Apr 13, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – A drop from 57 to 46 degrees through the nighttime card … LATEST ERA was looped early and took the pocket past the 1/8, sat a tight trip, outside stretch and along easily. SHAZAM BLUE CHIP looped rivals to get the lead into turn one, set the pace without pressure, tired and just held second over PLAY THE ACE. The latter gapped at a couple of points, stayed inside and gained in the latter stages. HES REALLY KEEN was away for early position, no punch in the stretch. SEAL O’NEILL moved uncovered 5/8 but never made much of a forward move. THE OTHER TWO were off the main pack at the back.
SECOND RACE – A BETTER GAME crucially kept a horse shut 3/16, stayed plugged-in in third, moved wide in the stretch and finished sharply after the fast pace. BULLVILLE KARLA sat in a tight pocket behind the quick tempo, to the Pocono Pike, OK but outkicked by the winner. IMPRINCESSGEMMA A was taking no prisoners from the rail, had a challenger from the frontstretch and went big numbers to keep the lead, couldn’t sustain late. SOME KINDA ANGEL left, found no hole so raced raw the whole way, up to challenge entering the second turn, fell back on the far turn but kept trying doggedly. GOLDSTAR ROCKETTE and TRAFFIC JAM never reached contention after inside trips. HP XANADU had nonflowing cover. SIRI BLUE CHIP was four-wide leaving, took all the way back to sixth, then moved out behind the parked horse down the back, wide into the stretch but had no more left.
THIRD RACE – WON LAST FEELING came quickly 9/16 and rushed right by to open a big lead that was not cut into. STELLAR BB was at the back, wide in the stretch, not even in the TV picture until the second pylon from last but outkicked all the others. MISTER DAYTONA N went to the top past the 1/8, yielded to the 3/8 for the pocket, wasn’t tight on the pacesetter after that one was looped late backstretch, to the Pocono Pike and enough for third. BETTOR’S WESTERN was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide almost to the 3/8 in quick time, offered no resistance when the winner came calling. KEPT UNDER WRAPS A moved out on turn two, couldn’t go with the winner and was left raw, didn’t gain. CAPOZZO backed out 11/16 but couldn’t get involved. LITTLE POWER was away last, well off the pack by the ¼, then broke.
FOURTH RACE – A stretch tailwind had started … UNICO LEGEND N was pushed to the 3/16 to make the lead, then was in control the rest of the way. COWBOY COOL backed out to third-over, four-wide past midturn and came from last to pass the others. BLOW A CLOUD N left well, yielded for the two-hole, evenly. VIRGIN STORM moved into the second turn and caught cover at the other end of the bend, three-wide towards mid-far turn, closed OK but was outkicked by the one behind him. HASH-TAG SWAG sat in, was blocked on the turn, but came clear in the Pocono Pike and didn’t have all that much. CAVIART VAL was hard to take back early, out in a blindswitch late turn, never factored. PERKINS tucked early, uncovered off turn two, gained down the backstretch then backed up.
FIFTH RACE – CHEYENNE REIJANE left quickly for the top, kept going to a 26.1 quarter to make sure he led, slowed the half, had pressure from TOPVILLE OLYMPIAN 11/16, looked like he had repelled that early stretch only to find him coming on relentlessly, did hold. The latter gapped during the blistering opener, then narrowed in and was uncovered on the second turn, grinded up to reach the leader 11/16, looked to have been shaken off early in the lane but dug back down and found more. STICK WITH CRAMER moved out fourth-over 5/8 and soon was three-wide the duration, made up a lot of ground in a quality showing. DARTH FADER was second-over, blindswitched by the sweeper, came on in the stretch while looking to be in tight quarters. JD’S NOAH left hard, very reluctantly took the pocket at the ¼, held OK given the hard early use. SHES A SASSY BEACH left between horses, tucked third then gapped off the early war, stayed in, so-so in the stretch. SLICK RICHARD was never prominent. AIN’T IT FUN gapped early, moved third-over, blindswitched before the ¾, never in the hunt.
SIXTH RACE – MARINER SEELSTER was three-wide early, took back to fourth 3/16, moved raw 5/8 and gradually gained, with the 14YO making the lead before midstretch and racing grittily; four straight wins for Kalaley. MAKE SOME WAVES had great second-over cover, raced well but couldn’t get to the greybeard. ARTIFACT HANOVER filled a forward hole early, stuck inside, then outside to headstretch, finally got a little room to the inside of the winner deep stretch and beat out DRAGON ROARS AGAIN. The latter left well and got the pocket, had to wait fractionally to get to the Pocono Pike, OK. BLAKEMORE was third-over, proved best of the others. DING DING DINGER headed down the road at a good clip, was engulfed in the last 1/8. LAST MACH was way out of it then had some late pace wide. BLACKLIGHT gapped inside.
SEVENTH RACE – Wind back to calm … RED REDEMPTION made the lead at the 1/8, rated the half, got pressure around the final turn, dealt with that one then had to regather to hold off the inside thrust of GREAT MAGIC. The latter was away alertly for the pocket, had his chance in the Pocono Pike and tried hard but couldn’t quite reach. TEDDY BROSEVELT spotted third, came out raw 5/8 and had reached the leader by the ¾ pole, held on pretty well. BROOKROAD MASTER came out 9/16 and got cover 5/8, not enough late. MANWILLING never entered the picture. THE OTHER PAIR gapped inside.
EIGHTH RACE – BUSBOY HANOVER was three-wide early then two-wide almost to the 3/8 to get the lead, kept working hard and was safe for his sixth straight win. BLACK CHEVRON N was outside between horses with cover until tucking fourth 3/16, moved outside ¾, finished steadily. BAMSKI used his positioning inside a host of leavers well, finally relinquishing the lead 3/8 for the pocket, OK but not quite enough late. AMERICAN BOY N left and got the early pocket, pulled from third 9/16 and gradually advanced, held his position well. INTRIGUED AGAIN gapped inside. DAVIDS COMING HOME was last much of the way, blocked behind a tired one on the far turn, but didn’t have much once clear in the stretch. BRAVO TEX N was three-wide early then two-wide midpack, never factored. ODDS ON DELRAY did not feature here.
NINTH RACE – COMET CRUSADER N got underway 3/16 to go to the lead 3/8, got a moderate middle half, then had enough in a 27.3 sprint home. DONT GET SHOCKED left well to command to the first turn, pushed the winner a bit before yielding 3/8, went to the Pocono Pike and gained a little in the dash home, good. COALFORD BET ALINE angled down into the early pocket, stayed connected in third, but couldn’t gain in the late sprint. BAY CITY was second-over in the non-greatest of flows, wide and finished with pace. C-BET HANOVER was three-wide early, got in fifth 3/16, came out raw to the 5/8 but didn’t get near the winner. PINK FLOYD HANOVER raced inside, had stretch clearance but not too much response. THE OTHER TWO were not major players tonight.
TENTH RACE – TNT BLUE CHIP was in front before the 1/8, yielded but was out early for the reclaim, strung out the field and was well in control of this field. FRANK THE ELDER was three-wide leaving then two-wide to the top before the 3/16, yielded for the golden journey, could make no dent in the winner’s margin but raced excellently in his own right. AP HALL OF TRIX avoided any mishap for third. RACER DAN moved outside on the turn but didn’t gain. FAMOUS DAN stayed errorless. DELICIOUSSTONE DK vacated third ¾ and had gained some before miscuing late on the turn. RESOLVING had just moved outside entering the lower turn when breaking.
ELEVENTH RACE – SLICK ARTIST A worked out a fine two-hole journey, outside stretch and got the nod in a blanket finish. SHADOW ONE backed out to third-over behind early movers, ducked inside of cover far turn and to the Pocono Pike in the stretch, closed well to just miss. NOWHERE TO HIDE was out three-wide to the 1/8, made the lead 3/16, slowed the half, then had steady pressure from the first-over, held decently. TSM PRINCESS TEDDI was widest in the stretch and gained nicely. CRUSH ME was outside very early and wound up second-over, gapped during the quickening third quarter, spun wide nearing the stretch, OK though outkicked. FOR CHIPS SAKE moved raw 3/8, challenged steadily from the half, tired a little after a hard trip. RHYME N ROLL was between horses early, tucked third, gapped out before the ¾. BETTOR B SAWYER lost contact and was pulled up.
TWELFTH RACE – SOMBODYITREASURE left strongly, forced a quick quarter and yielded, came out of third 5/8 after fast fractions and went right by near the 3/4, won for fun. PUZZLING sat in, blocked far turn, then had the Pocono Pike and was along for the distant second. CLASSIFIEDMATERIAL went on to the front 3/16, hung out a challenger almost the next quarter mile before yielding, backed out after the winner cleared far turn and was left raw, OK. TERRITORY was three-wide in the early stages, slotted inside 3/16, shuffled with the lead change, outside and then three-wide late turn, couldn’t recover enough ground. DRAGON STRIKES was three-wide then two-wide with cover early then left raw 3/16, pressed on and took over before the second turn in hot fractions, had no response when the winner moved up to the ¾. A BETTOR BEACH (three-wide) and GUINNESS PANIC (two-wide) could make up no ground from far back. CAVIART MAX was not prominent when breaking midstretch.
THIRTEENTH RACE – ROMANTIC EVENING, a trifle rough mid-first turn, started uncovered at the half and paced in 27.1 down the back to clear ¾, tapped late to maintain the advantage over a good ON THE MONEY GB. The latter tailed the winner’s cover, uncovered around the far turn, held her ground staunchly. CATIE FAYE HANOVER defended the pocket, backed outside ¾, stayed well with a good top two. ST LADS BIJOU took control from the pole, slowed the half, but didn’t have enough quickfoot to stall the winner ¾, faded. THE LAST THREE weren’t factors in here.
FOURTEENTH RACE – DIAMONDTOOTHGERTIE was outleft, went on to gain control 3/16, had twin 28.2s coming home and drew clear in the last ¼. TIGERS WATCHING N was forwardly-placed, blocked on the far turn, to the Pocono Pike and got second over SIGSBEE. The latter was wide to the first turn and went to the top, yielded to the winner, went loose down the backstretch, couldn’t hold second late. PANATEE rode inside and ONE HAND KEG STAND went wide in the stretch in getting the last checks. COLORFUL SKY was uncovered at the half but didn’t threaten. TSM WESTERN SOUL gapped cover.
Apr 10, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Mid 40s through the low 50s today, with a moderate stretch headwind … NOPEWASNTME moved outside 5/8 in front of the recovering breaker, grinded, proved the best in this group. IDIOSYNCRATIC took back to third then advanced to the pocket at the ½ when the leader broke, sat a great trip, did not have the necessary late kick. FIREBALL FREDDY gapped much of the way, then did better between horses late. MAYWEATHER HANOVER went out to defend the pocket, found himself on the lead after the breaker on turn two, did not have enough. RUSTY BEACH came out from last late on the far turn and finished steadily. WOODROW F CALL was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to the 3/16 to get control, made a break nearing the half, tried to recover and picked up cover but gapped then broke again far turn.
SECOND RACE – SPRINGBRIDGE DUEL sat off the two early fighters then quarter-moved, not challenged until MAKE MY DEO came at him up the inside late but was equal to that task. The latter left well, forced a tuck, then yielded to the winner, couldn’t quite get there inside while well clear of the rest. Y S MATHIS BRO left well, took the two-hole just past the 1/8, inside, evenly late. A FEARSOME HANOVER gapped inside much of the mile, did avoid the outer tier. DILLINGER went up raw into turn two but never got close, faded in the last ¼. I’LL TAKE THE BET was not a factor. ALWAYS BETTER was second-over but gapped cover; BRUMBY was right behind that one third-over, never entered the main picture.
THIRD RACE – The mild wind looked to be changing direction … JOEMIKIYOURSOFINE went out for the pocket, responded when shown ground in the Pocono Pike and was drawing away late. BULLVILLE STEPHANO started a long uncovered mission at the half, steadily made up ground, got the lead turning for home, good second after a hard trip. WE SHALL SEA was second-over, gapped far turn, was best in a tight photo among the remaining four. YANKEE CLOUT looked at leaving but took back, was shuffled then third-over and wide in the lane, OK late. HIGH VOLTAGE DEO left well for the lead, set the tempo, was asked for more when the first-over got to him ¾ but had no more left. HURRIKANE HUNTER sat third, suddenly left a gap at the half, got straightened away but was then caught in and never saw full clearance the rest of the way.
FOURTH RACE – Breeze had calmed … SPORTS SECRET made the top just past the 1/8, yielded just past the ¼ but retook 3/8, got no pressure on the lead, sprinted in 27.1 to withstand CAPTAIN COWBOY. The latter was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-deep past the ¼ to reach the front, yielded to the winner and stayed close all the way, including in the stretch in the Pocono Pike, but couldn’t pass him while well-clear of the rest. KATIES BET sat in, got through on the inside for the distant third. GROOVY MAN left and yielded, sat third, stayed connected until the stretch then had no more. HECANDANCENCRUISE stayed in at the back and got the last payday. BULLVILLE FRANK was third-over in a bad flow. MASTER MIKI showed some speed, then gapped, then got closer, kicked the plugs 5/8 moving outside, but had little. JACKIE MOON was out before the ½, got cover but couldn’t stay with it, faded further.
FIFTH RACE – BESTFRIEND VOLO left to be able to sit second, waited until late turn, then moved off and drew away from these. BATTIN A THOUSAND came off the rail ¾, got cover late turn, went along steadily for the distant second. I GOT THE TAB left well for the lead, backed off the half, then came up with empty pockets when the tab was due nearing headstretch. ACTION SHOT left three-wide into turn one then tucked third 3/16, struggled to stay close from the 3/8 onwards. CASHIER was bothered by the breaker before the half and never recovered. F SCOTT’S MUSE could not avoid the trouble going into the lower turn and made an “ix.” YO CARTER ran up on a foe into the second bend and made a break, went to the infield and galloped.
SIXTH RACE – SOMEWHERE ROCKIN was three-high to turn one, went on to the lead just past the 1/8, pushed a bit then yielded for the pocket 3/8, moved to the Pocono Pike and easily went by. CRUISE HANOVER was away OK, on the move 3/16 to take over the lead 3/8, had no pressure, proved to be second-best. SHADOWS SHADOW left between horses for positioning, was under a drive much of the last half to keep his mind to business, a distant third in a three-way picture. GATOR HANOVER struggled to keep close, outside headstretch but couldn’t get to third. PARK STREET BLUES had nonadvancing cover, then was pushed wide ¾, came back some late. TRIFECTA HANOVER was loose on the inside much of the first half, moved out 5/8, gained a little but then lost momentum ¾.
SEVENTH RACE – Now a stretch tailwind … BULLY BOY HILL left, yielded, moved again in front of CHAPHEART, made the lead again then yielded to that one and stalked him, inside stretch and just got by. The latter went up with cover early, lost cover 5/16 and made the lead before turn two, dealt with the first-over, held very gamely to the line. COLLEGE TUITION was three-wide to turn one then two-deep to the front past the 1/8, saw two go by, stayed connected and did well late. HEART MATTERS avoided the clogged outer tiers. ADORE ME came uncovered at the half and made a good backstretch move, couldn’t sustain the progress. ANDOVERTHEWINNINGS had good cover, wide in the stretch but had no gain. SCOTTISH was never close. BEER CHEESE left a bit, backed out to third-over but gapped out.
EIGHTH RACE – PANETTONE HANOVER was outside with cover early, rejected tucking and carried on to the lead near the 3/8, appeared to have shaken off the righthand pressure headstretch when a new foe emerged to his left, paced home in 27.1 and gamely maintained the lead to the line. GHOST SHARK used the rail to great advantage, kept the winner out almost to the 3/8 before yielding, stayed close then went to the Pocono Pike, did very well but just couldn’t get by. I WAS TRICKED made a big uncovered move turning into the backstretch, challenged, appeared to be fading to headstretch but dug back in and went on nicely to the line. SIMPLY FAST backed out to follow cover 5/8, not enough late but well ahead of the rest. HUNTERS HERO gapped. ON DAYBOO offered little. TOMMY MANICOTTI left, tucked, started to gap early and faded more.
NINTH RACE – Wind had calmed … MONI BOOK went up steadily to get the lead at the ¼, had no problem at all thereafter. G LOAD left, yielded for the pocket, moved out near headstretch, didn’t gain but held second. CLYDEWEISER briefly considered a move outside to the ¾ before staying in, OK along the inside and way ahead of the others. KALEUN and SNOWMAN HANOVER did not make their presences felt. FOX HOLE bore out down the backstretch, stayed wide and broke far turn.
TENTH RACE – ALL CLASS had the early pocket then moved 3/16 to take over 5/16, unthreatened in the 27.2 last ¼. CONGRESSIONAL left well wide to make the lead to the first turn, yielded for the two-hole, not catching the winner but not to be caught for second. BINGE ON YANKEE stayed close until the latter stages. POSEIDON DEO came wide after a second-over trip and had some pace at the end. BULLVILLESPANDEMIC never was a factor. LUCKISONTHEWAY was wide early and took back, uncovered off turn two, faded from midturn.
ELEVENTH RACE — MYSTICAL WYNN set sail, made the lead 3/16 and kept going in fast fractions stringing out the field (half of which broke behind him), all alone in 1:53, the fastest trot mile of the year at Pocono. MISTER BOINGA kept his poise and was best of the rest. MARION GONDOLIER was cautious on the second turn as the three in front of him all broke, recovered pretty well. ONE AFTER NINE was three-wide past the 1/8, briefly had two-wide cover then was left raw, couldn’t clear the steaming leader, tucked in far turn. BEYOND ORDINARY yielded 3/16, kept up well until late on the backstretch, then broke on the far turn. THE OTHER THREE all made independent breaks on the second curve.
TWELFTH RACE – A ROCKNROLL STAR left well, made a brusher work hard for a quarter mile before yielding nearing turn two, came up the Pocono Pike and went by midstretch en route to equaling the fastest pace mile of the year here, 1:50.4. There was an inquiry as the winner went by just as the leader broke, but there was no reason for placing. KEYSTONE STEAM was second-over, gapped cover a little then was closer, three-wide late turn, just up for second over PHOENIX OF FLUZZY. The latter left between horses and tucked, came first-over and made a big move that saw him gain a short advantage late backstretch but not clear, held very well. CASUAL COOL left well, took the pocket 3/16, inside, had to check midstretch as the breaker appeared to shove him inside a bit. TRACEUR HANOVER never entered the main action. DONTPASSME HANOVER pulled from fourth 3/16 but had to work very hard to make the lead nearing turn two in a fast half, got pressure throughout the last half, was looking for more pace when breaking midstretch, placed. REBELLIOUS was inside, had to check behind the breaker. BULLVILLE TERROR was never prominent.
THIRTEENTH RACE – WESTERN JOE was very wide early and then three-wide to the 1/8 to two-wide in pursuit of the lead, which he got at the 5/16, continued on at a good clip, prevailed. RIFLEMAN left between horses and tucked, moved uncovered past the 5/8 and went on, grinded really well for a nice second. SHVAIKO went right to the lead, forced a tuck then yielded 5/16 for the two-hole, didn’t have the needed steps late. I’LL DRINK TO THAT was uncovered off the second turn, got cover an 1/8 later, never tipped wide until midstretch, not too much power today. SILAS SEELSTER sat in, gapped some as the pace picked up down the back, not prominent. TUGGIN ON MY HEART, last most of the way, swung widest and had some late pace. TRUFFLE DOG was in the outer flow but didn’t show much. KILOWATT KID N failed to shine today.
FOURTEENTH RACE – MACMORRIS HANOVER pushed the 1/8 then yielded for the good pocket trip, to the Pocono Pike and had a little more than DANDY. The latter was unhurried early then got in gear raw into turn two, kept grinding and gaining with every step (his own last half = 56), lost out to the pocket rocket. ROBBIE PEV sat in, then moved out late turn and wide for the drive, closed well. DEE’S RED DELICIOUS went to the front at the 1/8, set the pace, gave a bit of ground in the lane. MISS MCGEE trailed throughout but was able to stay close to this good group.
FIFTEENTH RACE – HIS BEATS HANOVER left and was looped, took the pocket before the fast ¼, moved 9/16 uncovered and pressured the pacesetter the rest of the way, game to prevail in the finale. IMAGINARY LINE stayed in, behind a slight gapper inside on the turn, angled out early stretch and hit high gear midstretch, couldn’t quite make it though good. ROCKIN THE ACES moved past the ¼ but needed the length of the frontstretch to get the top, under pressure from the winner before the 5/8 but wouldn’t let that one cross over, held on well. REDBANK BLAZE A gapped second-over, did a little better late. CAPTAIN ROMANCE sizzled to the lead in the 26.1 opener, pushed the chalk before yielding into turn two, OK but couldn’t stay close at crunch time. DASH OF DANGER never factored. PRAIRIE PANTHER was far back when shoved wide by a breaking CRUNCH HANOVER, who had gone three-wide from third-over 11/16 then broke before midturn.
Apr 9, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – In the 70s, with a stretch headwind, mild to start … ALTUS HANOVER came uncovered 5/8, kept advancing and had started to pressure the leader when that one broke midturn, leaving him with a clear lead, tiring late but held together over CHING CHING LUCKY. The latter moved behind the winner, slightly loose of him midturn, left briefly uncovered after the breaker then inside late turn, out again stretch, couldn’t quite eat up all of the winner’s margin. DAGON HANOVER went away right to the top, saw two go by and stayed third-in, avoided the far turn confusion with only minor difficulty, clear third. WOODSIDE EMILEAH left and took the pocket, inside and jammed up some far turn, not a late factor. ARGENTO couldn’t stay with outside cover. PADRE gapped, was bothered far turn, had a little in late recovery. GRAPPLE HANOVER moved nearing the ¼ to get the lead, pushed a foe to almost the second turn before letting him go to sit second, then was wiped out by him when he broke midturn. NICE GUY EDDIE made a “shake and bake” (delayed then go) start, went up at the 1/8, briefly had cover from an early mover then worked to clear going into the second turn, was trying to find a response when the winner came up midturn but broke.
SECOND RACE – LINCOLN JAMES came out of fourth at the 1/8 and worked up to the top 5/16, under bigtime pressure from the 11/16 but wouldn’t let that rival go, then held off the inside charger in hand. BRIGADOON went away well to take over, yielded for the pocket, came after the winner up the inside but couldn’t get to him. THEFREEDOMFIGHTERN moved uncovered just off the second turn, reached the leader 11/16 and battled, even getting a small advantage to the ¾, but was shaken off in the stretch. REDHOT ROMEO left for the early pocket, looked to be going all he could to keep up third-in the last 3/8. MACH’S DELI never surfaced. I SOAR HIM FIRST gapped cover second-over past the 5/8, three-wide late turn but didn’t gain. RIPPLESONTHEBEACH was a little off the gate, couldn’t feature from third-over.
THIRD RACE – ANDOVER CONTESSA went uncovered going into the backstretch and cleared 11/16, seemed in charge to the line. CRAZYCAT got into the flow third-over, ducked inside on the turn and came up the inside in the stretch, took second. EMMA TOWN BUD tailed the winner, tucked in the pocket ¾ then came back out on the turn, drifted a bit wide while holding evenly, lost gait right at the wire. AP HALL OF TRIX was in a hard duel before yielding before a 27.2 quarter, was shuffled in the pocket while the leader gave way 11/16, backed out far turn, fair late. TECH TITAN was away slowly, did get the last check. PISTOLS ASPIRATION sat in, was shuffled, backed outside but couldn’t keep up far turn. CUPID HANOVER was hung in a 27.2 opener for the lead, rated the half, but had no response when challenged late backstretch. FRAC was off the gate and trailed throughout.
FOURTH RACE – ITS A HORSE left well, forced a tuck, then let a parked rival go to stalk him behind a fast pace, outside ¾, made the lead nearing headstretch and drew away. TOWN VICTOR left between horses, accepted a spot behind the winner 3/16, followed that one out ¾, enough for second. SIMON GOT LUCKY gapped midrace in the fast pace, then had a better last quarter in finishing third. CREEMORE went evenly along the inside. SAYLOR was off the gate until bursting through as it sprang, was left out three-wide to the 3/16 then onward two-wide to the top to the 3/8, set a fast pace, nothing in reserve for late. THE LAST TWO gapped at the back.
FIFTH RACE – HURRIKANE LADY LOU forced a tuck early and benefitted from that enormously as that foe broke and scattered the others, slowed the half then sprinted home in 55.4 – 27.2 to keep control. EAZY HUNTING spotted, probably the least-affected by the breaker and came through for third, stayed connected in the top three, outside stretch, very nice race in recovery (1:24.4 last ¾). BEAUTIFUL AMERICA was right behind the first turn breaker and “ix”d but caught back quickly and got the pocket, tried to come on in the stretch but was a bit foul-gaited early stretch and didn’t gain while an ocean ahead of the others. SWEET GADGETS went past BABY BUGATTI G; both were bothered early, and then the latter, who was off the gate, couldn’t stay with the top three. RELENTLESS JULIE left and had just taken the two-hole when making a break which bothered all save the winner; placed. KALYPSO had nowhere to go behind the breaker, made an “ix” and was taken to the infield.
SIXTH RACE – ELEGANT DULUPIN FR shut the pocket early, then came out at the ¼, soon uncovered and to the lead before the 3/8, withstood the late burst of DART GUY. The latter did not have great cover second-over, three-wide midturn, came on very strongly late. HALL IT OFF was looped early, pressed on to the lead off the first turn, yielded to the winner, swung outside headstretch but could go only evenly. LADY’S IMAGE sat in and was shuffled to last, a bit of vigor in the Pocono Pike late. TRUMAN JR HANOVER was uncovered towards turn two but never got near the front. CAMPBELLINI outleft everybody and cleared, yielded past the ¼, was sitting third-in when making a break mid-far turn.
SEVENTH RACE – GADOT HANOVER stayed with the main pack throughout, still had a ways to come in the stretch but gained as the pace slowed and was up on the money. BUDWEISER GIRL was away well, three-wide to the first turn then two-wide to take over 3/16, yielded for the two-hole, came out midturn and had the lead in early stretch, just nipped in the shadow of the wire. RHIANNON HANOVER was between horses early and took the 3-tuck at the 1/8, gapped the top two a bit on the turn, evenly inside. I’M AMUSED came through for the early pocket then quarter-moved, was challenged midturn and could not respond. BINGO BRAIN was outside far back down the back, beat the others. MISCHIEVOUS G couldn’t go with these. BUMPY JACK started gapping just past the half and broke 11/16. STRIKING TACTFUL gapped, then went offstride 9/16.
EIGHTH RACE – WORTHY OF HONOR was first to command, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, shuffled far turn and out into a blindswitch, found a seam between horses midstretch and burst through (in a slowing last ¼). FOREVERHILLREIGN backed out to follow cover 11/16, three-wide midturn, steadily but caught to his inside late. K J DIAMOND was last, out in a blindswitch late turn then ducked back inside and to the Pocono Pike, OK. JIVE NINETY FIVE grabbed the early pocket just past the 1/8, in, shuffled, outside ¾, three-wide with cover late turn and four-wide in the lane, evenly. TRUMP THIS started uncovered to turn two, made a big move to challenge the pacesetter from heading into the backstretch, caught by fresher horses. R HERBIE BLUE CHIP settled fourth early then quarter-moved, was under hard pressure almost the entire last half, not enough. SCIROCCO PATRICK moved outside but immediately started to gap.
NINTH RACE – DECOY left, accepted the pocket 3/16, pulled out 11/16 to challenge, game and took a three-way stretch battle. MY WISH CAME TRUE was third-in, up to the pocket as the winner pulled, to the Pocono Pike, almost. WAIMAC ATTACK N made the top and forced a tuck in a quick opener, set the pace, lasted very well. SOHO CHELSEA A didn’t have too much response throughout. ALADDIN HANOVER was badly bothered early, made a huge recovery to catch the field by just past the half, couldn’t quite sustain the regain but showed lots of energy. K J MICHAEL also was bothered by the breaker and never did recover. NORTHERN REIN went offstride midfield at the 1/8.
TENTH RACE – MANOFMANYMUSCLES took the pocket at the 1/8, moved coming out of the first turn with cover he soon lost and went on to claim the front before turn two, drew away in the last 1/8. WARRIOR WAY left, had cover early, on to the lead 5/16, yielded before turn two, popped the pocket before the 5/8, never gained on the leader but just did hold second over AWSOME PAUL. The latter was the first to show, yielded, stayed in, went to the pocket 5/8, not that much late. GINGERTREE STAKIAS gapped inside at a couple of points. PAYMAQ never made an impaqt. REAL MCCOY was way back when breaking far turn. QUINCY MARKET showed nothing throughout the mile.
ELEVENTH RACE – BEACH VIBES moved raw out of third 9/16, went up in 27.2 and had a short lead on the turn but couldn’t clear, finally made the clear lead midstretch. SOLAR BOLT was outside from last soon coming off the first turn, got to second-over but couldn’t stay tight in the fast third quarter, wide and resilient late. FOUT sat in, shuffled a little then between horses early stretch, fair. KING KONG KALIBRE was three-wide to the first curve then two-wide to take over 3/16, rated the half then worked to keep the winner outside, faded only in midstretch. DAVID’S IDEAL left, yielded for the pocket, couldn’t offer much late. VORACIOUS had a touch of pace late from far back. WATCH U R BACK never offered much. RAYRAY fell back badly the last half.
TWELFTH RACE – NICE STUFF left and relinquished for the two-hole trip, a trifle loose late backstretch and on the turn, to the Pocono Pike and had to work but got the job done. DAZZLNDASH HANOVER was in front at the 1/8 and set the pace, rejected the first-over foe, did as much as he could. BANZAI AS was a bit loose of the top two much of the first half, moved uncovered 9/16 and challenged, fell back but still a clear third. SPREE avoided trouble. STEEL SCHOONER broke just after the start, had caught the field by the ¼, came between horses late to get the last check in a decent recovery. MR CRIMSON was no factor here. HL MAMMOTH broke just before the ½ and was taken inside.
THIRTEENTH RACE – CIGAR SMOKING TONY went in front at the 1/8 and dusted these with a 55.2 back half. SEAL O’NEILL moved uncovered 11/16 then got cover to the ¾, came along pretty well for the distant second. OHARE HANOVER settled third early, moved out ¾, just won a three-way photo for third. BIG BOSS HILL, who suffered “b.e.” early and did not look at his best on the turns, left for the pocket, disconnected from the leader down the back. CALYPSO ROCK N didn’t achieve prominence. OUTWIT OUTRUN never entered the main picture. OCEAN BLUE lost contact the last half; so did GUMPTION after starting a move outside into turn two.
FOURTEENTH RACE – CHARLIE BAR patiently worked his way to the top at the 1/8, slowed the half, never had the first-over get closer than his wheel, looked confident the last half of the lane. WAVELIKEAQUEEN rode a great pocket trip, narrowed in slightly but did not appear a threat. HOLY BEING moved outside 11/16, four-wide off the final bend and unwound with good trot. MISS PRINCIPLE went along evenly. PHANNYS MATTER moved second-over but gapped down the back, three-wide late turn, not all that much. RUFFLES N LACE squeezed in fourth just past the 1/8, on the go again early backstretch but as noted could only get to the winner’s wheel before backing off.
Apr 8, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – High 50s to low 60s as the card progressed … Stretch headwind … HURRIKANE HUNTER was between horses early then tucked, went uncovered 9/16 and gained steadily, went by before midturn and opened up an unassailable margin. CONGRESSIONAL spotted, moved at the ¼, a bit steppy in clearing past the 3/8, couldn’t keep the winner out past the ¾ but held well for second. CAPTAIN ALBERT G was three-wide early and got to the top, yielded past the ¼, came out with cover past the 5/8 and lost that cover on the turn, did OK. FIREBALL FREDDY gapped backstretch cover, evenly late. AXION HANOVER never got into the main action; nor did WARRAWEE XTREME. NOPEWASNTME was three-wide near the back into the first turn then decided to gun up to the top past the ¼, yielded at the end of the frontstretch, tired before the ¾.
SECOND RACE – GLOBALDOMINATION N was wide early, went up at the 1/8 and cleared to the lead off the first turn, set fast fractions with pressure from the 5/8, on a line pretty badly turning for home, but dug in and paced clear late. VINOVIO was in front at the 1/8, yielded and stayed close in the pocket as it turned into basically a three-horse race the last 3/8, inside stretch, couldn’t gain. ADRENALINE RUSH got early position, moved uncovered off turn two and battled hard with the leader in fast fractions from the 5/8 to headstretch, held his ground well. CAVIART SKIPPER gapped cover and went back inside, no factor. KIMANI N rode outside near the back past the half, went inside, didn’t totally fade. PAR INTENDED could not keep up. CAVIART STETSON was four lengths off the pack by the 1/8, fell way back.
THIRD RACE – DIVINE SPIRIT was three-wide to the 1/8 then tucked third, could wait until nearing the ¾ to go up uncovered, took the lead towards midstretch and proceeded on to the wire. MUSCLE GENE moved outside ¾, ducked back in after a breaker, thought about the Pocono Pike then angled out behind the winner before midstretch and finished steadily. VELVET STYLE went down the road, rated the half, didn’t have much pressure until the ¾, couldn’t sustain in the lane. ARCH CREDIT and JUSTIFY weren’t factors but got the final checks. TUIS SHADOW was between horses then tucked at the 1/8, started to fade on the turn then made a break. CELEBRITY SERENA could not go with these. BRECKENRIDGE made a nasty break as the field approached the backstretch before the start.
FOURTH RACE – KOOTENAY SANTANNA was in front just past the 1/8, yielded past the ¼ and sat a fine journey, responded quickly when shown the Pocono Pike and won easily. Tight three-way battle for second: AFLAME HANOVER moved uncovered into turn two, fought very hard with the leader from the 5/8 on, held for a DH2 with TERRY A HANOVER; the former’s former stablemate got the front early then yielded, stayed third-in, deep Pike, evenly for the tie for second. TJ’S INDY PACER was third-over behind a dull one, swung wide and closed well to just miss place. I’M BENICIO A was outside early, got in gear before the 3/16 and motored up to command 5/16, had to deal with a persistent first-over foe, not quite enough. AS ALWAYS gapped early, gained long after the main issues had been decided. YUPPER struggled inside. NO QUARTER was second-over but gapped out 11/16.
FIFTH RACE – FASHION KEN pushed away then yielded, moved from third into the backstretch and grinded up, didn’t reach the leader until into the stretch but then quickly trotted to the top. KNIGHTS GUARD, wide early, got a spot, moved past the 5/16 to the lead past the 3/8, maintained a clear lead into the stretch, but couldn’t sustain his advantage. YO CARTER dodged breakers and went along steadily. NETWORK EXTENDER came through at the start and took the top, yielded past the 3/8, gapped in the two-hole down the back, tired further late. TOP DOWN made a break midturn. DONATELLO HANOVER moved second-over but gapped, then miscued far turn. THE BLACK ACE was three-wide early and couldn’t clear, broke, recovered and settled fourth, broke again early frontstretch, recovered and moved out raw but broke a third time at the half. MONI’S HEAVEN CENT jumped it off 3/16.
SIXTH RACE – APPLE VALLEY ART left and would not yield, clear the last 3/8. PHILOSOPHIZER had some speed, stayed connected, split horses in the lane and along for second. KILLER MARTINI came out towards the second turn, soon three-high off that bend to clear a fading parked horse, then two-wide raw, never reached the winner, just edged for second. TODDLER TANTRUM was three-wide early, kept going between horses until taking the pocket at the ¼, started going loose from beyond the 5/8. BLUEBERRY HEAVEN got the final payday. BELIEVEINTHESPIRIT couldn’t keep with the early backstretch sweeper. LOTTERY WINNER was no factor before breaking; came back with “b.e.” SCRAPPIN GOLD was four-wide early and three-wide most of the ¼ before being left out two-wide raw, was looped early backstretch and faded.
SEVENTH RACE – QUARANTINA raced forwardly-placed, could move out behind the first-over 5/8, snapped into a higher gear past the ¾ when her cover made a break, won handily. DIGNITY HANOVER took the pocket at the 1/8, gapped on the far turn but fought on to take second. WILD KAT G headed down the road, under pressure from the 9/16, saw the first-over break, couldn’t hold off the winner, just missed second late. CHEROKEE JOY made up good ground down the back but could not sustain the gain. JULIETTE went evenly inside. CREA STAR rode outside the first half, then moved inside and faded. SANTA MONICA AS was uncovered into turn two and made a long challenge at the leader, still fighting when offstride ¾. BROADWAY SENSATION miscued just past the start; returned with “b.e.”
EIGHTH RACE – JAGGED LITTLE PILL went right to the top, yielded for the pocket and had a great view behind the protracted front-end duel, to the Pocono Pike and along as the tempo slowed. HUNGRY FOR KISSES moved from the pocket at the ¼ and took over, under pressure from towards the half and went big middle fractions, couldn’t hold off the pocket rocket but did well for second. EA AUDIT gapped down the back, gained some on the far turn and came on steadily as the pace slowed. ALL YOU CAN EAT also made up some late ground. WILD BLUE YONDER tucked third before the 1/8, moved sharply into the second turn, soon right at and occasionally ahead of the leader but was left outside, battled on after the tough trip and still was third deep stretch. ROLL WITH SHORTY gapped down the back. TRULY was last throughout.
NINTH RACE – TEST MY WILL tucked third, quarter-moved and was able to get the potential QM#2 into the pocket behind him 3/8, saw that one coming again late but held on. SHARP CURVE followed the winner out at the ¼, left raw and able to get in the two-hole 3/8, followed along to early stretch, then tipped wide, couldn’t find his best strides until too late. WENTWORTH HANOVER grinded a long way for a distant third in a good mile of his own. UNCLE NINO went to the lead, yielded early frontstretch then gave the pocket 3/8, struggled to stay close the last 3/8. F SCOTT’S MUSE checked outside the breaker far turn while not in contention. TOMMY BOY HANOVER left for the pocket, wound up fourth-in, was behind a tiring horse when breaking at the ¾ causing interference, placed. WINE BAR was not a factor. CASHIER suffered an “ix” past the ¾ while far back.
TENTH RACE – HUDSEN A left for the two-hole, stayed close in the third quarter fight, to the Pocono Pike and along in time. SPINOUT was uncovered into turn two, went 27.1 with the wind to challenge the leader from past the 5/8, may momentarily have had the lead midstretch, caught to the inside but good. PAPIAMENTO cleared at the 1/8, rated the half, had pressure from past the 5/8, not enough late. SAULSBROOK MENTOR tucked third, gapped down the back, angled out in the stretch, went on gamely while rough almost to the point of a near-break late. WILSONS VINNER avoided trouble and got the last check. LUZIANA backed out to follow cover 5/8 but gapped. BASS PLAYER never made a sound here. OUTDAMAGNOLIAMUD moved 3/8 but immediately gapped, then broke.
ELEVENTH RACE – TIDQUIST was second-over, gapped, was blindswitched late turn, but swung wide early stretch and was handled with confidence to the line. GLIDE IN THE WIND gained up the inside the last 3/8 and was along for second. KEYSTONE THUNDER went out raw to challenge 5/8, evenly as the tempo slowed late. BLOGMASTER took control from the pole, didn’t have enough to last to the line. WILLIE B WORTHY was third-over, three-wide late turn, couldn’t overhaul these. LINDYS GOIN CRAZY was last, between horses without room at the wire. BROOKROAD MASTER left for the pocket in the lineup, not enough response late.
TWELFTH RACE – MOVE THE LINE secured the pocket, moved out midturn, won easily. PICTONIAN THUNDER moved outside 11/16, had cover on the turn, along for second. BUTTER UP sat in, then moved wide and gained late. CAVIART SAGE left well to get control early, slowed the half, couldn’t carry his speed to the line. SPORTS TELLER sat in third, gapped down the back, to the pocket midturn, had a good trip but didn’t show much. THE OTHER TWO disconnected early in the backstretch.
THIRTEENTH RACE – HAVEHORSWILTRVEL N got in third at the ¼, moved early backstretch and could get into the pocket to the 11/16 while still not close to the leader, did draw closer on the turn, methodically grinded that one down late. WHAT THAT IS had the pocket then the lead when the fast starter ran, got a slowed half then sprinted off down the back, held gamely but had to settle for second. SMART AS HILL went past the others on the far outside for the distant third. KASEVILLE wound up in the pocket, couldn’t keep up the last 3/8. EXCHEQUER moved outside 11/16 but didn’t gain. MUSCLES JARED had little to offer. ASKMELATER HANOVER outsprinted everybody while four-wide early, had a clear lead when breaking 3/16.
FOURTEENTH RACE – PARMESAN N was second-over, gapped a little during the fast third split, three-wide late turn, not strong late (last quarter 30) but won on back class. KEY ADVISOR yielded for a two-hole trip, outside headstretch, didn’t miss by much. FRISKIE ALL NITE came off the rail past the ¾, swung four-wide into the lane, picked up ground. WON LAST FEELING stayed in and came up all the way to the pocket, clear in the lane but didn’t have the needed kick. HORSE was three-wide leaving en route to 1/8 command, slowed the half then really picked it up to keep a charging attacker at bay, paid the price for the fast quarters late. SEND IT IN JEROME never surfaced. FOLLOW YOUR HEART came with a big rush at the half, went his own third quarter in 26.3 raw to battle the frontstepper, tired midturn. ROCK THREE TIMES gapped throughout.
Apr 8, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – The first nighttime card of the year … Yesterday’s high was 70; by the end of this card, it was 35 (Kakaley had abandoned his short sleeves for his regular colors) … Wind at the start the exact opposite of yesterday: a stretch tailwind, although diminishing through the card … ROMANTIC EVENING came uncovered from fourth at the half, went 27.2 into the wind to clear into the far turn, but had to stay good to defeat a resilient ON THE MONEY GB. The latter spotted third into turn one, quarter-moved, could not hold the winner out in the big backstretch fight, but never let her get away in a fine showing of her own. FOX VALLEY CACHET was second-over, tighter on cover late backstretch, uncovered far turn, gave way a little but saved third over a bunch. BLAZING RAMONA made the top 3/16, was shuffled due to lead changes, out in a blindswitch headstretch, had pace coming through a tiny hole late. BLANK CHEEK was forwardly-placed early, took the inside route including in the stretch, evenly. CATIE FAYE HANOVER gapped third-over, a little better in the latter stages. ST LADS BIJOU was too far back to enter contention. INTO THE UNKNOWN made a break going to turn two.
SECOND RACE – RUSTY BEACH was three-wide to the first turn then two-high to 3/16 command, rolled along, was passed just past midstretch but fought on and reclaimed the lead in the shadow of the wire. TRIFECTA HANOVER got early position, slightly loose midrace but closer on the turn, to the Pocono Pike and took the advantage midstretch, just lost the edge approaching the finish. THORN TOAD was between horses early to the front, yielded for the pocket, outside to headstretch, neither gained nor lost stretch ground. FUN MUNKY went uncovered off the second turn, didn’t reach the leaders but kept on going determinedly. PARK STREET BLUES wound up second-over, a bit on the end. CAPTAIN WHO could not enter contention from far back. BARNEY HANOVER trailed most of the way. ROCKWELL had problems staying tight most of the race.
THIRD RACE – TOPVILLE OLYMPIAN was third-over, four-wide and still sixth headstretch, but had a fine stretch kick and was along in time. KEPT UNDER WRAPS A made two speed moves, not under great pressure but still had some daylight at the 3/4, through the turn, and into the stretch, outblasted late. LORD OF MISRULE advanced inside, blocked far turn, to the Pocono Pike and was moving well late although not with the momentum of the winner. IT’SGOODTOBEDAKING was first-over at the half, one-geared well. PACK YOUR BAGS was second-over, a bit loose behind backstretch cover, three-wide to headstretch, evenly. PLAY THE ACE gapped at the back, then came on well in the stretch and was shut off at the wire. AIN’T IT FUN moved quickly to the top, yielded for the pocket, loose down the back, evenly late.
FOURTH RACE – MONEY BOOK secured the pocket early, waited, then snapped home and closed strongly looking all business in his debut. ACTION SHOT got the lead without much incident and set his own pace, outkicked home but far ahead of the rest. LEAST WEASEL gapped but stayed out of trouble and preserved third. HILLASVIVA gapped second-over after a foe broke to the 5/8, wide stretch, didn’t gain. BATTLESHIP LANDING was between horses early and tucked third at the 1/8, uncovered 5/8, tired far turn and broke midstretch, placed for LOB. FAWN DE SIGN got in fifth 3/16, broke just past the half, recovered and was outside, then ducked in, not much late. IMPERIAL ZETTE and FOX HOLE were never prominent.
FIFTH RACE – YOUNONOTHINJON left and sat third until coming raw 5/8, crucially got in the pocket ¾, out again late turn and wore down IMPRINCESSGEMMA A. The latter was three-wide leaving, made the top, yielded but retook, got a breather to the half, stayed clear until past midstretch, caught late. BETTE TINA left but took back, came out far turn then got cover as the winner moved back out, best of the rest. FOR CHIPS SAKE paced her last half in 55.2 from far back. VICIOUS CIRCLE was four-wide nearing the first turn, needed most of the ¼ to clear, yielded for the pocket, all done at the ¾. THE REST did not factor in this one.
SIXTH RACE – ILBENEEDINSTITCHES allowed an outside foe to grab the front early then worked on to 3/16 command, got a slow half, stayed in control throughout. HOT SUMMER KNIGHT left crisply to quickly get the top, yielded for the pocket, a bit loose through much of the mile though a bit closer on the turn, outside stretch but didn’t gain though clearly second. ALL CASHED OUT edged out to follow cover midbackstretch then went back in when that one didn’t advance, just along for third over TEDDY BROSEVELT. The latter ducked in fourth early, gapped the last 5/16. CRITICAL MASS and EVERYONE’S TALKIN were always far back. KEYSTONE SERGEANT broke just past the start, couldn’t recover. MANWILLING spotted third, uncovered of the second turn but did not take a forward step.
SEVENTH RACE – SPITTING IMAGE sat third early then quarter-moved to command, strong to the wire. THE GYPSY QUEEN IR forced all outside leavers to get in behind her, then yielded to the winner, had her chance and did well but couldn’t get threateningly close. A BETTER GAME checked briefly after the backstretch breaker, moved outside ¾, gapped a bit on the turn then did better late to get a DH3 with LOOKATMYART. The latter ducked in fourth, started uncovered off turn two, got to tuck third after the breaker, fair late. BALFAST N had cover but lost it, moved up well to challenge but flattened out. THE NEXT TWO were always near the back. SARA JANE left, took a tuck second, was sitting in third when making a bad break before the 5/8.
EIGHTH RACE – KEYSTONE SWEETPEA was three-wide early en route to command, set a fast pace and opened a huge lead down the backstretch, tiring and chased after late but having too much of an advantage to overcome. WAVERLY HANOVER gapped in third much of midrace, outside to the 11/16, retucked in the pocket, gradually ate into the winner’s margin. I CANT REFUSE tucked, followed cover then left raw far turn, far ahead of the others. FASHION’S WAY and RAVIOLI were behind the first turn breaker, never got close. MY BELFAST ANGEL left well and yielded for the pocket, started to fall further and further back most of the last half. EVER HOPEFUL G broke 3/16.
NINTH RACE – COMET CRUSADER N went out well, pushed a foe almost to the ¼ before yielding for the two-hole, stayed connected, to the Pocono Pike and gained into the 55 back half for a nice victory. IDIOSYNCRATIC was out most of the initial panel to get the lead, rated the half, then stepped it up as a serious challenger was coming on, held her ground well in losing to a trip horse. COALFORD BET ALINE backed off early to tuck third, tried to gain between horses but was shut off with horse nearing the wire. ERINWOOD YVES went 26.4 down the back without cover to pose a serious threat, stayed in the thick of it to the line. BAY CITY stayed in, was doing well late while having too far to come. BUILDING BOOST wasn’t prominent. SLICK RICHARD gapped second-over. DANCING JOE was on the move early but couldn’t enter the main action.
TENTH RACE – Wind had calmed down … PRAIRIE WESTERNGAL started quickly, yielded to the favorite to sit the pocket, went to the Pocono Pike and outbattled that one in a good contest. FRANTASY HANOVER went on to 3/16 command, challenged by the tough first-over from the 11/16, held that foe to her right off but couldn’t withstand the foe to her left. CRAZY CUTE made a very fast uncovered bid from far back, reached the leader 11/16, battled into the final steps before tiring after a big effort. THE STUNNING NUN N sat in and gapped down the back, evenly inside late. NEWSY N stayed in third, moved out headstretch but could only hold her position. PEARL HARBOUR N was not prominent. REACHTHRUTHESKY AS followed the dull cover of BRILLIANT BEAUTY, with neither threatening.
ELEVENTH RACE – MOLLY MCARDLE made two speed moves, slowed the half, then had twin 28.2s coming home which was more than enough for these. LADY’S CHOICE K was out to the ¼ to take over, yielded for the two-hole, not a threat to the winenr but did hold second. ALEXA’S SUNSHINE stayed connected in third. SUMMER DREAMS vacated fourth 11/16 but never went forward. ADULT SWIM went evenly. THE OTHER DUO disconnected soon after and at the half, respectively.
TWELFTH RACE – ZETTE FLAME moved with cover then lost it as it ducked back in, kicked into gear to the ¾ and gradually ate into the big margin of BRIGHT SIDE UP, going by that one confidently late at 35-1. The latter was three-wide leaving, made the lead 3/16, yielded off the first turn but came back to regain by the half, opened a big lead late backstretch hitting the ¾ in a good time for these, but didn’t have enough to resist the winner while far head of the others. U BAKE THE CAKE came off the rail in the lane and was the distant third. BY A HOFF HANOVER left and yielded, moved uncovered down the back but didn’t gain and ducked back inside. GINA’S ON FIRE left very wide, three-wide past the 1/8 then two-wide to command past the ¼, yielded to the half, was tired before the ¾. SKYWAY PROFESSOR was never heard from. SAULSGOOD made a break ducking inside of a breaking LOU’S LANCELOT at the 1/8.
THIRTEENTH RACE – REGAL ESCAPE was underway raw from midpack into turn two, brushed in 27.2 down the back and went right by ¾, drew far clear of these. NOTA REPLICA A stayed in until midturn, moved out then wide and had some late pace to just get second ahead of SPORTS BOX. The latter was away third, initially wanted to challenge for the lead 3/16 but then took back to tuck third, moved out behind the winner 11/16 and soon was left raw as that one went by, evenly. THE COOKIE MONSTER left for the pocket, shuffled back behind the tired pacesetter far turn, to the Pocono Pike but not a great recovering response. HOT DEUCE made the lead at the 1/8, slowed the half, but was not prepared for the winner and faded after being passed. THE LAST THREE never got into the main action.
FOURTEENTH RACE – SOME KINDA ANGEL sat third-in, got Pocono Pike clearance as the pocket horse moved out headstretch, responded well to take the finale. ROCKNROLL NELLA left well three-wide to claim the top by the 1/8, yielded past the ¼, moved outside headstretch, never was in front but had steady pace. SHADOW ONE was third-over, three-wide with cover then four-wide far turn, came on OK. CRUSH ME was second-over, three-wide late turn, fair. ROSEY TIME was blocked last-in, gained stretch ground while in tight quarters. BETTOR B SAWYER left between horses and was looped, went on to the lead past the ¼, rated the half, was faced with pressure, wilted in the lane. DIAMONDTOOTHGERTIE spotted fourth just past the 1/8, then was raw going into the club turn, challenged, stalled midturn. NARINA HANOVER gapped in last.
