Connors’ Comments for Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Jun 19, 2022 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – Right around 80 degrees for the entire card … NEWBIE forced wholesale tucks heading right down the road, had enough to hold together over MR MCDREAMY. The latter was three-wide to the 1/8, tucked third, tightened in, uncovered at the 5/8, was never closer than the leader’s wheel until deep stretch, then ate up ground but belatedly. SHARK FANTASY rode the pocket trip, not quite enough late kick. SPINOUT sat in and was last, out into a blindswitch ¾, split horses in the lane with some gain. JAMAICAN COWBOY gapped second-over. SKYWAY FIREBALL had dull cover, three-wide ¾ but himself didn’t gain. ARTACUS never factored. ABSOLUTE INTENT sat in and never surfaced.

SECOND RACE – BLENHEIM was three-wide before the 1/8 to two-wide to the lead 3/16, and from the quarter was in his own world, with the 1:52.4 only 3/5 off the season’s record at Pocono – in the second-lowest class. ANDOVERS TOUCH moved out towards turn two, needed past until the 3/4 to reach the “pocket,” held the need-a-telescope-to-see-the-winner second. SUM FOR ALL gapped cover; he and DIVINE SPIRIT passed bottomed-out horses. ARCH CREDIT left and relinquished, was stuck in as the pocketsitter faded and faded, but had little once clear anyway. B YOYO left, yielded to the winner 3/16, and steady lost ground from the ¼ in the monster (for this class) mile.

THIRD RACE – ROCK KING DEO was three-wide to the first bend, tucked third off that bend, circled the fading pocketsitter 11/16 and kept gaining, outside late turn, proved the best. LUZIANA gapped off the first quarter duel, tighter, outside backstretch but gapped, did better while inside on the turn, Pocono Pike, may have gotten to even or almost even terms midstretch, settled for second. GOLDEN GESTURE went 26.2 to get and keep the lead, tried to steal away down the back with a fast time to the ¾, lasted OK after the fast pace. DJ’S BIG ELVIS couldn’t quite go enough to get into the mix. MY FRISKIE BOY kept the pocket closed on the first turn, was all done shortly into the backstretch.

FOURTH RACE – GRACE AND PRAYER came away midpack, went up 3/16 and kept going to the lead 3/8, drew away through the last ¼. LILYBET left well to overcome PP8 and get the lead at the 1/8, yielded to the winner at the 3/8, stayed close until the far turn, still held the distant second. HONORABLE LADY gapped after the three-holer broke early backstretch, outside stretch, evenly for third. QUINNPATRICKSHEA finished with some trot from far back. PRAIRIE TRINKET gapped a gapper. CANTERAWISHING tried to advance from way back uncovered but couldn’t threaten. DELAVIOUS fell back sharply in the last ¼. CHASE MY LINDY raced into the pocket at the 1/8, made a break 9/16 and went to the infield, pulled up and came back with broken equipment.

FIFTH RACE —  CAPTAINS PRINCESS made two speed moves to be in control in front of the stands, then paced home in 55.4 – 27.4 far the best of these. BETTE TINA got an alert start and took the lead at the 1/8, yielded to the winner, stayed close to the 5/8, well ahead of the others. AMARETTO HANOVER took a three-tuck to the 1/8, stayed close to the place horse then moved outside far turn but was tiring late. BEST DIVA circled around the others. GINGER TREE LESLIE moved out to circle a gapper, herself gapped out ¾. MARTARITAONTHEROCKS was always far behind. SWEET KATIE BUG started fading 5/8.

SIXTH RACE – Stretch tailwind picked up … HOT SUMMER KNIGHT made the top, rated the half despite the first parked challenger, then had to deal with a sweeper late backstretch, lost the lead on the turn but crucially didn’t let the challenger cross over, then stayed dead-game to take a nose decision. BROOKROAD MASTER moved out 5/8 and soon three-wide to be first-over late backstretch, had the lead but not the inside on the turn, just edged out. MUSKINGUM kept the pocket tight, Pocono Pike, just a bit shy. CAN’T SAY NO went up a couple of beats late nearing the first turn, urged but couldn’t clear, looped late backstretch, gave some ground in the last 1/4. LAZER JET gaped inside, little. BANZAI AS broke early. LIVING PROOF I AM tried to follow the looping move of the place horse midbackstretch but couldn’t keep up.

SEVENTH RACE – REGENTS HANOVER was in front 3/16 and forced to go a lively clip under pressure from the parked horse, came home in 28.2 but saw much of the field gaining late, held them off. HANDSOFFMYTITOS yielded for the pocket and stayed close, eased out early stretch, got close but didn’t seem a major danger. BEACH VIBES gapped at the half, found a better gear 11/16 and moved out, wide headstretch and gaining on the far outside. BUCHANNON HANOVER was three-wide leaving, briefly had cover then stuck raw on the rim 3/16, kept pacing gamely to the line. ABEL DE VIE kept a hole closed early, inside, not all that much late. BACK IN MY DAY was away last from the rail, gapped.

EIGHTH RACE – NIGHT FLYER K was used past the 1/8 in a good quarter to control the field, had moderate splits the rest of the way and drew away in the stretch. TAKE SHAPE left and yielded to sit the two-hole, perhaps a bit tired late but held second over GAAREAT GAAZOO. The latter sat third, moved out far turn but couldn’t summon enough to be second. ALL RISE had nonmoving cover, three-wide midturn then tucked back in headstretch, far ahead of the others. ALEXANDER HANOVER did manage to get the final payday. BUTTER TOFFEE gapped. LAKEVIEW TAMMY had no more to offer 5/8. TREASURE GEMS K was uncovered near the 5/8, didn’t gain then went backwards in the last quarter.

NINTH RACE – DIVINE RIGHT stayed connected early, uncovered on the second turn and went up in 27.1 vs. the breeze to tackled the leader before the ¾, fought hard with him, took a small advantage midstretch, never widened it but got the nod by tacking on a 27.2 back quarter. ONE OF THE GUYS was the #1 guy past the 1/8, moderated the half then sped up, had a big last-quarter duel with the winner and acquitted himself very well. C-BET HANOVER stayed connected in the pocket, tired a bit midstretch. STEWARDOFTHELAND moved outside but couldn’t go with his cover. QUARANTINI didn’t have much to offer inside. LATEST ATTRACTION was far back. SKY CAPTAIN was gapping by the 3/16.

TENTH RACE – BELIEVER was four-wide to the first turn and then three-wide the rest of the bend to get the lead, rolled on at a good clip, just held together over VIC’S WINNER. The latter forced the fast ¼ then yielded, came out of third just past the 5/8 as the two-holer gapped, made steady progress only to just come up shy. CRAZYCAT was not close to the action, three-wide far turn and gained; WILLIE B WORTHY tried to follow that one but couldn’t stay with him. PAPI HANOVER was briefly three-wide early then between horses to the ¼, wound up in the pocket, started to unplug 5/8. SHAKE IT OUT LINDY moved out on the far turn but had little to offer. MISS MUSCLE was last, gapping by midbackstretch.

ELEVENTH RACE – BELLOWS BINGE took a tuck, moved just before the ¼ in front of the parked horse, got that lead, stepped home in 27.2 to keep firm control. ARTIST BEST was wide early, battled then took the early pocket just past the 3/16, inside until coming out 5/8, retucked into the pocket midturn, clearly second. Close for the distant third: I’VE GOT HOOTSPA came up the inside to grab the show dough on the money. HEARTBEAT HILL sat in, edged out headstretch, not too much. GETYOURLICENSELIAM was last, out into the “flow,” evenly late. CAVIART SADE swept three-wide into the backside to clear a faltering horse, got to second-over, gapped out. FOUR-STAR FLASH went through at the start for the lead, yielded, got loose in the pocket at the ¾. ARTISTS RUFFLES was outside midpack until the half, where he developed a problem and was pulled up.

Connors’ Comments for Monday, June 13, 2022

Jun 18, 2022 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – 80 degrees; stretch tailwind … ARTACHE HANOVER left alertly for command, kept up a torrid pace without great pressure, in control to the line although DARTH FADER gained some late. The latter was hustled away to maintain the pocket and stayed tight behind the fast numbers, outside headstretch, gained only after the winner was gone. GO SUE ME left but was looped and tucked third 3/16, stayed close until mid-far turn, just did preserve third over AIN’T IT FUN. The latter retucked around a backstretch gapper, moved out two- and three-wide with cover far turn and then four-wide for the stretch, closed OK. WHATA TREASURE was second-over, three-wide midturn, never menaced. ROCK IDOL gapped throughout. SPORTSMANSHIP started uncovered at the half, almost got to the winner’s wheel nearing the ¾, then dropped back in the last stanza.

SECOND RACE – SPIT AND VINEGAR circled right up to the lead, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, stayed behind the pacesetter until midstretch, then came out and just had enough on the rail end of it to nip TUIS SHADOW. The latter defended the pocket then moved out 5/16 to take over 3/8, set the pace with some far turn pressure, shook that off, held gamely but came up shy in the picture. SCIROCCO PATRICK was second-over, gapped a bit, just caught BILLY RAY HANOVER for third. The latter started uncovered just before the ½, gradually advanced and fought with the leader on the far turn, gave some ground grudgingly. FRAC was looped, tucked in third at the ¼, gapped down the back. WILLIAM STAR was always at the rear of the main group. PONDA’S MUSCLE MAN broke 3/16.

THIRD RACE – DARK HORSE was three-wide briefly early but took back and was well-placed behind the breakneck duel, moved with cover into the backstretch and then three-wide to the 5/8, swept right to the lead late backstretch and drew away. SOMWHERENBROOKLN N was in between horses for 3/8 of a mile in a very rapid tempo before making the lead, could do nothing about the winner’s move, actually had pretty well after all the early hardship. ART ALLSTAR left very strongly from the pole and kept challengers three-deep until the 3/8, thereafter yielded and sat the pocket, distant third. CODE MEISTER was away slowly, passed tired horses. BAKLOUVA could offer very little. CHANCELLORCULLEN N was out in the three-path 11/16, to two-wide and then to the rail, little late. REYS N A RUCKUS was left out three-wide past the 3/8 in thunderous fractions, then two-wide raw, was understandably left behind past the 5/8.

FOURTH RACE – BY THE BOOK was out to the fast ¼ then took the pocket, stayed third-in before the 5/8, moved outside midturn and stacked wide, just up for The Trot Man. CLASSIC HILL was three-wide to the first turn, tucked, wound up in fourth from which he came raw 5/8, grinded up to the leader, took over into the stretch, just failed to sustain. MATS PALEMA moved second-over, steadily and not far off. THE BOSS MAN was innermost of the leavers, forced tucks then yielded 3/8 for the two-hole, shuffled when the pacesetter gave way late far turn, not too much once free. PATRICK PALEMA had cover to the ¼, then went up to take over the racetrack just past the 3/8, had hard pressure on the turn and succumbed. MOJAVE HANOVER gapped at the back. CHELIOS broke at the start, caught the field but didn’t enter contention. CHROME PACKAGE moved outside but never gained.

FIFTH RACE –MG’S BEST ERA EVA made early on the turn two and got cover at the half, moved three-wide far turn and showed sharp pace but bore out badly near headstretch, regathered and marched home strongly. CLEAR THE WAY raced on to command 3/16, rated the half, had to settle for second. LIZZIANA went in fourth to turn one, uncovered at the half and kept to a steady grind to the finish. JAGGED LITTLE PILL left, yielded 3/16 for the pocket, couldn’t mount a stretch offensive. CHANCES ARE IDEAL broke just past the start, recovered and was third-over, pretty good in recovery. KILEE ROCKS was inside, evenly late. SWEET GADGETS was gapping inside by the 9/16. TEEN DREAM was always near the back.

SIXTH RACE – ZAPPA was away enough to maintain the pocket, waited for the Pocono Pike then had an immediate response when shown open racetrack, not too much speed late but enough for this crew. MONI’S HEAVEN CENT got in third 3/16, was again on the move uncovered 5/8, gradually advanced, never had the lead but stayed going forward to the wire. TSM PRINCE TRISTAN was uncovered at the half then picked up cover, so-so in the slowing last fraction. U BAKE THE CAKE put up a rapid quarter setting the pace, came under advancing pressure from before the ¾, not enough to the wire. ANOTHER LONG SONG was third-over, three-wide late turn, OK late. ROJO MAN was gapping at the half, caught up and was three-wide early on the turn then picked up cover, gained while widest of all late. WINE BAR was never a major presence. IT IS WELL was gapping 3/8, fell way back, returned with “b.e.”

SEVENTH RACE – MATTER OF TRUST was quickly in front, yielded in front of the stands for the pocket, stayed there until early stretch, then moved out and just caught A PERFECT HELEN very late. The latter wavered whether to tuck third past the 1/8, did so 3/16 then decided to move to the top off the first turn, lead 3/8, had the advantage most of the way in pretty quick fractions, but just failed to sustain her lead. CARAMEL MACCHIATO was second-over, ducked in far turn, a clear third. HEART MATTERS gapped midbackstretch then got closer, wide and made up a lot of ground in the last 1/16. SOUTHERN AUTUMN maintained the early pocket, raced forwardly-placed, gapped early on the far turn. RHEIA ROSE didn’t enter the picture. QUICK BET moved raw off turn two, came up in 28 to get near the lead, but that drained her energy. COOL MISS WENDY got a slow start and was disconnected the last half.

EIGHTH RACE —  TSM BATMAN yielded later on the first turn for the pocket, stayed tight, came out early stretch, paced away with a 27.3 last quarter, and wasn’t that easy to pull up – not what you’d expected from a $99.40 winner. LENDA HAND MAN got a forward spot, gapped slightly from past midbackstretch through the turn, then was better inside and up for second. DROPTHERAKEFREDDY was parked much of turn one for the lead, got a soft second quarter and then not much of a third split, still didn’t have enough. IVY STUD was uncovered going to the half, made progress into the backstretch wind, then couldn’t sustain it. PLAY THE ACE was third-over, a bit late to get the last check. WARRAWEE EXTREME was uncovered to turn two then got cover at the half, slightly off of it down the back, three-wide approaching headstretch, not too much. BOOGIEWOOGIEBEAVIS never surfaced. MELANIE’S NICK jumped before the start.

NINTH RACE – TEDDY BROSEVELT tried the front end this week and liked it – on top at the 1/8, he put down a wicked quarter and half, was clear through the last ¼ then slowing a bit. MATT’S MUSCLES briefly checked behind the breakers towards the 11/16 then went between them, continued up uncovered, along for second. J-S JASPER yielded at the 1/8 and wasn’t able to stay tight the rest of the way. SUNDANCEDIAMOND avoided trouble. CHOCO CHARLIE had just moved outside 5/8 when cover broke in front of him, sending him into an “ix.” GOES DOWN SMOOTH tucked, out raw to the 5/8 but soon offstride.

TENTH RACE – TACHYON didn’t leave but was on the move 3/16 and made the top before the 3/8, fought off third quarter pressure and drew clear. BEYOND THE LENS left, wound up third-in behind a gapping pocket horse, moved outside late turn with room, closed strongly. THERESNOLIMIT S was uncovered at the half, gave the winner a good fight while trotting his third split in 27.3 into the wind, couldn’t hold second late. BY A HOFF HANOVER made the lead just past the 1/8, yielded, was not tight in the pocket from early backstretch, evenly late. MUSCLE DYNASTY got the last check. AMBERS CHAMPION wasn’t in contention. PADRE was second-over, started gapping 11/16 and was fading when breaking to headstretch. PHANNYS MATTER broke early, caught the field then gapped and broke again.

ELEVENTH RACE – COVENANT WOMAN got a fine trip staying tight second-over, three-wide to headstretch, closed steadily and caught IMAREALROCKINLADY late. The latter went right to the top in a 26.1 starting fraction, set a fast pace with only two horses keeping up, drew off from the first-over but couldn’t hold off the late charger. IRISH SONG started uncovered into turn two, made a good advance down the backstretch and held her ground well late. TARGARYEN EMPRESS shut a hole before the 3/16 and soon wound up inheriting the pocket, from which she was slightly loose of the leader much of the rest of the way. BETTOR STRAIT N UP was left outside early, got in third just off the first turn, gapped down the back. RAINBOW RISING, a bit off the gate, gapped at the back; HELLRUNNER HANOVER gapped before breaking on the turn. MADELYNN SOPHIA made the pocket, appeared to be moving a little wide towards the ¼ then made a break, recovered and was taken back to last, made another break.

TWELFTH RACE – SORTIE was underway from third before the ¼ and quickly made the lead, went a fast second quarter with the wind, looked to be in control the last half. KEYSTONE THUNDER was way sharply to the top, yielded for the pocket, stayed tight, Pocono Pike, won a photo for second over KEYSTONE SERGEANT. The latter was looped early and went into the two-hole at the 1/8, came back out just past the 5/8, didn’t reach the winner but fought hard for the place to the line. O JONNIE went around a gapper then stayed in, fair late. ZSA ZSA DABOR was uncovered 9/16 and got cover just after the 5/8, tight on it and looked up on the bit through the turn, but put in rough steps and looked to bolt wide headstretch, losing all chance. CRITICAL MASS gapped in the second half. JUSTIFY broke near the back at the half. CHOCOLATE MATTERS was already disconnected by the half.

THIRTEENTH RACE – WOLFTRAX sat third-in, moved outside headstretch then came between horses as the pacesetter bore out and finished briskly to take the photo from MIKI MINAJ. The latter was way nicely to 1/8 command, yielded and sat the two-hole, Pocono Pike, had the lead midstretch but was just caught on the end of it. DINNER PARTY made two speed moves, left the outer tiers behind coming off the turn but bore out in the stretch and was caught. PROSPECTORS GOLD, showing no quickstep, was out most of the ¼ before tucking, third-over then three-wide 11/16 but never got up a good head of steam. FRAZZLEBERRY went around a gapper, was buried inside on the turn, but then had little once clear. CAPTAIN COOK was second-over, blindswitched before the ¾, little late. MCDREAMER was raw into the second bend, gained a little down the back but then backed off. CAPTAIN EMOTION was gapping by the half, fell far back.

Connors’ Comments for Sunday, June 12, 2022

Jun 18, 2022 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – Mid 70s; late rain forced the change from “fast +0” to “good +1” for the last three changes … Stretch headwind … DC BATGIRL was looped leaving and made the front at the ¼, got a breather at the half, then demonstrated her superiority by coming home in 55 without threat. BRONZE OVER N was three-wide to the lead at the 1/8, yielded for the pocket, stayed close to the stretch, clearly second-best. DELIGHTFUL SUMMER was out for position, stayed in, did what she could as a safe third. CHEEKIE BABE sat in, struggled to keep semi-close the last half. PRAY THE ROSARY had dull cover second-over, three-wide midturn, got the last payday. DRAGON SPARKS never sparked. DONEGALARTCHOKIN N was wide early and took back into her own hole, went uncovered on turn two, never advanced beyond midpack then backed off some. DIRTYLITTLELIES was always last.

SECOND RACE – KAUAI KING landed on top at the 1/8, yielded to the favorite to sit the pocket, outside early stretch and “slowly but surely” (he paced his last quarter in 27.3) wore down the leader. JOHNNY ROCKETTE was away second then improved that position by one past the quarter and got a breather to the half, reignited the speed without backstretch pressure, held well but couldn’t keep the winner from going by. TOLLY-HO was uncovered from next-to-last and impressively made a steady gain to the lane, held on to third (own last half 54.4 raw). PARKLANE TERROR sat in, outside stretch and gained a little. BLACKLIGHT sat third-in, not much in the latter stages. PETER DALT was wide early and was under a hold to take a tuck, no factor thereafter. KEYSTONE STEAM gapped inside; LOVE THE ACTION gapped outside.

THIRD RACE – MAJOR DESIRE took some sting out of an early challenger before yielding, content to sit in the two-hole, outside past midturn, proved the best of these. SHOREVIEW was forwardly-placed, to the Pocono Pike, did well but had to settle for second. MY WISH CAME TRUE started raw on turn two, didn’t get close in the fast third quarter, got some cover past midturn, steadily. CONCUR was stuck inside, had some pace along the inside late. IDEAL WHEEL was three-wide to the first turn then on top 3/16 in a fast fraction, rated the half then went a big third quarter, but couldn’t maintain his advantage. PLAY THE FIELD was a bit hard to take back, then second-over, wide stretch, couldn’t get closer.

FOURTH RACE – TSM WESTERN SOUL was quickly on top, slowed the half, sprinted with the wind down the back to avoid the inevitable confrontation with FAST MACHINE to the ¾, then held that one at bay gamely to the wire. The latter was uncovered in turn two, one-geared up in the fast backstretch, reached the leader ¾, fought with that one the rest of the way, good but just shy. CAVIART CARMEL sat in the two-hole, a bit loose in the quick third panel then closer, Pocono Pike, OK. CATIE FAYE HANOVER advanced inside, not tight on the top few, then had better pace from midstretch. SOME KINDA ANGEL had good cover second-over but couldn’t quite go enough. BYGONE HANOVER moved out, was briefly three-wide on the second turn then settled to third-over at the half, didn’t make an impact. THE LAST TWO gapped through the last half.

FIFTH RACE – LADY WARRIOR went right to the top, yielded to the early brusher and stayed behind her in the quick pace, Pocono Pike, made it a bit of heavy work going by the leader in a 29.3 last quarter, but did get the job done. IN LOU OF MONEY was on the move from third before the quarter and took over, continued on quickly, paid the price midstretch although hanging on gamely. LOVELY LADY MAY was gapping at the ¼ but was tighter by the ½, uncovered without reaching the leaders, in third ¾, evenly late. TSM ARTEMIS T had nonflowing cover, lost it, never got close. RELLA TIVITY struggled in the last half. GODIVA MACKIAVELYC made the pocket 3/16, gapped out the last 3/8.

SIXTH RACE – BIGLY wound up second after an early breaker and moved at the ¼ to the lead, slowed quarter two, opened a big lead ¾ which he held to midstretch, then saw the margin shrinking late but withstood CRAZY SUPERSPORT. The latter was uncovered on turn two, got to retuck third after a breaker, then outside and got to tuck in a distant pocket, advanced through the wire to make it interesting late. DOUBLE VODKA DON gapped early, moved outside 11/16, passed a tired horse. GINGER TREE BRAD left and had the lead going to turn one when going offstride, caught field, inside far turn, made another break headstretch, recovered with some Pocono Pike trot; an inquiry gave no reason for placing. MR CRIMSON was wide leaving, went to the top after a rival broke, yielded for the pocket, empty at the ¾. BAR COINS was behind dull cover, broke ¾ while appearing to be in tight quarters. OH BOY was away third, was asked for speed nearing the half but instead galloped.

SEVENTH RACE – DRESDEN took a tuck at the 1/8, waited in third until the 11/16 then moved outside, went right up to battle the leader, showed her quality late. ALWAYS B LAUGHIN was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide most of the ¼ for the lead, didn’t get pressure until nearing the ¾, just couldn’t handle the winner today. WHO’S SMOKIN N was innermost of the leavers, got one to tuck and pushed the other to almost the quarter before taking the pocket, a bit loose midbackstretch, held OK. FANCY AND FAST couldn’t keep up inside at the ¾; SHADOW ONE was outside her and had the same problem. THE REMAINING THREE never were in the main hunt.

EIGHTH RACE – ANDOVERTHEWINNINGS refused a yawning three-hole first turn and went on to secure the lead 3/8, was having a hard time with the first-over around the turn and into the stretch but then saw that one break midstretch, just held against the inside charger MRMAYOR HANOVER. The latter was second-over, couldn’t quite stay with his cover as that one fought with the leader, ducked inside for the stretch and surged late to just miss (he was ahead a couple of steps past the wire). CAPRICIOUS ONE left a big gap early, narrowed in, uncovered 5/8, had the lead a good part of the turn, was fighting with the pacesetter when breaking headstretch, galloped home; an inquiry showed no rule violation leading to a placing. SOUTHWIND CAINE gapped in last ¾, advanced inside early on the turn then had to wait to clear in the Pocono Pike, trotted well late. MR ZUANETTI moved out but couldn’t go with cover. BIG BEN HANOVER left, yielded and was well off the leader early, stayed in, gapping again by the half. COCKTAIL FASHION went to the top and opened a big early lead, yielded 3/8 and sat the two-hole, kept close until the big fight on the turn, started to fade then broke and went to the centerfield.

NINTH RACE – EMBLAZE HANOVER had cover almost to the ¼, went on to command just past the 5/16, went quickly down the back, had the pocketsitter pop out to the ¾, but handled him and the others nicely. CAPTAIN KEEN left well, yielded at the ¼, third-in tight, got to the pocket ¾, Pocono Pike, won the battle for second. TRAY SURREAL was out most of a quick opener to take over, yielded for the pocket, came outside to the ¾ but never got to the winner, then lost place late. ALWAYS BETTER gapped much of the first half inside, then gapped outside, but still was best of the rest. THANOS made a brief ruffle before the start but quickly caught back, inside, evenly late. MOVE THE LINE was out raw off turn two but never got close, never got close to cover when it formed, ducked in far turn, faded. THE OTHER PAIR gapped at the back.

TENTH RACE – DOUBLE DECEIVER was content to wait fourth until nearing the 5/8, then went his third quarter in 27 (not much wind) to challenge, had a short lead at times on the turn, couldn’t put away the pacesetter until deep stretch but did so determinedly. KOSHER MAHONEY soon made the front, had the pace his way until nearing the 5/8 when the winner came, fought long and hard with that one, weakening a little only very late in a quality mile. DUCASSE stayed in, outside early stretch and closed for third. THAT OLE BAR STOOL tucked in the pocket, was found wanting in the last 1/8. PAROLA HANOVER gapped second-over. OUTSIDE THE FIRE was outside the main picture here. TORRONE was gapping off turn two. MISSILE was well back when miscuing ¾.

ELEVENTH RACE – GEORGIE MARTIN N came out of fourth at the ¼ and went 27 in Q2 to get the lead then 27.1 to open a big advantage, saw the lead shrinking rapidly near the end (30.1 last quarter) but had enough to prevail. ANNE BONNEY N moved with cover past the 5/8, wide off the far turn, narrowed in best as the pace slowed. CHIPPER DAISY came out raw 5/8 and paced steadily after chasing the hot fractions. SUNRISE HANOVER had the pocket as there was only one leaver, in, shuffled from late backstretch to the Pocono Pike, made up a little ground. JERICHO DIVA stacked widest off cover and narrowed in. GREENHILL HANOVER sat in, no room with horse through the lane, shut off just before the wire. CASIE’S BELIEVER was last, weaved between horses in the lane as the winner was coming back to the field. QUEEN LOSTRIS N was the only leaver and made the top, pushed the winner to a fast half then soon thereafter unplugged gradually.

TWELFTH RACE – Rain before this race, changing the track to “good +1” the rest of the way … DANDY moved uncovered towards turn two, got cover 5/8 and gapped slightly in the fast third split, closer and three-wide headstretch, showed his usual grit and got by S I P. The latter was forwardly-placed, moved 5/8 and went up in 27.1 raw, challenged, took over early stretch and kept the advantage almost to the wire. POUR MEA DOUBLE found a 4-tuck at the 1/8, was caught in from past the 5/8, out in a blindswitch headstretch, first probed going inside S I P but found no room so angled between the 1-2 horses late and exploded with trot. FAMOUS FATHER went into the pocket at the 1/8, Pocono Pike stretch, a couple of steps shy. FIFTYFOUR K was last in the main pack, widest in the lane and finished well. DONZEL HANOVER was quick to establish command, got a rest to the half, was challenged hard late backstretch through the turn, didn’t lose by all that much. DRIBBLING BI was third-over, so-so late. NICE GUY EDDIE made a break 3/16 while appearing to be in tight quarters.

THIRTEENTH RACE – TALL POPPY N came through at the start to exert control from the pole, slowed the half then sprinted home in 55 – 27.2, under a hold nearing the wire. TRAFFIC JAM stayed in, got right to the Pocono Pike, came her own last quarter in 26.4 in passing the two right in front of her. PRAIRIE WESTERNGAL was ahead of the winner early but couldn’t clear her so took back for the pocket, loose from the 5/8, pacing OK late. SHECANDANCE N moved out from third midturn but didn’t gain. YES DOUBLE DOWN was gapping in last when making a break far turn.

FOURTEENTH RACE – WESTERN TYRANT held a loose pocket closed until nearing the ¼, sat third until moving raw at the half, in speed-grind mode the third quarter and got the lead headstretch, enough to retain the advantage to the wire. DO WORK SON was second-over, three-wide, kept coming and was good to grab second over INDICTABLE HANOVER. The latter was looped, pressed on to get in the pocket before the ¼, shuffled mid-far turn as the leader tired, out into a blindswitch then shifted inside, to second towards midstretch but just outkicked for place. ROCK THREE TIMES was last, five-wide in the lane and good. DECLAN SEELSTER was fourth-over, three-wide at the ¾, four-wide nearing the stretch, OK. MUSCLE MACH A was third-over, blindswitched, not that much late. AWESOMENESS was gapping inside much of the last half. HE’S ELECTRIC bolted away to a three-length lead at the 1/8, continued on a roll, had no more left to give in the last 1/8.

Connors’ Comments for Saturday, June 11, 2022

Jun 16, 2022 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – Mid 70s; stretch headwind … ROUGH ODDS looked to leave but took back, moved at the ¼ with the favorite outside and brushed to the lead 3/8, saw the chalk move up to stalk him, but maintained a safe margin late. KILLER MARTINI moved three-wide behind the parked horse, had great second-over cover, three-wide into the stretch, just second in the shadow of the wire. BROTHER JAMES had a four-wide wall in front of him into turn one, waited with cover and then they all tucked, so he was left raw most of the mile, gradually moved up, held with great gameness, still second two steps from the wire. LITTLEBITASWAGGER took advantage of the rail to seat a host of early challengers, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, had his chance in the Pocono Pike but came up a bit shy. ROLLINWITHAMBITION was four-wide leaving, took back and got inside at the ¼, gapped a bit down the back, out in a blindswitch on the turn, eased wide early stretch, not quite enough. BOBBY K HILL left but took back, then was caught in, not much late. HOPETOBEFIRST had excess cover, three- and four-wide on the far turn, couldn’t reach. SEAL O’NEILL didn’t keep up third-over.

SECOND RACE – HURRIKANE EMPEROR, after the speed show last week, yielded 3/16 and sat nicely in the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and was full of late pace. DOUBLE METAL backed out ¾, gapped a bit on the turn, better in the stretch to just nose PAT MCGARRY A for the deuce. The latter was on top 3/16, cut a wind-sensible pace, shook off a far turn challenger, but then did not have enough late. CERTIFIABLE was four-wide early, took back to last, behind a gapper ¾, around him on the turn, ducked inside in the lane and finished strongly – the race was better than the line may suggest. CLOSING STATEMENT moved uncovered 5/8, advanced to battle on the turn, fell back. CAVIART ROCKLAND needed until the ¼ to tuck midpack, gapped down the back, not a major danger. HORSE was always far back. MACH WEST was uncovered 3/8 but did not get close.

THIRD RACE – STORM IS RAGING drifted out to a 3-tuck 3/16, moved not long off the first turn to the lead approaching the second curve, went on quickly and drew away from these. QUEEN OF ALL came through at the start and went by near the 1/8, pushed the winner a little then settled for the pocket, stayed close most of the way, fought to save second over PRACTICAL CAT. The latter moved uncovered 5/8 and gradually progressed, held well though just short of the deuce. ONE AFTER NINE gapped cover down the back, then had some late trot. RED REDEMPTION was first to show, yielded, third-in, gapped 5/8. SPREE was not prominent. TRAIN was fourth-in, didn’t keep up from the 11/16.

FOURTH RACE – CAVIART MAX moved into turn two, brushed in 26.2 down the back to clear 11/16 and left these far behind. INDIGO ART was last-over, three-wide with then four-wide without cover late turn, steadily for the distant deuce. PUZZLING sat in then backed out to follow cover at the half but gapped it, kept going at one good gear and almost second. GO WEST GO FAST was very wide leaving and three-wide to the 1/8, got the top just after a fast ¼, yielded to the retaker, backed out 5/8 when the pocketsitter faltered and was soon left raw, battled the rest hard and was still second nearing deep stretch. SADIQ HANOVER was outside, blindswitched, not enough late kick for a major minor award. DRAGON STRIKES left and yielded, gapped inside. ROGERTHAT BLUECHIP made two speed moves, was challenged by the winner down the back and faded once passed 11/16. CLASSIFIEDMATERIAL dropped far back.

FIFTH RACE – SEXY BLUE CHIP went right to the lead, set the pace as he wanted including a 27 third quarter to leave these behind, won as he pleased. BARRYWHITE HANOVER settled for third early past the 1/8, uncovered 11/16, did well for second. COXCOMB was away enough to defend the pocket, under a hold early, started going loose in the pocket before the 5/8. OCTAVE gapped inside. THE LAST TWO remained the last two throughout.

SIXTH RACE – DAAMERICANSKY took the lead at the 1/8, was clear almost all the way, saw PREMIER ROCKSTAR coming late but the driver handled the winner as if comfortable that he would last. The latter went into third at the 1/8, moved out 9/16 to go around the gapping two-holer and did so past the 5/8, steadily made up ground in the last quarter in a good showing but had to settle for place. OWEN didn’t have good cover and was three-wide from the 11/16 onward, clearly next. DREAM OF LUCK was shuffled some behind the tired horse, out in a blindswitch on the turn then back inside, got past tired foes. WELL DONE SON moved behind cover then was left raw past the 5/8, inside far turn, little left late. AMERICA’S GUEST was always far back. PIRATES ALLEY went through at the start, yielded at the 1/8 and soon had trouble staying with the leader, faded very badly.

SEVENTH RACE – CHING CHING LUCKY started raw towards turn two, got cover at the half, was blindswitched then backed out to three-wide with cover, widest in the lane, gained as the pace slowed and was just up on the money. THE IRISHMAN set the pace with two moves, just missed lasting. CREDIT CON was three-wide 3/16 to the lead, yielded for the pocket, had a chance upon the Pocono Pike but couldn’t quite make it. NEWSBOY sat in, then backed out in a blindswitch, ducked in headstretch and finished alertly after the traffic difficulty. TRICKY DICK gapped trying to tail the first sweeper. WHAT A DAME was third-over, out three-wide 5/8 and was left out there the duration, faded. BRIGITTE BI was inside, not that much late. CAPITAL T STORM was uncovered past the half, battled the leader, but was done on the far turn.

EIGHTH RACE – ANap tactical repeat … RIFLEMAN was third-over, was blindswitched then backed out behind the wide cover, four-wide headstretch, powered by. STRETCH THE LINE sat in, wound up third-inside, got a clear early path deep in the Pocono Pike and gained, momentarily had the lead, outkicked but still a good second. BEACH FORECAST was far back, three-wide before the ¾ through the turn, tried hard to the line. IMOUTTHEDOOR had a short lead early but couldn’t clear and went to the pocket near the ¼, got a good trip, into the Pike but didn’t gain. TERRY A HANOVER kept foes three-wide to a fast quarter while insisting on setting the pace, couldn’t quite make the lead hold up. TUGGIN ON MY HEART was off the gate, in a tough spot. SOME DEAL HANOVER was three-wide to the fast opener then took back to third, out uncovered towards turn two, put in a good challenge but couldn’t sustain in the last 1/8. CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN tucked, came out into turn two and got cover, was blindswitched, didn’t have much late.

NINTH RACE – MACMORRIS HANOVER was looped, refused a 3-tuck and was left out past the 3/8 in getting the lead, had to increase the speed in a fierce duel with the first-over that lasted most of the last half until that one broke early stretch, stayed clear although the last quarter wasn’t much. BUZZ dashed right to the lead, kept the winner strung out past the 3/8 before yielding, tight until nearing the ¾ then unplugged, reclaimed second with the stretch breaker. DYLAN THE GREAT sat in, was blocked on the far turn, then went to the Pocono Pike and made up some ground.  INNISFALLEN yielded, inside, gapped down the backstretch. CUPID HANOVER was last, circled wide and had trot on the end. SPIRIT OF DEO moved out but couldn’t stay anywhere close to his cover. NICE STUFF was never prominent. SHADRACK HANOVER moved boldly at the half and went 27 outside the winner, getting a slight advantage at times until headstretch, when he began to fade and bear out before breaking.

TENTH RACE – DRAGON SAID left hard but gave up the lead to ALLUNEEDISFAITH N and sat the pocket, outside early stretch and came home in 54.3 – 26.4 to just wear down his game rival. The latter left strongly to get command, had a relatively mild half, picked it up down the back and then came home even more quickly, very good but outsprinted. WESTERN JOE settled for a 4-tuck near the ¼, uncovered 5/8, retucked third after a horse broke, far ahead of the others. MYSWEETBOYMAX was gapping second-over, got around the breaker without incident, next. THE NEXT THREE were all outside and were cautious going a little wide around the breaker, never got into it. STRAIGHT UP COOL maintained position behind the two strong early fighters, started to gap late backstretch then broke ¾.

ELEVENTH RACE – IC A FREE SPIRIT was hustled up early to get the pocket trip, to the Pocono Pike and full of pace when shown racetrack, easily. ARCHANGEL THREE initially gapped third-over then caught up to the gapping second-over, three-wide midturn, steadily to just grab second. WINNING IS SWEET left sharply, cut a pretty good pace, under pressure around the far turn, just missed in a picture for second. RYCROFT N tucked third, moved uncovered into the backstretch and grinded up, flattened a bit in the lane. BLOW A CLOUD N gapped inside down the backstretch, not prominent. SPORTY DRAGON had some pace finishing after being way back. TRENTE DEO was in good position second-over but had little from the 5/8. LEGAL POWER broke w-a-y before the start.

TWELFTH RACE – RICH AND MISERABLE went up wide then fell behind cover, lost that and refused a tuck to proceed up to the lead in front of the stands, got a reasonable pace and went on to a nice victory. MARION GONDOLIER was three-leaving, then two-wide to take over the racetrack to the ¼, yielded to the winner, had a clear shot up the Pocono Pike but couldn’t get there. LADY’S IMAGE left and yielded, third-in, had room to move outside to midstretch and finished well. ROBBIE PEV followed cover two-and three-wide, four-wide headstretch, best of the others. ALTUS HANOVER was second-over towards turn two, three-wide midturn but didn’t gain. BEERTHIRTY K sat in, didn’t enter the picture. MISS MCKEE went to fourth-over but couldn’t stay with cover. STRIKING GENSON was uncovered from midpack nearing turn two, advanced well down the back, then faded in the last quarter.

THIRTEENTH RACE – THE DARK SHADOW took control in a 26.3 opener, rated the half, then went another sub-27 split fighting with the first-over, left everyone behind from midturn. “A big logjam” (J.B.) for second: CAPTAIN ROMANCE took back to tuck third at the 1/8, gapped in the big third split, Pocono Pike and just up for place. GET LIT defended the pocket, couldn’t stay tight on the winner from midturn. PRINCE OF TIDES was three-wide to the 1/8, took back to fourth 3/16, then underway raw early second turn, went up in 26.2 to press the issue, couldn’t sustain his move though holding OK late. LETS ROLL was second-over, rolled three-wide late turn, not far off second. AFLAME HANOVER was last, had pace late while in heavy traffic. REBELLIOUS was third-over, fell back.

FOURTEENTH RACE – TOWN GOSSIP was looped early and proceeded forward to the lead past the ¼, rated the half, then sprinted home in 54.3 as much the best of these. GUINNESS PANIC was forwardly-placed, came off the rail from third headstretch and was up for second over CONBOYVILLE. The latter left very nicely to circle foes and get the early lead, yielded past the ¼ for the two-hole, stayed close, couldn’t quite hold on to the deuce late. BULLVILLE TERROR gapped cover early backstretch then gradually got closer, three-wide early turn, best of the others. PARMESAN N saved ground, not too much. FRISKIE ALL NITE started raw to turn two, rapidly went up to challenge the winner, but had his bid stop nearing the ¾. THE OTHERS were always the last two.