Aug 21, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – 82 degrees through the twilight card … ANDRA DAY was three-high to the first bend and on top 3/16, slowed the half, then came home in 55.4 to keep THE STUNNING NUN N at bay. The latter was third-over, followed the early backstretch sweeper and got back to second-over, three-wide midturn, finished sharply but had too far to come to get to the winner. TALL POPPY N left between horses to 1/8 command then yielded 3/16 for the pocket, outside headstretch but gave some ground. CONTINUALOU was second-over, had to go three-wide early backstretch as cover faltered, got to first-over, couldn’t sustain that move. THEREWASTHISGIRL had some early speed, inside, not all that much late. UPTOWN LADY N moved outside before the ¾ and followed wide cover on the turn, couldn’t reach. DELISHKA N moved uncovered 3/8 but already was spent not far off the second turn.
SECOND RACE – DELIGHTFUL SUMMER, fresh off her win at the Honesdale Fair, left fastest of all, yielded to sit the pocket, pulled before the 5/8 to go by shortly after that point, opened a clear lead, then was tiring a bit late but held together to defeat MILLENIUMS GIRL. The latter improved positioning early, followed the winner out down the back and retucked at a distance in the pocket, came outside for the drive and narrowed in, didn’t quite make it. NIMAH FRANCO N went up to the stick 3/16, moderated the half, was passed by the top two down the back but still held together for third. DIRTYLITTLELIES gapped inside, a little better late. ABUELITA HANOVER was outside midpack the mile, not bad after covering a lot of ground. THE REMAINING THREE were never on the main radar.
THIRD RACE – LOOKINTOGETLUCKY was on top before turn one, pushed a foe well past the ¼, sat third until pulling out ¾, battled the leader on the turn and into the stretch before emerging as the dominant force. FASHION PRESIDENTE moved in front of the stands to get the lead, had only a 1:00.2 back half to cope with but still gave way, just preserved second. VENDETTA KEMP gapped at a couple of points, then had better trot late. BAR KEEP DE VIE was off the gate and no factor. FOX HOLE was out well past the ¼ to make the top, yielded for the pocket, fell back in the lane. DINKY WINKY broke nearing the ¼.
FOURTH RACE – MILADY DENVER A waited in third, backed out midturn and swung wide, had by far the best finishing kick. BE BEST took the pocket just past the 1/8, came out nearing headstretch, might never have gotten the lead but steady to be second-best. CHIPPER DAISY controlled the throttle after a 26.3 opener, not pressured, still gave way. RELLA TIVITY stayed in and got her share of the pie. KNOW YOUR ROLL gapped second-over. ELLEOFADELI was near the back throughout. TAKEN CONTROL tucked fourth past the 1/8, came first-up towards turn two, never really got close to the leader, tired significantly.
FIFTH RACE – Stretch headwind picking up mildly… ALONSO was away second then outside off turn one to the lead before the 3/8, went along at a good clip, held off the field. DANCEHALL KING gapped off the second turn then got closer down the back, stayed in on the turn, then angled wide before midstretch, gaining as the pace slowed down. JOLLY RANCHER sat in third, Pocono Pike, almost second. ENZO AQUELLO left well for early command, yielded for the pocket, outside past midturn but tired. TIMES LIKE THESE was outside at the back end of the pack throughout. PAUC HANOVER didn’t enter contention.
SIXTH RACE – WHO’S SMOKIN N was three-wide early then tucked third, came on the quarter-move, kept going on the lead, dug in and gamely held off SHEZAFREAKLIKEME. The latter was innermost of the three early fast ones, yielded to the winner to sit the two-hole, Pocono Pike, tried very hard and came up just shy. LA ALWAYS AMARTINI went away well and took the pocket past the 1/8, pulled out again from third 5/8, challenged, just off the top two and well ahead of the others. ANOTHER BEACH DAY gapped inside, best of the rest. THE FUN MARSHALL was third-over but never got into contention. A CRAFTY LADY moved out off the second turn and got cover 5/8, not enough late. SUNRISE HANOVER never entered the picture. CAY’S BLESSING gapped at the back.
SEVENTH RACE – TAILGATE BUZZ was in front early, yielded, came out of third 5/8 and moved up, fought head-to-head with SIR FRANK the entire last ¼ and got the nod late. The latter moved 5/16 to the front just past the 3/8, went along at a good clip for these, fought tooth-and-nail the last 1/4, just shy. DRAKE HANOVER was last in the main pack, outside on the turn, made up ground rapidly late. MUCHO MACHO went to the lead 3/16, yielded a like distance later for the two-hole, faded in the last panel. GRIZZ WYLLIE gapped early, tightened, out second-over, gapped and was ducking in late turn when going to a break and into the centerfield. BIG BOY ERNEST jumped at the 1/8.
EIGHTH RACE – SOUTHWIND DISTILLD went on to take over 3/16, had an open lead while trotting his back half in a sharp 57. SPITFIRE OVERSEAS was first in front, yielded for the two-spot, went looser in the pocket the further they went but did hold second over SINATRA DE VIE. The latter had some gate speed, sat third, came on some late and almost reached second. HERODOTUS tucked fourth, outside at the ¾ but did not gain. FATHER STOSH never contended. SNOWMAN HANOVER fell back most of the last half.
NINTH RACE – MISS HELEN HANOVER edged out raw 9/16, got cover near the 5/8 but didn’t stay with it, ducked in and was half-and-half on the turn, went to the Pocono Pike and found a higher gear to just catch ODDS ON GAMMA. The latter quarter-moved to 3/8 command, kept the first-over at bay, drew clear before midstretch, then had the winner come with the big late burst. SHE’S MAGICAL was away quickly, yielded, in the two-hole, outpaced. SUGAR BOWL went into the pocket at the 1/8, came out from third just past the 5/8 and challenged, OK mile. CATIE FAYE HANOVER got to third-over, did get the last check. THE OTHERS raced near the back throughout.
TENTH RACE – ONCE IN A LIFETIME moved uncovered from fourth before the 5/8, broke away from the pack alongside the leader far turn, had a 28.1 last quarter in her and drew off confidently late. CRANTINI moved out from third 3/16 and made the lead 5/16, set the pace, couldn’t match the speed of the winner. KOBE B was looped, onward to the lead 3/16, yielded for the pocket, a little loose for much of the last half, did well to finish as closely as he did. DESIGNER DRINK gapped last, passed a tired horse and a breaking horse. BIG BALLER BEANE quickly looped the field leaving, saw two go by, gapped out at the ¾. COMMANDER FRANK was second-over, gapping when breaking headstretch.
ELEVENTH RACE – SCARLETT HANOVER was three-wide early, then two-wide to get the front at the 1/8, rated the half then had a pair of 27.3s in her to win easily. TALK SHOW CHICA was away swiftly, forced a tuck, yielded to the winner and trailed her, held for second. BEACH CRAZY tucked at the 1/8, came out uncovered late backstretch, went along OK. BETTORS HEART N got away last, moved third-over then ducked back in midturn, came OK between horses late. SILENT CROSSING had little to offer. PLZDONTLIETOME N moved out raw 5/8, got cover before the 3/4, wide, did not gain.
TWELFTH RACE – Wind calm … AUSTRAL HANOVER got command 3/16, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, outside late turn, pulled away. OPEN BAR pushed the 3/16 then yielded, stayed in third, to the Pocono Pike and along for second over EXPRESS MAN. The latter was outside early, had a chance to tuck third 3/16 but went on to get the lead 3/8, a bit tired late. PRINCE HOWARD gapped at a couple of points, finished well. DWIGHT HANOVER was uncovered at the 5/8 but never got close. ALLMONI moved at the half, picked up cover 5/8, not too much. DARK MIND left a gap from the 3/8.
THIRTEENTH RACE – NAUTICAL HANOVER moved second-over behind the parked horse, three-wide ¾, got to two-wide when the parked horse got to the pocket on the turn, drew off. BAY CITY followed the winner’s cover, along for second late. BOARDWALK BET was gapping ¾ when he moved outside foreseeing a shuffle, just along for third. BAY BRUTE was looped leaving, shut out of a hole 3/16 and spent life on the rim the mile until tucking in the pocket on the turn, then actually was blocked near the wire as the two around him were not moving as fast as he wanted to move. DIVINE RIGHT was very wide leaving, got to the front in a 26.3 opener, had pressure throughout, caved in in the lane. ZEUS HANOVER and TSM BATMAN never factored. ONE OF THE GUYS hustled early to keep the pocket closed, started to unplug 11/16.
FOURTEENTH RACE – FREE FLYIN TICKET was on top early, yielded to the chalk in front of the stands to sit the two-hole, to the Pocono Pike and proved the best in the finale. BRILLIANT BEAUTY was between horses, tucked fourth 3/16, then uncovered before the 5/8, one-geared it home steadily. TEMPURA HANOVER was three-wide to the 3/16 then two-wide a like distance before making the lead, went on with it, tired. UPTOWN CALLIE never was a major player. SURE R LOOKIN GOOD gapped from second-over midturn. SOMTHNGABOUTMARY N left well and was forwardly-placed, but offered little in the lane.
Aug 18, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Around 80 degrees all day … Atypical stretch tailwind … BRAVO TEX N left between horses, was ahead at the 1/8 but took back to the pocket before the ¼, waited for the Pocono Pike, then came through nicely. MINDTRIP was out the entire way, joined a flow in third-over, four-wide headstretch and closed very strongly. INDIGO ART got in fifth on the first turn, then was second-over, three-wide on the far turn, OK but outkicked for second. PURPLE POET got in fourth 3/16, raced uncovered into turn two and battled the leader very hard, had a slight lead to the 3/4 and into the turn, held his ground staunchly late. STAR MESSENGER was three-wide early, backed off to tuck third, third-in, deep Pocono Pike, was gaining late. SADIQ HANOVER insisted on cutting the pace against any and all comers, paid the price late. BLACKLIGHT sat in and was shuffled to last, no factor. CAPTAIN MULZAC was urged behind the gate but still got away last, moved outside down the back but gapped.
SECOND RACE – THE LONGEST YARD shut a hole early, sat in heading to turn two, then was able to back out first two- then three-wide, lost the cover of a sweeper and continued three-wide until midturn, ducked behind cover briefly then wide again in the stretch, finished powerfully in an impressive victory. JIM BLUE headed straight down the road, sped up the third split as challengers came on, held off everybody but the streaking winner. CODE CRACKER defended the pocket throughout, Pocono Pike, not quite enough late. SOUTHWIND SANDOR moved behind the parked horse into the second turn, three-wide before the 5/8 to two-wide uncovered after that point, challenged, fell back the last 3/16. BELL FAMILY and HIGH BALLER did not enter the picture. MAJOR SHOW left but had no luck and had to spend the mile parked, looped past the 5/8.
THIRD RACE – COVERED BRIDGE left, briefly three-wide as a foe settled in the pocket then onward to the lead past the 5/16, pressured on the lead, held gamely against two stout opponents. DEALER’S TABLE got a fine second-over trip, three-wide late turn, paced his own back half in 54.4 and got second in the last strides. REDBANK BLAZE A was first-over and paced his own back half in 55, challenging and not backing off at all. PAT MCGARRY A left, slid back into the pocket 3/16, stayed in, deep Pocono Pike, fair. NUTCRACKER SWEET forced a rival in behind late on turn one then yielded past the 5/16 to sit the two-hole, not enough in the lane. ROGERTHAT BLUECHIP sat in and was shuffled to last, not very much in the stretch. THE WALL was third-over but didn’t enter the main picture.
FOURTH RACE – RIPPLE OF HOPE went into the two-hole just past the 1/8 and stayed there until the stretch, then utilized the Pocono Pike and drew clear. AP HALL OF TRIX gapped a bit in third at times, then himself took advantage of a gapper to back out to second-over, steadily late for second. HALL IT OFF went right down the road, not enough at crunch time. CREATARMA started first-up into turn two, grinded to get to the leader’s wheel but no closer, held OK. FASHION ON A STAR sat in and was not a factor, finished with some trot. SPREE never entered the picture. BEABOB’S BOSS moved second-over but couldn’t go with the cover.
FIFTH RACE – I’M BURLINGTON N got the pocket in the dynamic opening ¼, then moved soon thereafter to the lead 3/8, was able to draw clear in the last ¼. OWEN spotted third, then got locked in as the one- and two-wide tiers failed to go on on the turn, finally to the Pocono Pike and had some rally. HOPETOBEFIRST was second-over, wide around faltering cover and closed well late. LEAR SEELSTER was locked in, evenly once clear. ROCK KING DEO never reached contention from third-over. PARK OFFICIAL raced into a midpack tuck before the ¼, then went raw early on turn two, made some progress into the wind down the back then tired. IDEAL WHEEL rocketed out to the lead in a 26 quarter, yielded for the two-hole, unplugged to the ¾.
SIXTH RACE – ROUGH ODDS worked out a good second-over journey, three-wide late turn, just got by KINGSTONS BAD BOY late. The later went first-over against the wind at the half, grinded in a long challenge, made the lead in the lane, very good mile although caught. THE MOONSHADOW N put a foe in behind early then rolled on in the atypical wind pattern, tired in the stretch. PLAY THE FIELD accepted the pocket just past the 1/8, stayed close, but had little when taken to the Pocono Pike. STATEMENT MADE A gapped a little 5/8, never entered the main battle. WHAT’S GOIN ON was last at the ¼ from the rail and gapped the main bunch much of the way.
SEVENTH RACE – SHNITZLEDOSOMETHIN left between horses and went on to command 3/16, slowed the half then picked it up when the first-over got closer, then came home in 27.2 and needed to with LOUIE THE HORSE N coming at him. The latter was the innermost of the early three-way dance and defended the pocket, outside headstretch and narrowed in well late. TONY TOO TALL was three-wide to the 1/8 then backed off to tuck, inside, OK late. CERTIFIABLE was second-over but had his cover stall early far turn so had to go three-wide, finished willingly. PARMESAN N didn’t show much. DANCE IT OUT was at the back throughout. CAVIART SAGE was uncovered into turn two, paced 26.4 against the wind to get close to the leader, but then gave way significantly in the last ¼.
EIGHTH RACE – TOKYO SEELSTER was to command directly, hung the favorite almost to the 3/8 then yielded for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and trotted by strongly. DELGADO was looped and between horses, worked his way up to the lead towards the 3/8, set the pace, clearly second-best. X O X O was four-wide to the first turn, three-wide 3/16 then backed off to tuck fourth at the ¼, underway again raw before the 5/8, held very well. EL TORO LOCO was buried inside, found room between horses past midstretch and had a late burst. BLACK HAWK DOWN did not make his presence felt. COCKTAILS N DREAMS was behind stale cover, three-wide far turn, OK late. UPFRONT STONE moved at the half and got cover before the 5/8, but flicked his tail when asked for more 11/16 and called it a day. DICENTRA sat forwardly-placed, backed out far turn but made a break nearing headstretch.
NINTH RACE – NEWBIE accepted the two-hole before the 3/16 and sat a fine trip, outside late turn, went to the lead then held off the rush of PREMIER ROCKSTAR. The latter was the first to move but wound up third-over, three-wide with cover on the turn then swung wider into the lane, finished with a furious rally. JANAID wanted to take control from the pole and did so with a 26.3, set the pace, just missed a length. ARTACHE HANOVER was second-over, three-wide just before midturn when his covert tired, steadily though outkicked from behind. BIZYS BEATLE had an excess of cover. BNGS EXPRESS gapped inside. NIALL HANOVER improved position at the start, was uncovered at the half, backed off in the last panel.
TENTH RACE – PYRO was three-wide early then dropped down to follow cover, lost that at the ¼ and went on to 3/8 command, had hounding but not threatening pressure outside him on the turn, drew off in the stretch. DA DELIGHTFUL was stuck inside, got a clear Pocono Pike and finished powerfully. CHATELROLL moved out 5/8 as the two-wide faded and before the three-wide could pin him, couldn’t sustain his challenge. GROOVY JOE pressed on to take over in 26.2, yielded 3/8, not enough in the last 3/16. AFLAME HANOVER was inside, not that much. INDICTABLE HANOVER was away last from the rail, too far to come. SOUTHWIND OZZI followed cover from the start to early in the backstretch, where he looped an uncovered foe to go to two-wide, but his forward action didn’t last much longer. PRIMARY COLORS was very wide to the 1/8, go in behind cover, left raw to the 3/8, looped down the back and faded.
ELEVENTH RACE – HUNDIE N stepped to the lead early, put a foe in behind then parked another opponent, had a sweeper come up to challenge down the back, but kept everybody at bay very nicely. AIN’T IT FUN gapped behind the fight in the second quarter, stayed inside, swung out headstretch, took a few moments for him to find his best strides then closed well. AMERICA’S GUEST went three-wide from third-over before the 5/8 to get to first-over, challenged, stayed in the thick of the fight to the line. PANTHEON HANOVER settled into the pocket 3/16, evenly along the inside late. CONCUR also stayed in, went in the deep Pike and made up some ground. IT’SGOODTOBEDAKING was last, three-wide before the ¾ but never got close. LITTLEBITASWAGGER moved out second-over, blindswitched early backstretch then able to go three-wide to two-wide but couldn’t keep up. UNDERTAKER was three-wide past the 1/8 then pressed on but couldn’t get the lead, faded in the last half.
TWELFTH RACE – BELLOWS BINGE defended the pocket, went to the Pocono Pike and worked by DRAGON STRIKES. The latter kept control from the pole through a couple of challenges, couldn’t quite deal with the winner late. PUZZLING was third-over, quickly three-wide not much past turn two to uncovered against the wind, challenged very hard to the line. A STUD NAMED SAM stayed in, angled wide for the stretch and was moving with speed late. GONNAHAVEONEMORE was out behind the parked horse, blindswitched early backstretch then backed out himself to three-wide but took awhile to get to second-over, kept on steadily. ROLLINWITHAMBITION tucked third at the ¼, never saw clearance in the last half. REGAL SON moved 5/16 but didn’t have the needed speed to challenge, looped before the 5/8, dropped far back.
THIRTEENTH RACE – COXCOMB gapped in the second quarter then picked things up in the third, went three-wide around the fading parked horse to challenge 11/16 and rushed by on the turn, ran away and hid. BARRYWHITE HANOVER stayed in, came up the inside and just edged BUTTER UP for the distant second. The latter defended the pocket in the early duel, then was boxed when the winner swept up and by, finally free headstretch, just missed place. MY WISH CAME TRUE was three-wide early then on top 3/16, had a horse come at him after the ¼ but refused to let that one go by, yielded to the winner and faded. MY BOY JACK moved out three-wide but couldn’t gain. MONEYORROSES never factored. MAJOR BEAN had some gate speed, quarter-moved but was given the cold shoulder in stiff fractions, wilted.
FOURTEENTH RACE – HORSE left but retreated to the pocket in the lineup, backed out on the far turn, wide in the stretch and with the most pace. SONNY WEAVER N gapped from the quarter and didn’t really find a high gear until the 11/16 when raw, moved up to take the lead into the lane, steadily in a good last quarter but caught. STRAIGHT UP COOL was on the move early from last and was second-over, gapped far turn and went inside, then found renewed life in the Pocono Pike and was along for third. FATHER NUNO backed out to follow the two-wide flow, behind a gapper, blindswitched, had some pace once free. ROCKIE GOT FRAMED pushed against the pylons strongly and caused a lineup, tired in the last 1/8. MACH WEST moved three-wide near the ¾ but did not gain. SAMSON BLUE CHIP was inside and shuffled, but didn’t show much once clear. FRISKIE ALL NITE came up empty at the ¾.
Aug 15, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE—Mid 80s … Rain early caused the track to be rerated from “fast +0” after the first to “sloppy +1” until after the second; then rerated “good +1” the rest of the way … Atypical stretch tailwind … BANUS HILL made the top at the 1/8, let a foe go then removed to the lead 3/8, in control the rest of the way. MADELYNN SOPHIA was three-wide to the 1/8 then onward to command, yielded 3/8 for the two-hole, stayed close but wasn’t menacing late. PJS FANCY DANCER was the innermost of three leavers and yielded, gapped the top two a bit the further along into the race, went to the deep Pocono Pike, did hold third. JAGGED LITTLE PILL tucked fourth at the 1/8, stayed in, found room to midstretch and had some late foot. LIZZIANA was second-over, three-wide late turn but couldn’t gain enough. CHANCES ARE IDEAL was uncovered before the half and made a good move down the back to get semi-close, but then faded. AMARETTO HANOVER was always far back. SWEET GADGETS had cover but didn’t get into the main action.
SECOND RACE – O JONNIE went out to early command and had an easy time controlling this field. CHOCOTURE yielded for the two-hole, couldn’t stay with the winner but far ahead of the rest. BAZAAR BAZAAR moved outside to the second turn, retucked in a big gap down the back, just held third from a rallying SCIROCCO BIG JOHN. The latter went up to get the three-hole past the 1/8, moved out again 5/8 but soon made a break, had some good steps in late recovery. CRAZY FOR CJ was outside, evenly. NO NAME YANKEE gapped inside. SPRING IN PARIS broke past the start. WHAT A DAME broke past the start, caught up to the field when making another break at the half.
THIRD RACE – GRIZZ WYLLIE moved raw 5/8 and grinded up, had enough to draw away in a slow mile even under the conditions. LIKE A WARRIOR backed out third-over, four-wide in the stretch and moving very strongly late to get the DH2 with BULLSEYE HANOVER. The latter yielded for the pocket, stayed contented, Pocono Pike, evenly. REDDY FOX was three-wide to the first turn and on to command past the 1/8, got very slow fractions, still gave way. F SCOTT’S MUSE was underway from last into turn two, picked up cover 5/8 gradually got tighter, three-wide to headstretch, OK. FAWN DE SIGN never was a major player.
FOURTH RACE – SAINT TRIXIE made two speed moves to control the throttle, drew off in style as would befit Tom Jackson’s 5000th career driving victory. GLOBAL PRINCESS rushed up to the first turn, was trying to squeeze in third just past the ¼ when interfering with READ THE BOOK, sat in, blocked on the turn, up the inside and got the distant second, but was placed last for causing interference. FAWN DE DON’T moved out ¾, evenly. CHEROKEE JOY was never close, had some speed finishing. ANDOVER JESS made the front early then yielded to the winner, unplugged ¾. IN YOUR DREAMS DEO gapped in the back. READ THE BOOK was keeping a hole closed at the 1/8 when suffering an “ix.”
FIFTH RACE – “Nap-Nap” war early, “Nap-Nap” war late … GUINNESS PANIC and Anthony wanted the early lead but brother George inside was less than cooperative, and was forced to retreat after a 25.4 opener, stayed connected during the wild pace, went to the Pocono Pike and just caught the pacesetter. HEZA REAL DIAMOND was determined not to surrender his advantage of having the rail, went very hot fractions, fought bravely with the winner to the line. STELLAR YANKEE was uncovered before the 5/8, urged ¾, was reasonably close at the finish of this fast mile. LITERL LAD HANOVER gapped in front of the stands, got to second-over, three-wide late turn, fair. ACTOR HANOVER gapped during the early war and then most of the way, evenly. THE NEXT TWO were near the back throughout. MEADOWBROOK FLASH was last throughout and had disconnected by the half.
SIXTH RACE – DEVILISH HILL yielded for the pocket, moved before the ¼ to the lead then yielded again nearing turn two, outside early turn, proved the best in here. COOL TRIXTER narrowed in later backstretch, came on late while wide to be second after the breaker. TAKE MY NAME established early command, saw two go by in quarter two, moved out behind the winner headstretch, was taking over second before midstretch before going inside and then breaking stride, ran home, placed for violating the breaking rules. JD MAGIC MOON went evenly. WARRAWEE YIMA pulled from next-to-last early in the frontstretch and went up to get the lead by the other end, set the pace, gave way. CHEVAL NOIR gapped at the back.
SEVENTH RACE – I’M AMUSED was between horses and looped, went up to take over off the first turn, set a slow pace, then upped the speed when challenged nearing the ¾, trotted home in 28.2 to hold off a trio of good opponents. OLD MAGIC was three-wide to the 1/8 then cleared to the lead, yielded for the pocket, gapped a little when the pace picked up past the ¾ then was again tight, to the Pocono Pike, just missed. TIPSY MONI was the innermost of the three leavers, yielded, came out raw past the 5/8, trotted a big last quarter after the first-over challenge. FLARES ZIVA moved second-over 11/16, wide and only a length off. RISK ON didn’t have too much. GUIDING STAR broke nearing the first turn, had caught the field but broke again late backstretch.
EIGHTH RACE — ABRUZZO left between horses and was out most of the ¼ to secure the front, rated the half, then came home strongly to win easily. MAGICAL JOURNEY used the rail to get the pocket trip, not catching the winner but not to be caught for second. NICE STUFF was three-wide early but quickly backed off, uncovered before the 5/8, got to within a neck of the pocket horse but no closer, did take show. CREDIT CON was inside, got to the Pocono Pike, evenly. VIC’S WINNER was second-over, gapped some far turn, evenly late. TRANQUILITY K had too far to come. MUSCLES JARED kept a hole closed early, third-in, nothing left for the stretch. CRUSHWORTHY was never in the picture.
NINTH RACE – THE AMERICAN EAGLE was three-high to the 1/8, pressed onward steadily and got the lead to the 3/8, got a breather to the half then outtrotted these the rest of the way. CHASE MY LINDY was away well and forced a tuck, pushed the winner a ways then yielded, came out headstretch but couldn’t gain. MALONE took the pocket at the 1/8, inside and was loose late backstretch, evenly. FAMOUS DAN was away last from the rail, moved second, avoided a stretch breaker, not prominent. WEATHER VANES started uncovered before the ½, made progress in the third quarter, then was looking for more when breaking midstretch. DIAMANTE VIC sat in, swung wide but broke headstretch.
TENTH RACE – THOR AND DR JONES moved second-over down the back, three-wide midturn, clearly had the most pace finishing. RIPPLESONTHEBEACH started raw from fourth before the 5/8, grinded up, never had the lead but kept on going once passed to pass the others. SVENGALI yielded then moved soon after the 1/8 to get the lead and create a lineup, kept on going at a quick clip with no letup, received pressure nearing the ¾, tired. BET EIGHTTHIRTYONE stayed in, went to the deep Pocono Pike, gained a little. STORMY BEACH made the lead going to turn one, yielded for the pocket, went loose then tighter down the back, loose again on the turn, Pocono Pike, not a factor. JET ACE couldn’t make a dent from third-over.
ELEVENTH RACE – SAY YOU DO started uncovered near the 3/8, grinded up and went at it with the leader while going his own third split in 27.4, fought with the pacesetter from before the ¾, had the lead on the turn but couldn’t clear, then did prove the strongest late. THE LIONKING AS was three-wide to the 1/8 and kept going to get command, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, stayed close then went to the Pocono Pike, battled on well to be second. MUFASA AS was second-over, gapped his cover down the back and on the turn, then finished more crisply. CHUCKY DE VIE was between horses leaving and had the early pocket, stayed in, to the deep Pike, fair. WILLIE B WORTHY pushed leaving, yielded, quarter-moved to 3/8 command, was under intense pressure from the winner to the ¾ and around the turn, didn’t have enough. DYLAN THE GREAT looked at improving early position but took back to last, gained a little between horses to midstretch, then was shut off late. KEYSTONE CECILIA was third-over, three-wide far turn but didn’t gain. SYLVESTERAMERICAIT was never a major factor but wasn’t all that far back at the finish.
TWELFTH RACE – AMAZON left well and took the top early, yielded to the brusher and sat in the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and got by that one late. ALWAYS BETTER yielded early but was on the move past the 1/8 to the lead at the ¼, slowed the half, was put under heavy pressure by the first-over, saw that one break while on almost-even terms headstretch, but then couldn’t quite handle the one to his left. I’LL TAKE THE BET kept up OK along the inside. KEYSTONEFIGHTNIGHT stayed in then backed out to third-over, had to wing very wide to avoid the breaker to midstretch, finished well. ALWAYS A LOOK broke early, recovered and was second-over but gapped. MISTER DAVID C started a long uncovered move from fifth at the half and really put high heat on the leader late backstretch and through the turn, still battling when making a break early stretch.
THIRTEENTH RACE – ARCHIBALD moved out behind the parked horse at the half and was soon three-wide down the backstretch to reach first-over 5/8, challenged the pacesetter, drew away from the field late. BOSCH moved outside on the turn and was along for a no-factor second. BRIGITTE BI kept the pocket closed as the pacesetter dueled with a parked horse, slid out behind the top two headstretch and was next. GREEK LEGEND was off the gate, made a brief break at the 5/16, recovered and moved outside, couldn’t stay with the winner’s wide move. PHANTOM RUSTY was never prominent. PRIMO PADRE insisted on the lead and set fast fractions in keeping it to headstretch, all done at that point. TEDDY BROSEVELT went up to challenge, had to spend life on the rim, was looped 5/8 and faded.
FOURTEENTH RACE – AMADOR moved with cover towards turn two, gapped it most of the backstretch duel then closer, had the new leader CUPID HANOVER in his sights and worked by late. CUPID HANOVER yielded the early lead, back on the attack to turn two, battled with the leader in a quick third quarter, made the lead on the turn, almost held the advantage to the line. HURRIKANE WILLIE G worked up to take over at the 1/8, yielded for the pocket 5/16, backed out after the top two went by, fairly close at the finish. LIVING PROOF I AM was outside while well off the front four, best of the rest. THE NEXT PAIR never surfaced. TUIS SHADOW was outside with cover early, set down 3/16 to go to the lead 5/16, was challenged down the back, yielded on the turn, broke headstretch and went to the infield, placed. JUSTIFY was in the second half of the field when breaking past ¾.
Aug 14, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – A hot day … Stretch headwind … BULLVILLE FRANK was carried up second-over, went three-wide late turn, up late over BLOW ME DOWN. The latter left, went briefly behind cover then tucked fourth, came again first-over at the half and grinded relentlessly, worked to the lead in the stretch, gave a big effort though caught. STONEBRIDGE KARIS left, forced much of a 26.2 quarter before yielding for the pocket, shuffled slightly headstretch waiting for the Pocono Pike, then had a good response. DANCE PARTNER was fourth-over, swung wide and had good late kick. GUSSY’S TRUMP CARD was third-over, was blindswitched, came between horses mildly late. LATEST ATTRACTION tucked third, gapped down the back, got tighter, then had little late. DINNER PARTY was out most of the fast opener, continued quickly, nothing left for the last 1/8. JAM THAT GUITAR was inside with little.
SECOND RACE – CATELLO TOO left, took the pocket into the first turn, stayed tight in the two-hole keeping a challenger parked, had a straight path to the wire as the leader bore out in the stretch, along easily. AWSOME PAUL went down the road at a decent clip, was tiring and bearing out late. KEYSTONE SERGEANT stayed inside and won third in a photo. ANDOVERS TOUCH was third-over, found the two- and three-wide paths clogged so went inside late turn, to the Pocono Pike, just missed third. AMBERS CHAMPION moved behind the parked horse, went three-wide midturn but had no gain. BILLY RAY HANOVER was briefly three-wide leaving, then was left out two-wide, faded on the far turn. WILLIAM STAR, off the gate, gapped at the back. MASSTRO was fourth-over but never fired.
THIRD RACE – CAPTAIN ALBERT G left and yielded for the pocket, followed along nicely, to the Pocono Pike and drew clear of these. BULLVILLE STEPHANO was underway 3/8 in the slow second quarter, was able to tuck third 5/8, came back out late on the turn and went on well for second. LUCKISONTHEWAY stayed out of harm’s way and was OK late. AJAYI was on top to the 3/16, slowed the half then sprinted down the back, but could not hold his advantage to the wire. GLAZOG was following cover at the half when breaking. BET THE BULL gapped, broke on the far turn. CAPTAIN UP tucked in third at the ¼, left a gap down the back, broke near headstretch and was taken to the infield.
FOURTH RACE – OSVALDO HANOVER rolled right on the lead, had just been passed by KODACK BLACK midstretch when that one went offstride, beat the others despite a 31.1 last quarter. The latter got a slow start, moved out 5/8 and quickly made up ground, wide for the stretch and had just gone by the leader midstretch when jumping it off; his stretch break gave no reason for placing. ROJO MAN was loose in the pocket at times, stayed flat. STANDTHEPAIN AS broke before the first turn. CS EXPLOSIVE CHIP broke nearing the start. COMELETUSADOREHIM was leaving a big gap by the ¼, had melted back from the front ones before breaking in the stretch. JOHNNY TRIX made a break well before the start, had recovered to the point of getting a check when going offstride again.
FIFTH RACE – TWIN B HIGH TECH went to the front, rated the half, had a horse come to her down the back, but pulled away from this crew in the lane. BLANK CHECK left and took the pocket, lost ground in the stretch but still maintained second. SISTER WIJI briefly bore wide nearing the ¼, resettled, moved up second-over, three-wide headstretch, didn’t gain. STAR SO BRIGHT moved out from way off the pack down the back, got the final payday. BULLVILLE HILDA went uncovered 5/8, gained then failed to sustain that gain. VEGAN started to gap 11/16, raced greenly along the inside. DRAGONVILLE gapped. ADULT SWIM came off the rail 3/16, made a break at the ¼.
SIXTH RACE – KELLY’S BABY did not yield early, rated the second quarter then sped up, wasn’t threatened. RHEIA ROSE defended the pocket, remained right behind the winner the rest of the way, far ahead of the others. QUINNPATRICKSHEA was second-over, gapped late backstretch, went inside on the turn, got clearance as the three-holer broke into the lane, took third over MIDNIGHT ICE. The latter was outside, three-wide late turn, had to check briefly headstretch as the inside breaker went diagonally right to try to not cause trouble, best of the rest. COOL MISS WENDY was not a major player at any point. LILYBET came out near the half and trotted in 28 down the back to narrow in, then flattened out in the last 3/16. LADYBUGS N BOURBON went frontward, could get neither the one- nor the two-hole so backed off to third at the ¼, still third when breaking turning into the stretch.
SEVENTH RACE – FUNKNWAFFLES left and briefly tucked third, then was on the move before the ¼ to the top, was in a big duel with TREY SURREAL that started before the ¾ and lasted all the way to the wire. The latter yielded early, moved from third at the half and gained pacing his own third quarter in 26.3 to challenge the leader, relentlessly pursued that one but came up just shy. BULLVILLE TERROR was outside early, retucked down the back in front of a gapper, slid up the inside to just edge BAY MEADOWS for third. The latter went to the top then yielded for a two-hole trip, was a bit loose during the fast third panel, gradually gave some ground in the last 3/16. COOL BLUES MAN had cover right in front of him then lost it, continued up on the turn, flattened a little. IC A FREE SPIRIT sat in, gapped 5/8. DIVISION BELL never made a sound. SEE YA WRITE N looked to be laboring throughout, had lost contact by in from the stands.
EIGHTH RACE – FRANKIE HILL took back past the start, then moved second-over, three-wide late turn, went to the lead at the last pylon before the finish then held off DIG THAT CURVE. The latter caught up to cover, followed it around the turn and well into the stretch, then tipped wide under careful handling, flying at the wire. DANCEHALL KING yielded at the 1/8, regained the lead in front of the stands, held the lead until deep in the lane. IT IS WELL left for the front then yielded to sit in the pocket, Pocono Pike, evenly in a slowing tempo. DONATELLO HANOVER moved uncovered before the second turn, challenged, couldn’t sustain the move. FINEFEATHERDFRIEND gapped ¾. STRONG BREW was midpack going to the ¼ when making a break.
NINTH RACE – FRONDEUR went out to take over 3/16, yielded off the first curve for the two-hole, moved outside headstretch and went on by easily. BLOW POP was three-wide early, raced behind the cover of the winner for a spell then went on after that one cleared and herself had the lead before the 5/16, slowed quarter two then sped up quarter three as wind-appropriate, held well. SWEET HOME was innermost of the primary leavers, yielded, sat third, gapped a little in the fast third stanza, then tighter and to the Pocono Pike, did well. NO GEL NIKKI went evenly. FASHIONATTIFFANYS got a midpack tuck 3/16, went uncovered into the bottom turn, went 27.1 down the back but couldn’t reach, then tired ¾. THE OTHER THREE never contended.
TENTH RACE – DRIBBLING BI was three-high past the 1/8 to command before the ¼, got a rest in quarter two, then kept going quickly and held off ARGENTO. The latter left between horses to the lead past the 1/8 then yielded before the ¼, slightly loose as the speed picked up down the back then closer, to the Pocono Pike and couldn’t quite get there. IN A TINY WAY was uncovered before the 5/8, held very well. MONEY MATTERS had early speed, moved out on the turn but didn’t tip off cover, evenly. PADRE left a big midpack gap midbackstretch, then gradually made up some ground. SCOTTISH was far back, was moving well inside in the lane, shut off at the wire. MUSCLE HALL moved outside but had little. CHARMING BANK never entered contention.
ELEVENTH RACE – ZIADEEDEE ranged up to take over 3/16, fought with the favorite from the 11/16 but resisted her at 20-1 for Team Miller/Mollor. HONORABLE LADY got early position, moved raw 5/8 and soon was challenging the winner, couldn’t go by. TSM EMILIA T took the early lead then yielded to the winner, stayed close, OK late. ULURU moved outside 11/16 but wasn’t tight on her cover. UNIQUE KEMP moved outside behind a horse gapping on the turn, wide headstretch, OK. ARVA DE VIE was at the back of the main group when galloping midstretch. MADISON HANOVER was unavailable to avoid the effect of BELLAS TITAN running off the second turn.
TWELFTH RACE – STRONGERWITHLINDY defended the pocket, moved out later backstretch and went right by, opened a big lead and won in good time for this type. MATS PALEMA was between horses early and settled third, saw the winner get away, outside late turn, clear second. U BAKE THE CAKE raced inside, wasn’t able to go with the top two but did garner third. NORTHERN BLIZZARD used the rail to gain in the last quarter. MONI’S HEAVEN CENT was three-wide to the lead to 3/16 command in a quick opener, slowed the half, couldn’t handle the winner’s move before the ¾, tired. PINE ROCKET was behind clogging cover, went three-wide 11/16, to two-wide late turn but couldn’t enter contention. TNT BLUE CHIP swung wide on the far turn to try to make up ground but couldn’t. ROSE ABOVE IT started uncovered 3/8, never got close before falling back.
THIRTEENTH RACE – HIGHRTHANANEAGLE A left well to protect the pocket, followed the favorite until coming outside past midturn, wore that one down late. BOILING OAR was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide 5/16, rolled on, couldn’t hold off the winner. ROCK THREE TIMES stayed inside, distant third. CAPTAIN MALICIOUS showed speed between horses then tucked third, came outside in the lane but bore way out. KEYSTONE STEAM was uncovered on turn two, paced in 27.1 down the back, then stalled and made a small break midturn, reset and got the last check. I’VE GOT HOOTSPA moved three-wide off cover but never entered the picture; nor did BULLVILLE JONATHAN.
FOURTEENTH RACE – PAPI HANOVER made sure of the early pocket, waited behind the backstretch duelers, then moved wide into the stretch and passed both of them easily. WORTHY OF HONOR left well and established command, under pressure from the first-over from the ¾, just held off that one for second. SWEET HEART AS moved uncovered 9/16, trotted in 27.3 down the back to get closer then pressed on further, just missed place in a good showing. SUNDANCEDIAMOND was second-over but gapped. WORLDSSTONECOLD AS never featured. BEYOND ORDINARY was just starting a quarter-move from third when going offstride.
Aug 13, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – A “sloppy +1” surface throughout the twilight card, with the temperature near 80 … MAJOR SHOW had early command, then yielded to sit the pocket, followed along nicely, went to the Pocono Pike, had to earn the victory over DIVINE RIGHT. The latter made a move to get the lead near the ¼, came home in 55 in the muck and still got caught; good outing. MAC’S MARVEL was uncovered nearing the half, appeared to be falling back on the turn but dug back in and wasn’t far off at the wire. BAY CITY came up the inside down the back, OK. CANDY TRADER never was a presence. PRAIRIE HANDSOME was second-over, went wide but didn’t make up ground. LOUKES PERRY was third-over but never entered the main action.
SECOND RACE – CAPTAIN’S STAR went right to the top then yielded to sit in the two-hole, to the Pocono Pike and worked past EAGER TO PLEASE. The latter was away well and defended the two-hole, then quarter-moved, unfortunate to be caught in a tight one. MISS HELEN HANOVER was well-placed throughout, looked all-out to keep up on the turn, fair late. CATIE FAYE HANOVER moved uncovered before the 5/8, did well. SUGAR BOWL was wide early and took back, stayed in, wide in the lane and went willingly late. SHE’S A BULLVILLE slid a midpack tuck early, then second-over but gapped ¾. BROOKDALE JESSIE never entered contention. SHIPNSTROL HANOVER took back, joined the outer flow but never joined the main action of the race.
THIRD RACE – SECRET CAPTAIN went to the lead, yielded at the ¼ but was soon on the retake and slowed the half, then strung out the field except for STAKEHOLDER, whom he held off with urging. The latter sat third until past the ¾, narrowed in steadily in the latter stages. ALL ALONE made a delayed frontward move, hit the front at the ¼ then yielded for the two-hole, a trifle loose in the last half. CAN’T SWAY ME went around a gapping GATOR HANOVER. POSEIDON DEO had little to offer.
FOURTH RACE – Rain stopped … JUST BET IT ALL moved from fourth uncovered 5/8, grinded, got to even terms early stretch, went on to a very short lead then withstood SWEET CHILLI HEAT to the inside. The latter made two speed moves then yielded to the chalk to tail that one, to the Pocono Pike, not beaten by much. MAYWEATHER HANOVER was outside with cover early, got in gear to make the top 3/8 and slowed the half, was outsprinted in the stretch. EXCURSION came on from last with good pace. TENNESSEE STRONG gapped slightly second-over. SOLAR EVENT left well for the lead, saw two go by early, gapped ¾, evenly late.
FIFTH RACE – SHANGHAI SEELSTER was wide early then took back, gapped a little bit second-over then got in a higher gear and went three-wide midturn, came on nicely for the victory. ANDRA DAY pushed the quarter from her inner draw then yielded for the two-hole, waited for the Pocono Pike, then came through but had to settle for second. SHEZAFREAKLIKEME gained inside early backstretch then moved out third-over late backstretch and four-wide just past midturn, had late pace. WHO’S SMOKIN N gapped down the back then made up ground to the far inside. FAST MACHINE backed off past mid-first turn, went uncovered early backstretch, pressured the leader, had to check in tight quarters stretch. TEMPURA HANOVER was three-wide 3/16 and two-wide to get the lead at the 1/4, rated the half then sped up, tired and may have been bearing out a little. BRILLIANT BEAUTY gapped at the back.
SIXTH RACE – QUIXOTE came storming up past the half after a fight to that point, went right by and was safely in front the rest of the way. MARRIED MAN followed the winner out but couldn’t keep with his burst, left uncovered late backstretch, continued on very nicely and far ahead of the rest. SOUTH POINT was outside past the 3/16 to get control, then pushed a foe all the way to the half before yielding, gapped midbackstretch then tightened, blocked some on the turn, Pocono Pike and a very distant third. I’M TALKIN HUNGRY was shuffled to last then moved outside, went wide, had too far to come. CROWN OF THORNS pushed the ¼, yielded, was shuffled to last and seemed to lose contact. CAPTAIN SOLO was three-wide past the 1/8, had cover then uncovered before the ¼, needed the entire second stanza to make the front, yielded to the winner, hung in there reasonably until the stretch. MORE THAN YA KNOW was in a solid backstretch flow but couldn’t go on.
SEVENTH RACE – The sun emerging … HEARTBREAK HOTEL sat in second turn as an outer tier formed, looked like being inside was going to be a lonely street, but came out into a blindswitch midturn then was able to angle three-wide as the sweeper didn’t gain, proved the strongest. DELISHKA N was three-deep a lot of the quarter before getting in top at that point, set the pace with hounding pressure, held for second, reported back with “b.e.” SUNRISE HANOVER stayed in, squeezed up the far inside to gain third ahead of ANOTHER BEACH DAY. The latter pushed out from the rail, yielded for the pocket, didn’t have the needed response late. FANCY AND FAST was parked with cover early, tucked, made a move 5/16 but it turned into a grinding excursion, fell back. A CRAFTY LADY closed a gap third-over down the back, not a late factor. LADY TO WATCH took a while to settle in early, followed the early mover, went three-wide ¾ but did not gain. SHES A SASSY BEACH was never prominent.
EIGHTH RACE – LYONS SPIRIT was behind a very slow half, but she came grinding and twin 27.2 quarters in her through the slop to be an impressive winner despite the slowish time. FULL SUPPORT was on top at the 1/8 and backed things down, yielded to a brusher for the pocket, came out behind the winner midturn, good second. EVERYBODYLOVESLOU moved before the ¼ to the lead and got a crawling half, had enough to keep the brushing winner outside through the turn, but then tired. LOUIE HANOVER stayed connected. SWEET TIMBER became disconnected 5/8 then made a late break. IDIOSYNCRATIC misbehaved w-a-y before the start. SIGHT SET was off the gate and in trouble early with “b.e.,” was pulled up.
NINTH RACE – WESTBEACH made the early lead between horses and seated a rival, had twin 27.2s coming home to keep these all at bay. NUTTINBUTHEBEST was wide early then settled into the pocket at the 1/8, stayed close, outside headstretch, neither gained nor lost ground. MILIEU HANOVER was third-over in a non-robust flow far turn, widest and moving very strongly late. SCARLETT HANOVER moved second-over, slightly off cover in the fast third split, wide past far turn, OK. ODDS ON WHITNEY stayed in, gained some up the rail early backstretch then stopped gaining. CRAZY CUTE went uncovered early on the clubhouse turn, went up in 27 to press the leader, tired. BEACH CRAZY gapped at the back.
TENTH RACE – ANNAPOLIS HANOVER was widest in a 26.4 three-way dance to the ¼, went on to two-wide and then the lead 3/8, still had a 27.4 last quarter in him to be a safe winner. STAY GROUNDED moved at the half raw, got to the leader’s wheel, drifted a little wide entering the stretch but regathered and gave relentless chase. FULTON was between horses in the quick quarter, on top 5/16 then yielded to the winner, stayed right there, Pocono Pike, not enough steps late. CAPTAIN MIKEY sat in and was shuffled to last, out in a blindswitch late turn, found room to angle wider and had late pace. LYONS STEALTH tucked early, followed second-over, couldn’t be a major player late. ERVIN HANOVER pushed the fast opener then yielded, sat third-in, not all that much left. BRUE HANOVER was third-over, way wide swinging for home and fell back.
ELEVENTH RACE – DEMPSEY HANOVER was three-wide to the 1/8, went on to the top going to the ¼, got a breather then had to pick it up to deal with the first-over, put away that one but then had MAJOR DECISION coming up the inside late, game to hold that one off. The latter was the innermost of the hard leavers and retained the pocket, waited for the Pocono Pike then made his move, got to within a nose past midstretch, good outing but had to settle for second. BE THE CAPTAIN moved to second-over but gapped the cover, three-wide before midstretch and just took a three-way photo for third. SHIP SHIP HOORAY was wide early then tucked fourth, started an uncovered grind before the 5/8, got close on the turn, then gradually ceded a little ground. CLEARCHOICE DE VIE left between horses and tucked, evenly. LAW OF SEVEN didn’t enter contention. SPEED SNIP couldn’t do much from third-over.
TWELFTH RACE – LYONS SURFING tucked fifth, went uncovered and made steady grinding progress, in a battle with KEN HANOVER nearing the wire and persevered to be more photogenic. The latter was looped early, got the lead 5/16, pushed the retaker almost to the half before yielding, waited for the Pocono Pike, appeared to have a nose up a pylon from the wire, just caught in a gallant outing. BUGABOO LOU was on the lead before the 3/16, yielded 5/16 but came right back out, couldn’t clear until the half, faced pressure on both sides, held well especially considering he came back with “b.e.” LOUSAIN BOLT was first on top, yielded, was third-in, edged out in the lane, didn’t quite have the needed steps. FLITE CRAFT gapped second-over ¾. BARBOSSA HANOVER was never on the main radar. THE REMAINING PAIR were at the back throughout.
THIRTEENTH RACE – DRESDEN made the lead without much trouble and was not pressured on the lead, had to come home in 27.2 to just beat out the coming-ever-closer SHECANDANCE N. The latter went out to sit the pocket, inside the winner and gained bit by bit in the latter stages, just shy at the wire. BETTORS HEART N sat in, outside stretch after the far turn breakers and was clearly third. JUXTA COWGIRL struggled to keep up the last 3/8. THE STUNNING NUN N was on the back of first-over CONTINUALOU, who was searching for more past the 3/4, when the first-over ran and was placed behind the second-over for wiping her out.
FOURTEENTH RACE – LOUIE THE LOOPER had the lead in an early lineup, then kept on going to keep the brushing horse on the outside, went clear ¾, didn’t look threatened until very late when YS DO IT RIGHT kicked in, held that one off. The latter stayed in, found a better gear far turn and moved outside, ate steadily into the winner’s margin in the latter stages. THANOS had the pocket in the lineup, a little loose in the quick third quarter, kept on trying. PLAY THE ACE got locked in early and was shuffled to last, found room between horses in the lane and came on steadily, but not enough. TSM BATMAN sat in, not a factor. MIKI MINAJ joined the early-forming outer flow, gapped second-over, three-wide far turn but did not gain. DILLINGER was three-wide well past the1/8 trying to take back, finally decided to just go frontward at the ¼ and had done so by the half, but didn’t have needed steps to continue on. PINEBUSH LIFESAVER gapped a gapper from third-over.
