Oct 22, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – 58 degrees; no wind to start… HIGH BALLER left and enjoyed a cushy pocket trip, outside in the stretch and zipped right by. FRISKIE ALL NITE was parked to the 1/8 for command, didn’t back things off much, no match for the winner but enough for second. LORD OF MISRULE sat third-inside the entire way. BEACH TOWN BOY moved second-over, three-wide midturn, had some late pace. LUZIANA never featured. DIVISION BELL was first-over off the second turn, got to the pocket horse’s wheel but no closer. STARVIN MARVIN trailed.
SECOND RACE – UNSUNG HERO was kept outside between horses early, uncovered at the 1/4 to the front 3/8, drew clear at the ¾ and won impressively in fast time. BET A BUNDLE was three-wide early, pressed on to the 26.4 quarter and cleared, yielded for the two-hole, held for second over BULLVILLE FRANK. The latter had some pace both early and late. ONE OF THE GUYS pushed the fast quarter and yielded, came back out 5/8, but had little and fell back. CHUCK THE CHEESE gapped most of the last of the 3/8, a touch of pace on the end. THE REST were at or near the back throughout.
THIRD RACE – Stretch headwind picked up … SANTA MONICA AS got into a very nice backstretch flow, three-wide near headstretch, proved to have the most late. THE GREAT WALL was three-wide to the 1/8, went on to take over towards the 3/8, yielded but came right back out to reclaim the lead, held well for second after hard usage. SOUTHWIND DESI was between horses early, followed cover to the 3/8 then went on to get the top before the half, yielded down the backstretch, kept up evenly. HONORABLE LADY was third-over, finished well once straightened away. TSM EMILIA T left, yielded at the ¼ then shuffled some, came back out with then without cover, tired. IRISH CHARM had some trot from far back. P L PANDORA was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to the ¼ to the top, saw two go by in quarter two, evenly. RAVIOLI never factored.
FOURTH RACE – APRIL AVA was looped and went on, to the lead 5/16, stayed under pressure but handled the challenges well. PHELGON sat in then backed out when the pocketsitter tired, went to the pocket ¾, second-best. QUEEN LOSTRIS N circled the gapper then ducked inside, to the Pocono Pike and OK. BULLVILLE KARLA was uncovered at the half and out with a hard challenge, couldn’t quite sustain it. GOTTALOVEMYSHADOW moved out, swung wide into the stretch but couldn’t go enough. THE NEXT TWO never featured. VEL DONNA showed sharp speed to be on top at the 1/8, yielded, started unplugging down the backstretch.
FIFTH RACE – MALTA MAGIC left between horses and tucked third at the 1/8, uncovered 5/8 and went up to challenge, the strongest one late. HALLELUJAH HANOVER was three-wide almost to the 1/8 then two-wide to take over 3/16, rated the half and didn’t have pressure until late in the backstretch, then had more of it than she could handle, did well between horses finishing to retain second. BIRDIE THREE moved outside at a distance down the back, made up ground in the last ¼. PARTY LOUNGE stayed in, had to wait for the Pocono Pike, evenly. THE NEXT DUO never made their presence felt. SHE’S A LADY left for the pocket, tired around the far turn.
SIXTH RACE – LIFEINTHESLAMMER was in a moving outer tier, three-wide past mid-far turn, had a lot of ground to make up but methodically ate it up to be along in time. DYLAN THE GREAT was out to the 3/16 to get the lead in a fast quarter, got an open-length lead 5/8 after the pocket horse broke, stayed clear until the winner came on late, tired and could not hang on to the wire. GLOBETROTTING followed cover from the second turn, was left uncovered 5/8, one-geared it. TRAIN tucked third, did not seem to be hampered much by the backstretch breaker, didn’t come on. IT’S SO FLUFFY was uncovered on the clubhouse turn, went into the two-hole after the breaker before the 5/8, but wasn’t ever tight on the leader. SCIROCCO PATRICK was away last and was far behind. HURRIKANE WILLIE G left very well to quickly get the front, yielded for the pocket, made a break off the second turn and was taken to the infield, was pulled up.
SEVENTH RACE – STORM THE COURT left hard in the fast opener, yielded 5/16 and sat right behind a duel, outside headstretch and went right on by. FENDI HANOVER was used well past the 26.4 first quarter to get the top, then had a challenger at him the remainder of the mile, did very well to hold as well as he did. BINGE ON YANKEE was last, came from one- to four-wide diagonally when finding room late turn and made up good ground. STOMP left, had cover to the 5/16 then was left out in the air, did as well as could be hoped for given the trip. ALWAYS RUTHLESS was not prominent. BULLVILLESPANDEMIC looked at leaving but took back, then third-over behind dull cover, not prominent. WATCH U R BACK moved 5/8 to follow the parked horse, went wide but couldn’t get around him.
EIGHTH RACE –STELLENBOSCH showed speed then was content to sit third until near the 5/8, came out and soon went right to the lead, drew away to a huge advantage. ABUELITA HANOVER came out at the ½, briefly had the cover of the winner but couldn’t go with it and was left uncovered, withstood ANOTHER BEACH DAY late for the distant deuce. The latter was out in the flow, narrowed in. GREENHILL HANOVER gapped the early front fighters then tightened in, stayed in and was shuffled, out late turn, next. HURRIKANEMYSHANNON made the top and then fought with a foe before yielding after a 26.3 opener, sat the pocket, was shuffled badly when that one gave way, did come back a little in the Pocono Pike for the last check. HANNAH ON THE VIRG and ELEGANT NOELLE were both far back throughout. CASH ROLL was three-wide early under urging, paid a high price to get the lead, was challenged past the 5/8 and had little left to give.
NINTH RACE – NINETEEN CRIMES left and yielded, stayed in a plugged-in third, came out as the pocketsitter pulled towards headstretch and came off that one’s back before midstretch, finished with a sharp burst to just get the nod. TILLIO’S ACTION showed good speed and was on top into turn one, pushed much of a fast quarter then yielded and stayed in the pocket, outside nearing headstretch, went by the pacesetter, just failed to withstand the winner in the shadow of the wire. MEDLEY worked up to take charge 3/16 in a fast first split, rated the half and didn’t get outside pressure, got a little tired from early stretch. PHANNYS MATTER didn’t stay with the top three down the back but went on evenly. HIGHGATE was a little hard to put inside early, moved outside and went OK but couldn’t reach. THE NEXT TWO didn’t enter contention. THESUNRISESAGAIN broke going into turn one.
TENTH RACE – UPTOWN HANOVER was out most of the quarter to control the stick, handled the first-over then drew away in a big race. HEARTBREAK HOTEL went up in 27 down the backstretch to be a challenger, couldn’t match the winner but held on for second. SOUTHWIND JAVA had speed and sat third-in, to the Pocono Pike and did well. TEMPURA HANOVER was outside but never close to cover, some pace too late. THINK OF GALAXIES yielded towards the ¼ for the pocket, stayed close until the far turn. TALK SHOW CHICA was far back, a touch of pace on the far outside. PRAIRIE WESTERNGAL did not make her presence felt.
ELEVENTH RACE – SUNRISE HANOVER got good forward position early, then was quarter-mover #2, left uncovered 3/8 and to the lead early second turn, ran off down the back and was never in doubt. SO DELIGHTFUL was between horses for the pocket at the 1/8, was quarter-mover #1, top 3/8, yielded early turn two, loose in the pocket the rest of the way but won second in a photo with RHYME N ROLL. The latter was three-wide early, got the front past the 1/8, saw two go by in quarter two and stayed in, along the inside late and almost got there for the place. NARINA HANOVER gradually moved out early backstretch, couldn’t get close. GRANT ME THIS was buried inside at the ¾, some late pace widest. GLORY GHOST was outside behind non-great cover, didn’t enter the picture. DANGEROUS PRECEDENT was waiting on cover to come out when breaking early backstretch.
TWELFTH RACE – BETTER WATCH IT was three-wide early to command at the 3/16, rested in quarter two then sped up, strongly urged to hold off MISS HELEN HANOVER. The latter left between horses to get a brief lead then yielded for the pocket, was not tight on the winner on the far turn, but then was narrowing in in the Pocono Pike. LIGHTNING LEIA moved up pacing her own 27 third quarter uncovered, clearly third-best. SHEZAFREAKLIKEME was second-over, not enough in the latter stages. SHES A SASSY BEACH showed some speed and was forwardly-placed, not much late. TENTHOUSAND ANGELS struggled at a couple of points. THE OTHER PAIR did not make their presence felt.
THIRTEENTH RACE – FAST MACHINE looked at leaving but took back, came out in front of the parked horse 3/8 and worked up on the grind, kept on going to be a most impressive winner. HEAVENISSOFARAWAY refused to give way from the pole, couldn’t defeat the winner but held off all the rest. BRILLIANT BEAUTY was three-wide towards the 1/8, took back but found no hole, got two-wide cover 3/8, gapped past the 5/8, but kept plugging along gamely. BROOKDALE JESSIE moved out into a blindswitch ¾, best of the rest. GEORGIE MARTIN N got early forward positioning, then was shuffled back far turn, so-so late. JUXTA COWGIRL was four-wide towards the 1/8, finally got into the two-hole near the ¼, fell back in the last stanza. ROCKNROLL SHELLI was never prominent. NITE TIME DEAL was third-over, three-wide far turn but dropped far back.
FOURTEENTH RACE – Wind calm for the finale … BETTE TINA left and took the pocket at the 1/8, stayed tight, to the Pocono Pike and rallied over BLAZING RAMONA. The latter closed an early gap, came uncovered 5/8, grinded to the lead early stretch, almost held on to the line. CATIE FAYE HANOVER initially gapped a bit third-over then tightened in, three-wide through the far turn, rallied well. ROMANTIC EVENING angled widest from far back and finished strongly. ROCKNROLL NELLA was away quickly and set the pace, could not keep it going in the last 1/8. DOC’S FAITH was hard to put inside early, moved at the half and got cover at the 5/8, couldn’t stay with it in the last ¼. STARZZNSTRIPES never achieved prominence. SOUTHWIND MOLLY stayed inside, wasn’t keeping up at the 5/8.
Oct 22, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Seasonably nice in the mid-60s; stretch headwind … MAJOR BEAN pointed right to the front and got there past the 1/8 in a fast opener, rated the half, then sprinted off again down the backstretch, enough to hold off the pesky COXCOMB. The latter got a good trip second-over, three-wide late turn, just not enough kick today. INCREDIBLE BADGER gapped the speed early but tightener in by the 3/8, again gapped far turn and went inside several pylons, found renewed pace to come on for third, but for going inside 3+ consecutive pylons, per the rules, he was placed last. LATEST ERA was third-over, urged 5/8, evenly. STATE SENATOR had some belated pace from far back. TEAM MAC tucked into turn one, came out uncovered into turn two, did go 26.4 down the back but couldn’t reach the leader, fell back. BET EIGHTTHIRTYONE left and sat a pocket trip, got loose later in the backstretch. MIDNIGHT DAY gapped at the back.
SECOND RACE – MEMO was looped leaving, went to command just past the 3/16, slowed quarter two into the wind, then appeared safe to the wire with a couple of taps. DAGON HANOVER outleft everybody to seize the lead early, yielded for the pocket, did well to stay as close as he did, far ahead of the rest. SUNDANCEDIAMOND passed the remaining horses. NICE STUFF rode midpack, shuffled a bit midturn before checking when the one in front of him made a break, never reentered even minor contention. SILVERMASS VOLO was rewarded with a check for staying flat. PRACTICAL CAT broke coming off the curve before the start. ANCHORS AWAY remained fairly close in third until the far turn, where he tired and then broke.
THIRD RACE – JIMS PERFECT TEN was uncovered before the half, fought the pacesetter from past midbackstretch past a very fast 3/4s, continued at each other with nobody else making up much ground though the pace slowed, just up on the money. PURPLE POET left and was with cover 5/16, then three-wide to progress and make sure he cleared before turn two, did so, with the fractions reaming hot as the winner came to challenge, held gamely until the very end while taking the lead in the contest for Unluckiest Horse of the Meet. SNOWBALL’S ROMEO was third-over, gapped when left second-over, evenly for third. SHORE OF HIMSELF left hard and pushed foes well past the 26 opener before yielding, backed out with cover down the back and back in the pocket on the far turn, evenly late after very hard usage. PLAY THE FIELD needed just past the 5/16 during a brisk tempo in order to make the lead, yielded, was getting loose in the pocket 5/8. BETTER THAN SOME never surfaced. RICKYBOBBYNTHEHAUS showed nothing today. DONE WELL was away slowly and fell very far behind.
FOURTH RACE — MISS MCKEE was wide early then settled behind cover to the 3/16, then went up to take over the racetrack 3/8, had challengers on both sides late but held sturdily. CREEMORE pushed the early pace and sat well-positioned, got to the pocket late turn and then the Pocono Pike, had a chance, good but outtrotted. ROCK OF CASHEL worked to the lead 3/16 and yielded a like distance later for the pocket, outside late turn, held well while far ahead of the others. DICENTRA gapped inside at several points. MY LINDY WINNER was uncovered 11/16 but couldn’t reach. VIC’S WINNER never featured. MISSION VOYAGE broke just past the start.
FIFTH RACE –SOUTHPORT BEACH was parked 3/16 for the top, yielded off the first bend but was quick to retake, had these at his mercy. UNDERTAKER joined a good flow on turn two, left uncovered nearing the ¾, steadily for the distant second. KINGSTONS BAD BOY was also in the robust outer flow, gapped a bit down the back, but kept coming steadily. NEWBIE was first-over to the clubhouse turn, got into the pocket 11/16 but soon began to back up. AIN’T IT FUN and MANNY (who pushed the early pace) were shuffled significantly late on the backstretch through the turn. LITTLEBITASWAGGER never entered the picture. REYS N A RUCKUS was three-wide 3/16, onward to the front past the ¼, yielded for the pocket, fell back sharply from midbackstretch.
SIXTH RACE – RICH AND MISERABLE was three-wide to the 3/16 then two-wide to the top 5/16, had a clear advantage throughout the last half. TACHYON left, got an opponent to tuck, then yielded 5/16, couldn’t keep tight on that one, lasted for second. KINDA LUCKY LINDY went uncovered 5/8, didn’t get to the winner but was in the fight for major minor honors. GRAPPLE HANOVER left between horses, sat in third, Pocono Pike, OK. MARION GONDOLIER was far back, made up some ground as the pace slowed, shut off at the wire. BANK BOX TREASURE couldn’t keep up second-over. BLOGMASTER broke right at the start. CHAPOLIER was badly on a line on the second turn before making a break, was pulled up.
SEVENTH RACE – INDIGO ART angled a tuck fourth 3/16 behind the main combatants, uncovered on the second turn, rushed up with a 26.1 third quarter to clear to the lead, left these far behind in another romp. HUNDIE N was innermost of three leavers and used his position well, yielded but retook in front of the stands, couldn’t handle the raw speed of the winner but kept going gamely for second. ROLLINWITHAMBITION followed the winner out, couldn’t stay with him, uncovered ¾, battled well to the end. GONNAHAVEONEMORE left between horses, tucked, was shuffled badly on the far turn, found a seam early stretch and had finishing pace. BRAVO TEX N had to circle his gapping cover, OK. IDEAL STAR N was three-wide to nearing the quick ¼, then onward to the top 5/16, yielded, gapped out of the pocket ¾. LYONS NIGHT HAWK was outside with little. GOOD ROCKIN broke at the start.
EIGHTH RACE – BALDAQUIN moved early and wound up second-over behind very lively cover, wide stretch and along in the closing stages. CAN’T SAY NO was parked with cover early, lost it to a 3/16 break, never went inside but went on to challenge the rest of the way, showed great gameness (though in a not-fast-for-these mile). ONE AFTER NINE got the lead between horses, saw an early foe break, then was hounded most of the rest of the way by the parked horse, right there on the money. SAY YOU DO was able to maintain the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and may have put a nose up just past midstretch, but didn’t quite have enough. SWEET HEART AS sat in, no clearance at any point of the stretch. THE LAST CHAPTER never factored. THE LIONKING AS was three-wide early, then two-wide and looked to be making the lead when he broke 3/16, never recovered. TOP ME OFF was in a lively flow but couldn’t go with it.
NINTH RACE – SILENT SPLENDOR left, yielded, in, inherited the pocket as its former occupant vacated it, outside early stretch, made the lead then kept off HOT DEUCE. The latter was between horses early, tucked fourth 3/16, surrounded by horses most of the last half, then followed the winner’s path and came on nicely late. TONY TOO TALL was three-wide 3/16 in the 26.1 quarter then two-wide and didn’t finally clear to the top until after the 3/8, had almost immediate pressure, stood up well. MONTY MONO was third-over, blindswitched 11/16 then backed out to follow cover, widest, some. DAAMERICANSKY, not looking easy to handle, made the lead in the fast opener, pushed a foe almost into the second turn, then yielded but was right back out for more, challenged, tired. MY WISH CAME TRUE went three-wide from fourth-over past the 5/8 but flattened out. IDEAL WHEEL came out behind the first-over, blindswitched 11/16, gapped out while in the blindswitch. THE MOONSHADOW N was far back inside when breaking in the stretch.
TENTH RACE – SHNITZLEDOSOMETHIN left between horses, yielded for the pocket but retook on the frontstretch, sped a 26.3 third quarter, withstood CASUAL COOL with mild urging. The latter was three-wide to the 1/8 then went on two-wide to get the front in a quick opener, yielded to the winner, followed that one, had a good trip but couldn’t quite make it. CHATELROLL left along the inside and pushed the early action, stayed third-in to the far turn, but then couldn’t gain. VETTEL N was uncovered towards turn two, never reached the leaders but held OK. MARK WITHA K was third-over, three-wide 11/16, too tough to catch up vs. this kind. CALIBER never got a call. PRAIRIE PANTHER gapped second-over. BILL HALEY N was no factor.
ELEVENTH RACE – CRUNCH HANOVER was able sit in third behind the fast fractions until the ¾, then moved out and had enough pace to make the lead. RIFLEMAN left and worked into the pocket at the 3/16, to the Pocono Pike, outpaced but did get second over A BETTOR BEACH. The latter stayed in, wedged between horses nearing midstretch and gained. THE WALL was uncovered late on the backstretch, got cover ¾ but couldn’t stay with it. CAPTAIN ROMANCE hustled right to the top, set a fast pace stringing out the field, but the bill came due in the stretch. THE OTHERS couldn’t work their way into the main action of this mile.
TWELFTH RACE – DALBY HANOVER had command in an instant, drew off down the back with a 26.2 third split and certainly made a fine local introduction. HECANDANCENCRUISE was three-wide most of the 1/8 and kept going to tuck third 3/16, outside near headstretch and went by for the distant second. JIM BLUE had the pocket but didn’t keep up the last half. BOARDWALK BET retucked around two sluggish horses. GOOD DEAL had little to offer. FORREST BLU couldn’t get any closer. PRAIRIE HANDSOME was gapping before the ¼.
THIRTEENTH RACE – ULTIMAROCA pushed a very fast 1/8 then yielded, retook in front of the stands, widened his lead throughout the last ½ in a crushing performance. BULLVILLE TERROR began an outside progression at the half which got him never close to the winner but a good second nonetheless. INDICTABLE HANOVER worked hard to stay near his cover, third in the last step over SPEEDY DOMINIC A. The latter showed high speed to clear past the 1/8 in a 26 starter, yielded to the retaker, got more and more loose from the 5/8, quite tired very late. OLLIES ZTAM was out to the ¼ before tucking, not a factor thereafter. ACTOR HANOVER had no say in this. HORSE was three-wide to the 1/8 then tucked third, started gapping out near the 3/8.
FOURTEENTH RACE – ONTO EL DORADO N was out to the ¼ to take over, yielded past the 3/8, underway again to retake into the backstretch, held gamely to defeat BAY MEADOWS. The latter was perfectly-placed second-over, came up just shy. J B MAUNEY N was third-over, three-wide ¾, right there in the photo. REDBANK BLAZE A had the inside open up in the third quarter, then swung out wide and gained. CERTIFIABLE yielded and stayed close early, had cover from the winner then lost it, ducked into the pocket on the turn, not enough. GUMPTION and MISTER DAYTONA N were never close. TRACEUR HANOVER was three-wide most of the ¼, briefly with cover then uncovered, pressed on to take over 3/8, under pressure from entering the backstretch and gave way before the ¾.
Oct 15, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Around 60 … Stretch headwind … PRO BEACH fought for the lead, was pushed by the pole horse who didn’t want a quarter-mover and thus winding up third, made the top at the ¼, rated the half, then reignited the jets quickly when the first-over came very fast down the back, could keep that rival outside, able to draw clear late after being used very hard in two separate spots. CAVIART SAGE wouldn’t yield easily when the above-described scenario looked to be coming, sat close in the pocket, perhaps bottomed a little as involved in the two sub-27 fractions, still enough inside to grab second over CAPTAIN ROMANCE. The latter moved out towards the ¼ but then retucked when the early lead did not change hands very quickly, came out on fire on the second turn and was at the leader coming off that bend, went his own third split in 25.4 while ahead most of the way but was just kept from crossing over, finally gave way a little late after bad luck. YUPPER stayed inside, wasn’t clear at the wire but not running over the ones in front of him. HARD ROCK HULK was third-over behind a bad gapper, three-wide far turn, gained as the pace slowed. SAMSON BLUE CHIP was no factor. JK MUSICMAN was second-over before the half but then gapped the entire last half.
SECOND RACE – CLOUSEAU HANOVER came out third-over to the half, quickly three-wide early on the backstretch to two-wide past the 5/8 to challenge and then clear early far turn, drew away. TRAY SURREAL had the pole inside three leavers, saw one break and one take cover, let the third one go and sat tight in the pocket, outside far turn behind the winner and a clear second. MISSILE SEELSTER was committed between horses to the lead, got there 3/16, had to deal with a parked horse, then had the winner come up to challenge, saw that one go by past the ¾, faded but still ahead of the rest. ROCK THREE TIMES moved out behind the parked horse before the half, was soon blindswitched then backed out to go three-wide around the two-wide fader, but not nearly with the speed of the winner. FOUR-STAR FLASH had to check 3/16 as the horse in front of him broke, inside, not a factor. CAPTAIN MALICIOUS was four-wide fully to the 1/8, took back to tuck but broke settling in 3/16. STELLA’S PHELLA was never prominent. STELLAR BB, not looking easy to steer, was three-wide to the 1/8, briefly behind cover then left out in the air 3/16, couldn’t clear, decelerated from the 5/8.
THIRD RACE – CANADIAN BALLET gapped much of the first half, sent up uncovered 5/8 to challenge, was clear of the far turn incident but looked rebuffed, ducked in then came out again in the stretch, gained enough to be along in time. HALLELUJAH HANOVER was immediately on top and operated on a clear lead much of the way including from mid-far turn to midstretch, but then got weary and was caught. RAVENOUS gapped second-over, pushed wide to be clear of the breaker far turn, OK for third. BLANK CHEEK was pushed very wide by the breaker. ILUVLOUCY was loose in the pocket at several points, made a break far turn scattering 60% of her opponents, placed. TALLCHIEF HANOVER spotted third, right behind the breaker and suffered an “ix,” going to the infield.
FOURTH RACE – STORM THE COURT left in tandem with MELANIE’S NICK then let that one go to sit in the two-hole, stayed close, pulled ¾ and went right by, won in fast time for maidens. BET ON ZETTE gapped much of the first half then got in gear into the backstretch, accelerated 5/8 to be just off the top two, tucked third midturn but back out again in the stretch, withstood STOMP for second. The latter sat in, backed outside ¾, came on well late. MELANIE’S NICK went to the lead and cut a fast quarter, rated quarter two then went fast again quarter three, was passed past that station, tired significantly midstretch. BEACH VIBES tucked, moved out turn two but went nowhere and went back in, not heard from again. KICK LIKE A MULE didn’t keep up the last half. TSM TRISTAN T ran up on a slow-moving horse near the half and broke. SMOKIN JOE HANOVER was last, checked slightly when a horse made a break at the half, rough while gapping.
FIFTH RACE – Slowing last quarters often lead to blanket finishes … SHANGHAI BOBBY was fourth-in, gained upper stretch while blocked then found a seam midstretch and gained “rapidly” (30 last quarter) to take it all. JUST N ACE gapped a little most of the first half then got in gear and went uncovered, applied constant pressure, held gamely as usual for the DH2 with SAFENSOUND HANOVER. The latter was third-over, stacked four-wide headstretch and narrowed in steadily. SPINOUT was wide early, took the pocket 3/16, to the Pocono Pike and appeared to have a short brief lead just past midstretch, was not far off. ARTACHE HANOVER was second-over, three-wide far turn, not quite enough to get the big prize. BNGS EXPRESS was last fourth-over, five-wide in the stretch, finished going forwardly. CASINO BAGS ANSO went away with purpose and forced a tuck in the 26.4 opener, backed it off a bit then had to regear upward when the first-over came, tired in the stretch. SPORTSMANSHIP was third-in, not much at crunch time.
SIXTH RACE – Official fractions not displayed during race; they were 28, 58.2, 1:25.4, 1:53.2 … CRAZY CUTE left strongly, crossed over at the 1/8, got a cheap half, then looked much better sprinting home in 55 in control. HEAVENISSOFARAWAY left between horses for the pocket, vacated same midturn and did draw closer, but then couldn’t match the winner’s strides, did outfoot SUMMER RAE for second. The latter showed some speed, sat third-in, OK late. DANDY IDEA was best of the distant rest. TURNTHEFROWNAROUND sat in and was last then backed out to follow cover which proved useless, never a factor. RAISE THE ANTE was first-over from last into turn two, did pace a 26.4 third quarter but it never got her close, fell back.
SEVENTH RACE – BULLVILLEKARLA was innermost of three strong leavers, pushed a foe to the ¼ and yielded, backed out again to the 5/8 and paced right on by ¾, won in a romp. NARINA HANOVER angled clear early stretch, was still sixth deep stretch but had a good rush to take the deuce in a photo. GREENHILL HANOVER did not have good cover, finished OK wide. SHELLIE DE VIE was three-deep early, refused a 3-tuck and pressed on, onward to the lead 3/8 and had a clear advantage to the 5/8 during a hot tempo, then the winner came calling, tired. RHYME N ROLL was between horses early, in front at the ¼, yielded 3/8, not much. EDEN PAIGE N gapped much of the first half, couldn’t go with the winner’s cover past the 5/8. GLORY GHOST trailed.
EIGHTH RACE – Again, the posted fractions during the race were revised, to 29, 1:00.2, 1:29.4, 1:59.4 … ZETTE FLAME was able to sit until the 5/8 and then move outside, grinded up to the leader, on even terms through the turn into the stretch, got the outright lead midstretch, and then just held it over CS EXPLOSIVE CHIP. The latter, looking rank and a handful to drive throughout the mile, finally got in late on the first turn, came out second-over, crucially couldn’t stay with the winner upper stretch, then showed speed when finally straightened away midstretch. WINE BAR maintained the pocket, stayed close behind the leader from past the 3/8 until late on the far turn, went to the Pocono Pike and made some late progress in the slow mile. KOLB HANOVER went to the front, walked the half, still tired late even though this wasn’t a quick mile. COOL TRIXTER gapped inside late backstretch, deep Pike, so-so. INVISIBLE TOUCH never factored. ROJO MAN gapped third-over. DRINK UP DRINK UP broke nearing the backstretch before the start.
NINTH RACE – TALK SHOW CHICA left, took back to tuck as the innermost leaver was insistent on having the top early, then quarter-moved to the lead 3/8, just had too much for this collection. BROOKDALE JESSIE used her inside starting slot well to force wholesale tucks, yielded to follow the winner, all-out to hold second over A CRAFTY LADY. The latter was uncovered 9/16, got to retuck third on the turn, continued up the inside and almost made second. ANNE BONNEY N was third-over behind a dull one, three-wide far turn, some. ONE HAND KEG STAND showed some late speed. DELISHKA N was three-wide early, got in the pocket 3/16, inside, started gapping 11/16. HURRIKANEMYSHANNON was four-wide early and three-wide past the 1/8, took back to get in fourth, little in the stretch. SO SUPREME gapped out second-over.
TENTH RACE – VILLAGE JADE made the top, yielded, retook before the 1/8-mover reached her, yielded again for the pocket, came out for the stretch and just did run down BETTOR WATCH IT. The latter did not leave but moved at the 1/8, waited on the winner’s regaining move then herself went up to take over at the 3/8, went a big third quarter, almost lasted in a good showing. LIGHTNING LEIA stuck to the inside and narrowed in. SHEZAFREAKLIKEME was a bit off the gate, had to circle laboring foes far turn, finished with speed. NITE TIME DEAL was not much of a factor. BYGONE HANOVER gapped second-over. ALWAYS B FIRST was three-wide early and was first by the 3/16, saw two foes go by shortly thereafter, back out again down the backstretch but could not threaten.
ELEVENTH RACE – NINETEEN CRIMES was parked to the ¼ for the lead, got the next challenger to tuck in behind him, then battled another until yielding early backstretch, waited then into the Pocono Pike, just up in a 30.4 last quarter. SCOTTISH was buried last inside, but found room in the deep Pike and made up a lot of ground (again, in a slow kicker). HIGHGATE remained outside in the early flow like a European horse, left uncovered nearing the 3/8 and pressed on past a fast half to get the lead, was under pressure to a quick ¾, held well while caught only by the two inside him. FRANK THE ELDER had cover to the ¼, then was left raw, got into the pocket before the 3/8, inside, evenly late. AWSOME PAUL worked to the early lead, yielded, gave the pocket before the 3/8, moved out into turn two then lost his cover soon out of that bend, challenged in fast time, understandably tired after hard usage. DOWN THE PIKE MIKE made the top at the 1/8, yielded, came back out second-over down the backstretch, three-wide far turn but couldn’t gain. BY A HOFF HANOVER was fourth-over and four-wide in the stretch, no real shot. SLAVE LABOUR was not prominent from third-over.
TWELFTH RACE – MIKI MINAJ used the rail well, yielded 5/16 for the pocket and stayed right up on the leader, outside midstretch and finished sharply going right by. UNSUNG HERO was four-wide early then went on as rivals took back, took over the engine 5/16 and continued at a fast clip, had no answer for the winner. AMP IT UP N finally settled in at the ¼, gapped throughout the last ¼ but still held third. CHUCK THE CHEESE was out second-over but didn’t reach his cover, wide stretch and next. CRACK A SMILE never surfaced. PICK A GENRE took back early, moved uncovered at the half, gained while going a 26.4 third quarter, but then could offer no more. MASK ON MASK OFF stayed in, blocked on the turn but little once free. ZEUS HANOVER gapped in last, then was blocked at the wire behind tired rivals.
THIRTEENTH RACE – CALYPSO ROCK N got a great trip up second-over although slightly off his cover late backstretch, in gear three-wide mid-far turn, along to overhaul CAVIART MAX. The latter was three-wide to the first bend and then on top 3/16, cut a good pace without much pressure, just failed to hold off the winner. BUTTER UP was quickly in front, yielded for the pocket, loomed in the Pocono Pike, not far off. I’VE GOT HOOTSPA went uncovered from sixth towards turn two, kept grinding and held with great courage. DANCE IT OUT gained some late on the far outside. STARVIN MARVIN sat in third, blocked through the stretch. FRISKIE ALL NITE also sat in, to the deep Pike, couldn’t gain enough. HEARTBEAT HILL struggled to keep up from the 3/8.
FOURTEENTH RACE – ROCKNROLL NELLA came out at the half and was quickly three-wide to challenge first-over, remained limbed while pacing her own third quarter in 27 and continued parked and challenging the rest of the way, but was up to the assignment. CATIE FAYE HANOVER followed the winner’s path while slightly off of it, kicked in late. BETTE TINA made the front before the ¼, got a breather to the half but then had a rival coming at her, faded late. CAPTAIN’S STAR cleared at the 1/8, yielded and sat the pocket, had a clear shot up the Pocono Pike but came up shy. BLAZING RAMONA came on a little late. TWENTY GRAND was looped, had cover then was left raw to the ¼, challenged but couldn’t go by, was looped early in the backstretch and fell way back.
Oct 10, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Mid 50s; stretch tailwind … WAIMAC ATTACK N was four-wide to the first turn then fell in behind cover, left uncovered off the first turn to the lead 3/8, set the pace and dug in gamely late. MANNY pushed the ¼ and yielded, sat third-in, up the Pocono Pike and gained well. YUPPER moved outside early in the backstretch and grinded up vs. the wind, held decently. CLOUSEAU HANOVER was out behind some trouble at the half, three-wide early backstretch to get to second-over, good race from a disadvantageous spot. TRAY SURREAL was three-wide early then two-wide to command off turn one, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, tried to gain in the lane but could not. HOW ARE YEE JOHN had some difficulty between horses at the bottom of the second turn, not heard from again. SOMBODYITREASURE moved outside into turn two but had very little. CAVIART MAX rushed up to follow cover past the 3/8, ran up on that cover as it went nowhere before the half and broke amidst confusion, tried to recover but could not.
SECOND RACE – GEORGIE MARTIN N was out most of the ¼ until backing off to take the pocket, waited, then to the Pocono Pike and got to the front. QUEEN LOSTRIS N had a good journey second-over, three-wide midturn, was moving nicely late to grab second at the end. ANOTHER BEACH DAY wanted the lead and from the rail got it in 26.4, didn’t have midrace challengers, not quite enough to the wire. STELLENBOSCH tucked third, sat in, was all over the racetrack looking for room in the last 1/8 but didn’t find it. ASHLEE’S DELIGHT gapped early, stayed in, not prominent. JB’S STAR DANCER went uncovered at the ½, advanced but never got into the leader’s face, tired in the stretch. SUNRISE HANOVER moved outside but had little to offer.
THIRD RACE – RUMORED was three-high to turn one to the lead 3/16, yielded to the retaker to sit a two-hole trip, out before headstretch, inched by the pacesetter. FASHIONATTIFFANYS was on top towards turn one, yielded but was quick on the retake, rolled on in front of a three-horse breakaway, fought gamely but surrendered the lead past midstretch. LADY’S CHOICE K left, stayed connected, not enough in the last 1/16. SWEET GADGETS was far back, three-wide early final turn to two-wide, made up decent ground though the last quarter was slow. SOMEWHERE DANCIN gapped most of the last half. GINGER TREE LESLIE never moved. CHERRY VALLEY pulled out at the half but never got remotely close to the action. SILLY STRIDE was sitting fourth when breaking at the half.
FOURTH RACE – DELILAH DE VIE never tucked early, powered up past the 1/8 to take over past the ¼, yielded to sit the pocket, went to the Pocono Pike, and slowly got by EDEN PAIGE N. The latter came out at the ¼, then went on after the winner cleared, made the top and moderated the mid-tempo, not enough sprint late. GREENHILL HANOVER came uncovered 5/8, pressured the leader, fell back a little but still ahead of the others. JEANNIES TERROR stayed in and was a no-factor next. BEACH PASSAGE left well to 1/8 command, saw two go by, gapped on the turn, outside in the lane, little. ALLMYLOVIN HANOVER never factored. NARINA HANOVER was uncovered before the 5/8 then soon got cover, but then soon after that gapped it.
FIFTH RACE – LET’S GET ROCKED was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to the lead just past the quarter, got a cheap middle half, then came home in 28 to keep clear of BINGE ON YANKEE. The latter left well, finally yielded just off the first turn to sit second, had her chance in the Pocono Pike but not enough quickstep, easily ahead of the others. MAXIMUS MIKI was last third-over, moved wide around gapping cover far turn and was along for a decent third. TSM TRISTAN T was between horses leaving, tucked third past the 1/8, came out to the 11/16, challenged, got to the winner’s wheel then flattened. SMOKIN JOE HANOVER found an early spot, evenly thereafter. DARIO HANOVER was never prominent. BRYCE moved uncovered before the 5/8 then soon got cover, not too much.
SIXTH RACE – HIT ME UP was looped and three-wide early, to the five-hole, then second-over, gapped that cover, was briefly blindswitched, then could ease out a path headstretch and proved to have enough to get to the wire first. STARZZNSTRIPES followed third-over, three-wide past midturn then four-wide headstretch, narrowed in nicely. CATIE FAYE HANOVER was backed up to last, five-wide in the stretch and finished well. BETTE TINA came with a rush uncovered at the half, couldn’t get by and continued to duel with the leader, held on well. ROCKNROLL NELLA dashed to the top and yielded, third-in, behind a wall of horses in the stretch. WINDY MICKI also had no clear path in the stretch. BLUEBERRY SHAKE circled everybody early and got the top at the 1/8, yielded 5/16 for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, outfinished the leader but nobody else. BLAZING RAMONA was double-looped early, pressed on to the lead 5/16, had a big challenge down the backstretch, and then a wall behind her on the turn, gave way.
SEVENTH RACE – PERFECT BLOOM stayed third-in, burst out ¾ and made the lead around the turn, drew away. BIRDIE THREE yielded then kept the pocket shut, backed out behind the winner late turn, took second. RAVENOUS also moved two-wide on the far turn and had enough to be third. HONEYMOON TRAIL came up the inside late. BLANK CHEEK was sent down the road parking a foe, was tired when challenge midturn. SOUTHWIND COCKTAIL left, could find no hole so pressed on but had to stay two-wide, started to fall back before the 5/8.
EIGHTH RACE – BULLVILLE FRANK moved out from third 5/8 and grinded up, proved to have the most late in a quick last quarter. JK STANDINGOVATION left and soon had the pocket, looked a bit hard to steer late turn and committed a pylon violation, to the Pocono Pike and tried hard; he was subsequently placed fourth for the violation. ONE OF THE GUYS moved out second-cover, gapped it somewhat then found a much better gear a bit belatedly. CRACK A SMILE showed good speed to get the lead quickly, didn’t have the necessary punch coming home. ZEUS HANOVER moved third-over bur gapped. MASK ON MASK OFF was never prominent. THANOS gapped in the back early, swung wide late turn but didn’t gain.
NINTH RACE – SIMPLY FAST moved out second-over, got in gear 5/8 and then three-wide midturn, swept right on by the arguers. UNDENIABLEBLUECHIP was out at the ¼, uncovered 5/16 and on the lead past the 3/8 with tap urging, set the fractions, repulsed a big challenge at the ¾ and beyond, held for a clear second. BULLVILLESPANDEMIC rushed out of fourth 5/8 and made a big move to take a short lead before the ¾ but could not clear, flattened out. WATCH U R BACK was looped and pressed on to go in front 5/16, yielded for the pocket past the 3/8, went to the Pocono Pike but had no late gain. GAYLE’S ARSENAL was railbound until the stretch, then moved out and showed some finishing pace in between rivals. KICKS LIKE A MULE got away well to take over before turn one, yielded, moved out on the far turn, evenly. MAKE ME AN OFFER got a slow start, could not make his presence felt. ALWAYS B NICKY broke way before the start.
TENTH RACE – MISS HELEN HANOVER was between horses then took back, kept what turned out to be the pocket closed as the pacesetter parked the other outside rival, backed out 5/8 when the outer fighter got a short lead then went three-wide, grinded three-wide before and beyond the fast 3/4s, finally got the lead then held off VILLAGE JADE. The latter tucked, gapped then tightened up, followed the winner two- and three-wide then swung four-wide for the stretch, closed well (as the tempo slowed) and was clear in second. FAST MACHINE left hard from the rail and decided to park a contending rival, saw that one take a short lead at a couple of points but kept digging in a fast pace, outfinished only by the closers. BYGONE HANOVER was inside, went up to the pocket down the back (yes, she was in the pocket and sixth at the ¾), to the Pocono Pike but could gain no further. LIGHTNING LEIA was far back, swung widest in the stretch, evenly. SHEZAFREAKLIKEME was parked midpack the duration, advanced in a blindswitch late backstretch, nothing left the last 1/8. ABBY ROSE was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide, tried very hard to make the top but was not able to cross over, held well until the stretch. GEORGIE had a slow start and lost contact.
ELEVENTH RACE – ARGENTO gapped most of the fast first half, stayed in, went up the deep Pocono Pike and had the necessary finish. HOOVER gapped three-wide cover far turn, then found a better gear and narrowed in. BY A HOFF HANOVER left and yielded, came out past the 5/8 so as not to be caught in by a sweeper, challenged, held OK. LIVINGONTHERAIL did no such thing as the name suggests, coming out before the 5/8 and quickly swinging three-wide, three-wide the rest of the way, fair. THESUNRISESAGAIN took over at the 1/8, pushed a foe to the 3/8 in a fast half, went inside in the stretch but didn’t have enough left. EBBIES LADY was out with cover until past the 1/8, then was raw and made the top 3/8, passed the half in fast time, with the early exertion causing her to tire in the stretch. PADRE was outside off the second turn, blindswitched just past the 5/8 and remained without a clear path to the wire. DOWN THE PIKE MIKE was last most of the way, had no clear lane to gain as the pace slowed down.
TWELFTH RACE – STONEBRIDGE KARIS refused to yield, set the pace, then came home in 55.2- 27.2 and needed all of it to withstand CODYS KNAPSACK. The latter left, took the pocket, thought about quarter-moving then reconsidered and stayed in the pocket, came out in the stretch, bore very wide but still gained, with perhaps the unstraight course being the difference. CHUCK THE CHEESE lost cover to a break at the half, continued up, then didn’t have the needed quickstep late, a distant third over WOLFTRAX. The latter followed cover that never reached the pacesetter, couldn’t outkick that one for third. LENDA HAND MAN was way behind the seventh horse not much into the race, gradually tightened in, outside far turn and came back for a check. LIFETIMEEXPERIENCE was shuffled inside, outside late far turn, didn’t enter the main radar. GREYSTONE WATCHMAN tucked third, faded at the 5/8. BET A BUNDLE had just started advancing uncovered when breaking at the half.
THIRTEENTH RACE – Wind decreased … The correct fractions were announced after the race as 27, 56.3, 1:25.2, and 1:53.2 … J B MAUNEY N left well to protect the pocket, stayed tight, went to the Pocono Pike and went by nicely in a fast last quarter. PRO BEACH was first-over and made a spirited challenge, gamely onward to take second over CAVIART SAGE. The latter got the lead fairly easily, met resistance at the 11/16, gave way a little late and lost second. JK MUSICMAN tucked third past the 1/8, next in line. HIGH BALLER gapped early, stayed in, a bit of pace finishing. ROGERTHAT BLUECHIP would have gotten a good second-over trip if he had been able to stay with cover. I’VE GOT HOOTSPA was far back throughout. DIVISION BELL never featured.
FOURTEENTH RACE – BETTER WATCH IT lagged the gate most of the way to the start, quarter-moved and just kept on rolling, had gotten a decisive advantage before the ¾. SHES A SASSY BEACH left well, cleared a rival three-wide and made the top, yielded to the winner, sat the pocket, unplugged towards the ¾, tired late but did hold onto second over HURRIKANEMYSHANNON. The latter protected the two-hole early, stayed in, came on a little late. SO SUPREME swung wide in the stretch and defeated the other two while way off the top three. DELISHKA N left, was looped, took the 3-hole 3/16, fell back 5/8. BROOKDALE JESSIE moved uncovered early on the backstretch but never got close to the front, then faded.
Oct 8, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Atypical stretch tailwind … MY WISH CAME TRUE showed some speed, yielded and gapped the next ¼ then closer, uncovered at the half, one-geared into the wind as the leader got away, but stayed to task and got to that one in the stretch. SILENT SPLENDOR was three-high early to the lead at the 1/8, went 27.2 down the back to open a big lead, but bore out badly while tiring in the stretch and was caught. ROPE THE MOON stayed in, gapped, went to the Pocono Pike and was along for the distant third. TEAM MAC moved second-over but couldn’t go enough. MIDNIGHT DAY took the early lead between horses then yielded for the pocket, unplugged from before the 5/8. CANDY TRADER was out at a distance down the backstretch, made up some ground. THE OTHER PAIR were at or near the rear throughout.
SECOND RACE – HORSE left sharply to the top, under pressure from both an early mover and the first-over, but withstood them both gamely. STELLAR YANKEE quarter-moved from third but was given the cold shoulder, squeezed into the pocket 3/8 and waited, up the Pocono Pike and just missed; an inquiry into this horse possibly causing interference when getting the pocket 3/8 revealed no reason for placing. ACTOR HANOVER was first-over at the half and put in a good challenge, held well. MISTER DAYTONA N left well from the rail, tried to defend the pocket but yielded it 3/8, stayed in, fair. BETTOR MEMORIES was not in a dynamic outer flow, moved three-wide then was pushed ay wide by a headstretch breaker, recovered sharply. PASSA-GRILLE BEACH couldn’t do much from third-over. KEY ADVISOR gapped inside. STRAIGHT UP COOL was second-over, struggled to stay with cover then got closer late backstretch, broke when tipping off cover headstretch.
THIRD RACE – PLAY THE FIELD was three-wide to the first turn then went on to secure the lead in a 26.3 opener, set the pace with pressure, proved equal to all challenges. SNOWBALL’S ROMEO used the rail very well and wound up in the pocket, took to the Pocono Pike but couldn’t reach. THE MOONSHADOW N took back early, then was first-over towards turn two, grinded, held decently. SHORE OF HIMSELF was between horses early then tucked third, stayed in and was surrounded by horses most of the last half, did not have stretch clearance. STAR MESSENGER raced in a blindswitch far turn, found room to move wide early stretch but didn’t gain much. ARTIFACT HANOVER spotted, then was second-over, blindswitched from late backstretch to early stretch, not too much once clear. BROTHER JAMES followed the sweeper’s move but didn’t get into the main action. ATOMIC BLAST N was third-over, started three-wide 11/16 and had a brief burst then was hanging and clogging that lane.
FOURTH RACE – ABRUZZO was three-wide nearing the 1/8 and looped, got the lead to the 5/16 then yielded early on turn two, waited in the pocket then moved out early stretch, by confidently midstretch. WHAT SHOULD I GOO moved at the ¼ behind the winner, uncovered 5/16 to the lead early on the clubhouse turn in a fast half, set the pace, bore out a little early stretch, clearly second. DAGON HANOVER stayed in far turn then came out late on the bend and was along for third; AP HALL OF TRIX followed the show horse and finished steadily. WORTHY OF HONOR rode the rail, Pocono Pike but not much. PRACTICAL CAT left four-wide and crossed over at the 1/8, yielded, unplugged in the 3-hole just past the 5/8. SPEED AWAY was behind dull cover, was circling it far turn then got in close quarters with RIPPLE OF HOPE, who was that dull cover, and caused interference, for which he was placed.
FIFTH RACE – EFFRONTE A left enough for the pocket, was content to sit in the two-hole, then outside headstretch and paced by confidently late. RYCROFT N left very strongly to take over early, rated the half, couldn’t handle the winner but was far clear of the others. SOUTHPORT BEACH came all the way up the inside, used the Pocono Pike to photo out CONCUR for third. The latter stayed in, empty midturn. KINGSTONS BAD BOY was second-over, badly blindswitched from past the 11/16 until midstretch, had pace late, unlucky. FRAZZLEBERRY tried going three-wide from fourth-over past the 5/8 but never got into it. NEWBIE went uncovered towards the half but didn’t make much of a dent. BOBBY K HILL gapped third-over.
SIXTH RACE – DEES RED DELICIOUS was three-wide to the 1/8 then outside past the fast quarter and worked to the lead 5/16, yielded into the second turn in a fast half, awaited the Pocono Pike keeping tight then got room and outtrotted P L NOTSONICE. The latter spotted, moved to the 3/8 and went with the wind to the lead into turn two in a quick half, raced gamely through the lane but could not stall the winner. GRAPPLE HANOVER left hard and pushed the winner a long way in quick time before yielding, wound up third-in, backed off slightly in the last ¼ but still held third. BANK BOX TREASURE was out second-over, gapped a bit, evenly late. SHIKANSEN started uncovered before the half, gained into the wind to challenge, but gave way the last 1/8. FOUR UNDER PAR stayed in and gapped. SILVERMASS VOLO could not stay with cover from third-over. MARION GONDOLIER trailed.
SEVENTH RACE – Five within a length at the wire … JIMS PERFECT TEN was last at the half then moved fourth-over, three-wide 5/8 the duration, gained steadily, got the lead only very late then held off INDIGO ART. The latter took a while to settle inside, was second-over, was blindswitched 11/16 until getting to the lane behind the winner headstretch, came on well late. HOT DEUCE was 4-wide early, took the pocket 3/16, went to the Pocono Pike and may have gotten a small lead midstretch, outkicked by the closers. MINDTRIP started grinding at the 3/8, challenged, held his ground very nicely. BRAVO TEX N stayed in, blocked through the stretch with pace. MAJOR BEAN went down the road at a hot clip, couldn’t sustain in the lane. LITTLEBITASWAGGER was third-over, was blindswitched, went wide but couldn’t enter the main picture. REGAL SUN took a tuck, stayed in and was shuffled back, not much.
EIGHTH RACE – SAYING GRACE N took the early lead then was content to follow in the pocket, used the Pocono Pike to overhaul THE WALL while going her own last half in 55. The latter blasted away to command, slowed the second ¼ with the wind then sped up against it, couldn’t hang on to the lead late but a good race. CAPTAIN ROMANCE gapped slightly second-over, three-wide to headstretch and next in line. GUINESS PANIC was uncovered from seventh before the 3/8, made a long, steady grind, understandably backed off some in the latter stages. DOUBLEORNOTHING N stayed in, not tight on the far turn’ same story with TAM MAJOR A. DO WORK SON moved out third-over far turn but never entered the picture. KING JAMES EXPRESS developed a problem after the ¼ and was pulled up.
NINTH RACE – AIN’T IT FUN was third-over, gained in a blindswitch on the turn then was able to slide wide early stretch, had the most late. BIZYS BEATLE was looped early and spent the mile on the rim, challenged a very long way, held with fine courage. UNDERTAKER circled four-wide headstretch and had a big last 1/8. REYS N A RUCKUS left between horses to take the lead early, yielded for the pocket, slightly shuffled headstretch but had chance to rally in the Pocono Pike out didn’t have much more to give. HEARTBEAT HILL sat in, found stretch clearance and gained some; returned with “b.e.” DREAM OF LUCK was second-over at the half, three-wide headstretch but flagging his tail and did not gain late. TUXEDO BAY was three-wide to the first curve and on top 3/16, was under pressure from the tough parked challenger, backed off. SOUTHWIND DREDGE had “b.e.” early and was far back.
TENTH RACE – RUTHLESS HANOVER made the lead 3/16, got a cakewalk to the half, then came home in 54.4-26.4 as far the best of these. CARLISIMO was up raw in a grind 5/8, did very well to take second over CASUAL COOL. The latter yielded for the pocket, started to gap to the ¾, just failed to hold the deuce. BETTORS DONTTELL went in third past the 1/8, Pocono Pike, not quite enough for a major minor honor. CALIBER was second-over, wide but couldn’t gain in the rapid last quarter. PARMESAN N had a headpole dangling from past the half, fair from far back. IMAGINARY LINE never got into the race from last.
ELEVENTH RACE – IDEAL WHEEL left but took back, went from fourth into the pocket down the backstretch, continued inside in the Pocono Pike and got the decision. PURPLE POET was last and wheeling three-wide at the ¾, ducked between horses in the stretch and closed furiously. IDEAL STAR N was wide early then between horses to 3/16 command, yielded 5/16, back out to challenge early backstretch but could not clear the leader, raced on gamely. LYONS NIGHT HAWK was in the early mix, moved out as the pocket horse challenged from early backstretch, wide, not enough late. ROLLINWITHAMBITION was briefly four-wide early, hard-used to get in front 5/16, would soon have pressure the rest of the way, held well. MONTY MONO moved outside but was gapping not long thereafter. DONE WELL was behind dull cover but didn’t show much late. BLACKLIGHT was never prominent.
TWELFTH RACE – Rain started during this race … ILIKEMEBETTOR A left between horses with cover, tucked in past the ¼, stayed in, angled out two- and three-wide near headstretch and finished with strong strides in an impressive debut. ONE EIGHT HUNDRED was parked to the ¼ for the lead, yielded for the pocket, outside late turn, steadily to be a good second. MARK WITHA K pushed the ¼ and yielded, made a quick move 3/8 to regain the lead, didn’t have pressure, still didn’t have enough sprint late. STONE HANOVER sat in, blocked far turn, to the Pocono Pike and best of the others. THE DARK SHADOW fell back in the latter stages. CHATELROLL never entered the main picture. WALKNAFTER MIDNITE was three-wide early, tucked fifth 3/16, uncovered past the 3/8, never reached the leader then fell back. PRAIRIE PANTHER had cover but never made a threatening move.
THIRTEENTH RACE – SPINOUT left well to the front at the 1/8, yielded 3/16 to sit the pocket, outside early stretch and ground down SAFENSOUND HANOVER. The latter was three-deep to turn one, got command 3/16, didn’t have a horse breathing down his neck until the winner emerged, game but couldn’t quite hold the lead. SHANGHAI BOBBY left, sat third, gained some late. BNGS EXPRESS moved out second-over 11/16, three-wide headstretch, found his best strides belatedly. CASINO BAGS ANSO gapped inside, got the final payday. SPORTSMANSHIP started the outer tier towards the half but never got very close. ARTACHE HANOVER was behind gapping cover, went three-wide around it but then gapped himself. HOPETOBEFIRST moved second-over but had nothing to offer.
FOURTEENTH RACE – Track downgraded to “good +1”; virtually no wind … LITERL LAD HANOVER pushed then yielded at the ¼ for the pocket, used the Pocono Pike and was along. YS DO IT RIGHT was second-over, gapped his cover slightly on the turn, then finished very well to just make second. JIM BLUE was out most of the ¼ to take control of the pace, got a big rest in quarter two then picked it up, couldn’t sustain to the finish. SOUTHWIND SANDOR began uncovered before the half, advanced well down the back, held right in there in the battle to the line. CERTIFIABLE had to come from third-over, which proved to be a little too much. CAVIART EDEN was under a hold through the stretch with nowhere to go for clearance. BEACH TOWN BOY was not a factor. SIX DEGREES gapped to a degree through much of the race.
