Connors’ Comments for Saturday, August 6, 2022

Aug 10, 2022 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – Mid-80s … MINDSET was very wide early, took back behind cover and tucked in, then was underway 3/8 just as the early brusher was clearing, was engaged with that one in a protracted duel, proved the best late in a gritty performance. UNDERTAKER used his speed and the rail to great advantage, let one go 5/16 then was quick on the retake, met by the winner soon after that half and argued with that one the rest of the way, did hold second. PARK OFFICIAL defended the pocket early, came out behind the winner at the half, wasn’t especially tight behind that dueler but was well-placed, better in the straightaway. STAR MESSENGER was outside until the 5/16 to get the lead, yielded for the pocket, a trifle loose during the quick third quarter, Pocono Pike stretch, came up a little shy. CURIOUS CORTEZ was wide early, took back and tucked fourth before the ¼, stayed in, gained some behind horses while perhaps not having a clear path. GONNAHAVEONEMORE was third-over, three-wide late turn, couldn’t gain meaningfully. WHAT’S GOIN ON gapped, last.

SECOND RACE – CAVIART SAGE was buried inside, backed outside past the ¾ and soon got to four-wide headstretch as the only challenger to CERTIFIABLE, and wore that one down. The latter went up early looping a rival and was on top 3/16, yielded to the 3/8, made a quick move back to command early in the backstretch, drew clear on the far turn, but got a bit tired after hard usage. BABES DIG ME was uncovered early on turn two, got cover but then lost it, went on OK. HIGH ST CORRIDOR followed the cover of the show horse, three-wide just past midturn but not enough kick. STATEMENT MADE A was close-up early, gapped, out in a blindswitch headstretch to avoid a further shuffle, got the last check between horses. MACH WEST never was a major player. BIG BOSS HILL was far back in the outer flow, not prominent. ITSMYCHECK GB was content to be looped early, worked up to command 3/8, yielded 5/8 and started to fall back.

THIRD RACE – BUTTER UP got to the lead then kept rivals two- and three-wide to the 3/8, kept tight in the pocket, outside ¾ after the top two had drawn clear and fought, looked shaken off in the lane but tried hard to the wire and won by a whisker. HURRIKANE GEORGIE was between horses well past a fast quarter and finally took over 3/8, had the winner come out ¾, looked to have dealt with that one towards midstretch but faltered slightly. COXCOMB got into a three-wide flow and remained three-wide, narrowed in steadily late as the pace slackened. BARRYWHITE HANOVER was trapped inside until mid-far turn, then quickly angled to wide clearance and was narrowing in well late. MY BOY JACK moved outside off the second turn, went three-wide to clear the sweeper but couldn’t reach getting into major contention. WESTERN WALTZ was wide early then filled the early pocket, gapped ¾. SEXY BLUE CHIP never factored. MAJOR BEAN was extremely wide early, out three-wide well past the quarter then two-wide to challenge for the lead but was left out in the air, faded from midbackstretch.

FOURTH RACE – COVERED BRIDGE was three-wide early, didn’t want the pocket being offered so pressed on to ¼ command, went 27 down the back to tire rivals, stayed safely clear. CAVIART ROCKLAND made the top, tried to entice the winner to get in behind him early but when he couldn’t yielded for the pocket, stayed reasonably close in a fast mile. CAPTIVATE HANOVER had some early foot, stayed third-in, start to gap ¾, a little better late. PRAIRIE PANTHER was uncovered at the half, one-geared it steadily. MAXIMUS RED A sat in, not a major danger. STRAIGHT UP COOL was second-over in a nonflow, wide, fair late. CAVIART MAX was gapping in last.

FIFTH RACE – BELLOWS BINGE made his brief stay with these connections a profitable one by dominating wire-to-wire. HUNDIE N was three-wide to almost the 1/8 then backed off to tuck, uncovered at the half and one-geared his way home, not enough for the winner but better than the others in a good showing. LITTLEBITASWAGGER used the rail to defend the pocket, got a little tired chasing quick fractions. AMERICA’S GUEST was second-over, not quite enough here. IDEAL WHEEL had ideas of leaving, took back and needed until the ¼ to fully settle in, faded. DARTH FADER was third-over when breaking before the ¾.

SIXTH RACE – LUISELLA moved from third before the ¼ and methodically went to the lead 3/8, got a rest to the half then stayed in dominant position all the way to the wire. UPFRONT STONE was looped and wound up in the early pocket, outside past the 5/8 and retucked in the “pocket” headstretch, far ahead of the others. RIPPLE OF HOPE was third-over in a non-advancing flow, some late to just get third in the last step. SOREE stayed in, Pocono Pike, so-so. MOON BRIDGE started uncovered off turn two, got cover past the 5/8 but couldn’t go with it. RED REDEMPTION left well and was clear before the first turn, let the winner go 3/8 to sit the pocket, was keeping up OK until the last 3/16. THE OTHER TWO were well behind the entire last half.

SEVENTH RACE – PURPLE POET was three-deep before turn one, stayed close in the two-hole, went to the Pocono Pike, had a burst to get the lead midstretch, but had to keep working to defeat the stubborn pacesetter. SADIQ HANOVER was away with speed and hit the ¼ in 26, got a rest to the half then picked up the pace, withstood a long assault from the first-over, was passed to his inside midstretch but seemed to dig back down in a very commendable effort. INDIGO ART was third-over, three-wide late turn, closed well. THE MOONSHADOW N didn’t have too much after an inner trip. BROTHER JAMES moved quickly at the half, went 26.2 down the back to get to the leader’s wheel and got even closer on the turn, didn’t fade very badly. DRAGON STRIKES gapped second-over.

EIGHTH RACE – MISTER BOINGA went into the pocket 3/16, waited, then went to the Pocono Pike and was along in time over HALL IT OFF. The latter used the rail well and put everybody in behind, rated the half then got going more quickly, just caught. CHAPOLIER was second-over, three-wide 11/16 when cover stopped advancing to two-wide midturn, just could not summon quite enough to keep his gain going. DAGON HANOVER stayed connected, couldn’t trot with the top ones late. AP HALL OF TRIX was three-wide early then settled into fourth, backed out to third-over off the second turn but couldn’t get into the main action. BLACK HAWK DOWN was uncovered into turn two, never was right on the leader before fading. THE LAST TWO were the last two throughout.

NINTH RACE – PREMIER ROCKSTAR was in front at the 1/8, slowed the half then took off down the backstretch, extended some to withstand AIN’T IT FUN. The latter sat third into late on the turn, then closed well but had to settle for second. JONAH enjoyed a pocket trip, Pocono Pike, did what he could late. ZOEEZ BOY HENRY took back early, then went uncovered at the half, paced his own third quarter in 26.3 but couldn’t make much impact, inside late turn, next. ROCK KING DEO was second-over but gapped out on the turn. IT’SGOODTOBEDAKING had a hard task third-over from behind nongaining cover. RAPTORS FLIGHT N gapped ¾.

TENTH RACE – MISS MCKEE led every step of the mile, going fast to the ¼ to retain control and then just overpowering these. BALDAQUIN was content to sit third, in the Pocono Pike and up for second over RICH AND MISERABLE. The latter was three-wide past the 1/8, made the pocket at the ¼, didn’t have enough late to hold second. SORTIE was second-over, wide stretch, OK. BLENHEIM was looped and had a hard time settling inside, evenly late. ONE AFTER NINE was not a factor. MARION GONDOLIER was first-over second turn, got closer in the third split but then fell back.

ELEVENTH RACE – ARTACHE HANOVER moved second-over, went three-wide late turn, quickly assumed a clear lead, then dug down gamely to resist the surge of BIZYS BEATLE. The latter had poor luck – he didn’t leave and was last, then had the four horses directly in front of him pull out into the second turn, gained some along the inside, moved out into a blindswitch near headstretch, followed the path of the winner early stretch, then went outside him and finished with a furious burst. NEWBIE was fourth-over, widest and did well late. OWEN was third-over, followed cover three-wide but could offer little late. WINNING IS SWEET led the two-wide tier, had an advantage on the pacesetter late backstretch but never could clear, tired in the stretch. BNGS EXPRESS left sharply to get the lead, yielded to a looped foe then regained and slowed the second quarter, then came under great pressure, couldn’t sustain. IDEAL COWBOY was looped, pressed on to the lead before the 5/16, yielded to the retaker, started gapping past the ¾.

TWELFTH RACE – TONY TOO TALL made the top 3/16, let a foe go 3/8 to sit in the two-hole, roused before the 11/16, moved right away to the lead and drew clear in a romp. BRAVO TEX N was second-over, blindswitched 5/8 then backed out behind the sweeper, had to go four-wide midturn as that one stalled, clear for second in a very good race despite the large margin of victory. HORSE yielded, kept a hole shut, stayed in, was shuffled on the far turn, came clear headstretch and was along for third. MISSILE SEELSTER also was locked in, a mild response once free. BETTOR MEMORIES was three-wide before the 3/16 then left two-wide, eyed the pocket past the ¼ but saw that hole shut so drove on to 3/8 command, could do nothing about the winner and tired. IDEAL FEELING had traffic issues from last. WESTERN TYRANT was third-over, three-wide 5/8 but flattened out nearing midturn. MAJOR DESIRE was uncovered going to turn two, couldn’t muster enough to gain contention, then faded.

THIRTEENTH RACE – KINGSTONS BAD BOY had a fine trip in the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and an easy winner. PUZZLING was second-over and hit a higher gear near the ¾ to get tight on cover, three-wide late turn, steadily to get second late. MY WISH CAME TRUE sat third until almost the 11/16 then moved raw, never gained nor lost much ground. ROLLINWITHAMBITION looked to want to leave but took a bad step just before the start, recovered but was gapped off the main pack at the back, stayed inside in the stretch and had good late foot. A STUD NAMED SAM set the pace of his choosing, not enough late. POSH ONTHE BEACH A gapped at a couple of points.

FOURTEENTH RACE – SPRINGBRIDGE DUEL was second-over, three-wide late on the turn, just up in a blanket finish. GOOD DEAL was very wide early and three-wide to the 3/16, dropped behind cover and did get into the 3-hole 5/16, inside, went to the deep Pocono Pike and was just outkicked. JIM BLUE refused to yield at the 25.4 quarter or at any other point, just missed. FRAZZLEBERRY kept the pocket shut, inside of the pacesetter in the lane, just a bit shy. CAPTAIN SLEAZE tried for the lead but couldn’t get there so had to go the raw route, held very gamely. RIFLEMAN had cover, finished gaining on the far outside. THE OTHER PAIR were not major contenders.

Connors’ Comments for Tuesday, August 2, 2022

Aug 9, 2022 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – Mid 80s … “Fast +0” for the first five; then rain and “sloppy,” with “+2” for race six and “+1” thereafter … Stretch headwind … KEEGAN HO went right to the top, pushed then yielded 3/8 to sit the pocket, shuffled a little late turn then got to the Pocono Pike and finished strongest of all. JUSTIFY went uncovered 5/8 and got cover a 1/16 later, finished steadily. WHAT A DAME was forwardly-placed, uncovered 11/16, got the lead but not to the inside on the turn, gave way. SUM FOR ALL wound up third-over, came on decently between horses late. GLIDE IN THE WIND was looped, three-wide past the 1/8, onward after a quick quarter to command 3/8, held a brusher out midturn before giving way. BRIGITTE BI never was in the picture. CHOCOTURE was looped and took back to tuck, gapped, faded.

SECOND RACE – SPORTSMANSHIP went to command then yielded towards the 3/16 to sit in the two-holer, backed out behind the first-over past midturn, swing wide and just caught that one late. BEVANS CULLEN N came out of third 11/16 to challenge, went by headstretch, almost held the advantage to the wire. HOPETOBEFIRST sat in, moved out and wide in the stretch, finished ahead of the others. LUZIANA gapped in fourth late backstretch. REYS N A RUCKUS was in front to the 3/16, set the pace, no response when challenged. DARK HORSE was wide early, decided to take back, then was hampered by dull cover, never got rolling. ALWAYS THE SUN gapped near the back. SOCIAL THEORIES moved outside but never made progress.

THIRD RACE – LIFE ITSELF went to the lead and forced tucks, got away with a 1:01.4 middle half, then accelerated on the turn and finished in 28.3 by herself. OLD MAGIC took the early pocket, stayed close until past midturn, still was clearly the best of the others. GUIDING STAR got a tuck 3/16, stayed in, very distant third. MOMMAS A DIVA moved out of third 11/16, a bit rough, challenged on the turn then fell back. TIPSY MONI broke early, caught the field by the half, recovered for the last check. HALEY HILL moved 5/8 and soon got cover but couldn’t go enough. CHEROKEE JOY was off the gate, moved outside but broke far turn.

FOURTH RACE – TAKE MY NAME was content to sit third to midturn, then edged out and wide, didn’t kick in until midstretch but proved to have enough. DINKY WINKY left and got a two-hole ride, outside early on the far turn, got the lead early stretch, not that far off the winner. ONE HUNDRED POOF came off the rail to the ¾ but didn’t get close enough to keep two pylonsitters inside on the turn, finished with trot. CIVIL UNION set all the pace, lost the lead headstretch, returned back with “b.e.” LOOKINTOGETLUCKY left a small gap midfield much of the way. JD MAGIC MOON didn’t enter the picture; also came back with “b.e.” F SCOTT’S MUSE looked to leave but broke early.

FIFTH RACE – A downpour before the race, which gradually lightened during the contest … BET EIGHTTHIRTYONE tucked third and stayed in, to the deep Pocono Pike and closed strongly. RIPPLESONTHEBEACH had a fine trip second-over, wide and steadily. STORMY BEACH was a bit loose in the pocket most of the way, inside the pacesetter stretch, took third. LETMECALLYOUBACK tucked fourth at the 1/8, started uncovered to the half, put in a good challenge, held well. MISTER DAVID C was a fast quarter and had an open-length lead almost to the ¾, then got pressure, couldn’t hold on. CARRYTHETORCHMAN was near the back throughout. RENO DINERO moved outside but couldn’t get involved.

SIXTH RACE – The rain resulted in the “sloppy” condition of the track … SAINT TRIXIE went out for the pocket, on her own behind the pacesetter, then in gear midturn and worked by fairly easily late. ANDOVER JESS got a slow pace even in the glop, second-best. FAWN DE DON’T tucked third at the 1/8, stayed pretty well connected. IN YOUR DREAMS DEO disconnected in the last quarter. ARDELLA stayed flat and got the last check. LOHAN’S LINDY wanted to go outside at the half but quickly changed that decision, broke far turn. DON’T CRY DENA was off the gate and then broke upon reaching the START point. WILDER DAYS broke just before the start.

SEVENTH RACE – THEWINNERTAKEITALL was looped and briefly three-wide, then went on two-wide to command 5/16, let a foe go before the second turn to sit in the two-hole, outside headstretch and finished very strongly. RED LIGHT LADY was four-wide early, dropped down behind cover to the 3/16, left uncovered 5/16 and was used to clear to the lead going into the second curve, set the pace, couldn’t handle the pocket rocket but well ahead of the others. ZAPPA moved out 11/16, along for third. TELENOVELA followed the late-developing cover, evenly. STORYBOOK ENDING had belated finishing trot. SOUTHERN AUTUMN left to the top, saw two go by in quarter two, empty in the last 1/8. MIDNIGHT ICE went outside but gapped.

EIGHTH RACE – SNOWMAN HANOVER was left alone on the lead and won as he pleased. FOX HOLE had the pocket, stayed pretty close most of the way, second. WARRAWEE YIMA looked to leave but broke, caught quickly, moved on the second turn, retucked third and made up ground down the back, OK recovery. CHEVAL NOIR was never close. HESPOOKSHESCORES was away last from the rail, never in it. FULL SCALE tucked fourth past the 1/8, fell back. ANDOVERTHEWINNER was third early, left an ever-widening gap the second quarter before running.

NINTH RACE – BANUS HILL was wide then went behind cover early, tucked fifth 3/16, second-over then three-wide not much past the 5/8 to two-wide on the turn, challenged then paced away. MADELYNN SOPHIA was kept outside in a 26.3 opener in the slop before getting the lead, set the pace, just lasted for second over KILEE ROCKS. The latter pushed the ¼ then sat in the two-hole, backed out behind the winner headstretch, almost reached second. PRINCESS DAYNA was three-wide past midbackstretch, couldn’t stay with the winner but continued on very nicely. PJS FANCY DANCER was shuffled some on the far turn, but not too much once clear late. JAGGED LITTLE PILL was in a two-wide blindswitch, wasn’t a factor. AMERICAN BEACHBABE was very wide early, tucked third, gapped most of the second quarter, came out into the backstretch, couldn’t sustain the move to the ¾. LET ME BE ME fell way back.

TENTH RACE – NO DRAMA PLEASE left and yielded, quarter-moved and made the lead before the second turn, won easily. WILLIE B WORTHY made a big uncovered move down the back and raced into the pocket ¾, clearly second-best. MUSCLES JARED got to the lead at the 1/8, kept a foe out to the 3/8, came out of third 11/16 forcing SMART AS HILL wide, photoed out that one but then after an inquiry placed behind that one for interference when coming out. SMART AS HILL backed out, pushed three-wide 11/16 and stayed wide much of the far turn, edged for third but placed up to that spot. NICE STUFF gapped early, in, shuffled, some recovery in the Pocono Pike. SWEET HEART AS took a long time settling back, finished well on the extreme outside. LADY’S IMAGE was wide then behind cover, was kept out until near the 3/8 before getting the front then yielded to the winner, unplugged 5/8. WHAT THAT IS showed very little.

ELEVENTH RACE – HEZA REAL DIAMOND was three-wide early and took the pocket, then moved in front of the stands to the lead, drew more and more clear from the 5/8 on, going in 1:50.3 in the bottom class, noteworthy over a “fast” track much less this sloppy one. MCNEIL Z TAM was underway from last, three-wide far turn to circle the rest. AMAZON took back at the 1/8, was stuck inside on the far turn, found an escape hatch and got third. LEAVE AND ROLL passed tired horses. CLASSY HILL moved outside to try to gain but couldn’t make a dent. MISSISSIPPI RABBIT was four-wide to the first turn, made the lead 3/16 before a 26.2 opener, yielded to the winner and steadily fell back the last 3/8. CAVIART STETSON stayed in, gapped behind the struggling pocket horse.

TWELFTH RACE – SYLVESTERAMERICAIT sat second behind a sprightly clip, to the Pocono Pike and overpowered DYLAN THE GREAT. The latter set all the pace while stringing out the field, tired late and just did hold second over CUPID HANOVER. The latter gapped early, was closer by the half, moved out ¾, steadily. SUNDANCEDIAMOND gapped throughout, whether inside or outside. CHOCOLATE MATTERS struggled. SVF CASH DEPOSIT took back to last, moved outside but never improved position.

THIRTEENTH RACE – MUFASA AS was away between horses, took back, started uncovered soon off the second turn, speed-grinded up to challenge, had a very tough foe to conquer in PAPI HANOVER but did work by late. The latter made two speed moves, fought very hard against the winner and held admirably. LIVING PROOF I AM gapped outside, pushed wide by a breaker late turn, salvaged the distant third. CELEBRITY ROLEX went to the front 3/16, yielded, began gapping in the pocket down the back, not affected by the breaker but still couldn’t hold on to third. SPIT AND VINEGAR sat in and gapped, went to the infield to avoid the trouble. PRIMO PADRE couldn’t keep up second-over, then was knocked offstride by GIVEM THE GOO. The latter was gapping when making a break far turn, scattering many horses.

Connors’ Comments for Monday, August 1, 2022

Aug 7, 2022 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – Mid to high 70s; stretch headwind … ROCK THREE TIMES yielded then saw a pair exchange the lead, went to the Pocono Pike and gradually made his way to the top. HEARTBEAT HILL was out second-over, gapped ¾, then three-wide headstretch, narrowed in as the pace slowed. TRAY SURREAL was kept outside much of a fast ¼, yielded, retook the lead early in the backstretch, held on pretty well. DIVISION BELL came uncovered 5/8, grinded steadily. FROMASHESTOASHES N had an excess of cover, four-wide headstretch, finished well. STARVIN MARVIN didn’t appear to have stretch clearance. FIXED IDEA was five-wide into the stretch, little chance from that spot. JAHAN HANOVER was three-wide to the 3/16, went behind cover then uncovered until getting the lead 3/8, yielded early backstretch, couldn’t go forward in the lane.

SECOND RACE – SCIROCCO PATRICK moved uncovered off turn two and grinded up, proved the strongest horse late. AWSOME PAUL went to the lead, yielded 5/16, thought about retaking but changed his mind and stayed in the two-hole, Pocono Pike, OK to hold the deuce. BILLY RAY HANOVER left between horses and tucked, outside far turn, fair late. CATELLO TOO was three-wide towards the first turn, two-wide for the top 5/16, set the pace, didn’t have the steps late. CRITICAL MASS went second-over but gapped, ducked in far turn, no factor. NO NAME YANKEE and SLEW FOOT never entered contention. KEYSTONE SERGEANT was midpack when he misstepped 5/16.

THIRD RACE – MAYWEATHER HANOVER set all the pace, was far clear when the pocket horse broke on the turn, won in hand. BULLVILLE STEPHANO picked his way around three separate gappers and breakers to be second in a good performance. CLEARCHOICE DE VIE was already gapping at the 1/8, no-factor third. GLAZOG was always far back. BET THE BULL gapped out at the half. EASY AS THAT tried to move up outside but it wasn’t as easy as that. CAPTAIN UP sat a tight pocket as the only horse remotely close to the winner, then broke midturn and went to the infield.

FOURTH RACE – WEATHER VANES cut a not-especially-fast pace but still ran off. JOHNNY TRIX backed out behind cover midturn and was along for second. IT IS WELL was uncovered from last of the main bunch towards the 11/16, made it to second early stretch but couldn’t hold that spot late. STRONG BREW sat in the two-hole, struggled the last half. COMELETUSADOREHIM gapped much of the way, fell way back. GRIZZ WYLLIE was looped early, was trying to move frontward when making the first break 3/16, caught the field but broke again.

FIFTH RACE – ALEXA’S FANTASY was wide leaving, dropped behind cover to the ¼, went on to command 3/8, yielded for the pocket, edged out early stretch and got to DUCHESS HILL late. The latter gained control early, yielded at the ¼, came again 3/8 to the lead towards turn two, set the pace, caught late. TWIN B HIGH TECH was three-wide a ways early, on to command past the ¼, saw two go by in quarter two, backed out to second-over late backstretch but went back in when the cover tired midturn, out again before midstretch and narrowed in well. STAR SO BRIGHT was a distant next. BULLVILLE HILDA was outside behind a dull one whom she circled, but never could reach contention. SLIM FAST made a good move from near the half to reach contention, then ran out of steam midturn. JUST SHOCKING had some early speed, then never surfaced again. C DIDDY’S GAL was outside but gapped.

SIXTH RACE – EBBIES LADY was three-wide past the 3/16 then onward to the top 3/8, opened a bigger lead with every stride the last 3/8. RHEIA ROSE left and tucked, sat third until past midturn, then outside and easily a distant second. ALDEBARAN ACRUX came through to maintain the lead before finally yielding to the winner, unplugged from the 5/8. ROMANTIC TILE S went evenly. KELLY’S BABY was four-wide almost to the 3/16, backed off to tuck but broke, caught the field and salvaged a check up the inside late. QUINNPATRICKSHEA moved outside but made very little headway. ILUVMYMIUMIU’S broke off the turn before the start. GHIBLI was gapping from the half, dropped far back.

SEVENTH RACE – THE AMERICAN EAGLE was third nearing the ¼ when deciding to take the 3-spot, was behind the two breakers before the half and briefly made an “ix” but in the “exchange” found himself on the lead, a lead he never relinquished. SOUTH FOR WINNER found himself in the pocket before the half, stayed fairly close most of the way home. ROJO MAN moved out midturn and was along for a no-factor third. FINEFEATHRDFRIEND gapped at the ¼, narrowed in a bit, then gapped again. FRANKIE HILL broke just past the start, passed the two other breakers. KING TUT HANOVER filled the pocket, was right behind the leader into turn two when suffering an “ix” after that one broke. SUNBERRY HANOVER used the rail to advantage to keep the early lead, but then misbehaved entering turn two.

EIGHTH RACE – BUTTERFINGERS left alertly to take over at the 1/8, slowed the second quarter, had to survive a tough fight with FRONDEUR in the last 1/8. The latter came out of third 5/8, retucked in the pocket before the ¾, then moved out again for the drive, just missed. UTE BLUE CHIP left well to land in the early pocket, was loose by a widening margin from the ¼, just got the DH3 with ANNA’S WISH, who went evenly and reached for the tie. CHERISHED MEMORY had some pace on the end after being far back. UBIQUITOUS HANOVER went nowhere. BULLVILLE DEBBIE moved out towards the second turn but didn’t advance.

NINTH RACE – SCOTTISH sat in then backed out third-over, four-wide to headstretch and trotted over these as if they were standing still. PRIMO VOMO came a long way uncovered from sixth, challenged, made a brief lead midstretch, passed but good for second. PINE ROCKET hustled to stay with good cover as second-over, eased three-wide to headstretch, outtrotted, just got third over MONI’S HEAVEN CENT. The latter yielded towards the ¼, retook in front of the stands, had a 59.4 middle half, still gave way. U BAKE THE CAKE spotted, then was shuffled, not too much late. NORTHERN BLIZZARD sat in and also was shuffled, also didn’t show much in the latter stages. TNT BLUE CHIP was three-wide early, took over at the ¼ but soon yielded for the two-hole, gave way. MATS PALEMA jumped near the start.

TENTH RACE – “Sounds like an argument at my greatgrandmother’s over Sunday dinner” – great line … AGGIORNAMENTO came out of third 5/8 to argue the pace, mildly urged to go by the pacesetting ABRUZZO. The latter yielded for the pocket but reclaimed command in front of the stands after some work, set a fast pace and got pressure late backstretch to the wire, almost held. IN A TINY WAY was looped and three-wide to the 1/8 before settling in fourth, moved outside midturn and gained some ground. BY THE BOOK was fastest away, pushed a brusher in Q2 before yielding for the pocket, had no gain late. ARGENTO gapped down the backstretch, did a little better late. PADRE was well off the gate and far back throughout. AMBERS CHAMPION also fell way behind.

ELEVENTH RACE – STONEBRIDGE KARIS left between horses, yielded for the pocket, shuffled as the first-over went by the pacesetter, finally got to the Pocono Pike and had a sharp last 1/16 to get the decision on the line. PINK FLOYD HANOVER had speed, moved uncovered just past the half, cleared at the ¾, opened a good margin into the stretch, didn’t exactly hit the wall but failed to last right on the money. HANDSOFFMYTITOS was three-wide to the 1/8, worked on to set the pace after a fast quarter, was passed past the ¾, did hold for the distant third. LATEST ATTRACTION was three-wide with cover early, ducked in fourth, inside, didn’t have much of a late response. GUSSY’S TRUMP CARD and BLUE LABEL were in the two-wide tier, had to swing wide and wider in the lane, fair. JAM THAT GUITAR was not heard from. HURRIKANE JUNIOR moved uncovered then soon got cover, couldn’t stay with it 11/16, left uncovered and had little (almost fatally pinning in the winner).

TWELFTH RACE – MAGICAL JOURNEY had one in the eyes of his backers – in defending early positioning he broke 3/16, had caught the back of the field 5/16, then got a good trip second-over, wide in the stretch and won under his own courage; an inquiry into the early break gave no reason for a placing. HURRIKANE WILLIE G took control from the pole, turned back the first-over, just failed to hold off the winner, who was well outside him. CHARMING BANK got the pocket when the winner broke, stayed connected, to the Pocono Pike, not quite enough. LAZER JET moved uncovered at the half, had steady midbackstretch speed, flattened just a little. SPRING IN PARIS sat in, gained enough for the last payday. MATTER OF TRUST stayed in third, gapped on the turn, no factor. ANDOVERS TOUCH did not reach contention.

THIRTEENTH RACE – The four horses behind the pacesetter nearing the ¼ were all on the outside … FLIGHT ONEFORTYSIX never saw the rail, wound up parked with cover then without from the 3/8 on, challenged and cleared at the ¾, opened up enough of a lead to be safely ahead of BULLVILLE FRANK. The latter was the last of the four “outsiders” at the ¼ and tucked, then moved to follow the winner, gapped that cover and was left uncovered past the ¾, finished steadily for second. BLOW ME DOWN remained outside after being looped, got the lead at the ¼ then yielded 3/8, was loose in the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and took the distant third. LENDA HAND MAN was fourth-over, three-wide ¾, circled the rest. DS IT’SNOWORNEVER moved outside before the ¼, left uncovered just past that spot to the lead 3/8, dueled with the winner ahead of the field until the ¾, surrendered the lad, faded. TRUTHBTOLDBLUECHIP didn’t keep up. BUD TRUCK moved out but gapped. DANCE PARTNER cleared everybody early then saw a host of lead changes, gapped out.

FOURTEENTH RACE – GRAPPLE HANOVER was four-wide early but had cleared everybody by just past the 1/8 in a fast quarter, always in control of this fast mile for its class. BEYOND ORDINARY was away well for the pocket, could make no stretch inroads. TRAIN sat third, was in a fast mile but never gained. TUIS SHADOW was outleft and took back to tuck, moved outside 5/8 and just grabbed fourth over TEDDY BROSEVELT, who was no factor. KEYSTONE THUNDER did not enter contention. PHANTOM RUSTY moved outside but couldn’t summon much and retucked around the gapping ZSA ZSA DABOR.

Connors’ Comments for Sunday, July 31, 2022

Aug 6, 2022 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – Around 80 degrees all night; no wind at the start … BAY CITY was away third then quarter-moved, had a challenger come at him before the 5/8 and was extended to keep that one out while pacing his own third quarter in 26.3 while second for a good stretch of it, kept the foe outside on the turn, stayed game to the wire to hold off his persistent challenge. DIVINE RIGHT was on the move uncovered to the second turn, paced his own third quarter in 25.4 trying to clear, got a lead but never the inside, kept going strongly right to the finish. YS DO IT RIGHT was wide early but took back, kept picking his way around struggling foes to be up for third over MCDREAMER. The latter left, forced a tuck, yielded to the winner, was loose in the brutal last-half duel, just missed third. THIRD POWER got the last check. PARKLANE TERROR left very wide and circled up, took the pocket 3/16, struggled the last 3/8. THE OTHER PAIR were never prominent.

SECOND RACE – NARINA HANOVER moved and got second-over cover, tipped three-wide late turn and swept to the lead entering the stretch, ran away and hid. BROOKDALE JESSIE protected the pocket, was jammed up inside headstretch then got to the Pocono Pike, along for the distant second. SWEET PINK left, backed up to tuck third past the 1/8, also blocked far turn, angled wide the first half of the stretch and had late pace. ELLEOFADELI was third-over, wide, OK on the end of it. RELLA TIVITY never contended. NORA TOVA was uncovered into turn two, challenged though not in a fast third quarter, then along with the leader faded through the stretch. REALLY A VIRGIN went out to establish command, got a 59 middle half despite a first-over challenge, then had nothing the last 1/8.

THIRD RACE – SPREE left a big gap behind an early runaway and eventually gave the pocket, moved as the tempo moderated and went to the lead ¾, won handily. POSSESS THE STONE moved out behind the winner late backstretch but couldn’t stay with that one, chugged home for second. MY BIG KADILLAC was at the back of the main field, three-wide and was along in a photo for the distant third over CRAZY ABOUT PAT. The latter left, couldn’t reach the gaping pocket behind the fast leader until the 5/16, shuffled ¾, got out to two-wide, but didn’t have too much. WORLDSSTONECOLD AS galloped early. TAKE SHAPE had a huge lead at the 1/8 and cut wild fractions, tired before the ¾.

FOURTH RACE – EAGER TO PLEASE was between horses to the ¼, then went on two-wide to the lead 5/16, did get a rest to the half before being attacked by the first-over, held off that one and the rest of the opposition. LIGHTNING LEIA was three-wide fully to the ¼, then dropped to two-wide covered, inside 3/8, stayed in, angled sharply wide headstretch and finished very well in a big race. SUGAR BOWL pushed well past the ¼ from the rail then yielded for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, OK but not quite enough. REENACTMENT made her way first-over nearing the half and pressed the leader the rest of the way, held well. DRAGON STRIKES stayed in, went to the deep Pike, not quite enough. SHE’S MAGICAL went third-over but was behind a gapper, not three-wide until nearing headstretch, not prominent. CATIE FAYE HANOVER gapped at the back. BARDMIRY moved second-over but didn’t keep up the last half.

FIFTH RACE – RIVER OTTER stepped around the pole horse, then kept up a sharp pace parking a challenger, drew a bit clear on the far turn, then was urged to hold the lead over NATURAL KEMP. The latter left, yielded, defended the pocket, a bit loose much of the last half, then narrowed in as the pace slowed, photoed out. TIDQUIST moved outside down the backstretch but couldn’t get close enough to pose a major threat. JOEY PRO went evenly. SILVERMASS VOLO took awhile to settle inside before the ¼, then was second-over but gapping by the 5/8. CHIEF JUSTICE was not a major player. DIMANTE VIC gapped early, had very little to offer. WALKINGINTHERAIN was very wide going to the first turn, circled up to two-wide but then didn’t have the speed to get around resistance, did tuck in 5/8 but was done at that point.

SIXTH RACE – ANDRA DAY yielded for the pocket past the 1/8, considered the inside-outside option on the turn, committed to “out” then swung wide off cover midstretch and finished well. THEREWASTHISGIRL made a delayed early move and got in third 3/16, moved uncovered 5/8 and pressured the leader, went to the stretch lead but couldn’t outkick a fresher horse. FREE FLYIN TICKET was three-wide early then two-wide to command 3/16, set a quick pace, tired, just holding third over NIMAH FRANCO N. The latter was outside but gapped, widest stretch and had better steps finishing. TRAFFIC JAM sat midpack, had no impact. THE LAST THREE couldn’t go with the hot pace.

SEVENTH RACE – DEE’S RED DELICIOUS quarter-moved to the lead past the 3/8, had to hustle home to withstand the closers. MYSTICAL WYNN was out to the quarter for the top, yielded for the pocket, kicked the plugs 11/16 and urged to stay close to the winner, gathered more speed in the Pocono Pike and didn’t miss by much. SORTIE came first-over at the 5/8, challenged, didn’t back off to the wire. MISTER BOINGA was second-over but not a major danger. BEERTHIRTY K went to the lead, yielded at the ¼, stayed in, boxed headstretch, but not that much with room late.

EIGHTH RACE – MILIEU HANOVER got a great trip second-over, wide late turn, came a fast last quarter to reach the wire first. PLZDONTLIETOME N was first-up at the half, speed-grinded, didn’t appear to ever have the lead but proceeded on sturdily. DRESDEN gradually worked her way to the front at the ¼, yielded for the two-hole, Pocono Pike, not quite enough. TALK SHOW CHICA stayed third-in, edged out in the stretch, finished mildly. NUTTINBUTHEBEST made two speed moves and set the pace, was under siege, very tired nearing the wire. THE STUNNING NUN N was never close. TALL POPPY N gapped at a couple of points, including when third-over. BEACH CRAZY broke just before the start.

NINTH RACE – SHECANDANCE N sat third-in, angled out late turn and wide for the stretch, finished strongly to be along just in time. FAST MACHINE went to the lead 3/16, then yielded for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, had the lead just past midstretch but couldn’t hold on to it at the wire. APRIL AVA made two speed moves and went at a good clip, held the lead until midstretch. SHEZAFREAKLIKEME came speed-grinding before the half, challenged hard, just a bit shy. DELISHKA N was well off the gate, best of the rest. PRAIRIE SWEETNESS never surfaced. FANCY AND FAST was behind SOME KINDA ANGEL, who was the first one outside before turn two, got cover but could never get tight on it.

TENTH RACE – DRAMA ACT left strongly between horses, yielded, retook in front of the stands and got a breather, then turned on the jets again and was clear the last 3/8. EASY TO PLEASE came first-up off the second turn, didn’t pose a big threat to the winner, tucked behind her on the far turn, all-out to retain second over MAJORCA N. The latter was third-over behind gapping cover, closed well late. WESTBEACH was the innermost leaver and pushed in the 26 opener, yielded, inside, to the Pocono Pike, next. SHES PUKKA N was three-wide most of a hot quarter, finally took the top, yielded, gradually unplugged from the 5/8. KATIE’S GIGI was four-wide going forward towards turn one before losing gait. CRAZY CUTE gapped second-over.

ELEVENTH RACE – MAJOR BATTLE got early position, uncovered 5/8, made a strong move midturn and swept past the leader into the stretch, drew away (although the pace was decelerating). NEED UR OPINION was between horses early and looped, finally made the top 3/8, couldn’t handle the winner but won second in a multi-horse photo. SLICK ARTIST stayed in, had room in the Pocono Pike and had some finishing pace. JUXTA COWGIRL moved out 11/16 behind dull cover, three-wide past midturn, moving well late. BETALADY was inside, gained the upper half of the stretch, may have been blocked approaching the wire. A CRAFTY LADY had some late pace from way back. ANOTHER BEACH DAY gapped, then moved outside but gapped some more. SHES A SASSY BEACH hummed away strongly to get the lead, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, came up empty at crunch time.

TWELFTH RACE – BELL FAMILY gradually worked his way to the lead before the 3/8, got a bit of a breather in the middle, then kept command the rest of the way. MAJOR SHOW was three-wide to the first turn, looping the winner and getting the lead, yielded to the 3/8 for the pocket, held second well. CANDY TRADER sat third, outside midturn, did OK in a quick last quarter. DILLINGER moved outside far turn while well off the top three, had late pace. PLAY THE ACE didn’t have enough response in the last ¼. THE REMAINING THREE got away in the back and never factored.

THIRTEENTH RACE – INDIGO ART was away well, yielded 3/16 for the pocket, on the move again before the half and used what used to be his “last quarter brush” in the third quarter to clear while going :26.3, withstood a resurgent MACHDAVID. The latter was out 3/16 before making the front, rated Q2 then picked it up dramatically but still didn’t hold out the favorite later backstretch, but stayed close and came back on late. CAPTIVATE HANOVER was forwardly-placed, got to the pocket at the half, was not shuffled in the lead change, left a slight gap on the turn, then angled wide nearing the stretch and finished well. I’VE GOT HOOTSPA stayed in, gained while for the last half of the stretch Buter kept looking down to make sure he had wheel clearance to come between horses. DEETZY found no hole early, was uncovered, covered, then uncovered again, held gamely. VIRGIN STORM gapped cover. THE REMAINING PAIR were near the back throughout.