Connors’ Comments for Sunday, April 16, 2023

Apr 20, 2023 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE—Temperatures start at 74 and drop ten degrees during the card, as they will on these Sunday night cards … Stretch headwind … BETTOR’S WESTERN was looped early and pressed on, got into the pocket 5/16, stayed close as the outer tier didn’t threaten, outside late on the turn and went off to an easy victory at 18-1. ATLANTIS stayed in, found room before midstretch and had enough late kick for the distant second. IT’SGOODTOBEDAKING also avoided the clogged outside tiers, evenly inside late. BLACKLIGHT was last, found room between horses midstretch and wasn’t bad late. ER VEGAS had terrible cover, three-wide 11/16, not enough rally. JD’S NOAH showed good speed for 1/8 command, did get the winner in behind him 5/16, rolled on at a good clip, defenseless the last 1/8. MISTER DAYTONA N was close early then gave the pocket 5/16, went out raw at the half, didn’t get close to the leader then faded. STELLAR BB moved second-over but immediately came up empty.

SECOND RACE – CATIE FAYE HANOVER was three-wide to turn one, worked up to the lead past the 26.3 opener then rated the half, got a very stiff challenge from BLAZING RAMONA from the 5/8 the rest of the way, but clung to the lead grittily – improved horse. BLAZING RAMONA was uncovered into turn two and had reached the leader by the 5/8, went ahead before the ¾ and had ¾ of a length far turn but couldn’t cross over, kept trying hard to the very end. JAGGED LITTLE PILL made the top easily, forced the winner past a fast opener and yielded for the two-hole, had her chance in the Pocono Pike, just shy. ST LADS BIJOU backed out to second-over 5/8, gapped at the ¾, wide stretch, just a bit shy. NEVERTELLMETHEODDS stayed in and was last, went to the deep Pike and gained late in what might have been tight quarters. SHES A BULLVILLE moved outside from far back midturn, had some pace while never with a clear path. TEEN DREAM couldn’t circle the unlively cover of SOUTHWIND RYE to gain contention.

THIRD RACE – ALL CASHED OUT moved uncovered near turn two, grinded effectively and drew away from these in the stretch. TUIS SHADOW was between horses early to the pocket at the 3/16, to the Pocono Pike and just edged TEDDY BROSEVELT for the distant deuce. The latter used the rail to advantage, got a slow second quarter, still didn’t have much in the lane. KEYSTONE SERGEANT moved with cover and gapped, three-wide past the 5/8 to circle a sluggish horse and back to two-wide on the turn, evenly. CRITICAL MASS sat in, evenly. UFTON ABBY HANOVER was never close. EVERYONE’S TALKIN was three-wide to the 1/8 then settled in third, backed out in front of a gapper 5/8 but went backwards. TW LAUXMONT offered very little.

FOURTH RACE – MAKE SOME WAVES was second-over, three-wide ¾ and gained through the turn, had the lead early stretch, just held off BRAVO TEX N. The latter was looped and three-deep early, tucked third at the ¼, blocked badly far turn into the stretch, found a sliver outside the winner midstretch and was flying, unlucky mile. BLAKEMORE utilized the pole well to maintain the pocket, Pocono Pike, not too far off. DAVIDS COMING HOME moved out 3/8, gapped and went back in, moved out again down the back, then again gapped most of the last half, three-wide with cover far turn, better very late. DRAGON ROARS AGAIN roared right out to the lead and kept up the speed show, faltered some late. SAMSON BLUE CHIP retucked early around two sluggards, was at the back, four-wide headstretch, OK. VIRGIN STORM started the outer tier 3/8, gradually advanced until mid-far turn. BLACK CHEVRON N had a problem before the half and was pulled up.

FIFTH RACE – TRIFECTA HANOVER made the lead early, rated the half then sped up down the back, had enough to withstand DEL MAR DOUG late. The latter defended the pocket, came out early stretch, kicked in midstretch but not quite in enough time to catch the winner. SOLAR BOLT came uncovered at the 3/8, grinded up, was just off the leader when he bolted wide midturn, recovered to take third. VORACIOUS spotted fourth into turn one, stayed in, came on between horses late. BARNEY HANOVER got in third at the 3/16, gapped ¾, so-so late. RAYRAY couldn’t keep up. COOL LUC was three-wide early as hard to take back, fell further behind. CRÈME DE LA CRÈME was second-over, gapped past the 5/8 and broke late far turn.

SIXTH RACE – BESTFRIEND VOLO settled in third to the first turn, started uncovered to the 5/8, grinded, demonstrated his superiority. G LOAD dashed out to the lead, got a slowed half, then had pressure from the winner from the 5/8 on, couldn’t beat that one but was a clear second-best. CLYDEWEISER had the early pocket, came out in the stretch to vie for second but drifted out and couldn’t get there. SNOWMAN HANOVER gapped at a couple of points. WENTWORTH HANOVER was too far back, closed OK. SHARP CURVE gapped from the backstretch. THE OTHER DUO were never close.

SEVENTH RACE – There was an accident coming off the first turn, with five of the seven horses involved and a couple of horses then loose behind the other two; after an inquiry, the judges ruled the race NO CONTEST.

EIGHTH RACE – Breeze is down … CAPTAIN CHESLEY was underway early in the backstretch and trotted strongly to go by midturn, all alone late. PAUC HANOVER left well, in front then yielded for the pocket, caught behind the tiring pacesetter late turn, to the Pocono Pike and won a photo over LEAST WEASEL for the distant second. The latter had cover but couldn’t stay with it down the back, uncovered midturn, just edged for place. HILLASVIVA slotted fourth, came out in a blindswitch headstretch, had some on the end. UNCLE NINO cleared at the 1/8, yielded, inherited the top when the pacesetter ran off the second turn, couldn’t deal with the winner past the ¾, then tired throughout the stretch. KOLB HANOVER was outside but didn’t offer much. A GREAT CHAPTER was well behind when breaking midstretch, ran home, placed. TOMBSTONE quarter-moved and backed off the half, only to go offstride entering the backstretch.

NINTH RACE – SOMBODYITREASURE left between horses, got in front in the 1/8 and forced a tuck, came home in 55.2 – 27.2 in a powerful race. KEYSTONE STEAM was three-wide leaving, two-wide until making the pocket at the 1/8, appeared to be gathering for a stretch bid when making a brief break headstretch forcing BUSBOY HANOVER wide , recovered with solid late pace, placed third for causing interference. The latter saw third, was kept in until late on the far turn, had just started going wide for his bid when forced wider when the pocket horses broke, another recovering with good pace. TERRITORY avoided the outer tier. CAVIART VAL was third-over in a nonflow, ducked in late turn, got the last check. MASTER MIKI had dull cover, went three-wide but couldn’t gain in the fast back half. PUZZLING was uncovered early on turn two, stopped gaining nearing the 11/16.

TENTH RACE – MONI BOOK bypassed an early tuck and went up to the 3/16, had a foe pull off the first turn, had that one’s cover briefly then raw again to the lead towards the second turn, held up very well late despite the hard early usage. BATTIN A THOUSAND went to the top early, saw two go by in quarter two, came uncovered to the ¾ and went on doggedly to the line. I GOT THE TAB came out in front of the winner off the first turn, went to the lead, yielded the top nearing turn two, stayed close until very late then tired a little. GAME BUSTER was fairly well connected until the last ¼. CASHIER gapped early, no factor. ACTION SHOT was off the gate and gapped throughout. YO CARTER broke nearing turn two and galloped in the infield.

ELEVENTH RACE – BUILDING BOOST, 23-1, came uncovered from next-to-last off the second turn, just grinded and grinded and showed rare determination to catch ERINWOOD YVES late. The latter was three-wide to the 1/8, then had cover to the ¼, then went on to command before the 3/8, opened a clear margin before the ¾ which he kept to midstretch, then weakened a little bit and failed to stall the winner. DON’T GET SHOCKED was parked until the ¼ to get command, then yielded for the pocket, couldn’t stay tight in the last quarter. PINK FLOYD HANOVER went right out to the top, yielded at the ¼, raced third-in, angled out late turn, closed well if a little too late. COALFORD BET ALINE dropped in fourth 3/16, inside, not all that much late. MASK ON MASK OFF had cover from the winner but gapped it. THE OTHER PAIR got away in the back and never surfaced.

TWELFTH RACE – BLENHEIM went up, took his time to make the lead 3/8, then trotted the last half with a clear lead, dominated. GRAPPLE HANOVER went right to the lead, pushed the winner to the 3/8 before yielding, then gapped more and more from early backstretch, still managed to take second tonight. FAMOUS DAN gapped a good part of the first half, then underway raw 5/8, OK. LEVITATION had bad cover third-over, three-wide most of the far turn, made up ground. CHOCO CHARLIE was buried inside, to the far inside and with some at the end. PADRE was last, swung widest, fair late. SECRET OR NOT was second-over but left a gap. CHUCKY DE VIE had nothing to offer in the latter stages.

THIRTEENTH RACE – Now – a stretch tailwind … BOORAA N went up three-wide early, then one-geared two-wide to 3/8 command, had too much for this field. SHADOW ONE was second-over, left uncovered past midturn and ducked down to the Pocono Pike, raced well well ahead of the others. TRAFFIC JAM had to swing out widest from last, held off HP XANADU for third. The latter was caught inside, out in a blindswitch which she cleared early stretch, then paced very strongly once in gear. SIRI BLUE CHIP had speed, went uncovered at the half, didn’t sustain her bid in the last ¼. VICIOUS CIRCLE was in front at the 1/8, pushed the leader to the 3/8 before yielding for the pocket, started to go loose before the ¾. BELFAST N moved third-over but gapped out.

FOURTEENTH RACE – THE WALL was looped leaving, went to on to challenge but was kept out, able to get into the pocket to the 3/8, waited for the Pocono Pike, just nosed out RIFLEMAN. The latter came out past the ¼ but then retreated to his own hole as the winner retreated to the pocket, went uncovered 5/8 and grinded steadily to come up just shy. PARMESAN N was second-over, wide and next in line. HARD ROCK HULK was blocked on the far turn in last, to the deep Pike and rallied some. CRUNCH HANOVER was fourth-over, went stretch and gaining late. KILOWATT KID N sat in, OK in tight quarters between horses. DASH OF DANGER was third-over, could make no impact. MIGHTY SANTANA N flew away to a big early lead, forced everybody in behind, set the pace, but was empty in the stretch.

Connors’ Comments for Saturday, April 15, 2023

Apr 18, 2023 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – 72 degrees to start, dropping a few degrees in the last few races … Rain came before race 10; “fast +0” through race 11, “gd +1” race 12, “sy +1” the remainder of the way … Y S MATHIS BRO forced a rival in behind on the first turn, then made that one work when he came again for the lead 3/8, sat the pocket, outside before headstretch, just got his nose up. SHORE OF HIMSELF left, finally took the pocket 3/16, then came on the quarter-move, pushed to clear past the 3/8, just failed to hold on. SPRINGBRIDGE DUEL slotted third entering turn one, came out of third 11/16, got better the closer they got to the wire. I’LL TAKE THE BET went to the Pocono Pike, evenly. DILLINGER was second-over, gapped, then narrowed in some belatedly. THE OTHERS were well off the front ones down the back.

SECOND RACE – LUCKBEWITHALEX started uncovered at the half and was a grindmaster deluxe, made the lead early stretch and went on to the fastest local time of the year, 1:49.3. MAXIMUS MIKI was outleft, in gear at the 1/8 and went up to the top, set a very fast pace, held gamely although passed early stretch. TOPVILLE SOMROCKET was third-over, three-wide headstretch, moving strongly late. CAPTAIN COWBOY was three-wide early then two-wide to the top 3/16 in a fast quarter, yielded for the pocket, Pocono Pike, OK. AMERICAN CLASSIC moved second-over but immediately gapped and went back inside, not a factor late. KATES BET left between horses and got the early pocket, backed out of third before the 5/8 to follow the winner, struggled to keep close in the last ¼. THE OTHER TWO just had too much to overcome in the blistering mile.

THIRD RACE – TNT BLUE CHIP moved from third 3/16 right to the lead, kept on rolling, opened up midturn, and hung up the fastest trotting mile of the year at Pocono, 1:52.4. FRANK THE ELDER took the early pocket, was kept third-in until midturn, then moved up, edged COLLEGE TUITION for second. The latter made the front, put a foe in behind, yielded to the winner, kept close past the ¾, and then the speed took its toll. EL TORO LOCO and BULLY BOY HILL both stayed inside; ADORE ME followed DELGADO out 5/8, but neither made any headway.

FOURTH RACE – Stretch headwind picking up … BINGE ON YANKEE headed down the road, got a soft half, then came home in 54.3, won measuring against the late thrust of JOEMIKIYOURSOFINE. The latter tucked early, inherited the pocket 3/16, stayed fairly close until headstretch, lost a little ground early stretch moving out to challenge, then had a very big last 1/16. NOPEWASNTME came uncovered into turn two, got to retuck third towards the 11/16, not close to the top two but way ahead of the rest. FIREBALL FREDDY looked to be having trouble keeping up most of the way from the 3/8. FATEFUL DUEL went outside but went nowhere. CRUISE HANOVER tucked in the pocket, then broke 3/16 and went to the centerfield.

FIFTH RACE – PARK OFFICIAL was three-wide to the 1/8 and out just past the ¼ for the lead, got a soft half, sped up down the back stringing the field, had a good challenge on the turn but was equal to that one and all the others. BELLOWS BINGE got forward position, moved raw to the ¾ and got close to the winner, couldn’t stay with him late but did hold second. MUDVILLE moved outside on the turn, didn’t tip wide until almost midstretch, doing well late. OUR MAJORDAN A followed cover ¾, OK late. PLAY THE FIELD looped everybody early, yielded to the winner, didn’t have enough kick late. HOMESTRETCH WES sat in, gapped, went right over a pylon headstretch, but bounced back with some pace. ROLLINWITHAMBITION was never close. TRUFFLE DOG had already lost contact before the ¼ and was pulled up.

SIXTH RACE – GHOST SHARK was three-high to turn one then two-wide to 3/16 command, was challenged on the far turn but looked well in control. IDIOSYNCRATIC raced closely-placed, pulled out ¾ and menaced briefly, did well to be second. HIGH VOLTAGE DEO went straight to the lead, yielded for the two-hole, Pocono Pike, not enough late for second. HUNTER’S HERO was uncovered from far back 5/8, advanced and kept advancing when getting cover ¾, did very well. BULLVILLESPANDEMIC got the last check. STORM THE COURT moved outside but gapped. LUCKISONTHEWAY took back early, faded late.

SEVENTH RACE – KINDA LUCKY LINDY worked her way up to the front early, yielded to sit the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, and went right on by late. MISS MC KEE was extremely wide leaving and three-wide to the 1/8 en route to the lead 3/16, set the pace, had to settle for second. P L NOTSONICE, racing a bit off the pylons at points, went uncovered into the backstretch, gained until nearing headstretch, then flattened a little; good mile nonetheless. SAY YOU DO sat in and was blocked, found room between horses before midstretch and gained some nearing the wire. FIT BITT got a forward spot, stayed in, not too much left late. MEMO was second-over but gapped. ONE AFTER NINE never got a call. MARION GONDOLIER did not have good cover, three-wide far turn but never could gain contention.

EIGHTH RACE—I WAS TRICKED went to the top just past the 3/16, slowed the half, then came home in 55 – 27.1 as much the best today. BULLVILLE STEPHANO was out behind a parked horse into turn two, three-wide before the 5/8 to two-high after that spot uncovered, kept trying hard and got the distant second late. MAYWEATHER HANOVER pushed the winner to the 3/16 and yielded for the two-hole, could not quite save the place late. WE SHALL SEA spotted, backed out with cover ¾, evenly. NOLAUGHINGSTOCK was far back most of the way, then was doing a little better belatedly. RUSTY BEACH left a gap starting on the backstretch. TOMMY MANICOTTI dangled outside midpack the first half, then dropped back.

NINTH RACE – MARINER SEELSTER outblasted them all from post eight early, rated the half, then again could not be overhauled. AMERICAN BOY N went out and defended the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, made up some ground all-out. ASTON HILL DAVE shut a hole late on the first turn, stayed in, found room between horses midstretch and gained OK. LAST MACH was out behind the parked horse before the 3/8, three-wide 11/16 the duration, not bad. HIGH IMPRESSION was looped, was stuck on the outside, moved up to challenge down the back and on the turn, held creditably after a rough journey. COWBOY COOL came out in a blindswitch but wasn’t tight on his cover in the box. ODDS ON DELRAY spotted midpack, not heard from again. CAVIART MAX was third-over, tried to follow the sweeper but gapped far turn.

TENTH RACE – Rain started before this race (see earlier description of the day’s weather to see conditions in the last six races) … PANETTONE HANOVER was four-wide to curve one, three-wide to the 1/8, then two-wide to secure the engine at the ¼, faced a stretch threat from HURRIKANE HUNTER but seemed confident in winning his fourth photo in six recent starts. The latter left between horses and went on to the front at the 1/8, yielded for the two-hole ride, outside stretch, raced very strongly. CONGRESSIONAL maintained a forward spot, third-best today. SIMPLY FAST backed out to second-over 11/16, three-wide late on the turn, paced well. MARRIED MAN and SHADOWS SHADOW were already disconnected to the 3/8. HURRIKANE FERRIGNO had a big gain uncovered down the back, then faded the last 1/8.

ELEVENTH RACE – Wind calmed as the rain came through … PHOENIX OF FLUZZY was urged to get early command, yielded to the brusher for the pocket, used the Pocono Pike and had good late pace to get the decision. HIS BEATS HANOVER started uncovered on the second turn and was a grinder deluxe, may never had had the lead but stayed digging to the very end. CAVEMAN A came through at the start, pulled the pocket and took over early, almost lasted to the line. DONTPASSME HANOVER was third-over, wide in the lane and good late. WALKINSHAW N sat in, found his best strides late then appeared shut off just before the wire. CAPTAIN ROMANCE got to second-over, didn’t tip wide for the stretch, couldn’t quite keep up late. MR DS ROCK sat in last, gained some between horses early stretch then was in tight quarters just past midstretch.

TWELFTH RACE – POSEIDON DEO came with speed early backstretch and paced 26.1 to clear to the lead before the ¾, all alone. SIR HESTON was first to command, yielded for the two-hole, gapped in the fast third split, then used the Pocono Pike to be along for the distant second. WOODROW F CALL left, quarter-moved, didn’t have the steps to keep out the winner late backstretch, held decently. YANKEE CLOUT gapped down the back, made up some ground deep in the Pike but went inside a pylon late and was placed. SOMEWHERE ROCKIN immediately gapped the winner’s cover, didn’t show too much here. TACK ROOM CHATTER couldn’t rally from far back.

THIRTEENTH RACE – INDIGO ART was midpack, initially seemed to stay in then burst out before the 5/8 and went in 27 to go by at the ¾, then had another 27 to draw well clear. BETTOR MEMORIES stayed connected with the main pack, to the Pocono Pike and just there for the distant second. CASUAL COOL left well then quarter-moved, got a breather to the half, couldn’t handle the big move of the winner and then could not hold second late. PRINCE OF TIDES made the top at the 1/8, yielded for the pocket, backed out after the winner went by, in the fight for the deuce. BULLVILLE TERROR would have had great cover if he could have stayed with it. THE OTHER PAIR were near the rear throughout.

FOURTEENTH RACE – DRAGON CITY left, yielded but was quick to reclaim, drew clear ¾ and had no anxious moments thereafter. BULLVILLE FRANK gapped inside down the back, kept coming up the inside and was making progress late. YS DO IT RIGHT went to the front then yielded, stayed connected until just before the ¾, couldn’t save second late. HECANDANCENCRUISE moved uncovered off turn two, went 26.4 on the backstretch while gaining, but then tired. LOU’S BEACH was outside behind a struggler, was blindswitched then backed out three-wide after the top ones were long gone, a bit of pace on the end. SAMHARA N was mired behind dull cover, went three-wide ¾ but made no meaningful progress. C-BET HANOVER never surfaced. GROOVY MAN was uncovered into turn two, got cover not long off that bend but could not keep up at all.

FIFTEENTH RACE – ANDOVERTHEWINNINGS went uncovered into the backstretch, grinded, had the lead but not the inside on the turn, then opened some daylight early stretch, daylight that was almost entirely eaten up by the closing CHAPHEART. The latter moved behind the winner but gapped him, gradually began going faster, just missed with his late surge. RACER DAN was in the outer flow, got third ahead of AP HALL OF TRIX. The latter tucked third, was shuffled back, to the Pocono Pike and did OK. RED REDEMPTION had the early pocket then quarter-moved (that tactic had a low win ratio late in the card), under hard pressure from beyond the 5/8, couldn’t go on. BEER CHEESE pressed on to take over 3/16 then yielded for the pocket, went loose 3/4.

Connors’ Comments for Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Apr 16, 2023 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – Around 70 degrees today, with a stretch headwind … ROSALINE went right to the lead, forced an early mover to change that decision, stayed in control even as GRIZZ WYLLIE narrowed in late. The latter was double-looped early and settled third at the 1/8, moved outside nearing headstretch, found his best strides midstretch, closed well but couldn’t get there. U BAKE THE CAKE took the inner path, then went wide and edged a pair for third. BAR COINS went evenly inside. BY A HOFF HANOVER left well for the pocket, wanted to move past the ¼ but was forced to take back by the insistent leader, couldn’t do much in the last ¼. PHANNYS MATTER made a skip right at the start, righted herself but never reentered contention. MISS PRINCIPLE moved outside down the backstretch but didn’t gain. MALONE also went to the outside from far back and also never was a factor.

SECOND RACE – I’M BENICIO A was three-wide to the 1/8, tucked fourth, got jammed up behind the early trouble, straightened, uncovered 5/8 and grinded by WESTERN BEACHBOY late. The latter was away third, quarter-moved and thus missed the trouble, set a quick pace, almost lasted. SAULSBROOK HERO, jammed up early, got to second-over before the 11/16, couldn’t go with the top two but edged the others for third. SEND IT IN JEROME stayed in, gained between horses, not fully clear until nearing the wire. CAPTAIN CASH yielded for the early pocket, got jammed as the pacesetter slowed, rerighted, inside, Pocono Pike, so-so late. THE COOKIE MONSTER never entered contention; nor did ROCK THREE TIMES. CAVIART SAGE left well to get the front early, slowed off the first turn and caused confusion, sat the pocket, struggled the last ¼, was placed for the trouble off turn one.

THIRD RACE – A GOOD CHARDONNAY was three-wide leaving to the top at the 1/8, kept off her only rival, EEE Z WOW. The latter was three-wide with cover early, worked up to the pocket past the 1/8, stayed close with the fast winner. GADOT HANOVER avoided a breaker and sat fourth, errorless and a far-distant third. CHEROKEE JOY left between horses, made a break at the 1/8 and was taken to the infield, had caught the field by the half, decent recovery. NETWORK EXTENDER wasn’t close throughout, pushed a bit wide by the stretch breaker. BT BABE left, sat third, gapped far turn, then broke in the lane. GYPSY DONNA went offstride 3/16.

FOURTH RACE – NASEY yielded for the pocket, moved 5/16 to get to the front, went 27.3 down the back to open a huge lead which got only bigger late. R HERBIE BLUE CHIP moved with cover on the turn then left uncovered when his cover broke, a clear second. DAZZLNDASH HANOVER left well, yielded for the pocket, had no more forward gear the last 3/8. MOLLY’S JAIL was gapping before the half, stayed flat. HALL IT OFF sat third, outside past the 5/8, was bidding for second far turn when jumping. BEYOND THE LENS lost gait just before the start.

FIFTH RACE – OVERBOARD was three-wide to two-wide covered to tuck third at the 1/8, moved out 11/16 and progressed, powered away from these late. I CANT REFUSE maintained the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and up for second. KEYSTONE SWEETPEA took over before the first bend, slowed the second quarter then stepped up the third, not enough late. MARI gapped the last half. NINA HANOVER made a break going inside the breaking EVER HOPEFUL G just past the ¾ as both were out of it.

SIXTH RACE – DIEHARD SEELSTER got an excellent second-over trip, three-wide late turn, trotted away from these through the stretch. LADY’S IMAGE left, pushed a foe early then yielded for the pocket, Pocono Pike and was up for the distant second. ELEGANT DULUPIN FR was outside 3/16 in the fast opener before clearing, set the pace, not quite enough. SPREE was uncovered at the half and put in a spirited third quarter challenge, but could not sustain the gain. FAIR GLIDER stayed in, looked all-out to keep close most of the last 3/8, OK late. THE OTHER TWO were not part of the main proceedings.

SEVENTH RACE – QUITE FAST vacated fourth 5/8 and marched up to challenge, wore down LADY LIRA. The latter was four-wide early and three-wide 3/16, then dropped down to two-wide with cover until losing cover and going to the lead 3/8, rolled on the lead, held very well. ALLFORSOUTHWIND pushed the early action, inside then out late turn, won a photo for third. DEFACEMENT gapped most of the way, out in a blindswitch, had some gain between horses. JULIETTE was outside from far back, tried to split rivals late, gained some in very tight quarters if clear at all. I’M AMUSED was three-wide leaving then two-wide between horses, got the lead just past the ¼, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, empty ¾. BROADWAY SENSATION was not in the main picture.

EIGHTH RACE – SPEAKTOYOURMANAGER moved from the pocket near the ¼ to set the pace, rated quarter two, proved better than this opposition. IDEAL ALEXA moved uncovered ¾, gained but then briefly lost stride, regathered and came on well for second; an inquiry into the far turn break showed no cause for placing. LADY’S CHOICE K left and was on top at the 1/8, yielded for the pocket, not equal to the late challenge. ADULT SWIM was way behind into the backstretch behind gappers, did a good job to get as close as she did. MILLDOOKER MOLLY left between horses and took third at the 1/8, didn’t keep up from late backstretch. THE OTHER THREE were disconnected well before midbackstretch.

NINTH RACE – CAN’T SAY NO was four-wide early in a six-horse field, took back, outside (briefly with cover) before going up to press the issue, showed rare determination in defeating this group after the hard trip. CHING CHING LUCKY backed out to second-over 5/8, three-wide midturn and loomed, not quite enough late. JIVE NINETY FIVE was last, out behind cover and wider in the stretch, just third. WORTHY OF HONOR had the early lead, yielded but retook, was under pressure from the winner, couldn’t make the lead stand. FOREVERHILLREIGN was three-wide early, on top 3/16, yielded for the pocket, Pocono Pike, outtrotted. REAL MCCOY sat in, to the deep Pike, did not gain late.

TENTH RACE – MANOFMANYMUSCLES tucked third, quarter-moved, threw a 27.4 third quarter and then left the rest of these well behind. AWSOME PAUL gunned away from the rail for the lead, yielded for the pocket, kept up to the ¾ then steadily fell back from there, did hold on to second. GINGERTREE STAKIAS came off the rail far turn and just got third in the last step. LOUIS was uncovered to the ¾, not quite enough for major minor honors. CAMPBELLINI left, took the pocket, did not have much left the last 3/16. WAVELIKEAQUEEN was way back throughout. HL MAMMOTH broke at the ¼.

ELEVENTH RACE – BELLA MACCHIATO slid into third 3/16 but didn’t stay there along, moved off the first turn to the lead 3/8 in a slow second quarter, handled the bid of BABY OIL confidently in a 28 last quarter. The letter wound up sitting third, moved out ¾ and made a good challenge through the last stanza but was outsped. QUARANTINA came through at the start to the lead, yielded to the winner, not as much as the top two through the stretch but far ahead of the others. RHIANNON HANOVER stayed connected to the ¾ then gapped out. BINGO BRAIN was trying to rally when making a break far turn. GUCCI GIRL went offstride 5/8.

TWELFTH RACE – TOWN VICTOR was three-deep leaving to the front at the 1/8, strung the field out from just before the half and was much the best. NICE STUFF yielded for the pocket, had enough to last for the deuce. MUSCLE STAR showed some early speed, sat third, outside ¾, went on OK. DART GUY moved outside on the last bend, finished with some trot. SMART AS HILL raced along the inside and stayed with the second division. STEEL SCHOONER drifted outside near the back until the others had passed him. ARGENTO ran approaching the 3/8.

THIRTEENTH RACE – SIMON GOT LUCKY pulled behind the parked horse 3/8 then went three-wide on the second turn, to two-wide and onward to the lead past the 5/8 while going his third quarter in 27.1, opened up an insurmountable margin. TRUMAN JR HANOVER took the early lead and used inside positioning to advantage, yielded past the ¼, caught in when the pacesetter was passed but looked like he was going all he could, to the Pocono Pike and along for second late. WARRIOR WAY was between horses to the ¼ and soon after took the top, had no answer for the winner’s brush, battled on for second but couldn’t quite retain it. CREEMORE was inside, backed out ¾, had a bit of trot at the end. CRAZYCAT came out 5/8 well off the clearing brusher, grinded up, flattened a little bit. K J DIAMOND was never close. SCIROCCO PATRICK lost contact. REPLICA HANOVER left, was three-wide almost to the ¼ then was midpack in the two-path until entering the backstretch, where he fell out of it.

FOURTEENTH RACE – REGAL ESCAPE started an uncovered march 3/8, went 27.1 with the wind and cleared to the lead at the ¾, got pressure on the turn and more pressure late, but held in there gamely. URBAN RENEWAL was between horses to 3/16 command, yielded, able to back outside with cover midturn, wide and moving very well late. ALADDIN HANOVER was carried up by good cover, lost it ¾ and continued on to fight with the new leader, persevered very well to the line. TERRY A HANOVER was innermost of a three-way battle early, yielded, stayed in, Pocono Pike, so-so. AFLAME HANOVER was three-wide 3/16 (in a 26.2 opener) then two-wide to get the front 5/16, couldn’t keep the winner out ¾, didn’t fade too badly after hard early usage. MINDTRIP was outside, gapped and was blindswitched, cleared, evenly late. KEY ADVISOR sat in, didn’t offer too much. MOVE THE LINE was shuffled then fourth-over, three-wide 11/16 but never gained.

FIFTEENTH RACE – BEACH VIBES left strongly to take over early, looked comfortable on the lead and didn’t seem threatened even though DEMONS BOY was narrowing in late. The latter was between horses to the pocket at the 1/8, sat there, outside headstretch, didn’t immediately gain then found better strides nearing the wire. VICTOR CRUISE was close-up until the stretch, faded but well ahead of the rest. GALLIE GETAWAY moved a good uncovered move from far back down the back, couldn’t sustain. CAMLACHIE CHROME gapped. FAST CHAT backed out to follow cover but couldn’t go enough the last 3/16.

Connors’ Comments for Monday, April 10, 2023

Apr 15, 2023 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – Low to mid-60s … Mild stretch headwind to start … HOWTOTRAINURDRAGON was out 3/16 before making the lead, yielded for the pocket, came out of same 11/16 and had gotten the lead by headstretch, game to hold off three others. ADRENALINE RUSH was first on top, yielded, moved from third-in to the 11/16 and got cover, good but couldn’t quite get to the winner. SPINOUT joined the outer flow and finished steadily after the hot fractions. LOTTERY WINNER sat in, gained along the inside as many moved outside far turn, Pocono Pike, a step shy. PANTHEON HANOVER pulled 3/16 to pace to the top 5/16, kept up a quick pace, fought with the winner from late backstretch, didn’t have enough in the last 1/8. CAVIART STETSON never reached contention. DISMISSAL SLIP was away slowly and gapped a bit at the back throughout.

SECOND RACE – SWEET HOME left outside a quick foe and took the early pocket, stayed third-in, got clearance to her right early stretch and responded with a powerhouse last 1/16 that took her right by impressively. HUNGRY FOR KISSES was underway before the ¼ to gain control just past the 5/16, set the pace, good but outfinished. BLANK CHEEK left well for command, yielded to the early brusher, went to the Pocono Pike but could not gain. SQUARE DEAL came out of fourth off the second curve and gained until late on the turn, then backed off. EAZY HUNTING moved out second-over 5/8, gapped and ducked back in. THE LAST THREE lost contact down the back.

THIRD RACE – HUDSEN A was forwardly-placed early, moved at the ¼ and worked to the top just past the 3/8, drew clear in the last quarter though the last quarter was only 29.3. CAVIART SKIPPER was three-wide to the first turn, then two-wide to take over at the ¼, yielded just past the 3/8 for the pocket, a bit loose the last 3/16, just held second over PHILOSOPHIZER. The latter was on top into the first turn, yielded and sat third-in, went to the far inside in the lane and was just edged for the deuce. KILLER MARTINI was second-over, three-wide before the ¾, not far off second considering the extra ground covered. BRIGHTER DAYS was uncovered into turn two, was never a threatening presence. PAR INTENDED raced inside, not too much late.

FOURTH RACE – APPLE VALLEY ART left, briefly tucked third then went on before the ¼ to the lead 3/8 and rated the half, got hard pressure from the first-over then later from the wide-swinging second-over, but proved equal to the challenges. SAULSBROOK RAPTOR moved second-over from last and had excellent cover until past mid-far turn, swung wide and finished steadily in an improved mile. BASS PLAYER swung out and wide through the far turn, closed well. SPORTS TELLER was third-in, out in a blindswitch nearing headstretch, switched inside to midstretch, fair. PAPIAMENTO was raw early on turn two, went in 27.2 down the back to challenge, but couldn’t sustain the move. SPORTSMANSHIP cleared at the 1/8, yielded for two-hole 3/8, had little in the lane.

FIFTH RACE – SHARP CURVE was looped leaving, took over at the ¼ then yielded for the pocket, outside headstretch, just enough to whisker out WENTWORTH HANOVER. The latter went away quickly, wide into turn one then two-deep to be on top 3/16, yielded to two foes, gapped a little on the far turn but showed renewed vigor in the Pocono Pike late and was an unlucky loser. LEAST WEASEL was outleft and found no hole, had cover to the ¼ then pressed on to finally get the top 3/8, got soft middle fractions, but the early work caught up to him. TOMBSTONE was inside and blocked far turn, rallied some then flattened slightly nearing the wire. TOMMY BOY HANOVER made the early lead then saw three go by, uncovered 5/8, fair. FAWN DE SIGN had cover but couldn’t do much off it. IMPERIAL ZETTE was far back throughout. BATTLESHIP LANDING was far back outside when breaking ¾.

SIXTH RACE – Breeze would become calmer … CARIS went to early command, yielded to sit the two-hole, up the Pocono Pike and by in the final couple strides. DANCE NUMBER settled in third early, on the go again just past the 3/16 to the lead 5/16, shook off the first-over, lasted until the shadow of the wire. ILUVLOUCY left and tucked midpack, uncovered 9/16 and grinded, backed off a little the last 1/8 but still performed well. LAZ-A-FAIRE trailed most of the way, swung wide and finished solidly. COBBLER got a forward spot, couldn’t gain late. HUNGRY FOR MONEY gapped a little down the back, behind a wall headstretch, evenly late. BEAUTIFUL AMERICA was second-over but gapped late backstretch.

SEVENTH RACE – RIOT was last, gapped cover second-over, not in high gear until early stretch, then had a solid burst to be just up on the far outside. VINOVIO took the lead past the 1/8, yielded to sit in the two-hole, to the Pocono Pike, brief lead deep stretch, just caught to his far outside. SHARP RAZOR started a long uncovered grind on the second turn, one-geared strongly (own last half 55.3 raw). TODDLER TANTRUM made two speed moves, came up a bit short at crunch time. KIMANI N tucked early, blocked far turn, handled cautiously in the stretch as not appearing to have clearance. BLUEBERRY HEAVEN never surfaced. SAFENSOUND HANOVER fell far back in the last stanza.

EIGHTH RACE – B ON THE HUNT gapped inside much of the way, had the light bulb go on in the Pocono Pike midstretch and surged to defeat a well-matched group. EA AUDIT left, yielded to the favorite for the pocket, outside for the drive, at equal-front terms past midstretch, just missed. NAKED TRUTH got inside 3/16, moved two- and then three-wide late turn from third, right in the fight to the finish. KALYPSO was last and stuck in, waited for the deep Pike and had a good late kick. PEMBROKE SOUTHIE was uncovered before the 5/8 but never got close, but then was another who found some renewed life late. BIRDIE THREE was outside but never contended.

NINTH RACE – FRIDAY NIGHT BLUES insisted on the lead and strung the field out, came home in 55.4 and needed all of it to win the three-way photo. SOUTHWIND DREDGE was forwardly-placed third-in, kicked in in the Pocono Pike midstretch and just came up shy. GLOBALDOMINATION N left, went into the pocket at the 1/8 and trailed close-up, outside stretch, did very well. LORD OF MISRULE was raw off turn two, speed-grinded in 27.1 down the back but couldn’t sustain. THE OTHER PAIR were not prominent after racing in the back.

TENTH RACE – C IS FOR COOKIE moved in front of the stands, briefly had cover then went on to take over at the half and had no problem with “cameo” driver Zeron as still as a statue late. AMERICAN CRISPIN moved 5/16 to the lead just past the 3/8, yielded to the winner at the half, did well to stay as close as she did. TOTALLY RIGGED made the lead, yielded 3/8 as she saw three horses make the top between the 3/8 and the half, came again raw 5/8 and persevered in a fine showing, well ahead of the rest. PARTY LOUNGE had cover but gapped it. EXTREME Z TAM couldn’t enter the picture; nor did ALWAYS BE BEACHIN. LADYZAR was three-wide to the first turn, then moved up but needed until near the 3/8 to clear, quickly saw two go by, started gapping early backstretch.

ELEVENTH RACE – BARRIER dangled outside then got in gear at the 1/8 to make the lead at the ¼, slowed the half then handled these with 56 – 27.3. VORACIOUS stayed third-in, not bad up the inside late. KING KONG KALIBRE took the lead early, yielded at the ¼ for the two-hole, came outside ¾, got a little tired very late. FUN MUNKY came a long way uncovered before backing off a bit. BATTLEFIELD sat in, didn’t gain in the last ¼. BARNEY HANOVER took back early, never could make up enough ground. ROCKWELL gapped at a couple of points. COOL LUC lost contact at the back.

TWELFTH RACE – RELENTLESS JULIE moved into the backstretch and soon got cover but couldn’t stay tight on it all the way to headstretch, wider and found the needed steps to be just up on the wire. TEAM COLORS left well, yielded 5/16 for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, got to the lead and held it until late. BAMA BREEZE was uncovered off of the second turn, grinded up, did well. HURRIKANE LADY LOU was three-high to the 1/8 then two-wide to the front 5/16, set the pace, not quite enough late. SUNNY PASADENA left between horses and tucked third at the 1/8, stayed in, still pacing OK at the end without full clearance. ALL YOU CAN EAT edged out headstretch, didn’t quite have the necessary late kick. STAY SPECIAL was last throughout.

THIRTEENTH RACE – J B MAUNEY N left hard, pushed a 26.3 opener then yielded for the pocket, stayed close, came out nearing headstretch, got the better of HORSE. The latter was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide past the fast opener for the lead, rated the half, did well but had to settle for second. CALYPSO ROCK N was behind horses until tucking third at the 1/8, fair in the stretch. DANCING JOE went out behind wide cover far turn, wider yet in the lane and finished well. MAJOR SHOW went three-wide from third-over 11/16 as the outer tier wasn’t advancing, but himself never made much of a gain. COUNTER OFFER was inside, gapped down the backstretch. SOUTHWIND MOROCCAN tucked, went first-up on turn two but didn’t get close to the lead. PERFECT BET couldn’t stay with cover.

FOURTEENTH RACE – BRECKENRIDGE landed the pocket leaving then quarter-moved, went down the back in 27.4 to open up a clear lead that he never surrendered. JUSTIFY moved out of third midturn and was along for the distant second. FRAC stayed in and won a photo for third over WILLIE B WORTHY. The latter struck the front heading to turn one, yielded, couldn’t keep up in the pocket before the 5/8. TECH TITAN moved outside far turn but didn’t enter the picture. KEYSTONE SERGEANT was behind the gapping GREEK LEGEND; neither were prominent.