Connors’ Comments for Sunday, April 23, 2023

Apr 28, 2023 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – Dropping from the mid-50s to the mid-40s during the evening card … Stretch headwind … SHORE OF HIMSELF went right to the lead, yielded 3/16 for a golden pocket trip, to the Pocono Pike, and (oh, brother) caught STONEBRIDGE DUEL late. The latter went to the front 3/16 and was off and winging, just came up a bit shy late. A FEARSOME HANOVER gapped much of the race, then found some stretch vigor and caught ALWAYS BETTER for third. The latter moved around the gapping former down the backstretch, but tired late. DILLINGER was inside, got the last payday. JK OBJECTION never was on the radar. I’LL TAKE THE BET couldn’t circle three-wide around the dull cover of RIDINLIKEYASTOLEIT; both were far back.

SECOND RACE – BAMSKI moved uncovered at the half and battled the leader from the 5/8, made the lead early stretch and stayed in control with coaxing. LENWOODS REAL DEAL was second-over slightly off his cover, one-geared in the stretch, won second but didn’t have a good late kick. PERKINS took back early, sat in, wedged between horses with pace while possibly not fully clear, or at least until very late. ATLANTIS swung four-wide from last and finished well. HAH-TAG SWAG started well and sat in the pocket, but didn’t have much response late. FOUR-STAR FLASH sat in, wasn’t clear, hard to tell how much pace he had. CHEYENNE REIJANE took over just past the 1/8, got pressure from the 5/8, faded in the last 1/8, SPORTS BETTOR was no factor from third-over.

THIRD RACE – TWO PROUD had the pocket leaving and kept tight on the early leader, moved 3/8 as the parked horse was closer to midpack, to the lead before the half, ran away with this one. JAGGED LITTLE PILL kept a hole shut near the ¼, inside, blocked as the winner got away, clear stretch and had enough to be the distant second. ON THE MONEY GB made the lead, yielded before the half and gapped most of the rest of the way. RACIN HUNGRY was caught inside by the parked horse, a touch of pace late. BLAZING RAMONA left and was out with cover most of the way, swung wide and wasn’t bad late. SOUTHWIND RYE never entered the picture; nor did SHES A BULLVILLE. ST LADS BIJOU left, couldn’t make the top and couldn’t find a hole, tired after the hard journey.

FOURTH RACE – FOX HOLE followed cover nicely second-over, wide and along. PAUC HANOVER stayed in third, outside in a blindswitch headstretch, angled in towards midstretch and gained well while not having the momentum of the winner. PRAIRIE FAMOUS made up a lot of ground from the half to headstretch, steadily for third. LEAST WEASEL gapped a little early, moved uncovered 5/8, put in a challenge on the far turn but could not sustain it. KOLB HANOVER made the front, yielded, moved again 3/16 to be on the point before the 3/8, couldn’t last in a 1:00.4 back half. A GREAT CHAPTER gapped, broke midstretch while not in contention, placed. UNCLE NINO made the lead before the 1/8, relinquished for the pocket, not much in the lane. HILLASVIVA broke just as the gate sprang.

FIFTH RACE – CRUSH ME was offstride for a couple of steps into turn one but quickly righted, came uncovered at the half and applied pressure to ROSEY TIME from late backstretch, just got the better of that one on the money; an inquiry into the winner’s early break gave no reason for placing. ROSEY TIME left, moved at the ¼ and was on top past the 3/8 in a fast half, fought with the winner gamely to the line. HP XANADU left, was forced to take the pocket nearing the ¼, inside and badly shuffled on the far turn, had pace once clear to the inside after the top two were gone. TEEN DREAM came three-wide off dull cover from third-over, finished OK. APRIL AVA was on top at the 1/8, forced a tuck, pushed the brusher a ways before yielding, started to fade past the ¾. FOR CHIPS SAKE didn’t show much from second-over. THE FINAL TWO never were prominent.

SIXTH RACE – Mild stretch tailwind as they went to the gate for this one … SNOWMAN HANOVER went on mid-first turn to take the top off the first turn, set good numbers for these and drew away from this field. BATTIN A THOUSAND used the second quarter to tighten the gap left by the early breaker, outside with cover 5/8, gapped some on the turn, the found a better gear late and was up for the distant second. CURADH got away third, inherited the pocket 5/8 but was loose in it, couldn’t preserve second late; came back with “b.e.” I GOT THE TAB got the top on short order, yielded just after the ¼ for the two-hole, pulled out 5/8 and challenged, but then gave way. KALEUN gapped at the rear. ACTION SHOT was slightly off the gate, closed a hole 3/16 but soon afterward went to a gallop.

SEVENTH RACE – HES REALLY KEEN, deftly-driven, took the pocket 3/16, pulled out behind the first-over as the pocket horses gapped down the back, was able to duck inside to the pocket and then the Pocono Pike, and proved to have the most late. SHARKY BEAR was on the move from third before the ¼ and quickly got the lead, went on at a good clip, almost held it together in a good showing. MADDOX HANOVER was first-up at the half and made good progress against the wind down the back, tired a little bit late. PLAY THE ACE came off the rail far turn and was gaining late. SLICK RICHARD got the last check. BRUMBY offered little. STILL THIRSTY was away quickly, forced a tuck, yielded, then went loose in the pocket from before the 5/8.

EIGHTH RACE – KING KONG KALIBRE was three-wide past the 1/8, then went up to get the lead before the 5/16, had a horse hounding him to and past the fast half, held together against challenges from both sides in the stretch in a gritty race. BARNEY HANOVER went clear very early, yielded to the 3/16, stayed connected third-in, went to the Pocono Pike and just missed. HESTONATOR was used to gain the lead 3/16, yielded 5/16, came out of the pocket for the drive but had to settle for a clear third. VORACIOUS was leaving a gap before a foe broke at the ¼, was nowhere close to the lead for the next half mile, then got going behind cover far turn, widest and with some pace late. CRÈME DE LOU CRÈME came out down the back to get around the gapper, swung three-wide turn, fair late. GAYLE’S ARSENAL gapped at the back. SOLAR BOLT was triple-looped early, left uncovered 5/16 and challenged in fast fractions but didn’t have the speed, didn’t fade until the last 1/8. FATEFUL DUEL made a break at the ¼, then suffered “b.e.”, never close.

NINTH RACE – HIGH IMPRESSION left for the pocket, backed out behind the first-over headstretch and swung wide, with good pace late to defeat WON LAST FEELING. The latter came out raw 5/8 and grinded up, head-to-head with the leader on the turn, made the lead midstretch but was outkicked late. ROCKIN THE BLAZE headed down the road, was challenged before the ¾, gave way through the stretch. CAPTAIN MALICIOUS gapped cover second-over; LAST MACH gapped gapping cover third-over. BLOOD BROTHER was stuck inside last headstretch when being bothered by the breaking CAVIART MAX, who also raced inside and made a break turning for home.

TENTH RACE – WENTWORTH HANOVER was unhurried to the 11/16 then moved raw, sprinted home well to get the decision over G LOAD. The latter took over before the 1/8, yielded off the first turn and sat in the two-hole, a trifle loose on the turn then hitting a higher gear, Pocono Pike, not beaten by much. MONI BOOK made a delayed frontward move, took the top near the ¼, got a crawling middle half, but then didn’t have the sprint when the pace picked up late. CLYDEWEISER was well-placed throughout, to the deep Pike, did well. THE FINAL TWO didn’t make an impact here.

ELEVENTH RACE – DING DING DINGER was very fast away, yielded to sit behind the choice, to the Pocono Pike and along nicely as the Braxten Boyd Show continued. MARINER SEELSTER tucked third at the 1/8, underway off the first turn and with the wind went up to take over 3/8, was hard-pressured by the first-over from the 11/16, didn’t have enough to withstand the fresh pocket rocket. ODDS ON DELRAY was uncovered from off turn two, gradually went up and battled hard with the pacesetter, held pretty well late. COWBOY COOL was third-over, wide stretch and OK. ASTON HILL DAVE was second-over, didn’t not tip wide for the drive, evenly. STICK WITH CRAMER was stuck behind too much cover. UNICO LEGEND N had the early pocket, stayed close, but came up empty late. BOLT OF LUCK gapped at the back.

TWELFTH RACE – PARK OFFICIAL was three-wide to the 1/8 to take over at the bottom of turn one, yielded for the pocket, got the Pocono Pike and charged home as much the best. BUSBOY HANOVER made the top then yielded early, stayed connected third-in, to the deep Pike and edged CLASSIFIEDMATERIAL for second. The latter went uncovered 5/8 and challenged, almost lasted for second. MONEYMAN HILL was second-over from last, found some decent pace late. SOMBODYITREASURE set the pace with two moves, nothing left late. BRAVO TEX N sat in and was shuffled, moved out, four-wide stretch, never reached contention. MUDVILLE gapped at the back.

THIRTEENTH RACE – BUILDING BOOST was underway raw into turn two, argued with the leader from the 5/8, stayed strong late to take the victory. MAMBA moved from third not long off the first bend and made the front, under hard pressure from the winenr, had to settle for second. BEACH VIBES was third-over, wide stretch and was along for third with late speed. DON’T GET SHOCKED raced close-up throughout, got some clearance midstretch and was coming on at the wire. PINK FLOYD HANOVER was in front before the 1/8, yielded for the two-hole, came up empty in the stretch. ERINWOOD YVES was second-over, another who did not tip wide of his cover, not too much late. ZEUS HANOVER was stuck behind a gapping LATEST ATTRACTION, who lost contact in the last ¼.

FOURTEENTH RACE – It had not been a good night for horses setting the pace, but URBAN RENEWAL flew in the face of that logic, making the lead just past the 1/8, setting good fractions and withstanding a long challenge from I’M BENICIO A. The latter left well to tuck third, started uncovered coming out of the second turn, gave the winenr all he wanted. HOMESTRETCH WES was outside down the back then ducked in, between horses in the stretch for a distant third.  ALOTBETTOR N rode the two-hole trip, tired the last 1/16. BELLOWS BINGE was second-over, never really got going. PUZZLING never entered the main picture. CAVIART VAL sat in, started gapping at the 5/8. A BETTOR BEACH made a break nearing the first turn.

COnnors’ Comments for Saturday, April 22, 2023

Apr 25, 2023 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – Highs in the high 60s to low 70s … Swirling wind aiding those racing on or near the pace and most third quarters; stronger later in the card … PRINCE OF TIDES was looped leaving, persevered on to get the lead to the 3/8, opened a big lead midstretch and had enough to withstand the closers. MR DS ROCK gapped second-over down the back then closer, three-wide midturn, edged PRAIRIE PANTHER for second. The latter was urged leaving but then took back, out fourth-over, gapped wide cover on the turn, went five-wide early stretch and found a good late kick. CHATELROLL was third-over, four-wide late turn, OK though outkicked. REDBANK BLAZE A moved uncovered off the second turn and made a good challenge, but couldn’t sustain the move from midturn. CAPTAIN ROMANCE sat in, blocked far turn as the winner got away, but didn’t have much once clear inside. OUR MAJORDAN A left well wide and was in front past the 1/8, pushed a bit to the 3/8 then yielded for the pocket, tired, then had his wheel hooked by RIFLEMAN, trying to find a path in tight quarters, late in the stretch.

SECOND RACE – LOU’S BEACH was away second then improved that position by one, set the pace, had enough to take the victory. YS DO IT RIGHT used the rail to large advantage, then yielded for the two-hole, came out in the lane and narrowed in, good but had to settle for second. C-BET HANOVER sat in then moved out midturn, clearance headstretch after the breaker, enough for a distant third. JACK ROCK dropped in fifth at the 3/16, inside, fair late. GROOVY MAN backed out to follow cover 5/8, gapped, wide late turn, had to alter course headstretch to avoid the breaker, recovered fairly well. YS MATHIS BRO made a good third quarter challenge uncovered but couldn’t sustain it. BULLVILLE FRANK gapped at the back. SAMHARA N was uncovered from last, went 26.2 down the back (with the wind) and kept improving, but made a break late on the far turn.

THIRD RACE – KINDA LUCKY LINDY left to get the three-spot, uncovered 9/16 and grinded away, looked shaken off upper stretch but displayed courage and kept coming to get the nod. MYSTICAL WYNN was wide early, pressed on to take command 5/16 past the fast quarter, absorbed pressure and looked to have shaken off the winner early stretch, just failed to hang on. MACMORRIS HANOVER was briefly wide the between horses to the lead at the 1/8, yielded 5/16 for the pocket, couldn’t gain in the lane. DANDY was underway uncovered from last, gapped cover down the back, three-wide ¾, steadily but too far to come against the day’s bias. SORTIE stayed inside, gapped down the back, evenly. MUSHANA was never in the picture. BANK BOX TREASURE moved with cover 5/8 but gapped.

FOURTH RACE – ANNABELLE HANOVER went into the two-hole at the 1/8 and bided her time, stayed tight in a three-horse breakaway, to the Pocono Pike and was along in time. FRANTASY HANOVER used track geometry to emerge with the lead, slowed the half, fought off the first-over but was just caught to her inside. CRAZY CUTE came out raw 11/16 and made a good run at the leader on the turn, held well far head of the rest. PEARL HARBOUR N stayed in, proved best of the rest. PRAIRIE WESTERNGAL, a bit roughgaited at points, was three-wide to the 1/8, backed off to tuck fourth before the ¼, came back out second-over but gapped. THE LAST THREE did not make their presence felt in this contest.

FIFTH RACE – ARCHERY SEELSTER got the pocket easily and was the only one to stay close to the pacesetter, moved out headstretch, gradually gained and went by just past midstretch. FRANK THE ELDER was away in good order to grab the lead, slowed the half then streaked in 27 down the back, held well but the two fast odd-numbered quarters may have taken a toll. RACER DAN went around a gapper for third. BY A HOFF HANOVER started gapping in third soon into the backstretch. HEART MATTERS was wide around early trouble, got the last check. HAND DOVER DAN was in the early mix but soon ran and galloped much of the rest of the way. AP HALL OF TRIX jumped it of an 1/8 before the start. RED REDEMPTION broke towards the first turn, was pulled up.

SIXTH RACE – I WAS TRICKED was three-high to command at the 1/8, rated quarter two, then had twin 27.3s coming home to defeat JOEMIKIYOURSOFINE. The latter left between horses for the pocket, stayed pretty well plugged-in to the line although not able to reach the winner. GHOST SHARK was wide early then backed off to fourth, moved out 11/16 but couldn’t gain too much into the fast back half. TRIFECTA HANOVER left some, started gaping in third towards the 5/8. SOMEWHERE ROCKIN never surfaced. NOPEWASNTME moved two-wide but never gained. BULLVILLESPANDEMIC was far-off well before the ¼ and never connected with the field.

SEVENTH RACE – MISS MCKEE made the lead 3/16, got a breather in quarter two, had P L NOTSONICE coming at her from before the ¾ but dug in to beat out that rival. The latter came out 5/8 and went up to engage the lead, good mile in defeat. DEE’S RED DELICIOUS yielded and got the pocket when another early challenger broke, to the Pocono Pike but not that much to offer late. MARION GONDOLIER stayed with the main pack most of the way; SAY YOU DO didn’t but got the final payday by staying errorless. ONE AFTER NINE moved second-over but gapped, then broke late on the turn. DOUBLE ACCOUNT galloped soon after the start. BLENHEIM was three-wide a good part of the 1/8, then behind cover, was going up to bid for the lead when breaking 3/16, recovered but then continued with misbehavior.

EIGHTH RACE – MAXIMUS MIKI settled midpack early then came just past the ¼ to control the throttle, fought off the first-over threat to his right then turned his attention left and withstood Pocono Pike-shooting BILL HALEY N late. The latter went out in 26.2 to control the early proceedings, yielded for the pocket, challenged hard in the stretch but couldn’t quite make it. PHOENIX OF FLUZZY sat in, found a tight seam midstretch and finished with strong pace. BETTORS DONTTELL was out most of the fast ¼ before accepting the two-hole, came again early backstretch and went 26.3 to really pressure the winner, only faded a little bit late. DONTPASSMEHANOVER gapped second-over most of the last half, then suddenly found a better gear late. CAVEMAN A sat in and never got into it. WESTERN JOE moved outside but fell back.

NINTH RACE – LAYTON HANOVER used the rail well to establish early control, got a stroll to the half, got some pressure but drew away from these impressively late. LUCKBEWITHALEX kept the pocket closed, not in the league of the winner today. AMERICAN CLASSIC was underway raw from before the 3/8, gradually grinded up to reach contention on the turn, just missed second behind a superior winner. COMET CRUSADER N kept a hole shut early, inside, outside stretch, evenly. BUCHANNON HANOVER was far back inside when bothered by the breaker to headstretch. KATIES BET moved second-over but was gapping towards the far turn. CODE CRACKER never was heard from. CAPTAIN COWBOY went up early but didn’t have the speed to clear and had holes plugged behind the leader, finally got in fourth 5/16, inside, pinned in when breaking late on the turn and going to the infield.

TENTH RACE – ALL CLASS was all business, taking the lead, rating the half into the wind, continuing on and then finishing into the wind in 26.3 under a hold – a very impressive finish and mile. BINGE ON YANKEE kept close in the pocket until the ¾, held on to the distant second behind the powerhouse. WE SHALL SEA sat third almost the whole way and held that position over MAYWEATHER HANOVER. The latter came out of fourth ¾, gained the first part of the turn but seemed to get a bit rough and lost his momentum, didn’t gain any more. THE NEXT TWO were outpaced. HUNTERS HERO broke just past the start, had just about caught the field when jumping again at the half.

ELEVENTH RACE – BULLY BOY HILL got good positioning early, moved from third at the half and grinded  up in the third quarter en route to taking the lead midturn, was able to draw clear despite the kicker being only 30.2. SAID N DONE N moved second-over, gapped 5/8, one-geared and just took second over ANGELONIA. The latter went to the lead 3/16, surrendered the top about a like distance later for the pocket, blocked on the far turn, angled wide early stretch and came back some. ANDOVERTHEWINNINGS went up a beat or two late early, finally wrestled command 3/8, had pressure from the winner and couldn’t hold that one out midturn, continued to give ground. CHAPHEART gapped a gapper third-over, then hit a high gear nearing the ¾ and was moving up well through the turn when lapsing from gait late on the bend. WALLET broke before the ¼. BRIGHT SIDE UP gapped down the back then broke far turn.

TWELFTH RACE – IDIOSYNCRATIC maintained the pocket, backed out ¾ as the lead changed hands, went right by the new leader and drew away. CONGRESSIONAL was three-wide to the 1/8 before accepting third well ahead of the others, went up to challenge raw and had the lead just past the fast ¾, couldn’t handle the winner, kept to hustling to the line to preserve second after a hard mile. BULLVILLE STEPHANO was behind gappers into the backstretch, got around them, three-wide headstretch and did well from a hard spot. RUSTY BEACH gapped off the early speed duel, got tighter in quarter two, moved out far turn but couldn’t summon enough. HURRIKANE HUNTER went to the lead to turn one, carved a fast tempo, powerless when challenged ¾. YANKEE CLOUT was well back. MARRIED MAN bore wide off the first turn, never regained any forward motion.

THIRTEENTH RACE – SERIOUSLY HANOVER was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to the 3/16 to get the front, had a clear lead at points including to the ¾ after a 26.2 third quarter, kept after late to turn back a steady WALKINSHAW N. The latter left between horses to 1/8 command then relinquished to sit the two-hole, a bit loose at times, but steady in the stretch and went well. REBELLIOUS pushed the 1/8 and yielded, stayed plugged in until early stretch, still far ahead of all the others. TRACEUR HANOVER sat midpack, fell back far turn, still fourth. THE WALL left a gap in the fast third quarter, along for the last check. DRAGON CITY never factored. INDIGO ART moved uncovered down the back but went nowhere. STONEBRIDGE KARIS gapped in the second quarter, little late.

FOURTEENTH RACE – SOUTH BEACH STAR was parked just past the 26.4 opener, really slowed it down in quarter two, then sprinted home in 54.1 as much the best here. CASUAL COOL made the front right away, yielded to the winner, did pretty well keeping up in the sprint home, far ahead of the rest. HARD ROCK HULK stayed inside and was just up for third over GROOVY JOE. The latter raced in proximity to the pace, not too much late. BULLVILLE TERROR, reacting to the drastic pace slowdown, moved from seventh uncovered 3/8, made some gain before backing off. CAVIART LUCA was out second-over but gapped in the fast third split. AFLAME HANOVER backed out to third-over before the half but wasn’t on the main radar. CAPTAIN SLEAZE could offer very little.

Connors’ Comments for Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Apr 23, 2023 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – Back to cold: in the mid-40s … Wind not much at the beginning; will pick up … ANDOVER CONTESSA was behind a bad gapper when moving off turn two, advanced down the backstretch then picked up cover near the end of the straight, wide stretch, looked confident midstretch but just did get up over MISS MUSCLE. The latter closed in after the ¼ and stayed connected, to the Pocono Pike, solid to just miss. DAGON HANOVER dropped into the pocket leaving, came back out towards the ¾, gained briefly but then couldn’t sustain late. ASKMELATER HANOVER strung out the field to the half while setting the pace, tired. TRICKY DICK got the last check. WAVELIKEAQUEEN gapped from down the back; ARCH CREDIT gapped from the 3/8. FIX-IT-UP was at the back when going offstride entering the backstretch.

SECOND RACE — ALEXA’S SUNSHINE was looped early and didn’t get inside until nearing the ¼, back out raw at the half and grinded, no closer than aflank of the winner until midstretch, then had the more pace finishing. MORE PLEASE set the pace, rated the half then picked it up, couldn’t ward off the winner in the last few steps. MIKI B MOUSE was way behind early backstretch but steadily gained, inside on the turn, was in tight quarters gaining with pace late – a big race. STAY SPECIAL backed out to second-over 11/16, three-wide late turn, just a step shy. ALWAYS B BEACHIN got in the pocket just before the 1/8, stayed close, came up short late. ADULT SWIM moved out to the ¾, four-wide nearing headstretch, not quite enough. MILLDOOKER MOLLY and HAPPY HESTON lost contact in the last half.

THIRD RACE – Stretch headwind picking up … QUITE FAST made the top leaving and made life hard on other leavers before yielding, back out raw 5/8 and cleared into the far turn, all-out and stayed on well (in a 30.1 kicker) to get the decision. OVER BOARD was four-wide early, worked to two-wide and then worked to the lead 5/16, yielded before the second turn, quick to slip out behind the winner 11/16, left uncovered, briefly went inside then out again for the stretch, almost. DEFACEMENT was outside 5/8 but gapped, evenly late. CHEROKEE JOY was shuffled behind a tired horse far turn, angled wide and finished steadily. KEYSTONE SWEETNESS was widest early, three-wide most of the ¼, briefly with cover then raw to get the lead before turn two, couldn’t keep the winner out ¾. MARI moved outside but didn’t enter the main picture. GADOT HANOVER never featured.

FOURTH RACE – LADY’S IMAGE secured the pocket early, went to the Pocono Pike and proved most photogenic in a three-way picture. TOWN VICTOR was three-wide to the 1/8 to the lead in a good quarter, rated the half, couldn’t make the advantage stand up to the wire. HALL IT OFF sat in third, got some room in a sliver between horses midstretch and responded well. ARGENTO was uncovered into turn two, grinded well. FOREVERHILLREIGN went second-over. wide headstretch but didn’t gain. MOLLY’S JAIL sat in then backed out two-wide on the turn, not prominent. TRUMAN JR HANOVER was looped between horses leaving, broke while two-wide 3/16, did well to be close to the end of the main field at the end.

FIFTH RACE – CAN’T SAY NO dashed out to the lead, forced a tuck, clear afterwards and drew off in the latter stages. SMART AS HILL was uncovered from last 5/8, three-wide late turn, did well to come all the way to second. AWSOME PAUL wanted the lead but was forced to take the pocket 3/16, couldn’t salvage place late. PATRICK HANOVER gapped down the back, inside, not all that much. CHING CHING LUCKY spotted third early, outside late turn, couldn’t gain. FAIR GLIDER wasn’t far off third place on the far outside finishing.

SIXTH RACE – A GOOD CHARDONNAY headed right to the top, slowed the half, remained in control. I CANT REFUSE landed the pocket early, broke briefly at the ¾ but got back on stride, clear in second; an inquiry into the ¾ break gave no reason for placing. RHIANNON HANOVER spotted fourth, advanced inside ¾, had the horse in front of her break but quickly regain stride midturn, clear third. BT BABE and EVER HOPEFUL G never factored. TACTICAL TAKEOFF lived up to her name early and landed third, came out ¾ but had lost her forward action by the bottom of the turn, already faded when breaking midstretch. NETWORK EXTENDER broke at the start, had caught the field by the ½ but couldn’t reenter the main race.

SEVENTH RACE – DEMON BOY came uncovered to the 5/8 and grinded up, wore down the stubborn pacesetter P L PHOENIX. The latter thought about tucking fourth but then went on 3/16 to the lead before the 3/8, set the pace, fought hard with the winner, good mile. GALLIE GETAWAY was in front at the 1/8, yielded for the pocket, Pocono Pike, couldn’t quite get there. CAMLACHIE CHROME yielded, stayed connected inside, had pace on the end with no clear path. BARRIER followed lively cover down the back, three-wide midturn, flattened slightly late. AIR RIDE was gapping off the second turn. LYONS SWIFT lost contact at the back.

EIGHTH RACE – ELEGANT DULUPIN FR was fourth as the field passed the “START” spot but took advantage of geometry and came through to the lead, fighting a rival when that one broke 3/16, got more pressure for ITS A HORSE from the 5/8 onward, but dug in to hold her ground. ITS A HORSE tucked, came away with the pocket after an outside challenger broke before the ¼, came raw 5/8 and went at it hard with the winner, held well. R HERBIE BLUE CHIP gapped a bit third-in, closer on the turn then to the Pocono Pike, couldn’t summon enough. DART GUY gapped at points, got in gear ¾ and was narrowing in late. DAZZLNDASH HANOVER gapped at points, then backed off for good ¾. NASEY was challenging from the lead 3/16 when he broke, continued to run.

NINTH RACE – WARRIOR WAY made the lead at the 1/8, had a clear lead from about the 3/8 on, stayed in control. DIEHARD SEELSTER moved towards the 11/16, briefly ducked in on the turn, then came out again, did well but was not getting to the winner while clear of the rest. LOUIS yielded for the pocket, wasn’t snug from the 3/8 on, enough for third. THE NEXT THREE lagged behind. SIMON GOT LUCKY broke in last before the 3/8.

TENTH RACE – KADDARI went right to the lead, set unchallenged fractions, was mildly-urged to keep BABY OIL safe. The latter went right into the pocket, outside headstretch, good but not quite able to make up the ground on the winner. EEE Z WOW stayed close until early stretch. QUARANTINA came out on the far turn, evenly. THE LAST TWO were gapping at the ¾.

ELEVENTH RACE – CRAZYCAT started raw on turn two, rushed up before the 5/8 and went 27.1 (with the wind) to clear ¾, all alone. CREEMORE was wide early, took back to tuck, backed out behind the winner but couldn’t stay with him, left uncovered ¾, steadily for the distant second. NICE STUFF sat in, shuffled a bit, then angled wide and kicked home nicely in the last 1/16. SPREE was between horses early, sat the two-hole, shuffled a bit far turn, Pocono Pike, not all that much. JIVE NINETY FIVE was four-wide early and three-wide just past the 1/8, on top at the ¼, rated the half, couldn’t stall the winner to the ¾, tired. BANZAI AS never entered the picture. GINGERTREE STAKIAS broke at the start.

TWELFTH RACE – GRIZZ WYLLIE sat third until going uncovered 11/16, gradually gained and edged ROSALINE in the final steps. The latter set all the pace, just failed to complete the job while far ahead of the others. U BAKE THE CAKE was outside from far back off the second turn, gradually ranged up to cover, couldn’t trot with the top two but got third. TIPSY MONI was four lengths off the gate, gapped cover from early backstretch to past headstretch, then found a much better gear. CHARLIE BAR stayed in, shuffled on the far turn, made some recovery in the Pocono Pike. GINA’S ON FIRE never featured. WILD KAT G secured the pocket early, couldn’t keep up from late backstretch. MATTER OF TRUST gapped and was far back.

THIRTEENTH RACE – TERRY A HANOVER was four-wide early, backed off to follow cover and then tucked fifth before the ¼, came uncovered just before the ½ and rushed up to clear before the ¾, held together late as blocked horses were rapidly making up ground. SHVAIKO was three-wide leaving, then two-wide, backed off to tuck third at the ¼, sat in down the back, shuffled, out in a blindswitch late backstretch, stayed in the blindswitch on the turn, then chose the Pocono Pike and finished with a lot of horse after bad luck. BOARDWALK BET defended the two-hole, ran up on the leader towards the 11/16, was shuffled when that one was passed, found a path between horses midstretch and made up a good deal of ground. ALADDIN HANOVER had the winner’s cover, left uncovered to the ¾ and was left behind raw by that one, fair late as the pace slowed. FRISKIE ALL NITE was inside and shuffled, stacked widest and gained back ground. WESTERN BEACHBOY went to the top at the 1/8 in a 26.2 quarter, could do nothing with the winner to the ¾, stayed on halfway well considering the fast ¼. MOVE THE LINE gapped at the back. DOUBLEORNOTHING N was in the backstretch flow, three-wide from the 11/16, flattened out.

FOURTEENTH RACE – HORSE quickly made the top, had the favorite on the outside but not threatening, maintained a safe distance late over ONTO EL DORADO N. The latter gained up the inside from last until moving outside midturn, wide in the stretch and very good although in top gear a bit too late. DONTLIKEITLEAVE moved at the ¼ but could only one-gear steadily raw, perhaps never closer to the winner than at the wire. HELTER SKELTER went out for the pocket, empty in the lane. KEY ADVISOR was looped and took back, stayed in, had room in the path behind the winner but only evenly. CAVIART SAGE was never close. CAPTAIN CASH was looped early and wide to the first turn, backed off all the way to fifth, then second-over but had little the last ¼.

FIFTEENTH RACE – ILBENEEDINSTITCHES was one of several leavers, widest then took cover, left raw at the ¼ and rather than explore a tuck pressed on, took the lead with a lap to go, drew clear of these impressively. SWIZZLE HANOVER was the innermost leaver and got a few to tuck, yielded 3/8, started to go loose ¾ but did hold the distant second. KASEVILLE was three-wide early, got inside at the ¼, kept up OK. RED OVERBACH raced out to the two-hole at the 1/8, moved out 11/16, fair. HOT SUMMER KNIGHT sat in, blocked some far turn, but little when clear in the lane. MASSIVE OPULENCE had bad cover, couldn’t gain enough from three-wide. FRAC never surfaced. THE BOSS MAN moved uncovered at the half, gained down the back, got cover, then fell back the last 3/16.

Connors’ Comments for Monday, April 17, 2023

Apr 22, 2023 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – Mid to high 50s … Stretch headwind … LULU ROCKS gapped in the second quarter then got tighter as third-over, four-wide headstretch and had the most pace in a slowing last quarter. TEAM COLORS found an early spot, back on the attack raw at the half and battled the leader a long, long way without clearing, finally made the lead early stretch, went on gamely. TOTALLY RIGGED was three-wide early and on top at the 1/8 in the fast ¼, yielded for the pocket, crucially shuffled a bit headstretch, went out behind the leader then ducked inside to the Pocono Pike, couldn’t build up enough momentum. PARTY LOUNGE had a fine second-over trip, narrowed in on cover, three-wide to headstretch, a stop-and-a-half behind these. HAILEY’S SISTER, urged behind the gate, moved from third before the ¼ to the lead past the 5/16, had heavy-duty pressure from early in the backstretch, kept the first-over outside then tired in the lane. BLANK CHEEK was first on top then yielded, inside, not too much late. LADYZAR gapped down the backstretch. ILUVLOUCY moved outside, was far back when making a break early stretch.

SECOND RACE – PERFECT BET left well, yielded and enjoyed a perfect pocket trip, to the Pocono Pike, worked very hard to get by CALYPSO ROCK N. The latter took over at the 3/16, rated the half then sped up (both in keeping with the wind), was headed midstretch but fought on gamely. SEND IT JEROME was well-placed third-in, went right to the deep Pike, not far off at all. SPORTS BOX initially gapped second-over then got closer midbackstretch, three-wide late turn, missed less than a length. ROCK THREE TIMES spotted early, started the outer tier towards turn two, never got closer than the leader’s wheel, but held his ground well. BIG BOSS HILL was three-wide to the 1/8, was wrestled in fourth at the ¼, not prominent thereafter. BUTTER UP was never a factor from third-over. STARK HANOVER never surfaced.

THIRD RACE – Wind picking up … BUMPY JACK didn’t move until the 11/16 then grinded up, turned back the rest in a slow mile. F SCOTT’S MUSE moved out down the back but made no gain, suddenly in gear before mid-far turn and came home well. TOMMY BOY HANOVER yielded for the pocket, well-placed, Pocono Pike, a length shy. REDDY FOX went to the lead 3/16 and set walking-horse fractions, still came up short. STRONG BREW moved outside on the far turn, was blindswitched and blocked to the line. FAWN DE SIGN broke early, caught the back of the field. IMPERIAL ZETTE had little to offer. ROWDER was off the gate, was going forward early but jumped before the first turn.

FOURTH RACE – SOUTHWIND DREDGE went up early to spot midpack, moved second-over, three-wide late turn, had the most in the stretch. BLOW A CLOUD N, urged leaving, had to settle for the pocket, moved first-over 9/16 and grinded, no match for the winner’s late speed but went on gamely to take second. FRIDAY NIGHT BLUES quarter-moved and was used into the wind to clear, yielded off the second turn to sit the pocket, Pocono Pike, fair. TODDLER TANTRUM would not yield early, finally did give up the lead 3/8 but then quickly regained the top off the second turn, did hard work before giving way. PREMIER ROCKSTAR went evenly. THE OTHER TWO didn’t enter the main picture.

FIFTH RACE – BUDWEISER GIRL was three-wide past the 3/16 then two-wide to the front 5/16, set the pace, held nicely with a horse coming at her to both sides late. WAVERLY HANOVER pushed hard early then yielded, moved from third 11/16, made the pocket past midturn and went to the Pocono Pike, couldn’t quite reach. BINGO BRAIN gapped behind the early duel then tightened in, outside 5/8 and got cover 11/16, left uncovered late turn, finally kicked in towards midstretch and was moving well late. NINA HANOVER came all the way up the inside to be next. QUEEN OF THORNTON was outside on the far turn, a bit late. MERCURY LANE sat in, was stuck behind a tired one far turn, came out in a blindswitch, so-so late. MISCHIEVOUS G was between horses leaving to take the top 3/16, yielded 5/16, went loose late backstretch. VALENTINE BLESSING was off the gate, then broke just past the start.

SIXTH RACE – P L LEEROY was three-high early then two-deep to 3/16 command, strung the field out and was in control to the wire. LORD OF MISRULE was first to show on top, yielded for the two-hole, tried the Pocono Pike, not enough. PANTHEON HANOVER went wide with a bit late. HUDSEN A vacated third ¾ but his bid was short-lived. THE OTHER PAIR were always near the rear.

SEVENTH RACE – RIOT hustled up down the back to join a good flow, left uncovered far turn, kept on coming and was along in time. INTRIGUED AGAIN moved with cover but soon lost that 5/8, tucked in the pocket ¾, to the Pocono Pike, outkicked far to his outside. HOWTOTRAINURDRAGON was away well for the two-hole, outside into the backstretch and went right on to the lead, didn’t have quite enough late. PLAY THE ACE never factored. LUZIANA gapped. SETONCRUISECONTROL went right to the lead, offered little resistance when challenged before the 5/8 and fell back.

EIGHTH RACE — EXTREME Z TAM was out fourth-over, behind a gapper so three-wide ¾, then angled all the way down into the Pocono Pike into the stretch and had strong pace to get the decision. SQUARE DEAL made the top 3/16, pushed then yielded for the pocket, vacated same 11/16 and challenged through the turn, got the lead again early stretch but was outkicked to her inside. SWEET PHENOMENA spotted early, moved out to the 5/8 then got cover, went three-wide headstretch, fair. EA AUDIT was buried inside on the far turn, angled widest early stretch and finished with pace. B ON THE HUNT was three-wide 3/16 then two-wide to the 5/16 to get the lead, came under pressure late backstretch, not too much left late. KALYPSO was first on top then relinquished, stayed close until the 11/16. PEMBROKE SOUTHIE moved outside but didn’t gain. BRAINIAC was away last, never got into contention.

NINTH RACE – MADDOX HANOVER moved out behind an advancing first-over nearing turn two, three-wide 5/8 and went his third split in 26.4 to clear at the ¾, all by himself. APPLE VALLEY ART made the lead relatively easily, slowed things down in turn two then had to pick it up as a first-over horse made a bold bid, kept that one out but could not respond to the sweeper, still a good second far ahead of the rest. KIMANI moved before the 3/8 and went right up to the leader to battle, fell back through the last ¼, just got third. KEPT UNDER WRAPS left well then yielded for the two-hole, gapped out 11/16. CAVIART SKIPPER moved out down the back but couldn’t go enough to reach contention. BASS PLAYER gapped at the back.

TENTH RACE – C IS FOR COOKIE had cover to the 3/16, then went on to take over just before the 3/8, popped the plugs and was mildly urged early stretch and responded by again drawing clear. AMERICAN CRISPIN was three-high to the 1/8 en route to the front 3/16, yielded just about a like distance later for the pocket, not quite as much as the top one but still good. HUNGRY FOR KISSES got underway at the half and made a bold move in 27 down the back first-over, went right at the leader, couldn’t quite sustain but another with a good mile in defeat. CARIS was first to show, yielded, gapped at the ¾. EAZY HUNTING had a touch of belated pace wide. PERFECT BLOOM came outside on the turn but could make no headway. HURRIKANE LADY LOU gapped at the back. BEAUTIFUL AMERICA suffered an “ex” 3/16 and was pulled up.

ELEVENTH RACE – GLOBALDOMINATION N was right in front, yielded to the 3/8, pushed the button before the ¾ and went right by, leaving these far behind. PAPIAMENTO stayed connected, left outside raw on the turn, not in the league of the winner but enough for the distant second. BEACH BLANKET BOOK was at the back behind gappers, came a long way to be third while finishing wide. SAULSBOOK RAPTOR did not leave quickly but gradually worked his way up to take over near the 3/8, tired throughout the last ¼. SPORTS TELLER spotted, then was gapping early in the backstretch. SCRAPPIN GOLD was not heard from. CAPOZZO moved outside at the half but went nowhere.

TWELFTH RACE – RELENTLESS JULIE moved outside down the back, three-wide around the breaker, uncovered then had cover on the far turn, proved the best in the late battle. DANCE NUMBER pressed on to 3/16 command, yielded in front of the stands for the two-hole, came out midturn, second-best. BAMA BREEZE had cover to the 3/16, then went up and cleared with mild urging 5/16, set the pace, couldn’t hold on. NAKED TRUTH also was shoved wide down the back, flattened out in the stretch. ALL YOU CAN EAT got through inside the backstretch breaker, fell back late. LAZ-A-FAIRE was far back; HUNGRY FOR MONEY was further back. SWEET HOME made the lead, yielded, gapped a little off turn two then found a better gear 5/8 and was just moving outside when making a break.

THIRTEENTH RACE – TOPVILLE OLYMPIAN spotted, moved uncovered at the half and duked it out with the leader from before the 5/8, gamely to just be along in a three-horse late battle. ADRENALINE RUSH sat the pocket, a trifle loose on the turn, clear sailing in the Pocono Pike, just came up a little shy. VINOVIO was quickly on top, strung the field in Q2 despite a moderate pace, then was under heat from the winner from midbackstretch, held on well. SHARP RAZOR was second-over, a step behind the top three. THE NEXT TWO gapped. LOTTERY WINNER lost contact down the back.

FOURTEENTH RACE – GREAT MAGIC was in control every step. BROOKROAD MASTER maintained the pocket from very early until the very end. WILLIE B WORTHY dropped in third at the 3/16, went evenly late. MAKIN MAGIC TONITE pulled at the ¼ to follow the parked horse, three-wide 5/8 to two-wide uncovered and advanced on the turn, then flattened a little. JUSTIFY sat in, a bit steppy on the far turn, outside late turn, evenly. GREEK LEGEND gapped at the back. SANTA MONICA AS had a touch of trot on the extreme outside late. A MILLION CHUCKLES was caught four-wide outside of horses backing off at the 1/8, went up gradually two-wide until nearing the 5/8, then dropped back.