside early backstretch and picked up cover, went three-wide ¾, only gained a little then went back to the path behind the place horse, evenly. FENDI HANOVER gapped inside down the back, evenly. DIAMOND HEAD had little from third-over. THE LAST TWO were never factors.
TENTH RACE – BETTORS DONTTELL came uncovered at the half and speed-grinded, looked to bear in a trifle early stretch but straightened away, then showed rare courage to keep going on for the victory. TRACEUR HANOVER made the top into the first curve, yielded for the pocket, Pocono Pike, got a short lead for a couple of steps nearing deep stretch, raced well. RIP WHEELER was three-wide to turn one then two-wide to 3/16 command, tried hard and held on well but didn’t have enough to win. BACKSTREET SHADOW had a great trip second-over, three-wide late turn, was not at his best today. FEARFUL INTENT was away a little slow, gapped down the back, got the last check and wasn’t beaten by a great deal. ILIKEMEBETTOR A was in a very tough spot from third-over.
ELEVENTH RACE – STONE HANOVER started quickly, yielded for the pocket, gapped in the 26.1 third quarter then gradually drew tighter, to the Pocono Pike and snapped right on by. UNDRTHSOUTHRNSUN N was three-wide before the first turn and went up to take over just past the 1/8, tried to get away with a 26.1 third quarter, was caught up the inside but went on stubbornly even once passed. BUILDING BOOST was between horses to third at the 1/8, gapped frontstretch then closer and underway at the half, abreast of the winner behind the rampaging pacesetter down the back, flattened slightly but still a big race. REIGNING DEO made up a lot of ground. DIRT ON MY BOOTS gapped early backstretch then got closer, outside late turn, evenly. PARK OFFICIAL was far back, evenly late. DRUNKONAPLANE left a giant gap down the back. IDEAL BEACH trailed.
TWELFTH RACE – DONATO PATRIOT K was behind the early pace but then closer and underway raw into the backstretch, grinded steadily and along as the pace slowed. ROBBIE PEV spotted third then quarter-moved, kept up a quick pace, good in being second-best. DIVINE SPIRIT went right to the early lead, forced a tuck, then yielded past the ¼ for the pocket, Pocono Pike, not enough late. ILBENEEDINSTITCHES went second-over, gapped in the fast ¾ then closer on the turn, didn’t tip wide, flattened some. PAPI HANOVER left wide, tucked, stayed in, not too much punch in the lane. THE NEXT TWO didn’t have much chance after being far back since the start. BEER CHEESE gapped inside 11/16.
THIRTEENTH RACE—PEACE OUT POSSE sat the pocket in a lineup, to the Pocono Pike, got the lead midstretch and inched away thereafter in a fast back half. KASHED UP A came through at the start and headed a lineup, slowed quarter two then was urged to pick it up, came home in 55 -27.2 but still was caught, good try nonetheless. CAPTAIN FANCY pulled uncovered at the 5/8, inched up, flattened a little midstretch. THE WALL trailed IDIOSYNCRATIC off the top three, just got by that rival late while no factor.
FOURTEENTH RACE – GENTLE GIANT bypassed the pocket 3/16 and went to the top, had a clear lead from the 5/16, all alone in fast fractions to the end of a very fast mile. FOUR MORE YEARS pulled on the second turn, raced outside the very loose pocket horse past the 5/8, stayed trying for second. OUTWIT OUTRUN left well, yielded ¼ looking a little hard to handle, soon started leaving a gap that only got bigger, fought for second but was caught. BLOODHOUND came on with a little bit of belated pace. KB MAC got “position,” was gapping the gapping pocket horse from the ½. MUDVILLE was never close. DANCE PARTNER broke at the start, caught the field and moved two-wide to the half but then fell far back. TUGGIN ON MY HEART broke coming out of the turn before the start and again after the ¼, couldn’t recover.
Jul 10, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Low to mid 80s … Wind sometimes calm, and shifting … NASEY was under control early, tucked fourth 3/16, came uncovered going to the half, had an advantage but couldn’t clear late backstretch, kept going and took over for good midstretch. DART GUY left between horses and wound up with a good pocket trip, angled outside early stretch, was making up some ground very late. LADY’S IMAGE was three-wide to the 1/8 and onward to the front 3/16, got pressure from the winner most of the last half, not quite enough and just nipped for second at the very end. NICE STUFF left and yielded, couldn’t keep up entering the far turn, to the Pocono Pike and OK late. THE NEXT TWO were never factors. BLOGMASTER went second-over but gapped good cover.
SECOND RACE – DUVAL STREET bided time early outside then went into higher gear just past the 1/8 to the lead 5/16, went a fast backstretch to keep a challenger at bay, continued on speedily for a sharp win. BAY CITY got command at the 1/8, yielded 5/16 and sat the pocket trip, Pocono Pike, good but settling for second. LOUSAIN BOLT started uncovered just past the 1/2, went 26.4 to challenge in the third quarter, held on pretty well. ZEUS HANOVER left some, stayed third-in, evenly along the inside late. FULL SUPPORT was a bit slow starting, went up second-over, didn’t tip wide, so-so. WILLIAM HANOVER gapped down the back. THORN TOAD was last, couldn’t keep up.
THIRD RACE – ON THE HOUSE protected forward position, pulled from third 11/16 and went up to challenge, won easily. KADDARI looped the field, yielded just past the ¼ but retook 3/8, won a photo for second over RUFFLES N LACE. The latter was third-over, three-wide past midturn and closed a long way. A GOOD CHARDONNAY was looped early and between horses, up to gain command just past the ¼, yielded into turn two, pocket, outside stretch but couldn’t gain. EVIL GUY was uncovered on turn two, finally got cover to the 11/16 but then couldn’t stay with it, ducked all the way down into the Pocono Pike early stretch, evenly. ALDEBARAN ACRUX was about four lengths off the gate and a gapping last much of the way, was doing quite a bit better at the wire. GINA’S ON FIRE left, took back and got in at the ¼, not heard from thereafter. SAINT TRIXIE was not a major danger.
FOURTH RACE – HOPPING FASHION pulled from third 3/8 to the lead early into the clubhouse turn, strung the field out down the back, was in control in the slowish mile. HOP TO IT went into the pocket after the breaker, pulled from third past midturn, along for second. KAT ATTACK was on top, yielded into turn two, a trifle loose in the pocket, evenly late. SWEET SECRET pulled to go around a gapper ¾, finished with some trot. WISH LIST sat in, gapped ¾. WUNDERKIND HANOVER looked to be leaving when running just past the start, caught the field but couldn’t get back into the race.
FIFTH RACE – Stretch headwind picked up … SPARROW HANOVER was three-wide to the first bend and in front 3/16, responded well to a giant move from the first-over late backstretch, drew back clear late. RUSTY BEACH went to the top near the 1/8, yielded or the two-hole, gapped as the pace picked up to the ¾ and around the turn, Pocono Pike, OK in second. GRETZKY THE GREAT roared out of fourth 5/8 and paced in 26.1 to throw heat on the winner, gave a little ground after the giant move. SHARED BY ME stayed attacked, evenly. THE BACK THREE gapped out most of the last half.
SIXTH RACE – LINDYS LANDING, wide leaving, too the pocket 3/16, and stayed connected to the stretch, then to the Pocono Pike and went by CS EXPLOSIVE CHIP. The latter left between horses to 1/8 command and forced a tuck, didn’t get much pressure as the outer tier was led by a parked-the-mile horse, couldn’t hold off the pocket rocket. HS REMINGTON was third-over, three-wide midturn and closed strongly. DANCEHALL KING sat in, didn’t clear until midstretch, then slinkied in traffic while gaining. SWEDISH HAT was first on top and relinquished, third-in, inside, not enough. IT’S SNOW WONDER was out behind the parked horse, took the blindswitch far turn, not too much. FAIR KOUNTRY was three-wide near the back early, decided to press on two-wide at the 1/8, was left out in the air, held position until early stretch. SIR PINOCCHIO made a break past the 5/8 while looking to join the outer tier.
SEVENTH RACE – SMOOTH LANDING went inside a breaker early and got the lead coming off the first turn, looked to have shaken off CAPTAIN CHESLEY into the stretch but saw that one come back on, held for the triumph. The latter made a brief break early but quickly righted, moved uncovered into the second turn and gained down the back, lost a little ground straightening away but carried out doggedly while bearing out a little; an inquiry into his possibly violating the breaking rule gave no reason for placing. TOMMY BOY HANOVER left, yielded off turn one for the pocket, Pocono Pike, not enough. PARTY AT SEVEN backed out to second-over past the 5/8, OK late. ULURU sat in third, may have been in tight quarters deep in the Pocono Pike. NIGHT STAR offered little. MONKS HOOD S gapped cover. HESPOOKSHESCORES was bidding for the early lead when breaking at the 1/8, was taken wide.
EIGHTH RACE – Wind calm for races six and seven, now changing to a stretch tailwind … BENICIO came out of sixth early backstretch and vs. the wind plowed right on uncovered, in a big struggle with LODESTAR and gamely catching that rival on the money. The latter headed down the road, came home in 27.2 but still got caught. GET ANSWERS went to the pocket at the 1/8 and stayed close, Pocono Pike, did well but didn’t get all the right answers. AMBUSHED was a trifle loose in third most of the way around, faded. YOUNONOTHINJON would have had prime cover if he could have stayed with it. ADULT SWIM was looped early and tucked; she and WINDSUN TARA were not major late factors. BLANK CHEEK was last at every call.
NINTH RACE – FLASHY SWAN grabbed control at the ¼, rated quarter two then opened a big lead with a big third quarter, saw foes narrowing in the last ¼ but never really threatening. EVER HOPEFUL G made the front, yielded at the ¼ for the two-hole, a bit loose down the back and into the turn, then closer, Pocono Pike, held well. TAILWIND PAT spotted third, moved outside late turn, couldn’t gain. BANGLES N BEADS went evenly inside. KT DOUBLE DEUCE moved outside far turn but couldn’t get closer. LIRA HANOVER started gapping 5/8. SOPHIE HANOVER dropped far back. MERCURY LANE misbehaved at the start.
TENTH RACE – NICALO HANOVER got early positioning, could wait to move uncovered until the 11/16 behind the fast pace, then grinded up and drew away. JUSTLIKEHIM was on top towards turn one, yielded 3/16 for the pocket, a bit loose much of the backstretch, Pocono Pike, along for second. ARGENTO was behind a gapper until the 5/8, moved out and wound up third-over, widest in the lane and closed OK. DA BOOGIE MAN moved second-over 11/16, not a major presence. MUSHANA sat in, went to the far inside, may have been in tight quarters. LEVITATION made the front 3/16 and rolled along, nothing left for the stretch. SIMON GOT LUCKY gapped midrace, then had no clear path late.
ELEVENTH RACE – GUYS IN THE BAND had the lead a few steps in and a big advantage to the ¼, went on at a giant clip for these, ran off and hid. MCNEILL Z TAM moved early in the backstretch from behind a gapper, got cover 5/8, three-wide for the lane and had finishing pace. BEACH VIBES tailed the place horse, never went wide from off his back until nearing the wire. LET’S GET ROCKED left a gap midrace, out in a blindswitch headstretch, edged wider and had some pace with some room late. LYONS KING tucked third, left a big gap most of the way, Pocono Pike, never a contender. I’M SPONGE WORTHY was the only horse staying close to the winner most of the way, then might’ve bottomed out chasing the fast pace. NOLAUGHINGSTOCK was behind a gapper then moved raw 5/8, advanced on a challenge, then advanced no further the last 1/8.
TWELFTH RACE – TODDLER TANTRUM was out to the ¼ for the top, rated quarter two then sped up, shook off the first-over and went clear of this collection. RYCROFT N left, yielded for the pocket, not enough to stay with the winner but held second over oncoming horses. ARTACHE HANOVER moved out to the half and quickly got cover, went up, three-wide midturn, did OK late. BOLTMAN sat in, shuffled to last, weaved for clearance in the stretch and wasn’t bad. ROPE THE MOON wound up third-over, three-wide with cover far turn, too far behind. WHAT’S GOIN ON stayed in, was not prominent. ALWAYS A LOOK tucked third at the 1/8, outside early backstretch and advanced, flattened out midturn.
THIRTEENTH RACE – HELP PAGE was three-deep to turn one to the lead 3/16, was in control throughout. DEVIOUS PROMISES was swiftest away, yielded, stayed close to midstretch, then flattened but still far clear of the rest. QUITE FAST took a tuck, went loose late backstretch, next in line. OLD MAGIC stayed out of trouble. KEYSTONE SWEETPEA gapped most of the way starting early. MISSILE was looped and outside early, broke 3/16, caught the field and moved outside down the back, then fell way back. TUXEDO ATTIRE started uncovered near the half but soon was on the run.
Jul 9, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Mid 80s through the day; no wind to start, but that will change … STEALING was three-wide leaving, in front at the 1/8, had a challenger from just past the half, behind that one much of the backstretch but maintained the inner advantage, stayed game and got the decision late. CHOCO CHARLIE came with a rush just entering the backstretch, looked like he was going to clear to the lead but was just shy of being able to cross over, raced well but had to settle for place. STAR TRACK HANOVER sat the early pocket, backed out down the back when it looked like the first-over was going by, back to the pocket on the turn, next-best. MISS PRINCIPLE had an excess of cover, was finishing well. SO LONG HANOVER gapped second-over. NANCY BAR briefly left then settled back, could have gotten the pocket late backstretch but didn’t reach, Pocono Pike, not much. TUIS SHADOW was never close. TRICKY DICK was gapping by the 3/8 and lost contact the last half.
SECOND RACE – Stretch headwind started … RIOT went to the lead, backed off the half, then greatly benefited with confusion behind him off the second turn and opened a huge lead, gave back most of the advantage in the last quarter but had enough to hold on. PERKINS was bothered, out with cover, uncovered late turn, kept eating into the margin. PANTHEON HANOVER was wide around the trouble, left uncovered way back, got to the pocket on the turn, outpaced for second. REAGAN BLUE CHIP was right behind the breaker and made an “ix,” recovered and had the distant “pocket”, couldn’t hold that position, not a late factor. BLACKLIGHT was also affected by the trouble. STELLAR BLUE CHIP was three-high early, took the pocket 3/16, looked hard to hold sitting in in the slow second quarter, unruly and made a break before the half scattering all but the winner.
THIRD RACE – MR GRANT led from the first step to the last, slowed the half then sprinted in 28 to be in full charge, big 56.3 back half by a 2YO maiden trotter. LITTLE MARK was soon second and stayed relatively close nicely in the fast last half. ALL TOO WELL settled third at the 1/8, outtrotted a bit by the top two but still far clear of the rest. THE NEXT TWO did not have the speed to be competitive here. TWILIGHT MOTION started to gap in the backstretch and broke 5/8. I’M OUT was in(side the pylons) after a 3/16 break.
FOURTH RACE – DOUBLE DIPPIN was three-wide leaving to the top before the 1/8, set wild fractions for this class while on a huge lead, tired in the lane (31 last quarter) and kept to task to hold on to an unassailable advantage. PRAIRIE NUGGET yielded to the 1/8 and gapped from the 3/16, but narrowed in some in the last quarter. TEST MY WILL came on to catch ACTION SHOT for third; the latter left between horses and went in third at the 1/8, gapped the pocket horse from the 5/8. THE NEXT PAIR had little to offer here. PAUC HANOVER broke soon before the start; SOUTHWIND FIREBALL broke w-a-y before the start.
FIFTH RACE – GOING GREEN quarter-moved, unchallenged until going to the ¾, held off the favored closer. SECURITY PROTECTED was strung out like many of the others much of the way, outside 11/16, three-wide late turn, found good strides in the last 1/16 but was too late. MEMORYNIMAGINATION entered the picture behind the place horse far turn, initially wanted to try to split horses in the stretch then ducked further inside and did well late. FIVE SECOND RULE was immediately on top, yielded, briefly backed out to second-over but then to the pocket ¾, tired some. CAN HAVE IT ALL struggled to keep up from the 3/8 to late backstretch, little late. STICKY FINGERS was looped leaving, worked up to the top at the ¼, yielded to the winner, moved out 1/16 but didn’t have too much on the second move. MBF CONQUEST fell further and further back the last half.
SIXTH RACE – SANTA MONICA AS took the pocket early, outside ¾, proved to have the most in the late stages though going wide some. FRESHGROUNDPEPPER took control from the pole, rated the half, got pressure ¾, stayed in the middle of a three-way battle through the stretch. BARCELONA PRINCESS was three-wide to the 1/8 then tucked third 3/16, up to the pocket on the turn, looked like she might have had a brief short lead inside midstretch, flattened some. TSM EMILIA T was bothered by a breaker but got back into the race well; GADOT HANOVER was bothered by the same breaker but never recovered. SELENA DEO moved from fourth 11/16 and got cover ¾, was following that cover far turn when she ran. SOUTHWIND DESI was looking to leave when going offstride. AVA MARIE broke going into turn two and went to the infield.
SEVENTH RACE – SIR FRED JONES was uncovered from way back before the 5/8, one-geared it up steadily to challenge, lead midstretch, very impressive. BIRD AND GRENADE kept the pocket tight early, to the Pocono Pike, good for second although not quite enough to withstand the winner. MODELO backed out 11/16 for cover, raced well but not as well as the winner. THIS ONEISONME wouldn’t surrender early, then backed off the half, not enough in the lane. ATLAS ROCK was three-high before turn one, challenged but was parked, took back to the three-hole after a breaker, fell back. HEYTHERBARTENDER was off the gate and never in it. GREENSPAN first broke nearing the ¼. CYCLONE BEN was wide early, spotted, looked a bit unruly in the hole before breaking to the 3/8.
EIGHTH RACE – Stretch headwind has become strong … CROWN MONARCH launched a long uncovered move 5/8 that carried him right to contention and then the lead late on the turn, maintained a safe margin. VAQUERO BLUE CHIP was quarter-mover #1 from the pocket, yielded, outside behind the winner late turn, wasn’t getting to him but was a clear second after using much energy. RIVERIA BEACH was QM#2 to the front 3/8, tired some from midturn. INTERNATIONALCRAZE went to the lead, saw two go by in quarter two, couldn’t keep up in the last 1/8. SPACE EXPLORER broke w-a-y before the start, recovered and minded his manners to get a check. GREEN MEADOW sat in, backed out before the ¾ but had little. ALFAROMEO broke an 1/8 before the start, recovered, moved outside on the second turn but sputtered again coming out of that curve.
NINTH RACE – The last ¾ was 1:31.1, so many were close at the wire … DEVITO HANOVER was uncovered down the back to command 11/16, held off the late chargers. TEMPLETON advanced in then moved out in front of a gapper past midbackstretch, narrowed in just a little too late. FULL SCALE moved with cover then was left uncovered 11/16, up to challenge the winner late turn, proceeded on steadily. PRAIRIE FAMOUS gapped early then inherited the pocket to the ¼, was shuffled midturn, then went to the Pocono Pike, not very far away. WINE BAR sat in and was buried inside, came between horses with trot then was shut off nearing the wire. TO MY CREDIT made the lead at the 1/8, couldn’t fight the winner’s move 11/16, didn’t back up too far because of the slow time. ALTITUDE was in front then yielded, broke while close at the ¼, recovered and wide far turn, flattened. STRONG BREW gapped at several points.
TENTH RACE – REFORMATION went to the lead and yielded, third-in, backed out past midturn, swung four-wide and was trotting the most solidly late. HIGHLY MOTIVATED was uncovered 5/8 and kept gaining, got a DH2 tied with CARRERA HANOVER. The latter broke at the start, made up considerable ground in second-over position down the back, wide stretch, good recovery. LONELY LAKEWOOD made the front 3/16 then yielded 3/8 for the pocket, Pocono Pike, not enough. EXECUTIVE GAME gapped down the back, deep Pike, fair. RISE went behind cover early, uncovered 3/16 to the lead 3/8, fell back through the stretch. CALL OF THE WILD broke coming of turn two.
ELEVENTH RACE – LORD OF MISRULE took command 3/16, rated Q2 into the wind and didn’t get a severe challenge down the back — had many coming at him in the stretch, though, but gamely refused to surrender the lead. SOUTHWIND DREDGE was second-over behind a one-gear horse, three-wide past midturn, finished well but came up just shy. ARTIFACT HANOVER yielded 3/16 for the pocket, outside headstretch, had aim, just short. DOCTOR BB was forwardly-placed, got to the Pocono Pike, a step shy. KINGSTONS BAD BOY was uncovered into turn two, only could one-gear while not threatening. MISTER DAYTONA N was wide early then backed off, in fourth to the 3/16, not a factor late. SELECT FRIDAY didn’t enter the main picture. TERRITORY was third-over at the half but gapped the flow.
TWELFTH RACE – FORREST got the pocket leaving, loose of the fast-stepping pacesetter until before the ¾, reeled that one in far turn to take the lead, had enough to keep the winning margin as the pace (inevitably) slowed. HOLLAND HALL raced in a strung-out third-in position, behind the winner on the turn, narrowed in on that one late. MATTER OF TRUST went in fourth before the 3/16, gapped severely early backstretch, narrowed in, but could not continue forward progress. CUPID HANOVER was loose on the lead with big fractions stringing out the field, tired in the last 5/16. PRAIRIE VIRTUE never featured. STEEL SCHOONER broke right at the start. UFTON ABBY HANOVER gapped severely 11/16. KEYSTONE SERGEANT made a break in front of the stands the first time.
Jul 7, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Stretch headwind … Mid 70s throughout … Rain during the first race, and continuing: “fast +0” race 1, “good +1” race 2, and “sloppy +1” thereafter … PAPI HANOVER had an ideal second-over trip, wide stretch and asserted himself through the lane. JACKED had cover early, uncovered 3/16 to the top 3/8, in a fierce battle with the first-over and wouldn’t let that one cross over, good second. BRIDGE TO VICTORY pushed the pylons, forced a tuck, yielded 3/8, got a good trip behind the last-half duel, Pocono Pike, not quite enough. KEYSTONE APACHE started slowly and gapped in last much of the way, gained past a few late after the race had been decided. CHUCKY DE VIE came first-over just past the half and went 27.3 with the wind, got an advantage but never could cross over, tired. KASEVILLE left, put into the pocket 3/16, struggled from the 5/8.
SECOND RACE — …now to good +1, with the wind calm … DIRT ON MY BOOTS improved position early, vacated third 11/16 and marched right up to challenge, took the measure of CIGAR SMOKING TONY late in the sprint home. The latter was out 3/16 before claiming the lead, left alone up top until nearing the far turn, came home in 54.4 – 27.1 and still was caught. TERRY A HANOVER left, yielded for the two-hole, stayed plugged-in throughout, just a little shy late. TREVOR ONE started slowly and was gapping badly by the 1/8 with foes circling him, moved outside 5/8 but never reached the top three, passed a couple of gappers in CAPTAINS PLACE and HE’S ELECTRIC (who ironically had passed him when he gapped early).
THIRD RACE — …and now sloppy +1 … IGNATIUS HANOVER gapped second-over and was blindswitched late backstretch, did better on the turn, dropped down when the pocketsitter broke and used the Pocono Pike to take the victory. FOXY JOYCE was uncovered before turn two, gradually went up to start challenging the leader 11/16, may never have had the lead but trotted on steadily. DIVINE ZETTE was behind the gapping winner when going three-deep before the 11/16, found her best gear late to narrow in well. TSM LOYALTY T was three-wide to the first turn, took a tuck third 3/16, stayed in, out in a blindswitch past midturn, followed the path of the winner late, may not have been fully clear – hard to tell how much she had left. RAVIOLI came through between horses to assume command early, went a slow half, was challenged from late backstretch, tired. WAL STREET LADY made no moves, then had to sidestep a far turn breaker. TACTICLAND was innermost of three leavers, yielded for the pocket, started to fade at the ¾ then broke midturn.
FOURTH RACE – HUNGER STRIKE floated out and tucked third, moved out 5/8 and advanced, went by easily. FUNKY BUNCH showed sharp speed and rolled on the engine, couldn’t handle the winner but preserved second over ANTE UP HANOVER. The latter left well to secure the pocket, slightly shuffled nearing headstretch, to the Pocono Pike, couldn’t get second but far ahead of the rest. SILKEN SWEET was never in the main frame. ADRIATICO HANOVER moved to the 5/8 then accepted cover, couldn’t stay with it. PYRENEES HANOVER also gapped two-wide. LAST GOODBYE went to a run at the ¼.
FIFTH RACE – BRIGHT SIDE UP was three-wide to turn one, in front at the 1/8, slowed the half, then drew away from this field. PADRE gapped inside midpack, to the Pocono Pike and just got the distant second. CELEBRITY SERENA was part of the strung-out bunch behind the winner, inside then outside early stretch, found better steps late and almost made second. BY A HOFF HANOVER left between horses for the pocket, started going loose 5/8. KEEGAN HO did not benefit from his cover, three-wide midturn, did get a payday. CREEMORE followed cover from far back but never featured. RED OVERBACH, looking a bit hard to steer at times, left some, then gapped a little, underway uncovered early in the backstretch but his bid ended at the ¾.
SIXTH RACE – It has stopped raining; the track will remain “sloppy” … REACHTHRUTHESKY AS left well and reached the pocket at the 1/8, gapped in the third quarter duel, then up the inside in the stretch and drew away. KAY SAGE got to the top easily, picked up a determined challenger off turn two and had to deal with her, finally shook that one off but couldn’t stall the pocket rocket. A CRAFTY LADY moved out with urging but gapped cover, better late then had to steer inside the drifting horse for third. THINK OF GALAXIES moved sharply 3/8 to try to get the lead but was kept out (while having a small advantage on occasion), fell back in the lane and drifted wide. SPITTING IMAGE was behind gapping cover, did not factor. CLEAR THE WAY was not prominent from third-in.
SEVENTH RACE – ASWEETBEACHHERE yielded for the pocket, sensed the 3/8 slowdown and moved to the lead, went a soft third quarter as the challenger did not arrive until near the ¾, sprinted home in 27 to control her own destiny. HUNGRY FOR MONEY worked to command just past the 1/8, backed off the tempo then let the winner go by, not quite enough quickstep from the pocket but a good second. SHOWBOAT HANOVER made up a lot of ground raw in a soft third split, then held well in a fast last quarter. AMERICAN STARLIGHT followed cover from last, not much late. SALTZ SHAKER was third-in, didn’t have enough late sprint. PD’S GEM gapped at the half then broke before the 5/8.
EIGHTH RACE – TREVOR’S ACE was three-wide to the first turn, had cover to the ¼ then went up and took the top just past the 5/16, went head-to-head with CURBSIDE PICKUP starting at the 5/8, got away a little bit headstretch but still needed to go on to defeat his stubborn foe. The latter started uncovered 5/16, reached the leader by the 5/8 and got into a big tussle with him, stayed close considering the raw ground he had to cover. EDDARD HANOVER was inside other leavers and didn’t yield easily, finally did 5/16 for the pocket, a little loose in the fast third split, outside in the stretch and got close as the speed slackened a mite late. BEACH TOWN BOY was five-wide early, took back to tuck, then outside behind a sluggish one, ducked inside, raced better than the line would suggest. ROSE RUN WOODROW wasn’t prominent. A STUD NAMED SAM backed out to second-over but couldn’t keep up. KYUQUOT followed the place horse outside early but never reached contention. CALYPSO ROCK N left, finally took the pocket at the ¼, all done at the 11/16.
NINTH RACE – MUFASA AS quarter-moved and was far clear from the half on. REAL MCCOY moved to go around the gapping pocketsitter before the 11/16, tucked back in the two-hole, outside stretch and bore out almost to the outside fence, still a clear second. FIX-IT-UP was right behind the place horse, wound up out three-wide through the turn while a bit steppy, moving best of the rest late. SON OF LIBERTY came out in a blindswitch far turn, photoed for third. PHANTOM RUSTY sat third-in, eased out towards the ¾ to avoid a shuffle, had little late. MY BOY CHRISTIAN gapped at the back. CRITICAL MASS never reached critical mass. CRAZY ABOUT PAT went on to the lead at the 1/8, surrendered it to the winner, started going backwards from the pocket from the ½.
Jul 6, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Stretch headwind on a warm day … URBAN RENEWAL came out 11/16 but gapped cover until midstretch when he was still fifth, then edged wider and had the most pace as the tempo slowed. THE DARK SHADOW was hung just past a 25.3 opener, yielded for the pocket, pulled same before the ¾, battled solidly home after hard involvement. ELWELL had cover until the ¼ then went on to take over 3/8, continued the torrid pace with pressure from the ¾, held the lead until the final steps. PLAY THE FIELD pushed the monstrous opener before yielding, inside, Pocono Pike, not quite enough. BENJI’S BEST was third-over, narrowed in from last. GONNAHAVEONEMORE gapped the early battle most of the way to the half, inside, deep Pike, not enough. … ELWELL was claimed for a track-record-equaling $40,000.
SECOND RACE – GENTLE GIANT was three-wide early then two-wide into the first turn to the lead 3/16, refused to let the parked horse go, shook off the bid of the sweeper, then went on solidly to defeat CAPTAIN ROMANCE. The latter left well, forced one tuck then yielded for the two-hole, Pocono Pike, had his shot but came up just short. STOP STARING was between horses early and took back, sat in until mid-far turn, wide, gained some but not enough. TOPVILLE SOMROCKET was out second-over before the half, three-wide to the 5/8 to two-wide uncovered late backstretch, challenged, gave ground little by little in the lane. JK STANDINGOVATION was last, didn’t enter the picture. GOOD DEAL gapped inside 5/8. MUDVILLE was outleft and had cover to the ¼ then was left out in the air, urged but could not clear the winner, faded after being looped.
THIRD RACE – BUSBOY HANOVER took back to third early, moved around the gapping pocket horse and got close to the leader, outside headstretch and went right on by. AMERICA’S GUEST followed the winner at a distance. AWESOMENESS retucked, outside late turn, some on the end. SOUTHPORT BEACH made two moves, had a big lead before midbackstretch as the pocket horses faded but then had the winner catch up, tiring late. ER VEGAS offered little. CHEYENNE REIJANE was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to the 26.1 quarter, yielded for the pocket, all done at the half.
FOURTH RACE – AGGIORNAMENTO had great cover second-over, tipped wide early in the lane, up in the last couple steps. BULLY BOY HILL was uncovered not long into the backstretch, grinded away, got a very short lead deep stretch, just missed after a big mile. KINDA LUCKY LINDY moved at the ¼, briefly had cover then took the lead in front of the stands, under duress most of the last half, ahead until very late. GREAT MAGIC was by far the fastest away, saw two go by early, stayed in and was shuffled, found room before midstretch, evenly late. ONE AFTER NINE gapped cover third-over. MACMORRIS HANOVER moved from second 3/16 to the lead to the 5/16 then yielded for the pocket, started gapping 11/16.
FIFTH RACE — CAVIART LUCA was three-wide to the 1/8, was shut out of a hole and went up before the ¼ to challenge for the lead, couldn’t clear despite urging, fell back nearing the very fast ¾ but then regathered on the turn, drifted wide but continued gamely to catch the tiring ODDS ON DELRAY in a 30.1 last quarter. The latter was parked to a 26 quarter then gave the winner the cold shoulder, seemed to have dispensed him before the ¾ and went clear, but then tired after the speed show. A FEARSOME HANOVER was away slowly and far back in last, along for the distant third. COWBOY COOL also gapped, outside late turn, evenly. ROLLINWITHAMBITION pushed the quick quarter then yielded, got loose past the 5/8. ART SCENE shut a hole 3/16, then was not heard from again.
SIXTH RACE – GRAPPLE HANOVER left hard, refused to yield to one foe forcing him to take back into the pocket, then did yield to the next opponent before turn two, sat the two-hole, just up along the inside as the pace slowed. ARCHIBALD quarter-moved behind cover, briefly three-wide 5/16 and built up enough steam to go by before the second turn, was challenged down the back and through the turn, shook off that opponent then just missed as caught up the inside. SEVENTIER was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide, couldn’t go by the leader to the 3/8 but was able to tuck behind him, on the go again 5/8 and attacked raw, held well considering the tough trip. SKYWAY KON MAN was between horses early then tucked fourth, which turned out to be the pocket past the ¼, but gapped allowing a tuck, out second-over but didn’t have much. ALLINDOTIME wasn’t a factor inside; SORTIE wasn’t a factor outside. TRUEMASS VOLO broke coming off the first turn.
SEVENTH RACE – SOUTHWIND OZZI worked to the lead 3/16, rated the half then really had to speed up under a big challenge from PEACE OUT POSSE from just past the 5/8 all the way to the wire. The latter came out of third coming out of the second turn, found full stride and went 26.1 to argue with the winner down the back, very good but second-best now. HEZA KINGSLAYER N, slightly off the gate, started uncovered into turn two and got cover coming out of that bend, gapped in the big third panel but got closer on the turn, ducked to the Pocono Pike, raced well but didn’t have the steps of the top two. KASHED UP A was last, wide and gained late. THE WALL couldn’t keep up along the inside. ACTON HANOVER yielded 3/16 for the two-hole, couldn’t keep up against the warring front two from the 11/16. PARK OFFICIAL moved outside but couldn’t get into it.
EIGHTH RACE – IMAGINARY LINE headed right down the road, had enough speed to keep BUILDING BOOST outside, then could draw away from that one late. The latter moved uncovered not far into the backstretch and speed-grinded in 26.2 the third quarter to challenge, gave a little bit of ground gradually. FRISKIE ALL NITE was three-wide to the first turn, in third at the 1/8, gapped when the pace picked up, a distant third. MODERN ROCK was out behind nonadvancing cover that he had to steer around that one when he broke, so-so late. SANTAFE’S COACH left and went into the two-hole at the 1/8, started to let loose 11/16 and fell back. BULLVILLE STEPHANO was second-over but gapped his cover, then broke far turn.
NINTH RACE – KENZIESKY HANOVER tucked third and gapped a little late first turn, then quarter-moved, didn’t have anybody reach her and won nicely. DONATO PATRIOT K was uncovered early in the backstretch and one-geared up, fought on steadily but never reached the winner. SHADOWFAX gapped second-over, then had better trot towards the end of the mile. DIEHARD SEELSTER was seventh at the “START” point but used track geometry and a burst of speed to be on top nearing the 1/8, yielded to the winner to sit the pocket, went a bit loose nearing the ¾. COLLEGE TUITION left well, took the pocket at the 1/8, sat in, not clear far turn but not tight on the horse directly in front, Pocono Pike, not much response. MARION GONDOLIER was looped before the first turn and took back, did not factor. THE LAST TWO were always at the back.
TENTH RACE – JOESSTAR OF MIA A was in front before the 25.4 opener, got some breather in quarter two then turned on the jets again, came home in 55 to hold off ILIKEMEBETTOR A. The latter was away swiftly and kept up in the pocket, outside to headstretch, gained a little. CODE CRACKER gapped in quarter two then tighter, Pocono Pike, did well. AFLAME HANOVER sat in, was doing OK late then shut off nearing the wire. SONNY WEAVER N moved uncovered but got only to the pocket horse’s wheel, kept at it well. MIRRAGON A was out before the half and got cover which didn’t advance too well, three-wide headstretch, OK from an impossible spot.
ELEVENTH RACE – CAPTAIN FANCY moved 3/16 to the lead 5/16, saw most of these left well behind trailing a gapper and went 26.3 down the back with only SPRINGSTEEN staying close, drew away from that one late. The latter was away quickly, yielded, stayed connected but in doing so was robbed of any rally. BINGE ON YANKEE was locked in in last, used the deep Pocono Pike for the very far back third slot. BETTOR ROLL ON A sat in and was stuck behind a gapper, to the Pike, couldn’t quite take third. BULLVILLE FRANK had sluggish cover, wide, got the last check. WESTERN PERCH gapped a bit the first half and then more and more in the second half. DONT JUDGE A BOOK tried to make up ground uncovered but did not.
TWELFTH RACE – STENDAHL HANOVER left inside three of his six rivals and put them all in behind, sped up with the wind down the back and opened a huge lead, appeared to be coasting late as SHVAIKO got closer. The latter defended the pocket, left a big gap through much of the last half, did narrow the margin a bit late and far ahead of the rest. LAST MACH had nonadvancing cover second-over, wide and the distant third. REGAL ESCAPE was uncovered at the half but never reached the same zip code as the winner. PARMESAN N was three-wide until before the 3/16 then tucked, not a forward factor thereafter. SOMBODYITREASURE was four-wide early, tucked fourth, far back. SPORTY DRAGON lost contact with the others down the back.
THIRTEENTH RACE – DANCE PARTNER left and got the pocket, waited for the Pocono Pike, then outfooted JK OBJECTION from midstretch home. The latter cleared 3/16 in the 26.1 opener, got a breather, then came under pressure down the back, held decently but settled for second. QUICK SNAP was uncovered early backstretch, urged but didn’t get closer than the leader’s wheel until past midturn, finished steadily. YS DO IT RIGHT moved three-wide from second-over midturn, didn’t quite reach. JACKIE MOON took back early, followed cover two- and three-wide, wider in the lane and did well late. STONEBRIDGE DUEL sat in, evenly without a clear stretch path. TRUTHBTOLDBLUECHIP didn’t get into the main mix. OUTWIT OUTRUN was four-high to the first turn, soon thereafter two-wide and advancing frontward when breaking before the ¼.
