May 7, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Temperature drop from 52 to 45 degrees … Strong stretch headwind; seven races didn’t beat 30 home, and three didn’t beat 31 … “Fast +0” through nine races, and then moisture came through, causing a rerating to “sloppy +1” … STEALING was moved out into turn two, gained very little down the back and through most of the turn, but did reel in a tiring leader to get the victory. ARGENTO gapped down the backstretch, then was pinned in on the turn, to the Pocono Pike and along for second. STEEL SCHOONER was far back behind cover, advanced as the pace slowed; the last part can also be said of ALL CASHED OUT. CHUCKY DE VIE was looped, made the lead just past the 5/16, drew clear early backstretch and was alone until nearing headstretch, tired. TUIS SHADOW circled opposition for the early lead, yielded in front of the stands, gapped out through the second half. FAMOUS DAN was moving behind cover when he ran early backstretch. MASSIVE OPULENCE vacated third 11/16, gained some but then broke looking at tucking in the pocket past midturn.
SECOND RACE – GIRLDAD was three-wide 3/16 then was yanked back into a hole, kept that hole (which turned into the pocket) closed, to the Pocono Pike, held off HEISONTHEHUNT. The latter stayed connected to the battle for command, deep Pike, loomed midstretch but got outstepped late. FIREBALL FREDDY moved behind the parked horse at the half, gapped then closer, three-wide 11/16, made a quick break midturn but quickly was uprighted, OK; an inquiry into the far turn break showed no reason for placing. TRIFECTA HANOVER left strongly from the pole and was under tremendous pressure keeping the lead in fast fractions, tired and bore out. KING KONG KALIBRE followed cover, went four-wide when a rival got rough midturn, not bad. WATCH U R BACK left between horses, was left out in no-man’s-land and took all the air in crisp numbers, held until early stretch. SLICK FELLA had little late.
THIRD RACE – MAD MONI was second-over, gained on the turn then ducked in to the Pocono Pike, just along in a 32 kicker. CS EXPLOSIVE CHIP was uncovered 5/8, grinded up narrowing the leader’s advantage, couldn’t quite take it all. ACCELERATE took his time early then gradually accelerated up to 3/8 command, opened a big lead, but tired. FINEST MOMENT gained on the outside, briefly blocked mid-far turn, swung outside, narrowed in with the downturn in tempo. DANCEHALL KING got a check. TOMMY BOY HANOVER was on top at the 3/16, yielded 3/8, went loose early in the backstretch. PRAIRIE FAMOUS was not in contention when making a far turn break. SEVEN BEADS left, yielded, started gapping at the half and broke ¾.
FOURTH RACE – SHARKY BEAR moved off the first turn to get the lead before the second turn, went clear 5/8 and was never threatened. FRIDAY NIGHT BLUES was five-wide past the start and three-wide early first turn, then two-wide to third at the 1/8, retucked around the tired pocketsitter going towards the 3/4, held for second. TOPVILLE OLYMPIAN went up with cover, tucked third midturn, evenly. PLAY THE ACE pulled raw on turn two but didn’t gain and was looped, one-geared onward to be not far off second. ER VEGAS was shuffled to last, in a blindswitch ¾, never on the main radar. ROYHILL was very wide early, took a midpack tuck, then was shuffled when the pocketsitter gave way. PANTHEON HANOVER went three-wide from last but didn’t gain. FOUR-STAR FLASH went 26.1 to the quarter forcing a tuck, yielded to the winner, all done at the 11/16.
FIFTH RACE – FLYINGDRUMSTICKS S was three-wide early to the front before the 1/8, yielded, inside and was blocked far turn but then immeasurably aided by breakers, up the inside and along. BUDWEISER GIRL showed speed, yielded, shuffled ¾ but then could get out after many foes ran, outkicked to the inside. RUFFLES N LACE was looped leaving, went on 3/16 to the lead 5/16, yielded ¾ but got a new life as the new leader broke, still tired. GADOT HANOVER stayed flat. BROADWAY SENSATION, off the gate, pulled out down the back but went nowhere. TOTALLY RELENTLESS followed a brusher, had just been left uncovered ¾ when breaking. MANDRILL tucked at the ¼, went uncovered down the back and went by near the ¾, got fumbly past midturn and lost gait. MIDWIND SUCCESS followed the winner, was left uncovered midturn but then ruined her chances with bad behavior.
SIXTH RACE – LODESTAR was three-wide to the first turn to the lead 3/16, slowed the half, had to fight off a persistent challenge from HUNGRY FOR KISSES. The latter got forward positioning, moved uncovered in 27.1, never really got in her face but was a dogged rival at her wheel to the line. B ON THE HUNT stayed close, outside far turn and three-wide in the stretch, good outing. BAMA BREEZE was way back, had a very good last 1/8 into the stretch wind. LAZ-A-FAIRE yielded for the two-hole 3/16, not enough at crunch time. PARTY LOUNGE gapped at the back. LULU ROCKS also gapped out.
SEVENTH RACE – SWANKY HANOVER got the lead at the 1/8, surrendered it just past the 5/16 for the two-hole journey, outside early stretch and summoned enough forward gear to get by PERFECT PASSION late. The latter left well, had cover to the 1/8 then gradually worked up to the lead just past the 5/16, held onto the lead until very late. CUTIECUMBER couldn’t keep with backstretch cover, then swung three-wide as that cover tired, next in line. WAVERLY HANOVER was forwardly-placed, not too much late. U GURL followed the cover of the show horse, so-so. QUIETLY BRILLIANT went uncovered early backstretch and made up a lot of ground, but then stopped gaining early on the turn. QUEEN OF THORNTON never featured. TSM EMILIA T never surfaced.
EIGHTH RACE – KENOBI was uncovered from far back, went 27.4 down the back to get into contention, took the lead in the lane, kept to mild pressure to hold off SCOTTY DEO. The latter spotted third, gapped much of the middle part of the mile, outside stretch, gained (as the pace did slow). GAME BUSTER took the top before the ¼ then yielded to the brusher for the pocket, stayed tight, rallied in the Pocono Pike. DINKY WINKY gapped, beat out the others. KNIGHTS GUARD left, yielded, retook, got pressure from the winner ¾ through the turn, didn’t have much to offer late. YO CARTER didn’t enter the picture. FOX HOLE fell back badly. BUMPY JACK broke midpack 3/16 and was taken to the infield.
NINTH RACE – BENICIO was on top early and avoided the first turn mess, yielded and was well-placed behind a bitter third quarter battle, moved out late turn, took the lead midstretch but did not draw away. MALTA MAGIC had to go wide around the early breaker, went on to the lead 3/8, slowed the half then had to accelerate to meet the backstretch challenger, held very well late. EDEN HANOVER was shoved very wide past the ¼, moved uncovered before the half and challenged very hard in a fast third quarter, but then she tired not much past that point. CUTTING HUMOR was between horses early, had to circle the breaker then went into the pocket, started gapping before the half. TRULY and HUNGRY LIZZO had nowhere to go when a horse made a break past the 1/8 and suffered “ix”s.. ESPERANZA HANOVER left three-wide, was dropping down to two-wide in a bid for the lead when making a nasty break, placed.
TENTH RACE – C IS FOR COOKIE was away second, moved 5/16 to the lead 3/8, in control the rest of the way in sweeping the series. CARIS moved uncovered 5/8, got cover 11/16, wide, up for second late. AMERICAN CRISPIN took back early, pulled raw from third 11/16, just missed place. SQUARE DEAL grabbed early command in a 27 opener, yielded for the two-hole, was hard to hold in the pocket down the backstretch, faded a bit late. RELENTLESS JULIE came from Parts Unknown to get the last check. EXTREME Z TAM moved three-wide on the turn but couldn’t get into the action. DANCE NUMBER stayed close but had little late. SWEET HOME left a gap early, no factor.
ELEVENTH RACE – TOMBSTONE left, looked like he wanted o go on then took the pocket to the ¼ after that space’s former occupant broke, came out midturn and went right on by, won easily. PRAIRIE NUGGET was a little bit loose in third down the back, gained and was clearly second. UNCLE NINO came through at the start, set the pace and backed off the half, but had no response when challenged midturn. FAIR KOUNTRY at least stayed flat although gapping much of the last ½. TO MY CREDIT made the early pocket but broke 3/16, came back to get a check. HEZA SCOUNDREL broke going to turn one. STRONG BREW jumped early.
TWELFTH RACE – BT BABE left and yielded, moved from third 5/8 and went right by past the ¾, opened up a big lead even though the last quarter was only 31. MERCURY LANE was between horses early and wound up in the pocket, backed out as the winner went by and retucked in the two-hole, just held off BINGO BRAIN for second. The latter made a short run at the start, settled, raced behind cover, three-wide headstretch, was moving well late; an inquiry into the break showed no reason for placing. MELODRAMA never featured. TSM LOYAL T was not in the picture. KT DOUBLE DEUCE moved out but couldn’t keep up. MISCHIEVOUS G gapped at the back. WINNIN WINDS K, a bit rough early, was three-wide most of the 1/8 then two-wide to the lead 3/16, strung the field out until the winner moved up, had no fight left in the last ¼.
THIRTEENTH RACE – APPLE VALLEY ART had the lead in a matter of steps, in charge throughout. HOWTOTRAINURDRAGON defended the pocket, couldn’t keep up on the far turn, held second. SAFENSOUND HANOVER moved outside on turn two, gapped and ducked back in down the back, evenly. WOODMERE ANDRIOLI came out for the drive but bore way out. ARTACHE HANOVER had dull cover, three-wide before the ¾, lost some ground turning for home, got the final payday. CAVIART SKIPPER had little to offer. PAPIAMENTO was last most of the way. ADRENALINE RUSH tucked in fifth at the 1/8, then moved first-over on turn two, advanced a little then fell back a lot.
FOURTEENTH RACE – KASEVILLE went immediately to the top, rated quarter two, stole clear nearing the ¾, then had enough left to hold off RED OVERBACH. The latter tucked third, was pinned in much of the far turn, got out nearing headstretch, ducked inside the winner and made up ground with every stride. TEDDY BROSEVELT worked out the pocket trip, went loose before the ¾, held for third. TRICKY DICK was wide around the early breaker, gapped down the back, evenly late. MUSCLES JARED was outside until tucking 3/16 in the hole left by the breaker, never got close. SANTA MONICA AS was slightly bothered early, had cover but couldn’t gain. K J DIAMOND was wide around trouble, lost contact with the main group down the back. ASKMELATER HANOVER made a break 3/16.
May 5, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Mid 50s; wet – track in “sloppy” condition, with the variant changed from “+1” to “+2” after the fourth race … Stretch tailwind early, then calming as the hard rain came through … LORD OF MISRULE got a fine trip second-over 9/16, went three-wide nearing headstretch and paced away from these. BAMSKI was urged early, was looped, made the pocket 3/16, shuffled a bit headstretch, came out behind the winner then went to his inside, couldn’t go with him but did come on for second. IT’SGOODTOBEDAKING moved first-over 9/16, started to gain on the leader at the ¾ and got a small lead coming into the stretch, only to be caught on both sides. INTRIGUED AGAIN had dull cover, four-wide in the lane and gained well. HASH-TAG SWAG sat in, backed out late turn, followed the winner’s path and didn’t tip wide in the lane, fair. LENWOODS REAL DEAL was out and going before the 3/8, got cover early backstretch but then couldn’t stay with it. JONAH left well and cleared early, set the pace, tiring through the last ¼. KEPT UNDER WRAPS A gapped inside.
SECOND RACE – BEACH VIBES left powerfully and strung out the field much of the way, resisted the inside charge of DONT GET SHOCKED. The latter started well enough to preserve the pocket, gained some along the inside late but not enough. PINK FLOYD HANOVER went out between horses, tucked third to the first turn, maintained that position. CAPTAIN MIKEY moved uncovered 5/8 but never made any serious inroad. ERINWOOD YVES went around a couple of stragglers, had backstretch cover that wasn’t the greatest, not too much late. SOUTHWIND SAMBUCA gapped most of the way. COALFORD BET ALINE stayed behind a slow opponent early and never got into the race. QUARANTINI was gapping out by the ¼ and was far back.
THIRD RACE – Rain resumed … BRAVO TEX N was three-wide before the 1/8 then two-wide to get command 5/16, rated the half, then soon got outside pressure, proved to be the best here. ODDS ON DELRAY stayed close second-over, three-wide late turn, edged GLOBALDOMINATION N for second. The latter moved uncovered going to the half and soon was putting hard pressure on the leader, did so until midturn where he fell back a little, but held his ground nicely. CAPTAIN MALICIOUS left for the top, pushed the winner past the ¼ then yielded for the pocket, looked all-out to stay relatively tight the last half, evenly late. MY WISH CAME TRUE gapped cover third-over, doing a little better late. LAST MACH moved out then went back inside, gapping to the ¾, no factor late.
FOURTH RACE – LIKE A WARRIOR tucked quickly, then backed out past the 5/8, three-wide headstretch, trotted away late. ACTION SHOT left, settled in the pocket before the 3/16, came off the rail early stretch and just got second in the final steps over PAUC HANOVER. The latter used the rail well to control the pace, really slowed the half, then was challenged, didn’t have enough late. LEAST WEASEL moved outside at the half, gapped late backstretch, next. CASHIER was uncovered before turn two, went right up to the leader down the back, but couldn’t sustain the move the last 3/16. FAWN DE SIGN took back early, ran up on a horse at the half and broke bothering a foe, ran much of the rest of the way, placed. HILLASVIVA suffered interference off the second turn and soon went on a break.
FIFTH RACE – Track downgraded to “sloppy +2” … HP XANADU left, yielded, quarter-moved, held off a long bid from FOR CHIPS SAKE. The latter started uncovered 5/8 and reached the leader ¾, battled very hard to the line. BETABCOOL N left and cleared past the 1/8, yielded before the ¼, inside until moving out with cover far turn, but couldn’t go with it. TRAFFIC JAM made a big burst near the 1/8 to the lead before the ¼, yielded to sit the two-hole, was moving into the Pocono Pike when going offstride, galloped home, placed. MACH’S DELI was never in the mix; nor was APRIL AVA.
SIXTH RACE – MIKI DE VIE spotted, then was underway quickly at the ¼ and soon got the lead, went clear ¾, held against the big late burst of PARK STREET BLUES. The latter followed cover, swung wide headstretch and narrowed in rapidly with good speed. YANKEE CLOUT was on top going into the first bend, yielded past the ¼, back out uncovered off turn two, didn’t reach the winner, retucked in the pocket late turn, held for a distant third. UPALLNIGHTBLUECHIP stayed in, blocked late far turn, angled out diagonally and finished with pace. CRÈME DE LOU CRÈME was far back, also found better pace nearing the finish. BARNEY HANOVER was second-over past the half, left uncovered just past midturn, not too much late. ROCKWELL left and gradually strung the front past the ¼, quick to yield for the two-hole, started leaving a gap 3/8 that gradually became a little bigger. OH DAVID couldn’t go with these.
SEVENTH RACE – Still raining hard … KEYSTONE SERGEANT was underway raw before the 3/8, one-gear grinded up, took the lead ¾ but couldn’t cross over, trotted on gamely to have “J. Kakaley” beat “M. Kakaley” in a photo. The latter yielded early, thought to try for the lead nearing turn two but retreated back into the pocket, got to the Pocono Pike and just missed making a father-and-son driving deadheat. THE BOSS MAN stayed in, angled out sharply past early stretch and was gaining well as the tempo slowed. PISTOLS ASPIRATION was carried up second-over from last, not far off at the wire. PUDDIN N PIE took back early and tucked fourth, shuffled to last, angled wide but couldn’t make up the necessary ground. CRITICAL MASS was three-wide to the 1/8 to command just past that point, rated the half, kept the winner out on the turn, but then tired. CASH EMPIRE backed out to third-over but had little to offer.
EIGHTH RACE – DING DING DINGER left at full alarm and dashed to the lead, yielded past the ¼ but was quickly on the retake, drew clear of this field. COWBOY COOL was second-over, ducked in midturn and had to wait for the Pocono Pike, responded well but wasn’t beating this winner. MIDNIGHT DAY was looped early, proceeded up to the lead past the ¼ but was quick to yield for the pocket, stayed close until late in the backstretch. TISADREAM N started uncovered 5/8, gained some then stopped gaining. PLAY THE FIELD had too far to come. BLOOD BROTHER couldn’t keep pace in the last ¼.
NINTH RACE – Pouring down rain … A FEARSOME HANOVER was in a good flow third-over, tipped out wide early stretch, still sixth midstretch but passed a bunch as the tempo moderated. SHORE OF HIMSELF got away a distant third, moved 3/8 and was able to quickly retuck in the pocket, waited, to the Pocono Pike, got the lead midstretch but was outblasted late. SOUTHWIND DREDGE was second-over, three-wide late turn, finished OK but was passed from behind by the winner. DAVIDS COMING HOME sat in, had room deep in the Pike, evenly late. JK OBJECTION refused to yield in a stiff opener, set the pace, gave way. MARINER SEELSTER fought very hard early, was forced to tuck second 3/16, gave the pocket nearing turn two, back out raw 5/8, not enough power late. THE LAST PAIR were always near the back.
TENTH RACE – SNOWMAN HANOVER was three-high into the first curve, made the top before the 3/16, slowed the half, was challenged by the chalk from the 11/16 all the way home, held very gamely. BESTFRIEND VOLO came raw 9/16, reached the winner 11/16 and gave that one all he could handle in a good race. BATTIN A THOUSAND maintained the pocket, stayed connected, outtrotted on the inside in the lane but way ahead of the rest. MONI BOOK was second-over, gapped and went back inside. I GOT THE TAB was looking to leave but broke early, at least recovered for the last check. CLYDEWEISER was taking back when miscuing at the 1/8, couldn’t get back into it. KALEUN gapped early, got closer, then backed off again. WENTWORTH HANOVER gapped a gapper early, third-over, broke late turn.
ELEVENTH RACE – BEAUTIFUL AMERICA went into the pocket just past the 1/8 and sat the two-hole trip, a bit loose down the back then better on the turn, outside into the stretch and caught MORE PLEASE right on the money. The latter sat sail from the rail, went clear to the ¾ and still seemed in command until just past midstretch, then wearied. BIRDIE THREE stayed in, photoed LADY’S CHOICE K for third. The latter was three-wide early, tucked third by the 1/8, not much late. IDEAL ALEXA broke at the half. MY SWEET KATE suffered an “ex” at the ¼. MIKI B MOUSE came out off turn two and gradually made up backstretch ground, then her bid stalled and she went offstride midturn.
TWELFTH RACE – BRECKENRIDGE moved uncovered from third early in turn two, speed-grinded in 27.4 to clear ¾ and then draw off, very impressive victory in a bad night. DAGON HANOVER yielded for the pocket, was stuck behind the passed pacesetter ¾ through the turn, finally clear in the Pocono Pike and had good trot for second. SWEET HEART AS swung to the extreme outside and finished nicely. GRAPPLE HANOVER was in front early, slowed the half, had no answer for the winner ¾, so-so late. GET TO THE POINTE was third-over behind a gapper, three-wide, did get a check. PADRE gapped inside. RACER DAN was second-over but was soon gapping. MONEY MATTERS was at the back, had swung three-wide but made a break just into the far turn.
THIRTEENTH RACE – BLOW A CLOUD N led from the first step to the last, kept to urging in the stretch to hold off BLAKEMORE. The latter was second-over, three-wide past midturn, closed well but couldn’t get there. MISTER DAYTONA N left for the pocket, stayed close until the stretch, then gave some ground. BETTOR’S WESTERN spotted third past the 1/8, uncovered at the half, didn’t really threaten before backing off a bit. PERKINS stayed in, gapped down the back then got tighter, did not have a clear path between horses late. BLACKLIGHT never reached contention. STELLAR BB was third-over, wide, not that much. UNICO LEGEND N didn’t factor here.
FOURTEENTH RACE – SAULSBROOK HERO started on the grind before the 5/8, gradually advanced, got a clear lead past early stretch, then turned back SOUTHWIND MOROCCAN. The latter backed out behind the winner ¾, gave good chase in the stretch. WEONA SIZZLER A moved outside late turn and was next in line. CAPTAIN CASH went right to the lead, put up a quick quarter and half, but was found wanting in the last 3/16. ROCK THREE TIMES had the pocket, locked in on the far turn, but then had little once clear. PHANTOM SHADOW was always far back. SOHO WALLSTREET A was outside, fell way back.
May 4, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Temperature in mid-50s … After rain before the card, track rated “good +1” through five races, then switched to “fast +0” for the balance of the card … Swirling winds – could be one way one race, then calm, then the other way in another race … Horses racing on the lead generally did not do well; some that did win were giving ground in the stretch … TUGGIN ON MY HEART left well to 1/8 command, set the pace, was challenged from the 5/8 by CAVIART LUCA, held that one off. The latter kept good early position, moved out into the backstretch and was battling with the winner from midbackstretch, very gritty effort. MIGHTY SANTANA N was wide early, took back to fourth, then was second-over, closed well. CIGAR SMOKING TONY made the front early then yielded to sit in the two-hole, had a clear stretch path but not enough response. BULLVILLE FRANK was buried inside well off the breakaway four, clear stretch and did pretty well in recovery. MR CENSI was behind the gapping cover of GENERAL MONTANA N. MACH WEST stayed in, gapped out at the 5/8.
SECOND RACE – BLENHEIM was on top right away, forced a tuck, and raced on an open lead from the 5/16 throughout, stayed uncatchable although tiring a little. P L NOTSONICE took back into the pocket 3/16 and was loose of the leader most of the way, went on steadily for second. DEE’S RED DELICOUS gapped past the quarter, moved from third 11/16, fair late. MARION GONDOLIER came out 5/8, got cover 11/16 but gapped, a little toward the line. CHOCO CHARLIE did not stay tight at some points. ONE AFTER NINE never got in the picture after moving outside; neither did THE OTHER TWO, who stayed inside.
THIRD RACE – WON LAST FEELING worked his way into a tuck, then quarter-moved, needing the length of the frontstretch to clear before a fast half, opened a clear lead at the ¾, but like many others on the lead tired and was kept to mild rousing to stay safe. DILLINGER was in tight quarters near the 3/8 under a hold, stayed in then backed out midturn, finished steadily. HIGH IMPRESSION had the early pocket, pulled raw from third 11/16 but couldn’t get close to the winner. LATEST ERA moved out down the backstretch but didn’t gain and ducked back in, moved out and wide headstretch and gained some. THE NEXT THREE never could join the main action. ROCKIN THE BLAZE went in front 3/16 in a fast quarter, pushed the winner then yielded, nothing left to the ¾ after his early exertions.
FOURTH RACE – BRILLIANT BEAUTY left between horses and made the top at the fast ¼, yielded past the 3/8 to sit in the two-hole, Pocono Pike and proved the best of a cavalry charge home. NEWSY N worked her way behind cover early, left raw before the second turn, kept digging in with remarkable courage considering the trip and just missed. DANCE CLUB was three-wide to the 3/16, briefly behind cover then uncovered and got to the top near the 3/8, came under pressure, held well. LETS RYDE GIRL had the front right away, pushed the action to the ¼, yielded, third-in, spent the first half of the stretch angling from the rail to four-wide, finished well (although the pace was slowing). THINK OF GALAXIES was underway from last early and got to second-over, was carried up, three-wide 3/4, OK but not enough. GEORGIE MARTIN N backed out to third-over, evenly late. BLAZING RAMONA didn’t keep up. BULLVILLEKARLA was shuffled to an impossible position.
FIFTH RACE – RICH AND MISERABLE was outleft, decided to bypass a tuck and made the lead before the 5/16, strung the field out midrace, then had a challenger on either side and was extended to prevail. MISS MCKEE looped everybody early, yielded for the two-hole, outside headstretch, narrowed in in a good mile. KINDA LUCKY LINDY accepted the early pocket, stayed third-in, to the Pocono Pike as the pocketsitter moved out, gained midstretch then flattened slightly nearing the line. MACMORRIS HANOVER stayed in, didn’t threaten. ROBBIE PEV moved outside towards the ¾ but did not gain. SORTIE was outside late backstretch, got unhelpful cover, didn’t factor.
SIXTH RACE – Track now rerated to “fast” … AMERICAN CLASSIC left between horses and settled third to the 1/8, went up raw at the half and battled the leader from just past the 5/8, showed courage in wearing that one down deep stretch. LAYTON HANOVER was three-deep most of the 1/8, in front just past the 3/16, set the tempo, outbattled in the latter stages. LUCKBEWITHALEX moved uncovered into turn two and had fine cover, three-wide late turn, photoed for the deuce. DRAGON CITY was buried inside, had some rally in the Pocono Pike. LOU’S BEACH also was stuck inside, outside far turn, evenly late. RIP WHEELER pushed away hard from the rail, relinquished to sit the pocket, fell back on the far turn then went evenly thereafter. BUCHANNON HANOVER gapped at the back. CODE CRACKER was third-over, didn’t show much.
SEVENTH RACE – HUNTERS HERO was on top 3/16, yielded a like distance later for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, proved to have the most in a four-horse battle. SIMPLY FAST had good cover second-over, tipped wide, steadily to be just a bit shy. MAYWEATHER HANOVER was three-wide to the 1/8, tucked, out again raw 5/8, challenged hard, a little bit weary in the last 1/16. POSEIDON DEO was wide early, fell behind cover, lost cover 3/16 and went to the top 3/8, had pressure, couldn’t hold the lead to the line. BULLVILLE STEPHANO got around stragglers in a good effort to get the last check. THE NEXT PAIR gapped inside. HURRIKANE HUNTER was outside towards turn two but showed no forward gear and finally ducked back inside.
EIGHTH RACE – FRANK THE ELDER was outleft and tucked fourth, uncovered before the half and went 27.4 down the back to clear ¾, one of the few leaders to extend his margin to the wire. BRIGHT SIDE UP had the winner’s cover, couldn’t keep up just past the ¾, to the pocket past midturn, clear second. BULLY BOY HILL was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to the 27.2 quarter to grab the lead, yielded to the retaker, backed out 11/16 as the two-wide tier was the lively one, good mile. AP HALL OF TRIX had speed, stayed in, gapped much of the last half, then fair in the Pocono Pike late. HEART MATTERS was outside but gapped, didn’t reach. SAID N DONE AS had an excess of cover, widest stretch, little chance. ANGELONIA made two speed moves, backed off the half, but still had no answer for the winner ¾. BY A HOFF HANOVER lost contact down the back.
NINTH RACE – PARK OFFICIAL was among a wall of leavers and took back, got out into the two-wide flow and was second-over, ducked inside to the pocket mid-far turn, Pocono Pike, powered off from his rivals for his eighth straight win. ELWELL was double-looped and tucked fourth, moved quickly 3/8 to the lead just before the ½, clear much of the backstretch then had horses coming to him, won a three-way photo for the deuce. THE DARK SHADOW was three-wide leaving to the lead 3/16 in a fast ¼, yielded, backed out as the pocketsitter gave way past the 5/8, in the flow then wide, finished well. CLASSIFIEDMATERIAL was left uncovered at the ½, fought with the leader, looked turned away late turn but battled on. URBAN RENEWAL left, was forwardly-placed, gapped down the back, did get the final payday. THE NEXT TWO were always well out of it. SOMBODYITREASURE was four-wide leaving and three-wide to the 1/8, went on to the lead in 26.3, yielded at the half, started to go loose near the 5/8.
TENTH RACE – I WAS TRICKED made the top past the 3/16 in a snappy opener, yielded to the 3/8 for the pocket, came out headstretch and proved the best of these in a fast time. NOPEWASNTME was second-over, three-wide when cover stopped, ducked behind the pulling winner headstretch, went to his inside in the stretch and gained steadily. JOEMIKIYOURSOFINE took the inner path, did well in the Pocono Pike. ALL CLASS was briefly wide then went behind cover, lost it past the 3/16 and went up to the lead 3/8, put up very fast fractions on a day not favoring speed, paid the price late. GHOST SHARK left well and pushed most of the fast ¼, yielded, inside, not too much late. CONGRESSIONAL was always far back. IDIOSYNCRATIC was third-over, three-wide with cover but not much late punch. PANETTONE HANOVER was first-over at the half, went 27.2 down the back to challenge, but hit the wall on the far turn.
ELEVENTH RACE – KILOWATT KID N was locked in from the 3/8 until almost headstretch, quickly angled four-wide in the lane and picked up the opposition. TJ’S INDY PACER was between horses early, tucked, came first-up towards the second turn, grinded to the lead towards mid-far turn, held very well. CAPTAIN ROMANCE was three-wide to the 3/16 in a 26.2 opener then made the front off the first turn, yielded to the retaker, backed outside ¾, left uncovered midturn, fought on to the line. TERRY A HANOVER also was caught in, moved outside midturn then three-wide, OK but outkicked. DASH OF DANGER was not a factor. HARD ROCK HULK got a slow start, couldn’t make up enough ground three-wide. SHVAIKO could find no early hole and dangled outside midpack, faded 5/8. HORSE set the pace with two moves, yielded past the ¾ and fell back.
TWELFTH RACE – SERIOUSLY HANOVER seriously wanted the lead and was willing to be parked past a 26.4 opener to get it, never had pressure until SPORT SECRET came at him to midstretch but was confidently handled. The latter pushed very hard past the ¼ then finally yielded for the pocket, outside early stretch and did very well but was second. BETTORS DONTTELL moved uncovered before the 5/8, one-geared not fast enough to get near the top two but enough to beat the others. REBELLIOUS sat inside, never featured. BILL HALEY N left behind cover, tucked third before the 3/16, no factor thereafter. PHOENIX OF FLUZZY never made any moves. THE LAST TWO were ineffective outside.
THIRTEENTH RACE – HUNTANOVER protected early position, stayed in, went up into the pocket to the ¾, got access to the Pocono Pike and went by easily. COMET CRUSADER N left and yielded, retook the lead, slowed quarter two then stepped it up as pressure came calling, second-best. YS DO IT RIGHT was outside most of the ¼ to make the top, yielded to the retaker, moved out with cover nearing the ¾, wide, not enough. GROOVY MAN was jammed up inside at the half and made a break affecting rivals, recovered a good deal of ground, but was placed eighth for causing interference. SAMHARA N moved out on the second turn just missing the trouble, three-wide early in the backstretch to get to first-over 5/8, battled but couldn’t go by, tired. C-BET HANOVER and TWIN B JAMMER (who tucked late on the first turn) were both pushed wide to avoid the trouble at the half. Y S MATHIS BRO was outside with cover early, briefly three-wide near the ¼ as a rival took back to tuck, then left outside midpack, looped before the 5/8 and faded.
FOURTEENTH RACE – BAD TO THE BONE N fled the gate quickly and took over in a 26 opener, got a breather then picked the pace up, came his last half in 55 in a dominating performance. KASHED UP A took the lead into turn one, relinquished for the pocket and stayed tight, clearly second-best. DA DELIGHTFUL was far back, caught in far turn, up the Pocono Pike with some vigor to be third. RIFLEMAN couldn’t get into the main contest. INDIGO ART gapped at a couple of points. CHATELROLL got a good early spot, came out at the half and went 26.4 down the back to challenge, but couldn’t sustain the move in the lane. SAN DOMINO A pulled out before the half, gapped and drifted wide.
May 1, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – A couple degrees either side of 50 all day … Stretch headwind to start … WOODSIDE EMILEAH moved from third nearing the ¼ to take over 3/8, set a fast pace and continued on to a fast victory. MISS MUSCLE was three-wide to turn one, got in front 3/16, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, a bit loose down the back, never was threatening but still raced well. IN A TINY WAY looked at leaving but took back, sat in, found a tiny clear path midstretch and had closing kick. HALL IT OFF moved outside ¾, wide in the lane and not bad. CHUCKY DE VIE tucked third, moved out 11/16 but could make no headway. THE NEXT TWO were never close. ARGENTO broke late backstretch.
SECOND RACE – DOLE WHIP moved quickly from third 5/8 and paced a third split of 27.2 to clear the pacesetter, saw that one come resurgent midstretch but held on for the victory. ALEXA’S SUNSHINE pulled the pocket early to go to the lead, got a soft half, couldn’t keep the winner out past the ¾, but never stopped trying and was coming back on well late. PRIDEFUL showed quick speed to clear from the outside post, yielded and stayed in, clearly third. WILD BLUE YONDER left but took back, stayed out of trouble. PLAUSIBLDNIABILITY never got close. ALL YOU CAN EAT broke early and caused TRULY to make an “ix”; the former was placed. ILUVLOUCY came off the rail 5/8 but went nowhere, then broke far turn.
THIRD RACE – CHARLIE BAR was underway to the ¼ to gain control 3/8, got rightside pressure on the turn, dealt with that and then dealt with lefthand pressure from GINA’S ON FIRE. The latter was looped and took the point at the ¼, yielded 3/8, close-up in a three-horse breakaway, to the Pocono Pike, good but second. OPEN BAR was uncovered 5/8, challenged, tired early stretch. LOUS LANCELOT gapped inside. U BAKE THE CAKE couldn’t reach cover. TIPSY MONI broke before the 3/16, did catch the field. MR CRIMSON stepped around everybody early, yielded at the ¼, started to retreat 11/16.
FOURTH RACE – BABY OIL made the lead at the 3/16 and had no problems winning this one. QUITE FAST yielded to sit the pocket behind the favorite, held her position well. CHEROKEE JOY got positioning out of the gate, to the deep Pike and kept up pretty well with the top two. KEYSTONE SWEETPEA, slightly off the gate, moved uncovered 5/8, made some gain, held her ground pretty well late. THE OTHER TRIO never entered into the main action of this event.
FIFTH RACE—WEDDING DANCER was three-wide, mostly with cover, to the 1/8, then two-wide until tucking fourth at the ¼, moved uncovered at the half and trotted in 28 down the back to clear just past the ¾ and draw away easily. RUFFLES N LACE came out entering the backstretch, initially gapped then got in gear and made up ground to reach cover, wide and trotted well although not catching the winner. DOUBLE A SAMANTHA was second-over, gapped until being left uncovered ¾, evenly. GADOT HANOVER had some gain after the win had been decided. BUDWEISER GIRL was three-wide early, bypassed a look at the three-hole to take over 3/8, couldn’t stall the winner ¾, tired. WILD KAT G had some speed, not heard from tin the latter stages. A MILLION CHUCKLES gapped in last.
SIXTH RACE – The wind had calmed … BATTLESHIP LANDING was three-wide early then two-wide, made the lead at the ¼, yielded to the 3/8 to sit the two-hole, to the Pocono Pike and along in a slowing pace. TOMMY BOY HANOVER was looped, three-wide with cover to two-wide with cover to the ¼, then onward to lead just before the 3/8, couldn’t hold up even in a decreasing tempo. WALLANDAR made the lead into the first urn, yielded at the ¼, moved again 11/16, steadily but not quite enough. P CHICO, slightly off the gate, was last when moving out early backstretch, steadily gained in the last half. FAST LANE FRANK stayed connected, evenly deep in the Pike late. TOMBSTONE was looped, took a tuck, came out with cover 11/16, not quite enough late. THE OTHER TWO didn’t make their presences felt.
SEVENTH RACE – BB LUCKY BOY was looped at the 1/8, drove on to ¼ command, strung out the field and opened some distance on the pocket horse down the back, kept that one at bay in a very fast mile. TUGGIN ON MY HEART was three-wide early looping to command, yielded for the pocket, a bit loose in the fast third quarter but dug in and battled to the line. CRUNCH HANOVER had some early speed, stayed in, couldn’t go with the top pair late. VEL MR NICE GUY was uncovered 5/8, got to almost-even with the pocket horse to the ¾, then backed off some. IM A POWERPLAY A was second-over, did a little better nearing the wire. ALADDIN HANOVER stayed in, could mount no threat even for minor honors. MOVE THE LINE came out off the second turn but immediately gapped. STENDAHL HANOVER was at the end throughout.
EIGHTH RACE – THE BLACK ACE stayed flat and was in absolute control of this group. SCOTTY DEO gapped from before the ¼ to midbackstretch, up the inside and just took second away late from KNIGHTS GUARD. The latter sat loosely in the pocket throughout, couldn’t quite hold onto the deuce. BIG BALLER BEANE looked at leaving but took back, got around a breaker on the far turn and was a distant next. FASHION KEN stayed flat. SHARP CURVE galloped 100 feet before the start. TEST MY WILL took back early to tuck 3/16, broke nearing the half. DONATELLO HANOVER was trying to narrow in when he broke ¾ and went to the infield.
NINTH RACE – KADDARI made the early lead, yielded and was content to sit in the two-hole, to the Pocono Pike and drew off easily. A GOOD CHARDONNAY was three-wide early en route to 3/16, really slowed the second panel, couldn’t go with the winner late but good. QUARANTINA left and got a good spot, had trot along the inside late. OVER BOARD was outleft and went in fourth 3/16, backed out to second-over before the 11/16, finished willingly. I’M AMUSED pulled raw entering turn two and went up in 27.4 down the back to challenge, couldn’t sustain the bid. RHIANNON HANOVER sat in, never surfaced. BINGO BRAIN was away slowly, moved outside but gapped. DEFACEMENT was last, blocked on the far turn and in tight much of the lane, hard to say if she had any late foot.
TENTH RACE – ELEGANT DULUPIN FR had enough early to utilize the rail and control the pace in a lineup, asked to open up on the far turn and did, stayed clear to the line. LADY’S IMAGE tried to step around the pole horse early but retreated, not always right on the winner’s back, stayed on for the DH2. CAN’T SAY NO came out at the ½ to challenge, never was head-to-head with the winner, tried hard to get the tie for second. WARRIOR WAY moved second-over, was blindswitched from the 5/8, ducked in in the lane and just missed second. TOWN VICTOR followed cover including three-wide from the 5/8, widest, did well. MANOFMANYMUSCLES was third-over, three-wide from the 5/8 onward, didn’t have enough kick. SIMON GOT LUCKY gapped early in last, got closer but couldn’t get in the main picture.
ELEVENTH RACE – ZETTE FLAME was second behind the early runaway, in gear at the half and gradually ate up the distance to go past the leader 11/16 and himself go clear, was handled confidently even with STREET SMARTS bearing down in a fast mile for this type. The latter narrowed in behind the winner in quarter two, couldn’t stay with his move in quarter three but circled around the fader to tuck in the pocket, narrowed in in a good mile but had to settle for second. GRIZZ WYLLIE came out on the far turn, a very distant third. ROSALINE was wide leaving and streaked to a huge lead, tired the last 3/8. DEVIOUS PROMISES stayed flat and earned a check. BAR COINS was gapping at the back when making a break far turn. JAMESON N LIME broke at the ¼. FOOLISH MONI was being looped while trying for forward positioning, offstride before the 3/16.
TWELFTH RACE – NASEY was wide early and hit the front 3/16, slowed the half then sped up to not have any backstretch challengers, or indeed any challengers at all to the wire. TRUMAN JR HANOVER vacated third mid-far turn, just second over GINGERTREE STAKIAS, who tailed him and was doing well at the end. SPREE took the top into the first turn, yielded for the pocket, stayed close until tiring in the lane. STEEL SCHOONER gapped before the ¾. CREEMORE looked at leaving but took all the way back to last, also gapping near the ¾.
THIRTEENTH RACE — STICKLER HANOVER settled in third 3/16 then wound up in the pocket after a breaker, outside headstretch and trotted right on by. SWIZZLE HANOVER yielded for the early pocket then inherited the lead after the 1/4, set a moderate pace, couldn’t withstand the winner, did hold second over DROP THE MIC. The latter stayed in, showed steady trot in the Pocono Pike. DIVINE SPIRIT went uncovered at the half and got cover 5/8, evenly. GREG moved uncovered just before the 5/8, was a head ahead of the pocket horse on the turn but never got closer. MATTER OF TRUST never factored. MUSCLE STAR broke early, caught the field but then had no more to give. ASKMELATER HANOVER left well to the top in a quick quarter but broke right at that marker.
FOURTEENTH RACE – BOARDWALK BET moved uncovered before the 5/8 and went after the leader after that spot, cleared midturn, had enough to get the decision. VARNEY advanced inside down the back, angled out midturn, did very well in the last 1/8 to just miss. CAVIART SAGE was second-over, left uncovered midturn, ducked inside, Pocono Pike, some gain. KEY ADVISOR was first to the lead, yielded for the pocket, shuffled considerably when the leader tired, came out in a blindswitch headstretch, showed good pace in recovery. THE NEXT TWO were never in the picture. HOT DEUCE moved third-over but gapped. J B MAUNEY N was looped, took the pocket, quarter-moved and went a fast half in setting the pace, had no defense when challenged far turn.
FIFTEENTH RACE – BEER CHEESE was three-wide to the 1/8 to clear soon thereafter, set a fast pace and won in fast time. MASSIVE OPULENCE used the rail to advantage and sat in the pocket, outside past headstretch, couldn’t gain enough but held on well. KASEVILLE left between horses and settled in third, to the Pocono Pike and did OK. EMMA TOWN BUD was uncovered into the second turn, showed a good grinding gear and was still trying hard at the wire. BROOKROAD MASTER was not a factor. WISHFUL MAR backed out to follow cover just past the 5/8 but couldn’t go enough. WILLIE B WORTHY gapped at the back. JUSTIFY pulled out second-over into the second curve but soon went offstride.
Apr 29, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Low 50s … Shifting winds – calm to start … Front end did not hold up well … BLAKEMORE left and maintained the pocket, moved out in the stretch and went by FRIDAY NIGHT BLUES easily. The latter took control from the pole, opened up a bit of backstretch distance with increased speed, couldn’t last to the wire but far ahead of the rest. TOPVILLE OLYMPIAN was uncovered at the half, never reached the leader, but one-geared it to win third from PANTHEON HANOVER in a photo. The latter sat in, blocked on the far turn, to the inside, evenly late. ROYHILL was three-wide to the first turn then tucked third, struggled from the 5/8. STELLAR BB was too far back. IT’SGOODTOBETHEKING was second-over but gapped ¾. ER VEGAS was never in the hunt.
SECOND RACE – SQUARE DEAL was briefly three-high en route to 1/8 command, yielded for the pocket, moved back out nearing the ¾ and went right on by, a clear winner today with a good last half. LAZ-A-FAIRE raced in close attendance of the pace, shuffled briefly then backed out to follow cover last turn, was doing well late. LULU ROCKS gapped in quarter two, got going 11/16, briefly had the winner’s cover then was again left raw, not quite second but well ahead of the others. CARIS moved outside but never entered the main picture. BAMA BREEZE was at or near the back throughout. TEAM COLORS left, yielded, quarter-moved, tired through the last ¼. HAILEY’S SISTER broke well before the start, had recovered enough to be with the field at the start, squeezed a tuck 3/16, not too much thereafter.
THIRD RACE – PADRE was looped, followed cover early then refused a three-tuck and went on to 5/16 command, immediately had a challenger pestering him the rest of the way in a decent clip for this type, but remained fighting to the wire. DAGON HANOVER was the first to clear, yielded, backed out to follow cover before the ¾, wide, couldn’t quite get there. FAMOUS DAN moved at the ¼ and was soon left raw, did not have the speed to clear to the top but grinded along very grittily for 5/8 of a mile and missed only a length. GREAT MAGIC was away well to the front into turn one, yielded for the pocket, couldn’t stay tight the last quarter but well ahead of the others. TRICKY DICK left a gap in front of the stands onward; TRUEMASS VOLO moved outside to try to get around him but could not. THE OTHER TWO were never on the main radar.
FOURTH RACE – MAKE SOME WAVES was in third at the 1/8, uncovered 5/8, ducked in the pocket for brief cover midturn then outside again into the stretch, caught AMERICAN BOY N late. The latter took over at the 1/8 and headed down the road leaving all but one to struggle to keep up, caught by the only one close to him. DAVIDS COMING HOME gapped midrace, outside late turn, did better late. MY WISH CAME TRUE was fair along the inside. TERRITORY was wide leaving but took back, moved outside to get around stragglers, perhaps a bit better mile than the line may suggest. BLOW A CLOUD N raced in the pocket, went loose 5/8. THE OTHERS never had any say in this one.
FIFTH RACE – MANDRILL, the $750,000 sister to GIMPANZEE, was unhurried early, moved uncovered 5/8 and was all business, trotting away without looking to extend herself. NINA HANOVER was between horses to the lead at the 1/8, yielded at the ¼, inside, eased outside past midturn, came on to get second. PERFECT PASSION gapped in quarter two, moved out but couldn’t quite go with the cover, three-wide late turn, finished with trot. QUEEN OF THORNTON was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-deep to the ¼ for the lead, yielded in front of the stands for the pocket, Pocono Pike but couldn’t regain ground. CUTIECUMBER left and had cover to the ¼, onward to the lead around the 5/16, set the pace, not enough in the stretch. MISCHIEVOUS G was far back. JULIETTE was in the early mix, inside, struggled from before the ¾. WAVERLY HANOVER was tucking midpack when breaking 3/16.
SIXTH RACE – Stretch tailwind starting up … LONESTAR was in front immediately, yielded at the ¼, shuffled ¾ as the lead changed hands, found a small seam past early stretch and was able to kick home well for the decision. RELENTLESS JULIE was third-over, gapped early backstretch then tighter deep down the back, three-wide headstretch, looked in good position but was outkicked to her inside. EXTREME Z TAM tucked fifth at the ¼, then moved second-over, left uncovered ¾, kept trying to the wire. PARTY LOUNGE decided to go on to the top at the 1/8 and reached it at the ¼, under pressure down the backstretch and yielded ¾, not a factor thereafter. DANCE NUMBER slid in fourth, went uncovered into turn two, trotted a third split of 27.1 against the wind to clear ¾, but that effort got to her late. NAKED TRUTH gapped. EA AUDIT was forwardly-placed early, faded.
SEVENTH RACE – TUIS SHADOW was three-wide early and cleared past the1/8, kept the field fairly strung out until the 5/8 setting a fast pace, got pressure on the far turn, held off that one and the potential pocket rocket. TEDDY BROSEVELT used the rail to advantage to secure the pocket, went to the Pocono Pike, didn’t miss by much. GREEK LEGEND moved uncovered 5/8, challenged on the far turn, held well to the line. KEYSTONE SERGEANT was moving very well at the finish. PRAIRIE VIRTUE rode inside, not that much in the stretch. FRAC was between horses early, tucked third, backed outside on the turn, evenly. CUPID HANOVER never factored.
EIGHTH RACE – SPORTS BOX gapped early in the mile, then got going uncovered into turn two, grinded up to challenge, bore way wide in the stretch but still was able to decision BIG BOSS HILL. The latter set the pace with two moves, came up a bit shy. GOOD DEAL made the front early, yielded for the two-hole journey, evenly in the stretch. LUZIANA gapped at several points of the mile, inside stretch, evenly. ROCK THREE TIMES moved second-over but couldn’t keep with his cover. STARK HANOVER gapped at the back. BUTTER UP jumped just before the start, caught the field, moved outside but couldn’t regain the necessary ground. HIGHRTHANANEAGLE A was involved in a battle for the lead when making a nasty break just past the 1/8.
NINTH RACE – Now the wind is against them in the stretch … DINKY WINKY yielded 3/16, came out 5/16 but needed the rest of the frontstretch to clear, set a slow half and got no pressure until late, held off the inside thrust of CS EXPLOSIVE CHIP. The latter was briefly three-wide early then proceeded up to take over 3/16, yielded nearing turn two for the pocket, tried up the inside, just missed. DANCEHALL KING was second-over, gapped late backstretch into the turn then got rolling and moved three-wide, in top gear too late. MAD MONI was uncovered at the half, grinded, never closer to the winner than at the finish. PRAIRIE NUGGET left a bit, sat in, may not have been clear along the inside late. F SCOTT’S MUSE was third-over, four-wide headstretch, showed some late kick. TO MY CREDIT gapped much of the way. STAR HOPPING was a bit off the gate and trailed.
TENTH RACE – SOUTHWIND DREDGE had thoughts of getting forward early position butt took back to last, joined the flow fourth-over, had cover until swinging five-wide headstretch, still last at the stretch call, but exploded in the last 1/16 to go past everybody. RIOT was third-over, followed wide cover past the ¾ then went four-wide before the top of the stretch, finished with a kick that would have won many races but not this one. GLOBALDOMINATION N was in front 3/16, saw off both the first-over and the potential pocket rocket, but then was engulfed by the two closers way to his outside very late. HUDSEN A stayed third-in, found room towards midstretch, OK. APPLE VALLEY ART left and yielded for the pocket, went to the Pocono Pike but didn’t have enough. ADRENALINE RUSH moved into turn two and got cover at the ½, three-wide just past the ¾ but not enough late foot. PAPIAMENTO sat in, outside in a blindswitch near headstretch, not enough. VINOVIO came first-up at the half, never got closer than the leader’s wheel, fell back in the lane.
ELEVENTH RACE – Wind back to calm … BENICIO was wide leaving and tucked fourth at the 1/8, started first-up into turn two, had reached the leader by the 9/16, grinded, got to the lead midstretch, held off MIKI B MOUSE. The latter sat third-in, cleared early stretch and moved out, slow to get in high gear but closed well once doing so. EAZY HUNTING headed down the road, strung the field out despite a slow half, then got pressure from the winner, held pretty well in a quick last quarter. LADY’S CHOICE A sat the pocket, evenly late. P L PRINCESS C gapped third-over, then had good pace approaching the finish. BIRDIE THREE sat in, couldn’t gain along the inside late. HUNGRY FOR MONEY had good cover but couldn’t stay with it. SWEET GADGETS was at the back, gapped out 11/16.
TWELFTH RACE – C IS FOR COOKIE checked behind the 5/16 breaker, moved uncovered 5/8, got to tuck in the pocket all the way around the turn, outside stretch and with the mildest of urging went right on by. AMERICAN CRISPIN was looped early, between horses to the lead at the 3/16, headed down the road at a good clip for these, good to be as close to the winner as she was and far ahead of the rest. HUNGRY FOR KISSES checked 5/16, sat in and was shuffled very badly when the pocketsitter gave way, had to wait for the Pocono Pike and had some response in recovery. BLANK CHEEK also was bothered, wide into the stretch and doing OK at the finish. SWEET HOME went to the front, yielded 3/16, gave the pocket then broke 5/16, recovered and was outside but could not reenter contention. BEAUTIFUL AMERICA was three-deep past the 1/8, got into the two-hole at the ¼, all done 5/8. BULLVILLE HILDA was soon last and lost contact early.
THIRTEENTH RACE – ARTACHE HANOVER sat in third, got room deep in the Pocono Pike and took these fairly easily. CAVIART SKIPPER was out to the 3/16 between horses, cleared then yielded for the pocket, inside the pacesetter and just beat out that one for second. HOWTOTRAINURDRAGON was three-wide to the 3/16 then went up to take over off the first turn, got a moderate half, had the first-over never get closer than his hindquarters, couldn’t make the lead stand up late. CAPOZZO was last, out-then-in on the far turn, had some pace in the path behind the winner. KIMANI N pushed the early proceedings, came out raw off turn two, never much closer than a length off the pacesetter, faded. SETONCRUISECONTROL was third-over, three-wide late turn, didn’t reach. BLUEBERRY HEAVEN was second-over, gapped, blindswitched far turn, in tight quarters early stretch, evenly late.
FOURTEENTH RACE – SPORTSMANSHIP had command at the 1/8, yielded, moved from third 11/16 and swept to the lead nearing headstretch, ran away from these. SAULSBROOK RAPTOR was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to the ¼ in pursuit of command, yielded to the brushing favorite for the pocket, came clear after the winner took off, looked all-out to be second-over TODDLER TANTRUM. The latter pulled from fourth at the ¼ to get in front past the 3/8, offered little resistance to the winenr and couldn’t hold second late. SCRAPPIN GOLD stayed flat; THE OTHER TWO did not.
