Sep 27, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – SAY YOU DO spotted third, then moved before the parked horse could go up, took over command nearing the 3/8 and set a fast pace stringing these out, mildly-roused late to keep NICE STUFF at bay. The latter left and put a foe in behind, yielded to the winner, a bit loose on the turn but was coming back well late. KEYSTONE THUNDER had a brief early lead but submitted to track geometry and tucked, third-in, didn’t gain in the lane. ARCHIBALD trotted evenly in the wake of the fast mile. PRAIRIE VIRTUE avoided the outer tiers. TRUEMASS VOLO made a small miscue at the start, never got back into contention. SMART AS HILL came out behind the parked horse, three-wide to the 5/8 and got back to two-wide but never got close. CHING CHING LUCKY was outside midpack, first with then without then again with cover, but faded.
SECOND RACE – STRESS FREE moved uncovered at the half and got in high gear quickly to be fighting with the leader by the 5/8, got a small advantage on the far turn, drew clear upper stretch, then had enough to withstand a charging RUMORED. The latter was away last but got into a pretty good two-wide flow, three-wide headstretch, trotted steadily to the line. PERFECT BLOOM sat in then backed out to the wide lanes, won a photo for third over BIRDIE THREE. The latter angled a 3-tuck at the 1/8, was caught in, came clear early stretch and trotted well once free. SOUTHWIND GUINESS made two speed moves, under heat from the 5/8, gave way. FASHIONATTIFFANYS was a bit removed from the strong cover of the winner but did gain, then stopped gaining late. SOUTHWIND COCKTAIL was parked 3/16 before making the front, yielded to the retaker and was under a hard hold late in the second quarter, gave way 11/16. SWEET GADGETS did not seem to like being taken back early, broke at the half.
THIRD RACE – TILLIO’S ACTION didn’t get to the pegs until the ¼, then moved with cover down the backstretch after the hot pace, wide nearing headstretch and easily drew away. KINGPIN HANOVER tucked third then inherited a distant pocket after the gapping two-holer broke 5/16, gradually got closer, outside later in the backstretch to challenge the leader, along for second. IRISH COFFEE went away to a big lead which got bigger when the early pocket horse broke, was gradually reeled in down the back, held OK after the fast pace. SULTAN OF SULTANS advanced down the backstretch but then fell back. HESPOOKSHESCORES stayed connected from before the half until the stretch. THE NEXT TWO were always well in arrears. ACTION SHOT left for the pocket, gapped most of the way until breaking 5/16.
FOURTH RACE – BLOW A CLOUD N went right to the lead, rated the half, fought off the first-over, then urged in defeating SAMMY THE BULL N. The latter secured the pocket, urged on the turn as a bit loose, responded and narrowed in late. HOT ROD DYLAN was uncovered 5/8 and challenged, held OK. WOODMERE ROLLEX was outside and far back. JAMAICAN COWBOY was last from the rail at the 1/8, never in the picture. ZOEEZ BOY HENRY fell back at the 5/8.
FIFTH RACE – CREEMORE was outleft, bided time behind cover until the ¼, then went up to the lead to the 3/8 and backed off the half, fought off the outside challenge, then stayed on to handle the Pocono Pike-shooting BEYOND ORDINARY. The latter went on to command at the 1/8, yielded at the ¼, stayed connected third-in, got to the deep Pike, and closed well. SUNDANCEDIAMOND went up second-over, gapped a little on the turn, then swung wide for the stretch and did OK. WILLIE B WORTHY started uncovered nearing the ½, challenged, fell back gradually in the last 3/16. CHUCKY DE VIE was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to the quarter to take over, yielded before the 3/8 for the pocket, not enough late. HOT SUMMER KNIGHT never got into it from third-over. LAZER JET stayed in and looked to be struggling to keep up most of the last half. PRESIDENTE ZETTE gapped at the back.
SIXTH RACE – VIC’S WINNER was three-wide almost to the 3/16 then advanced two-wide to take over 5/16 after hard usage, had to be sharp to hold off DYLAN THE GREAT. The latter went to the lead at the 1/8, pushed the winner a long way before yielding for the two-hole, came out in the stretch and narrowed in well. TUIS SHADOW left well, raced close-up until nearing headstretch, still beat out all the others. JUSTIFY was second-over in a non-great tier, went three-wide and finished with trot. AMBERS CHAMPION stayed in and offered little. ARCH CREDIT left but took back to fifth, shuffled some inside, spent the first half of the stretch angling wide, then gained a little. SVF CASH DEPOSIT had to go uncovered from sixth off the second turn, did not threaten. SPRING IN PARIS was last at every call.
SEVENTH RACE – AN THE THUNDEROLLS was first to show but took back for the pocket when an inner foe also flashed speed, stayed close, to the Pocono Pike, had more than VEGAS ROCKS late. The latter sat third until the 11/16 then came out, kept on coming but outpaced to his inside. CALL HIM ROCKY came through at the start and took the lead, slowed the half, had a challenger on either side in the lane, couldn’t hold off either one of them. CHANCELLORCULLEN N moved outside on the turn but didn’t gain until too late. BELIEVEINTHESPIRIT gapped much of the way, wide in the stretch but didn’t make up ground. LATE NIGHT JOKE was urged past the start but broke, caught the field. BEACHESBECKONME was unruly while outside early then broke at the ¼, could not reenter contention.
EIGHTH RACE – ON THE HOUSE quarter-moved from second and rated the half, had a long challenge from NETWORK EXTENDER but drew clear of that one late. The latter was uncovered at the half and put extended pressure on the leader, couldn’t go enough late but did beat out TAILWIND PAT for second. The latter was three-wide early and made the lead then yielded for the two-hole, tried hard in the Pocono Pike. MOMMAS A DIVA gapped a bit third-over from last, then went inside into the stretch, gained, may’ve been shut off at the wire. ISLAND DIVA went up well second-over, outtrotted late. BEE MY MUSCLE never showed forward movement. RISK ON sat in then backed out to fourth-over, didn’t enter the main picture. ANDOVER JESS left between horses, took back to third, faded.
NINTH RACE – FASHION PRINCESS was double-looped, finally went in at the ¼, uncovered to the half, went by ¾ and had no problem despite a not-easy trip. QUINNPATRICKSHEA stayed in until angling out into a blindswitch late turn, wider early stretch and finished well. RHEIA ROSE also was double-looped and three-wide 3/16, finally got in at the ¼, was third-over then second-over as the horse in front of her broke early backstretch, gained, couldn’t stay with the winner, second midstretch but couldn’t sustain after an exhausting trip. SOUTHERN AUTUMN got early command, kept a foe out past the quarter, yielded for the pocket, backed out to uncovered after the winner went by but didn’t gain. SWEET EMMY LOU was in the outside tier and got the last check. WILD KAT G kept the hole closed early, shuffled on the far turn but not that much once clear. ZIADEEDEE was four-wide to turn one and three-wide to the 1/8, then two-wide to the lead past the fast ¼, set the pace, had no answer when the winner came up to the ¾ and faded. LADYBUGS N BOURBON was second-over but broke off turn two.
TENTH RACE – TEAM MAC worked out a fine second-over trip, all-out to defeat a trio of rivals. ALWAYS BETTER had cover to the fast ¼ then went on to take the lead and set the pace, held gamely. BARRYWHITE HANOVER was three-wide to the first turn then two-wide to the 1/8, got command then yielded it past the ¼, came to the Pocono Pike from the pocket but came up a bit shy. EFFINGHAM charged through past the start and had forward position, went uncovered at the half, put up a long fight and held on nicely. BRAZOS had room to gain up the inside down the back but didn’t make up much ground, evenly late. CAPTAIN COOK swung wide from behind gapping cover in the lane and had some pace on the end. WARRAWEE XTREME was not on the radar at any point. MEMORY STICK didn’t have enough from third-over.
ELEVENTH RACE – TNT BLUE CHIP was outside off the second turn, started to gain as the leader fell apart on the turn, between horses and pushed slightly wider headstretch, drew away in the slowing pace. U BAKE THE CAKE gapped badly down the back, but then stayed in avoiding all the trouble, regained a lot of ground during the 31.3 kicker. KING TUT HANOVER gapped all the way around in the pocket, like many started to gain on the turn, hesitated after the breaker went wide, regained momentum but then was caught for second. UNRESOLVED DEBT was moving up well behind the winner when having to swing way wide and then went to an “ix,” resettled but couldn’t recapture all of his momentum. DONATELLO HANOVER gapped out at the ¾. BRIGHT SIDE UP was a runaway on the lead, still four lengths ahead on midturn when going to a break, was taken wide. EMBRACE THE STONE moved out approaching turn two but ran at the half.
TWELFTH RACE – GRETZKY THE GREAT was a little rank and a little steppy at times, but he yielded for the pocket and sat very tight, to the Pocono Pike and gained into a 27.3 kicker to be up in the last strides. AMP IT UP N took over at the 1/8, didn’t get pressure until later in the backstretch, started his sprint to put that one away, gamely but just nabbed by the winner. QUARANTINI didn’t get in gear until the far turn, then closed well along the inside behind the top two. HANDSOFFMYTITOS gapped early, closer 5/8 and then uncovered, stopped gaining headstretch. KEYSTONEFIGHTNIGHT moved second-over by gapped on the turn. BRYCE wasn’t away well and could offer little.
THIRTEENTH RACE – GREYSTONE WATCHMAN yielded for the pocket, closed the gap after the pacesetter sped up down the back, to the Pocono Pike, held off PBR STREET GANG. The latter moved uncovered before the 5/8 and challenged, kept on coming stubbornly. BIONIC quickly got the top, rolled with fast fractions, couldn’t quite hold on late. ALVIN BRICKROCK moved outside, fair. LETMECALLYOUBACK showed little. BOLTMAN gapped in the 3-spot at several points. A SHORE LEGACY struggled in the last ¼.
FOURTEENTH RACE – SWEET HOME left well and quickly got the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and got the job done. AMERICAN BEACHBABE went at a good clip on the lead, held pretty well. JAGGED LITTLE PILL gapped a bit then got closer on the turn, blocked in the stretch with pace. ICARUS FALLS N was outleft, got in fourth at the 1/8, uncovered at the half, put some pressure on the leader, held pretty well as the pace slowed a bit late. SPLIT POT gapped, then swung wide and had some gain. YOU SAIDITALL N moved out with cover but gapped, narrowed in a bit belatedly. TOODLES HANOVER gapped throughout. SOMEWHERE DANCIN was away last from the rail and was never close.
Sep 24, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – The day started off relatively pleasant, with a moderate stretch headwind; by race five the wind had picked up quite a bit, and then rain came, changing the “fast +0” rating of the first five contests to “sloppy +1” for the rest of the day … TEMPURA HANOVER was briefly four-wide then fell in behind cover, pressed on past a fast quarter to get the lead 3/8, got a short breather then turned on the speed again to leave these well behind. FAST MACHINE was uncovered from far back 5/8, kept grinding up and was very good to be second. THE STUNNING NUN N followed good cover and was clear third. FIGHTING EVIL pushed hard from the rail then yielded to the 3/8, got loose down the backstretch then unplugged the last 3/16. STELLENBOSCH was never in the main picture. DELISHKA N left but took a hole, urged 11/16 but didn’t keep up.
SECOND RACE – ANDOVERS TOUCH left and got to sit the pocket journey, to the Pocono Pike and had just enough in a slowing last quarter into the wind. BRIGITTE BI was in front going to the first turn, didn’t have the parked horse reach her until almost headstretch, won the struggle with that one but caught to the left. BANZAI AS one-geared outside raw the entire way, never took a backward step. CRITICAL MASS sat in until the stretch, couldn’t reach the top three. FASHION WINNER also stayed in, also was evenly late. NO NAME YANKEE backed out to third-over but the second-over gave way, wide on the turn, too far back. BEYOND THE LENS broke just past the start, recovered and got behind the parked horse, couldn’t keep up ¾.
THIRD RACE – Wind beginning to pick up … STARZZNSTRIPES got excellent cover from the parked horse, swung wide for the drive, made the lead then held off BETTE TINA. The latter was third-over, four-wide in the lane, good but a little too hard to catch the perfect-trip winner. HIT ME UP was three-wide past the 1/8 then ducked behind cover, lost it 3/8 and was uncovered on the rim, got a small advantage but never could clear, very game but outfinished by fresher horses. CAVIART CARMEL contested the lead well past the 26.4 first split, under constant urging to clear 3/8, then had a challenger outside her all the way, held well. SHE’S MAGICAL had the pocket early, sat in and was shuffled, outside headstretch, won a picture for the last check. ROCKNROLL NELLA showed good speed, was under pressure to surrender command and did so 3/8, loose in the pocket the last 3/8. REAL LADY SADIE was away slowly and never entered contention. BLAZING RAMONA left, was four-wide at the 1/8 when making a break.
FOURTH RACE – LITE N SWEET yielded and sat tight in the pocket, had the necessary sprint in the Pocono Pike. CAPTAIN SOLO was third-over, also used the Pocono Pike while off the winner and was along for second. JOHNNY SACK took over the lead, accordioned the field 3/8 with a slowdown, then had to step it up bigtime when a challenger came calling, couldn’t hold late (in a 55.3 last half). BULLVILLESPANDEMIC moved raw into turn two, paced 26.4 with the wind down the back to challenge, couldn’t sustain the gain late. SIMPLY FAST gapped fast-moving cover down the back then got closer ¾, three-wide, OK. GOOD WILL LINDY swung wide from far back but couldn’t get into it. DEL MAR DOUG was away slowly and never made up ground.
FIFTH RACE – Wind even stronger … CRESCENT BEAUTY was looped and tucked, was going to be quarter-mover #2 but got to tuck in the pocket when a foe broke, outside in the stretch and went by FRESHGROUNDPEPPER. The latter let with speed, moved 3/16 to the lead past the ¼, slowed the half into the wind, couldn’t stall the winner though much the best of the rest. SANTA MONICA AS was off the gate, stayed inside and passed struggling horses for the distant third. ROJO MAN stayed close until the ¾. JOHNNY TRIX was outside but gapped, but stayed flat and got a check. STANDTHEPAIN AS moved out before the 11/16, gained for a short period then tired then broke headstretch. MR FIREWORKS outleft everybody, broke while yielding at the ¼.
SIXTH RACE — … and as Announcer Jim predicted, the strengthening of the wind presaged precipitation, with the rain changing the track to “sloppy +1” for the rest of the day … DO WORK SON went up to grab the racetrack approaching the ¼, didn’t back off the pace, had all sorts of horses threatening in the lane but was gritty and maintained his advantage to the finish. DIVISION BELL started uncovered at the 5/8 and challenged very hard, held well but couldn’t go by. MEADOWBROOK RAIDER tucked midpack early, gapped at a couple of points before moving second-over 5/8 and then added another gapping point, but paced on steadily late. MIKI MINAJ joined the cover flow, three-wide past midturn, finished steadily. ROCKIN DADDY O was not particularly good-gaited behind the gate and got away last, never in it. ALL CHEDDAR gapped inside from the 5/8.
SEVENTH RACE – THINK OF GALAXIES was instantly on top, had a clear margin even through the slowed second quarter, drew away in the stretch. LIGHTNING LEIA moved outside down the back and tightened in second-over, three-wide headstretch and overhauled SURE R LOOKIN GOOD late for second. The latter moved raw 9/16 and went in 27.1 down the back to challenge, couldn’t sustain the bid. FREE TO BE ME was a bit loose in the pocket throughout, then fell back further. EAGER TO PLEASE never factored.
EIGHTH RACE – TACHYON was looped, on top to the 5/16, clear down the backstretch and stayed safely in front. DOWN THE PIKE MIKE was first on top and yielded, pinned in third on the turn, came up the inside and outfinished THESUNRISESAGAIN for the deuce. The latter had good speed and made the lead quickly, yielded for the pocket, was loose from the 5/8 on and couldn’t quite defend second late. PADRE took an early tuck, raced inside, evenly late. ADJURE HANOVER moved uncovered but never got close to the leader, did go on evenly. SCOTTISH gapped second-over; he and MATTER OF TRUST, who raced inside, had a touch of trot nearing the finish. ARGENTO broke at the start.
NINTH RACE – KID FROM THE BRONX was three-wide early then two-wide to the lead 3/16, backed off the second split then really picked it up as EXCURSION put in and sustained a hard challenge from the 5/8, finally edged away in the stretch. The latter came with a 26.3 rush down the back to get to even terms with the winner before the ¾, battled very hard to the line. BET ON ZETTE started quickly, relinquished for a two-hole trip, gapped a bit in the big third quarter fight then regained some ground, not out of place here with steady pace in the Pocono Pike. BE THE CAPTAIN had some early zip, inside until late turn, couldn’t gain but well ahead of the others. TSM TRISTAN T and FATEFUL DUEL were both badly bothered when MY FIRST TIME, having moved out to go second-over, made a break coming off turn two.
TENTH RACE – MILIEU HANOVER went uncovered at the half and brushed up in 27 to engage the leader, got the lead on the turn but couldn’t cross over, but did power off late. ANDRA DAY took the lead, pushed a foe past a fast ¼ before yielding, locked in on the far turn, came clear and was a clear second. MAJOR BATTLE gapped some second-over, OK late. SCARLETT HANOVER was outside in a fast pace to the lead 5/16, had the winner reach her past the 5/8 and was already being asked for more at that point, did keep the outside foe outside on the turn, then tired. TALK SHOW CHICA kept the hole plugged early, then no factor. JUXTA COWGIRL gapped at the back.
ELEVENTH RACE – Strong wind diminished some … DIVINE RIGHT moved uncovered 9/16 and brushed in 27 to clear then open a huge lead, never threatened. STONEBRIDGE KARIS left well, yielded off the first turn, shuffled when the winner went by then backed out behind cover midturn, wide and second, non-threatening. STATE SENATOR was behind cover early, tucked midpack 3/16, also shuffled, found room in the Pocono Pike and made a decent comeback. DRAGON CITY gapped third-over. ZEUS HANOVER was second-over but couldn’t go with the winner, left uncovered, fell back. WHERESJIM went on to the lead off the first turn, surrendered to the winner and fell back. HUNTED HOUSE never factored. PICK A GENRE was three-wide leaving when making a break near the 1/8.
TWELFTH RACE – CULINARY ARTIST was third-over early backstretch, gapped then hit a better gear 11/16, had three-wide cover then four-wide headstretch, grinded by in the last couple of steps. NIMAH FRANCO N hustled right to the lead, yielded to a challenger towards the second turn and sat in the two-hole, was trapped in there through the turn as the closers got in gear, finally got to the Pocono Pike, took the lead briefly midstretch but got caught. BEACH PASSAGE was second-over at the half and tight on cover, three-wide just past the ¾, went by early in the stretch, fought hard to the line. NARINA HANOVER sat in, went into a blindswitch midturn, slowly got some room between horses past early stretch, evenly. SO SUPREME had the early pocket, moved uncovered at the half and put in a big challenge down the back that saw him get a short lead, but couldn’t sustain the move the last 3/16 and bore out some. TSM ARTEMIS T was outside but couldn’t go enough.
THIRTEENTH RACE – BIG BOSS HILL went uncovered at the half, challenged the leader, got the lead late turn while looking to be on a line in tight quarters, went wide when the pacesetter stumbled headstretch, went on to hold off MR CENSI, but after an inquiry, he was ruled to have caused interference at headstretch and was placed fifth. The latter had a good cover trip, checked with the incident headstretch, went wide then even wider as his cover went wide, just missed, placed first. I’VE GOT HOOTSPA gapped down the back and wasn’t bothered in the incident, swung wide then ducked in early stretch after there was space created by the trouble, came home well. TRAY SURREAL yielded at the 5/16 for the pocket, had to check in the headstretch incident, went inside and was beaten in a photo for third. ROGERTHAT BLUECHIP was looped leaving, went on to take the top 5/16, was challenged late backstretch, was starting to give way when he stumbled headstretch in close quarters while fractionally off the rail, was held together well and regained his footing though out wider, didn’t make any comeback. GIVENUPDREAMING was in the two-path but couldn’t keep up. MACH WEST left well and took an early tuck, sat in, couldn’t keep up the last ¼. NOCH TEN was a gapping last, couldn’t get into the picture.
FOURTEENTH RACE – MR PROFETA went into the pocket just past the 1/8, shuffled slightly late turn and had to wait for the Pocono Pike, found a surge last stretch and was drawing away at the wire, five for ANap for the second straight day. A BETTOR BEACH slid in fourth just past the 1/8, launched uncovered at the half, challenged the leader hard from the 5/8, got a small advantage on the turn but couldn’t clear, ahead early stretch but seemed after his hard trip to falter slightly near the line and was caught. FRONTIER ROLLO gapped second-over, enough for third. STELLAR BB took off from the rail, under pressure before the 5/8 all the way to the stretch, tired. CALYPSO ROCK N left some, stayed in, gapped, never entered the main picture. FRISKIE ALL NITE didn’t reach from third-over. WHAT’S GOIN ON was already gapping past the ¼, fell back further.
Sep 22, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – REBELLIOUS was limbed out three-deep to the 1/8 to get the lead, strung the field out with odd-numbered quarters under 27, much the best. ACTOR HANOVER left between horses to get into the pocket, a bit loose at times behind the winner but the only one who stayed semi-close. CAVIART SAGE sat third, couldn’t keep up far turn, held in a big battle for show. GO DANCING A was underway on the second turn but never showed the speed to get near the front. KERFORD ROAD A sat in, used the Pocono Pike but didn’t gain. REDBANK BLAZE A was out behind nonadvancing cover, no factor. SAVING GRACE N sat last, angled wide early stretch and had some late pace. GARDYS LEGACY A gapped along the inside.
SECOND RACE – REYS N A RUCKUS got to the lead without much trouble, set the pace of his choosing and was safely ahead to the line. SHANGHAI BOBBY sat the two-hole, moved out late turn, neither gained nor lost ground late. JUST N ACE was gapping far behind down the backstretch, but then saw the inside open up for him and gained ground late in the Pocono Pike. SPORTSMANSHIP got in third after the first turn trouble, outside midturn and wide into the lane, did well. WHATA TREASURE was stuck inside, out in a blindswitch late turn, in close quarters through the lane. BASS PLAYER started the outside flow then went to second-over, wide on the turn but couldn’t reach. ARTACHE HANOVER was looped early, bothered when DREAM OF LUCK bore in before the 3/16 and suffered an “ix,” recovered, tried to get back into it before the 5/8 but could not. DREAM OF LUCK was three-wide past the 1/8 when bothering a foe, was taken wide and never reentered the main competition.
THIRD RACE – ROLLINWITHAMBITION ducked in fifth at the 1/8, moved uncovered on second turn, was not living up to his name midbackstretch with a rival choosing to progress three-wide, then picked it up and showed tenacity to the wire, earning the decision. HOT DEUCE was second-over, three-wide 11/16 and left out three-wide the duration, had aim but couldn’t get there at crunch time. BELLOWS BINGE was parked just past a fast ¼, yielded for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, not far off. THE MOONSHADOW N was forwardly-placed early, sat in third, didn’t come clear until early stretch, didn’t have a clear path and hard to say how much pace he had. JIMS PERFECT TEN was third-over and followed the flow, four-wide in the lane and finished well. CLOUSEAU HANOVER had too far to come. DRAGON STRIKES pushed a fast quarter, yielded but retook and rested then stepped it back up, nothing left for the stretch. TUXEDO BAY stayed in, out in a blindswitch midturn but never factored.
FOURTH RACE – Stretch headwind picking up … DELAYED HANOVER was in the middle of the leaving pack, tucked third then inherited the pocket as a wide challenger broke, waited for the Pocono Pike, gradually wore down ABRUZZO. The latter was three-wide a good bit of the ¼ before crossing over, set the pace, tried very hard to the wire but was caught. VALI HANOVER moved uncovered before the 5/8, gradually made some advancement but couldn’t sustain it in the stretch. PRACTICAL CAT was second-over but was not a major win factor. JOYGO didn’t get into the race; nor did DICENTRA, who was off the gate. HURRIKANE WILLIE G got early position, appeared all-out just to keep up from in front of the stands. SPEED AWAY was widest of the leavers, still three-wide 3/16 when making a break.
FIFTH RACE – ARTIFACT HANOVER steadily worked his way to the top 3/16, drew away from the field late on the backstretch, had a safe lead to the finish. IDEAL WHEEL was forced to stay inside by a parked horse to the ¾, outside and gradually made it to second over PLAY THE FIELD. The latter went on top at the 1/8 and yielded 3/16, unplugged late backstretch, couldn’t hold second. TOPVILLE OLYMPIAN avoided outer tier congestion. GONNAHAVEONEMORE did not avoid that outer tier congestion; couldn’t get in gear around the traffic. BLACKLIGHT moved second-over, gapped, then three-wide late backstretch but just clogged that path. FRAZZLEBERRY yielded, wanted to quarter-move but could not summon quickstep and was left out to dry, faded.
SIXTH RACE – RIPPLE OF HOPE got an early spot, stayed in, could get to the Pocono Pike when the pocketsitter came out, beat these out in a slowing last quarter. MISS MCKEE was three-wide to the 1/8, then onward to command to the ¼, had a parked horse hounding her while going fast fractions, couldn’t hold off the inside horse. DAGON HANOVER left and yielded, sat the pocket until coming out late turn, gained some. AMADOR was far back inside, some trot once with a clear stretch path. GRAPPLE HANOVER sat last, did not factor. CHIPLOSIVE was behind cover early then was left raw at the ¼, had to spend the rest of the mile in the air, faded past the ¾. SORTIE was second-over but gapped.
SEVENTH RACE – LITTLEBITASWAGGER made the lead and made sure a challenger paid a good price to get the top, sat the pocket until late on the turn, just up in the last step. BIZYS BEATLE was pushed well past a 26.3 opener for the front, didn’t have outer tier pressure, then just failed to hold off the winner. CONCUR was third-over, ducked between horses and cleared very late in tight quarters, had pace. UNDERTAKER stayed in, not a major presence. ROCK KING DEO was under hustling down the back to keep close in third, evenly. AMERICA’S GUEST started a long grind on turn two, gained down the back but never reached the leader; OWEN followed that cover, went three-wide late turn but didn’t get into the main action. AIN’T IT FUN was not heard from.
EIGHTH RACE – JUSTICE was wide leaving, went behind cover and tucked fourth out of the first turn, came uncovered before the 5/8 and went right up to challenge the leader, got a small advantage but couldn’t clear on the turn, but then drew away in the stretch in a most impressive fashion. P L NOTSONICE moved 5/16 from third to the lead before turn two, had hard pressure from the winner around the far turn, not in the league of that one but far ahead of the rest. CHAPOLIER moved outside with cover before the 5/8 but gapped it, steadily to be the distant third. ONE AFTER NINE swung wide and had finishing trot. TOP ME OFF had cover but didn’t enter the main picture. TOKYO SEELSTER put everybody in behind in a 26.4 initial split, yielded well past the 3/8 for the pocket, couldn’t keep up from the 5/8 on. THE LIONKING AS left well, took the pocket 3/16, gapped the gapping pocketsitter. RICH AND MISERABLE was off the gate and trailed everybody at every call.
NINTH RACE – PREMIER ROCKSTAR was between horses leaving, looped, pressed on to the front before the 5/16, drew clear in the last 3/16. SNOWBALL’S ROMEO was three-wide to the first turn en route to the lead, yielded, couldn’t keep up in the pocket late but battled on for second. DONE WELL left, was well-placed, inside stretch but couldn’t reach place. STAR MESSENGER tucked fourth, was uncovered at the half, got to the flank of the pocket horse but no closer then backed off. EDDARD HANOVER was never prominent. BROTHER JAMES picked up cover at the half but gapped it. PURPLE POET was inside and last, blocked through the lane with some horse. KINGSTONS BAD BOY moved outside but couldn’t get into the main argument.
TENTH RACE – DA DELIGHTFUL left between horses to get the pocket, stayed there until nearing the stretch, bore in a little then got straightened away and drew away here. WHITECOOKIE was three-wide to the 1/8 and two-wide to the 3/16 until getting the lead in a 26 opener, no match for the winner but preserved the place. CARLISIMO was second-over, three-wide when cover faltered early far turn, OK but couldn’t close enough to get near the runaway winner. BULLVILLE TERROR followed the cover of the show horse and was next. HORSE left, yielded, stayed in, couldn’t keep up in the crucial stages. GRAND CAYMAN was always near the back. LOUIE THE HORSE N was uncovered 3/8, grinded, faltered ¾.
ELEVENTH RACE – GUINNESS PANIC was out with cover to the ¼, went on to take over near the 3/8, set the pace, wasn’t threatened until midstretch then responded with enough to down MISTER DAYTONA N. The latter got the front, forced one foe in behind, then let another go 3/8 for the pocket, found a better gear midstretch and narrowed in some late. PATRIOT NATION had so-so cover, three-wide before midturn, finished pretty well. J B MAUNEY N sat in, went to the Pocono Pike, had some pace, returned with “b.e.” LYONS KING was uncovered going to the half, never really got close to the winner, held evenly. CAPTAIN ROMANCE swung widest, a bit late. CAVIART ROCKLAND was parked leaving, got into the early pocket at the ¼, had no punch left late. MCMIKE gapped at the back, wasn’t gaining much when running nearing the wire.
TWELFTH RACE – MINDTRIP was third-over, moved three-wide 5/8 and was left out wide until late turn when getting to two-wide, took over the lead midstretch and won over many “alive” foes. BRAVO TEX N was fourth-over, three-wide with then without cover late turn, one-geared home steadily. REGAL SON was second-over, was blindswitched near the 5/8 and stayed in same until ducking to the Pocono Pike, OK late. SOUTHPORT BEACH was shuffled to last, followed the progressing wide horses then swung wider and did well. HUNDIE N was two-wide in a four-way early fight, tucked nearing the ¼, then back out raw to the second turn, made steady progress and cleared the pacesetter late turn, but couldn’t keep going. INDIGO ART was four-wide to the 3/16, took back to fifth, sat in, blocked far turn, but little once clear. TONY TOO TALL was three-wide to the 3/16 then two-wide to command past the ¼, yielded for the pocket, was hopelessly shuffled out of it on the far turn. SHORE OF HIMSELF was innermost of the leaving four, finally yielded to one past the ¼ but came right back on the retake, raced with constant pressure, tired by midturn.
THIRTEENTH RACE – PARMESAN N left hard to defend the pocket, waited for the Pocono Pike, got in gear, made a short lead past midstretch, then held to that advantage. MARK WITHA K tucked third to the first turn, moved out uncovered 11/16, relentlessly challenged and just missed. SPEEDY DOMINIC A got the stick at the 1/8, kept going fast, held very well. IDEAL STAR N stayed in and gapped a bit in the fast third quarter, evenly late. BETTOR MEMORIES came out before the 5/8, got cover but couldn’t quite go with it, stayed on pretty well. STELLAR YANKEE never entered the main action. THE WALL and VANILLA MALTED left gaps.
FOURTEENTH RACE – TUGGIN ON MY HEART forced a tuck then let a challenger go 5/16 and sat the two-hole, won the two-horse race to the wire narrowly. BETTOR NOT TALK was three-wide early, briefly with cover then went on to the lead after the fast ¼, rolled without any challenges until the far turn, just missed holding on. CERTIFIABLE left took back to tuck, stayed in until the ¾, made a brief challenge around the turn, then lost ground through the stretch. THE OTHERS were in the rear of the strung-out field without entering the main radar.
Sep 19, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Stretch headwind … LATEST ERA was four-wide to the first turn and three-wide to the 1/8, took back then but found no hole so urged to go up and get the lead 3/8, rolled in quarter three with the wind, opened a clear lead headstretch then held off the late surge of ALWAYS BETTER. The latter went out early to take command, yielded towards the 3/8 for the two-hole, didn’t stay with the winner turning for home then kicked in, but his resurgence came just a bit late. WIN PLACE’N SHOW was between horses early, tucked in the early pocket, inside, not too much late but a clear third. JET ACE gapped cover second-over, wide in the lane and next. I’LL TAKE THE BET kept a hole closed early, moved uncovered into turn two, gained a little then tired in the last eighth. THE LAST THREE were at a distance from the main pack most of the last half.
SECOND RACE – LYONS NIGHTHAWK looped everybody early to get the lead, yielded near the ¼, pulled from third 5/8 and soon could retuck in the pocket, out again late turn, went to the top early stretch, gradually put a little more distance between himself and DO WORK SON. The latter pulled from midpack past the ¼ and made the lead before turn two, had a sizable advantage midbackstretch as the pocket horse tired, only to see the winner fill the pocket and draw closer, couldn’t hold that one off but stayed second. AIR GUITAR gapped from before the half, moved to follow the winner’s cover but couldn’t stay with it, got closer in the slowing last quarter. LORD OF MISRULE did not have good cover, three-wide far turn and narrowed in. WINNING IS SWEET got shuffled behind the pocketsitter down the back and on the turn but didn’t show much once clear. CAPTAIN MALICIOUS was looped and three-wide to the 1/8, went on to the lead before the ¼, yielded into bend two, unplugged 5/8. CANT KNOCK ME never entered into it.
THIRD RACE – HAND DOVER DAN moved when ready 9/16 and made a quick brush to the lead before the ¾, came his own last half in 56 in an impressive local bow. TNT BLUE CHIP was at the back of the main bunch, moved out behind the winner but couldn’t go with him, but grinded steadily to be a good if distant second. MONI’S HEAVEN CENT wanted forward position but broke soon into the race, caught the field by the half, followed cover, along to photo FRANKIE HILL for third. The latter went to the lead, slowed the half, could do nothing about the winner’s brush, tired. FIGHT SONG stayed flat and got a check. U BAKE THE CAKE was also leaving but broke early. UNRESOLVED DEBT sat in the pocket, was behind the tiring pacesetter when losing gait past the ¾ and went inside the pylons.
FOURTH RACE – KEYSTONE CECILIA came out of the early pocket 3/16 to take the lead past the 5/16, rolled on, withstood the persistent BOSCH. The latter was looped then tucked 3/16, moved uncovered soon off the second turn and applied constant pressure, held well. ARCH CREDIT went to the front, yielded to the winner and stayed close in the pocket, didn’t go to the Pocono Pike as not being able to gain but stayed on pretty well. SPRING IN PARIS left a small gap inside much of the last half, Pocono Pike, so-so. SVF CASH DEPOSIT got to second-over but couldn’t stay with cover. AMBERS CHAMPION was third-over, three-wide far turn but couldn’t gain enough. O JONNIE sat in, had traffic trouble through the lane. JUSTIFY was double- looped and was outside behind cover when breaking 3/16.
FIFTH RACE – AN THE THUNDEROLLS had command at the 1/8, yielded, shuffled a little then could move outside midturn, three-wide late turn and paced away from these to the wire. BEACHESBECKONME was out most of the 26.4 opener for the lead, yielded 3/8, sat the pocket, went to the Pocono Pike, enough to gain place over two closers. SAMMY THE BULL N was third-over behind gapping cover, swung four-wide and finished steadily. LATE NIGHT JOKE was second-over from last, gapped, moved into the three-path behind the winner and came on some inside of the show horse. WOODMERE ROLLEX sat in and was shuffled to last as the third-in gapped, weaving for clearance upper stretch then found some inside midstretch and had pace (though the tempo was slowing). PC’S EXPRESSO decided to press on, in gear 3/16 to the lead 3/8 and got a moderate second split, had pressure, tired. CHANCELLORCULLEN N gapped inside. MICHAEL’S MONSTER got an early spot, was uncovered on turn two and made a good challenge, but then got weary.
SIXTH RACE – OLD MAGIC made two speed moves, slowed the half, was well in control here. MOMMAS A DIVA was away between horses, got the top 3/16 then yielded for the pocket, couldn’t keep up ¾ but kept up better than all the rest by far. FAWN DE DON’T didn’t have much late after an inside trip. NINA HANOVER backed out to second-over 11/16 but found cover unhelpful, wide and had a little at the end. FLEUR DE LIS moved uncovered early backstretch from way back, made a pretty good gain in quarter three but then couldn’t sustain the gaining. READ THE BOOK was inside, little. ANDOVER JESS was three-wide to the 1/8, then two-wide, found no tuck so took all the way back to last, dropped far back.
SEVENTH RACE – IC A FREE SPIRIT was looped and tucked third, went raw 5/8 and kept advancing, drew away. SCOTT ROCKS yielded to sit the pocket, got Pocono Pike room after the winner went past, barely could get up for second over BEVANS CULLEN N. The later got a good start from PP8 and was on top by the 1/8, rated the second quarter, came under pressure from the winner, held decently. BEST SHOT N moved second-over 5/8, went evenly. WHATA TREASURE wound up third-over, didn’t stay with it in the last ¼. BLOW A CLOUD N had room to advance up the inside 5/8 but never was a factor. LUZIANA was always far back. TYLER ALBERT disconnected from last down the backstretch.
EIGHTH RACE – The stretch headwind is strong, slowing the last quarter times … TIMES LIKE THESE made the top 3/16, rated the half then sped up, clear on the lead until very late. IRISH COFFEE yielded for the pocket and was the only one to stay close, gained some late but didn’t appear to be getting to the winner. YOUCOMEHEREOFTEN got a slow start, came out behind dull cover, three-wide nearing the ¾ to two-wide far turn, gained steadily. LOOKINTOGETLUCKY was three-deep to the 1/8, tucked third 3/16, started to gap behind the front two to the 5/8. HESPOOKSHESCORES couldn’t find a tuck until past the ¼, then wasn’t heard from again. DANCEHALL KING was off the gate, and never entered the action. HALE-BOPP was uncovered from far back before the half, never got close. PRINCE HOWARD was forwardly-placed, was getting ready to back out to follow cover midturn but broke.
NINTH RACE – BLANK CHEEK left well three-wide to the top, slowed the half then went 27.4 with the wind down the back to open a huge lead, stayed ahead of CHERRY VALLEY to the line. The latter went on between horses for the pocket, had a big gap open between herself and the winner down the back, made up ground rapidly in the latter stages but couldn’t reach that one. FOX VALLEY LEAH was third-over, ducked in between horses early stretch and gained steadily. SWEET GADGETS was no factor after an inside trip. BAMA BREEZE was second-over, three-wide far turn, so-so. CLOCKSTRIKESTWELVE moved uncovered 5/8 but was ineffective. MORE PLEASE lost contact in the last half.
TENTH RACE – EBBIES LADY left purposefully but did yield past the ¼, waited in the pocket until the 5/8 then moved and went right to the lead, drew away effortlessly. BILL BAUER had slowly-advancing cover, closed well to be a clear second. ARGENTO was uncovered at the ½, briefly was uncovered then raw again, tucked third midturn after a breaker, evenly. BEER CHEESE decided to go on early and got the lead just past a fast ¼, rated quarter two, was passed easily by the winner 11/16, tired. AWSOME PAUL had little to offer. PADRE was stuck inside, broke ¾ upon getting nearer to the old leader. BOINGALICIOUS gapped. VENDOR BILL broke nearly an 1/8 before the start.
ELEVENTH RACE – BLUEBERRY SHAKE was double-looped leaving, went on to command 5/16 and kept rolling, opened a clear lead early stretch but saw SWEET HOME closing strongly just to her inside and just found enough to hold in the 30 kicker. The latter made the lead, put a foe in behind, then pushed the winner until yielding 5/16 and stayed close, saw the first-over bear into her nearing headstretch and had to check fairly hard, regathered and finished with a huge last 1/16 to almost get there. TRULY got early position, then came out 5/8 to challenge, bore in a little late on the turn, backed off some in the lane. JAGGED LITTLE PILL was widest early, went into the early pocket, sat in, gapped in the last ¼. FASHIONATTIFFANYS moved out second-over but gapped out 11/16. THE OTHER THREE couldn’t stay with the leading pack the last half.
TWELFTH RACE – SPIT AND VINEGAR made the top early then yielded for the two-hole 3/16, waited for the Pocono Pike, just got the nod over WILLIE B WORTHY. The latter gained early position, moved outside 11/16 and trotted steadily as the pace slowed to just miss. SUNDANCEDIAMOND moved outside on the far turn and finished with good speed. DYLAN THE GREAT was out 3/16 in a quick quarter to control the stick, set fast fractions for these, gave way. TUIS SHADOW was buried inside, had some belatedly. TEDDY BROSEVELT stayed in, gapped on the far turn. CHIEF JUSTICE lost contact. MANWILLING needed until the ¼ to be backed off to last, then broke before the 3/8.
THIRTEENTH RACE – TEAM MAC moved out 5/8 and soon went three-wide on a big sweeping move that carried him around everybody late on the far turn, won for fun. BET EIGHTTHIRTYONE was three-wide to the 1/8, took back to tuck, then moved behind the early challenger, was blindswitched then went wide behind the winner, couldn’t much his speed but went a good mile himself after a difficult journey. MY BOY JACK went into the pocket, to the Pocono Pike after the winner was gone, just held for third. BOLTMAN sat in, to the deep Pike, fair. DOCTOR BB gapped through much of the mile, swung widest before the stretch and got the last payday. MISTER DAVID C kept a hole closed early, then moved before the 3/8 as if to rush to the lead but was kept on the outside, tired after the tough trip. GREYSTONE WATCHMAN was always far back. CAPTAIN COOK wanted to be in charge from the rail, kept an early challenger outside him until the stretch, then folded.
FOURTEENTH RACE – SWEET HEART AS moved outside off the second turn, three-wide 11/16, quickly got to two-wide and kept advancing, took over midstretch and won easily. NICE STUFF pushed a fast quarter, sat in, found room to go outside far turn, came on well. STICK WITH ME KID was uncovered on the second turn and went right by the leader 5/8, challenged by the winner, tired. TRUEMASS VOLO was out past the 3/16 in a 26.3 opener to get the top, was challenged early backstretch and yielded, struggled to keep close thereafter. UPFRONT STONE was three-wide to the 3/16, then behind cover until tucking 5/16, shuffled then backed out at the ¾, couldn’t recover after a very bad trip. KASEVILLE gapped in last. CHUCKY DE VIE had a nose up going to the first turn, but track geometry with three leavers inside him forced him to back off, dangled outside until finally retreating in the last quarter.
Sep 17, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Rain midcard, reducing a “fast” track to “good +1” … YS DO IT RIGHT used the rail to take control in a quick opener, slowed the second stanza then sped up, with nobody able to catch him coming back fractions of 54.3 – 26.4. DIVINE RIGHT moved out with cover to the ¾, swung wide and narrowed in some. BIONIC took the pocket, outside stretch but had little to offer. ZEUS HANOVER advanced inside. MIKI MINAJ was not a factor in here. INCREDIBLE BADGER worked up to a 3-tuck, moved outside 11/16 but had absolutely nothing. BUILDING BOOST was far back when breaking.
SECOND RACE – ANYTIME N tucked third before the 1/8, moved out 5/16 and reached the front before the second turn, gradually drew away from these the last 3/8. CULINARY ARTIST came outside into turn two, went back in, then reemerged outside with cover to the ¾, had enough to be the distant second over NIMAH FRANCO N. The latter made the lead 3/16, pushed the winner before yielding past the 3/8, gradually unplugged from the 5/8, did almost save second. LILLY VON SHTUPP made the early lead and yielded, came outside 11/16 and was in the battle for major minor honors. SO SUPREME got around strugglers for the last payday. ALLMYLOVIN HANOVER never factored. TSM ARTEMIS T retucked around a gapper down the back but had no more to offer; NARINA HANOVER was that gapper.
THIRD RACE – DONATELLO HANOVER gradually advanced to take over off the first turn, yielded at the 3/8 for the pocket, went to the Pocono Pike, took the lead then had enough to hold off the late burst of MR FIREWORKS. The latter was last-over, three-wide late turn, wide early stretch, and made up a lot of ground (in 1:01 – 31 back fractions). JOHNNY TRIX gapped early then narrowed in and quarter-moved, got the top in front of the stands, couldn’t hold on to the lead. STANDTHEPAIN AS moved raw at the half, advanced gradually, stayed in the hunt in the moderate back half. KOLB HANOVER was forwardly-placed early, then locked in, weaved for room in the last 1/8, didn’t seem fully clear. ROJO MAN was out early on turn two and got cover at the half, three-wide far turn but not too much. CS EXPLOSIVE CHIP was away slowly and never figured in the main action. SWAN MASSIVE HALL was in front early, yielded, started to gap coming off the second turn.
FOURTH RACE – JIVE DANCING A was three-wide to the 3/16 then two-wide to the front past the ¼, rolled on cutting the pace, held off PAIGE’S GIRL and left the others far behind. PAIGE’S GIRL used the rail to great advantage and secured a two-hole trip, stayed close to the winner but was not threatening her late. THEREWASTHISGIRL went uncovered before the 5/8, never got close, did get the distant third. BROOKDALE JESSIE sat in and was shuffled to last, hemmed in almost all the way to the wire. TIGERS WATCHING N showed little off cover. SUNRISE HANOVER took back early, wasn’t keeping up on the far turn. BRING ME DIAMONDS left between horses, tucked third 3/16, started gapping near the 5/8.
FIFTH RACE – LITE N SWEET went on to the lead near the 3/16, rated the half then stepped it up to meet the challenge of the first-over, looked a pretty safe winner through the stretch with a 55.4 last half. BINGE ON YANKEE yielded for the pocket, left a little gap when things got quicker, but then responded well in the sprint home. EXCURSION started uncovered before the half and quickly moved to challenge the leader on the backstretch, kept up his pursuit doggedly to the line, photoed for place. QUARANTINI gapped cover second-over, also found a faster gear late. CAPTAIN MAN tucked third past the 1/8; he and THE REST OF THE FIELD could make no headway in the quick last half.
SIXTH RACE – Mist … STONEBRIDGE KARIS bolted away to command, continued at a quick clip in the mist, and was firmly in control here coming home in 55.1. LOUIE THE LOOPER was out strongly to the pocket at the 1/8, stayed close, outside stretch, lost a bit of ground but still was clear in second. LIFETIMEEXPERIENCE stayed on the inside and held third over BULLVILLE FRANK. The latter as second-over behind uninspired cover, three-wide from the 11/16, continued on well. BELL FAMILY gapped along the inside, mildly at the end. THE OTHER PAIR did not make their presence felt.
SEVENTH RACE – Rain … BETTE TINA moved out of the second turn and quickly hit a very high gear, swept the field before the ¾ and opened up a huge lead, then was on her hands and knees finishing but kept the lead over BLAZING RAMONA. The latter left for the pocket and stayed tight in, trapped in as the winner swept by and opened the big lead then outside midstretch, made up distance every step of the drive to just fail. CAVIART CARMEL moved out behind the place horse once there was room past midturn, didn’t have her turn of foot but was along for third. SHE’S MAGICAL went evenly along the inside. WINDY MICKI never entered the picture. ODDS ON GAMMA sprinted out to early command, had a parked foe but still got a breather in quarter two, then had no answer for the winner to the ¾ and faded, blocking several inside horses for a crucial period. MADELYNN SOPHIA was outleft and was two-wide uncovered, looped and faded.
EIGHTH RACE – Track goes from “fast” to “good +1” … MATTER OF TRUST got the early lead in the only quick quarter of the race, had increasing pressure from ZSA ZSA DABOR but kept that one at bay. The latter moved with cover off the second turn then quickly lost it as it ducked back inside, kept on one-gearing up, didn’t miss by much. CHOCOTURE sat in the pocket, started to go loose around the far turn. ANDOVERS TOUCH was last, locked in far turn, went to the Pocono Pike but broke, placed for LOB. CASH FOR GOLD gapped the first-over. KEYSTONE SERGEANT momentarily moved outside off turn two but soon shifted back inside, broke 5/8 and went to the inside.
NINTH RACE – PEPPERMINT MAN was last, quickly had to be jerked about four-wide to clear a breaker into turn two and lost a lot of ground, still hadn’t reached the top four by late turn, but then swung wide and capped a remarkable comeback by sweeping past everybody. ALWAYS BAREFOOT moved second-over ¾, tipped off cover early stretch, briefly had the lead but was caught. BULLVILLESPANDEMIC was between horses to the lead at the 1/8, yielded for the pocket, had to hesitate a second before getting clear in the Pocono Pike, fair late. MAC’S DELIGHT was three-wide to curve one, took third past the 1/8, stayed in until before the ¾ then went up to challenge, got the lead nearing headstretch but couldn’t hold on to it. BE THE CAPTAIN was the innermost of three leavers, let a foe go then quarter-moved and was not pressured until the ¾, still had little to offer late. HURRIKANE FERRIGNO broke at the bottom of turn two.
TENTH RACE – THINK OF GALAXIES allowed a fast starter to go by early then grinded up to take over 3/16, slowed the half, then came home in 55 – 27.1 and stayed in control over FREE TO BE ME. The latter had superior early jet for command, yielded to the winner for the pocket, a bit loose when the pace increased down the backstretch then increased her own speed, to the Pocono Pike, very good to be as close as she was. FAST MACHINE was uncovered at the half and paced up in 27 down the back to contend, but gradually flattened out some. SURE R LOOKIN GOOD sat in, evenly. SHEZAFREAKLIKEME was second-over but gapped in the fast third quarter, three-wide far turn but flattened out. SORTA KINDA ANGEL was never close. MILLENNIUMS GIRL faded inside ¾.
ELEVENTH RACE – Sun? … JUXTA COWGIRL made the front approaching the 3/16 and rolled on with fast fractions, giving her opposition no chance. FIGHTING EVIL gained valuable ground down the backstretch, was able to wedge through between horses midstretch and finished steadily to grab second from DELISHKA N. The latter stung the winner a bit then yielded for the pocket, started to go loose at the ¾. TALL POPPY N moved out from third before the 5/8, was urged repeatedly but never found a forward gear. BEACH CRAZY stayed in, evenly late. FREE FLYIN TICKET had unhelpful cover but gapped it. BRILLIANT BEAUTY never made her presence felt.
TWELFTH RACE – MILIEU HANOVER let outside battles settle then quarter-moved, dealt with the first-over, was drawing away late. TALK SHOW CHICA left between horses to take command and got a foe to tuck, yielded for the two-hole, wasn’t beating the winner but did well for second. HEAVENISSOFARAWAY was uncovered at the half, speed-grinded up to the winner in 27.1, couldn’t maintain that pace but held gamely. NEED UR OPINION was well-spotted second-over but couldn’t produce enough late. BETTORS HEART N left well, three-wide to the 1/8 then took back for the early pocket, inside, not heard from again. TEMPURA HANOVER gapped at the back. WHO’S SMOKIN N was third-over, went wide but couldn’t rally quite enough.
THIRTEENTH RACE – LITERL LAD HANOVER was briefly uncovered on the second turn then got very good cover, three-wide late turn and powered by late. IM A GIGOLO N gradually worked his way up to the front 5/16 under mild coaxing, didn’t get much rest as the pocketsitter pulled to challenge early backstretch, engaged in a long fight with that one, was passed by the fresh closer but was game to keep second from RIFLEMAN. The latter was third then found himself in the two-hole early backstretch, had his chance in the Pocono Pike but couldn’t quite find the steps. CAPTAIN CASH left quickly, pushed an opponent hard to the 5/16 before yielding, popped out again early backstretch and challenged hard but couldn’t go by, faded in the lane. MCNEIL Z TAM left a gap behind the initial jostling on the first turn, stayed in, couldn’t muster too much late. KILOWATT KID N was third-over, three-wide with cover far turn, couldn’t make stretch progress. TRAY SURREAL didn’t have much of a chance from fourth-over. ROCK THREE TIMES gapped at the back.
FOURTEENTH RACE – FOUR UNDER PAR spotted early in the quick opener, then came out off the first turn to the lead 3/8, was not under pressure thereafter. KEYSTONE THUNDER maintained early control from the rail in a quick number, yielded 3/8, stayed close until the stretch, held off CREEMORE coming up the inside. The latter left well, went to the early pocket 3/16 then stayed in third, to the Pocono Pike and almost got place. PRESIDENTE ZETTE trotted evenly inside. LAZER JET was far back inside, angled wide for the stretch and finished OK. K J DIAMOND went uncovered on turn two but never got close to the main action. BEYOND ORDINARY was disadvantageously placed in last most of the way. TRICKY DICK offered little from second-over.
