Connors’ Comments for Sunday, May 1, 2022

May 3, 2022 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – Stretch headwind to start; intermittent small moisture during the card … GUINNESS PANIC moved out at the half, three-wide at the 5/8 and circled to first-over late backstretch, engaged the leader, took over early stretch, held off GRIFFON HANOVER. The latter tried to follow the winner wide but gapped, did get to two-wide ¾, got in gear in the stretch a little too late. BAMSKI looked at leaving but took back to tuck, stayed in, got clearance far down in the Pocono Pike, closed well. J B MAUNEY N refused to give up the lead through fast fractions and a couple of challenges, tired in the lane. ROCK THREE TIMES sat in, had some pace as the tempo slowed. KAUAI KING left, went in the pocket 3/16 and kept it tight the first half, gapped a bit the third quarter, wasn’t passing the leader so stayed out of the Pocono Pike, then evenly in tight late. ARTISTS RUFFLES never factored. BAY MEADOWS was very wide leaving, three-wide to the 3/16 then two-wide and challenged at a hot clip, looped past the 5/8 and fell back.

SECOND RACE – YES DOUBLE DOWN moved out off the second turn and was not long after following cover, three-wide towards late on the turn, went by not looking like a $110.00 winner. NARINA HANOVER was a bit off her cover third-over, found her best kick a little too late. CHIPPER DAISY moved to the outside to the 5/8, stayed on pretty well. CASIE’S BELIEVER sat in and gained down the back, to the deep Pocono Pike with some pace. NO WHERE TO HIDE went right to the lead and went at a good clip, tired. JUXTA COWGIRL had a good pocket trip, no response late. MOONLIGHTANDROSES never factored.

THIRD RACE – HUNTSVILLE PLACE let between horses to the lead 3/16, yielded 5/16, retook just past the half, had a clear advantage most of the stretch. BUILDING BOOST stayed in, finished solidly up the inside. BUCHANNON HANOVER was three-wide to the 3/16 then two-wide to the 5/16 in pursuit of the lead, yielded past the ½ but stayed close until the stretch, fell back only a little. OUTWIT OUTRUN moved uncovered at the ½, then was second-over, three-wide past midturn as his cover tired, not that much late. ZEUS HANOVER was not prominent. BACK IN MY DAY gapped at the back. JITTERBUG FLIP pushed the early action, yielded, followed the winner out then was left raw, challenged, tired significantly the last 1/8.

FOURTH RACE – NEWSBOY left and sat in the two-hole, to the Pocono Pike and looked to be going by even before PADRE broke. The latter went right to command, slowed the half, was trying to find more when breaking midstretch and ran home, placed for a double lapped-on break. FLANAGAN DESTINY was hard to take back to last near the ¼, was against the pegs for about three steps then started uncovered from last, grinded up a long, long way, showed very admirable gameness – one to watch. BOASTER COASTER backed out to second-over 3/8, gapped cover late backstretch, found his best strides too late. ARMANI HANOVER came off the rail midturn and went three-wide to headstretch but didn’t have much punch. GOLDEN GLIDER sat in, went evenly in the stretch. THE OTHER DUO were never factors.

FIFTH RACE – Light rain, and diminished winds …  SUMMER RAE came out from fourth before the ¼ and soon had the lead, went 26.4 down the back to leave this field behind in a big mile. COOLNCALCULATING N was three-wide just past the 1/8 to the lead 3/16, yielded for the pocket, went loose 5/8 in the fast third split but stayed much closer than anyone else did. TRAFFIC JAM finally had room to angle out midstretch and won a three-way photo for third. SPEAKING OF COFFEE vacated fourth late on the turn, fair. WINNING WORDS was looped leaving, was between horses until getting the early pocket towards the 3/16, gapped in third 11/16. THE NEXT TWO never were factors. BUFFALO HEART came raw from sixth before the half, didn’t gain, then fell back some.

SIXTH RACE – SHEZAFREAKLIKEME insisted on the early lead in a 26.2 split then lowered the second quarter 4 3/5 seconds, met a challenger and took off in the last quarter. BROOKDALE JESSIE sat in third, outside early stretch and was moving well late. TSM PRINCESS TEDDI backed off when seeing the winner was not ceding control, two-hole 3/16, gave a little ground in the last 3/16. WHO’S SMOKIN N stayed in, didn’t achieve prominence. CATIE FAYE HANOVER circled a gapper then went right on first-over in a mild middle half, faltered in the last quarter. PRICELESS SHADOW backed out to second-over into turn two but gapped. THE LAST TWO couldn’t keep pace.

SEVENTH RACE – KEYSTONE THUNDER worked up to take control off the first turn, did not want to yield and got a challenger to take the pocket to the second turn, had pressure from the first-over from just past the 5/8 and had others join in the stretch chase, but held gamely (last quarter 30.3). ANDOVERS TOUCH spotted, came uncovered at the half and applied steady pressure on the leader, just missed. ALEXANDER HANOVER made the lead into the first turn, yielded, couldn’t keep the pocket shut past the 3/8, third-in, angled out the first half of the stretch and had trot on the end. SCIROCCO PATRICK was third-over, gapped on the turn, then had to angle inside a breaker early stretch, moving fastest of all late. CAJOLE HANOVER was on the move before the ¼, couldn’t clear and did get the two-hole towards the second bend, didn’t threaten late. GINGER TREE KNOX did not pose a threat. LANDONFITZ was second-over, gapped a little then got tighter on the turn, swinging wide headstretch but lost gait. PEE WEE HANOVER disconnected the last half.

EIGHTH RACE – MILIEU HANOVER got a great second-over trip from seventh, three-wide headstretch and beat out a stubborn A BETTER GAME. The latter launched uncovered 3/8 and grinded up, may never have had the lead but steady and game to the finish. ALTA MADEIRA N was third-over, stayed on the winner’s back a ways into the stretch, gaining. DELIGHTFUL SUMMER wound up in the pocket after a lineup minus a breaker, Pocono Pike, couldn’t rally enough. BEACH CRAZY left, saw his main early rival break at the 1/8, really backed off quarter two, didn’t have enough strength at crunch time. DRESDEN stayed in, room in the deep Pike but not enough. GALLERIA GAL stayed in, gapped ¾ then got tighter, made up some ground before being shut off near the wire. TIAMOGONEDANCEN was going up to challenge going to the first turn but took a bad step, was taken wide and back to last.

NINTH RACE – WHAT A DAME pulled from fourth 3/16 and went on to command 3/8, faced the pressure of first-up SHARE THE WEALTH and held gamely. The latter was innermost of three leavers and protected the early pocket, pulled raw from third 9/16 and grinded away solidly, very good race. CASH INFUSION was third-over, had gapping cover from the 5/8 but did not go three-wide until late on the turn, flying late. BLESSINGSANDFAVOR was three-wide almost to the 1/8, crossed to the lead beyond that spot, yielded for the pocket 3/8, Pocono Pike, just a bit shy. TRAIN was between horses leaving and tucked third at the 1/8, inside, moved out in the stretch and did OK. BY A HOFF HANOVER left a slight gap most of the way, not too much late. SCIROCCO BIG JOHN didn’t get in the main hunt. CAPITAL T STORM moved out before the half, soon got cover, but soon wasn’t keeping up with it.

TENTH RACE – BRAVO TEX N was looped and three-wide early, took back, then was second-over, three-wide midturn, didn’t look like he was going to make it upper stretch, but dug in and gradually wore down SULLIVAN in a game showing. The latter left four-wide to loop the field, yielded past the ¼ but was quick on the retake, went 26.4 down the back to try to lose the field, a tactic which worked except against the game winner. CLASSIC PRO was looped two-wide and pressed on to quarter command, yielded, loose in the fast third split, to the Pocono Pike, had to settle for third. YOUMAKEMYHEARTSING followed the winner but could not match late steps with him. AMERICA’S GUEST, on a line on the turns, moved raw at the half, gained a little in the quick third split, then backed off. CHICKEN NUGGET was at the back throughout.

ELEVENTH RACE – PRIMARY COLORS made a sharp move at the ¼ to the lead 3/8, came his last quarter in 27 to withstand the persistent challenge of DONTPASSME HANOVER. The latter was uncovered towards turn two, went his last half in 55, lost a little ground straightening onto the stretch but tried hard to the wire. BARRYWHITE HANOVER was parked past the 1/8 for the lead, yielded 3/8, stayed close until the stretch, beat out the rest. DIVINE RIGHT was last in fourth-over, four-wide stretch and finished strongly. MOVE THE LINE yielded, sat in, evenly in the sprint home. PARKLANE TERROR was second-over, did not go wide on the turn, not quite enough quick speed late. BLOODHOUND got forward position, sat in, shuffled, out in a blindswitch headstretch, searched for room to split horses to no avail. SOLARCTIC was third-over, three-wide late turn, no late kick.

TWELFTH RACE – TUESDAY MORNING came grinding off the second turn, made the lead in midstretch, held off BANZAI AS from off her back. The latter as noted was second-over, gapped a bit, was moving well late. PAPI HANOVER left and forced tucks, rated the half, got pressure, could not hold on. CAN’T SAY NO took the pocket to the 1/8, a trifle loose much of the last half, Pocono Pike, came up shy. POSSESS THE STONE tucked third, OK midtrack late. GOLDEN GENES was last, wide in the stretch, a little at the end. PRAIRIE VALUE and MUFASA AS gapped in the last half.

THIRTEENTH RACE – WAR-N-MUNN, briefly three-wide early, went on to take control 3/16, slowed the half, sprinted home in 27, just enough to hold off CAVIART ROCKLAND. The latter went to the top then yielded to the winner, stayed tight, didn’t tip out until nearing midstretch, then finished with a big surge to just miss by a diminishing margin. OURRHYTHMNBLUES N was forwardly-placed, gapped far turn, next. STATEMENT MADE A gapped on the first turn then tighter, not prominent; nor was CIGAR SMOKING TONY. SEXY BLUE CHIP rode outside midpack without getting close. TERRY A HANOVER had cover, tried to circle it before the ¾ but didn’t have too much in the sprint home.

FOURTEENTH RACE – GRANT ME THIS kept a hole closed to the 3/16, made a burst at the half to clear by the 5/8, kept rolling to emerge the winner. JERICHO DIVA was third-over then second-over then first-over to the ¾, was moving well at the wire. CRUISIN THRU TIME had to back off to tuck fourth 3/16, came out with cover, left uncovered 5/8, tucked in the pocket to the ¾, not enough kick late. TSM ARTEMIS T joined the flow and had some late pace. RELLA TIVITY left well from the rail, set the pace until challenged down the back, gave ground from the 5/8. RHYME N ROLL was away in the pocket, rethought a quarter-move, out of gas past midbackstretch. SWEET SALLY SUE began losing contact 3/8. SHADY MEMORIES broke entering the second turn.

Connors’ Comments for Saturday, April 30, 2022

May 3, 2022 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – Swirling wind, sometimes stretch tailwind (fractions may be guide) … Low to mid 60s … ROLL WITH THE FLOW drifted out two-wide, went up uncovered 3/16 after the front end settled, pushed to make the top 3/8, held off a backstretch bid, then was best of these. KINGSVILLE was three-wide to the 1/8 to the lead 3/16, yielded 3/8 after some contesting, pocket, a bit loose headstretch and never regained serious ground. CRACK A SMILE left, yielded, stayed third-in, Pocono Pike, good in fight for second. CAPTAIN COOK was third-over, four-wide late turn, closed with pace from far back. HUNTING FOR MILES was second-over at the half, three-wide midturn, drifted a little wide headstretch, never got much going in the lane. TUF COOPER stayed in, not prominent. GUSSY’S TRUMP CARD moved out fourth-over down the back, had an excess of cover. MASK ON MASK OFF tucked at the 1/8, then came first-up at the ½, challenged, then tired through the lane.

SECOND RACE – MYSTICAL WYNN was looped and three-wide early, finally got in fifth 3/16, started uncovered to the half, went up in the slow third quarter, put away the leader headstretch, then trotted off (fractions suggest stretch tailwind for this race). MARION GONDOLIER was three-wide to the 1/8 and cleared past that point, pushed a foe to the 3/8 before a fast half then let that one go, came out behind the winner late turn, did well for second. RICH AND MISERABLE trotted three-wide around a bunch of horses taking back, kept going forward and finally made the top 3/8, put up a fast half, was challenged late backstretch, tired after the heavy early work. EPOS OSTERVANG DK stayed in, moved out far turn and wide headstretch, moving well late. LEVITATION had forward position, didn’t do much late. CUPID HANOVER was actually the first horse to show as the gate sprung but saw a potential cavalry charge and took all the way back to last, Pocono Pike, not terribly far off third. CRAZYCAT was third-over then second-over after the original second-over broke, not enough late. SWEET HEART AS moved out second-over, gapped as the winner went up then was getting closer when breaking 5/8.

THIRD RACE – SOUTHWIND PETYR was looped, made the pocket 3/16 and sat a great trip, to the Pocono Pike, gained inch by inch until finally getting a little clearance in the shadow of the wire. CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN outhustled everybody away, rated the half, got pressure at the 11/16, held very gamely until the last few steps while pacing his back half in 55. JACKIE MOON sat in then backed out second-over 11/16, just third in a good last quarter. BET ON BLAKE moved raw before the 5/8 and challenged while going his third split in 27, held determinedly. BEACH TOWN BOY was never close. CHIEF OF STAFF was last from the rail 50 yards into the race, moved outside but couldn’t gain.

FOURTH RACE – ROBBIE PEV was outside midpack with cover early, uncovered 3/8 to the lead well before the 5/8 in fast fractions, drew away in an impressive showing. CHAPOLIER was three-wide to the 1/8 then tucked 3/16, uncovered past the 9/16, grinded up, lost ground to the winner in the stretch but held OK for second. COCKTAILS N DIAMONDS was double-looped early and three-wide to the 1/8, kept outside 3/8 in a quick tempo until making the top, yielded not too far down the back, pocket, tired after hard use. SHADRACK HANOVER was far back, three-wide around trouble midturn, next. NIGHT FLYER K gapped down the back. KISS AN ANGEL moved outside but had very little to offer. RED REDEMPTION was pushed to almost the ¼ to get the top, yielded, backed out on the turn in tight quarters, broke. MON AMOUR was first on top, yielded, shuffled some then backed out two-wide, broke looking for more far turn.

FIFTH RACE – JUST N ACE was uncovered before turn two and grinded up to challenge, fell back a bit on the turn into the stretch, but showed good determination and wore down PREMIER ROCKSTAR. The latter was three-wide to turn one and got on top 5/16, slow second quarter, looked to have turned back the bid of the winner early stretch but couldn’t hold the lead to the line. A STUD NAMED SAM was last behind dull cover, ducked in turn, found room between horses late and finished well. DERECHO was in front past the 1/8, yielded 5/16 for the pocket, a bit loose from deep backstretch, evenly. BLOW A CLOUD N was forwardly-placed but gapped. SUPER PAC HANOVER was second-over but gapped.

SIXTH RACE – DEWEY ARNOLD came through at the start to the top then yielded to sit the two-hole, stayed tight, outside headstretch and had the most in the fastest local trotting mile of the year. ANGEL NATION left strongly to the lead past the 1/8, kept much of the field strung out while going very good fractions, held very tenaciously. MELADY’S MONET tucked third, not quite enough in the last ¼. SWAN IN MOTION advanced up the inside in a pretty good mile. P L NOTSONICE couldn’t gain. KENOGAMI COCO moved out from last but never entered the picture. SCIROCCO ROB had trouble keeping up at multiple points.

SEVENTH RACE – Wind now looked like a stretch tailwind … WESTERN TYRANT was three-wide to the 1/8, raced into the 3-hole, gapped in the frontstretch, but got in gear 9/16 and grinded up, into the pocket ¾, had room to move outside headstretch, still had the energy to pace right to the top after involvement in the quick pace, claimed for a Pocono-record-equaling $40,000. MAJOR DESIRE moved second-over into the backstretch, gapped down the backstretch, left uncovered ¾, couldn’t keep the winner locked in, then came on well late. ROLLIN IN NEW YORK went outside behind gapping cover and was blindswitched just past the 5/8, ducked in on the turn and just missed second. CAVIART MAX left between horses, needed until the 5/16 to clear, rolled along at a fast clip, got pressure from the winner, couldn’t sustain. KILLER MARTINI moved three-wide from third-over past the 5/8, didn’t really gain that much until the pace was slowing late. WON LAST FEELING was never in the hunt. TULLOW N showed little but came back with “b.e.” DRAGON STRIKES pushed a foe past a fast ¼ and yielded, started to unplug 5/8.

EIGHTH RACE – NICHOLAS BEACH burst to the top, had no one pull on him until past mid-far turn, was clear early stretch then was given some encouragement to keep going as AMERICAN COURAGE was coming hard. The latter sat third the whole way, outside shortly into the stretch, had a wicked last 1/16. LYONS STEEL had the pocket, getting loose ¾, far ahead of the others. SHOOBEE DOO A spotted fourth early, maintained position. CAPTAIN MULZAC gapped 11/16. CAVIART LUCA appeared to be struggling to keep up much of the way.

NINTH RACE – TOWNLINE FLIGHT gapped some in third midrace then went tighter, to the inside of the leader in the stretch and just got a nose up as the pace was slowing. LEGAL POWER charged through at the start, three-wide early en route to the lead near the 1/8, clear down the backstretch and on the turn, just missed making the advantage stand up to the finish. HOPETOBEFIRST left between horses and got the pocket, loose much of the backstretch and through the turn, outside into the lane, not quite enough. BEVANS CULLEN N sat in, gained in the deep Pike late into the slowing tempo. TOLLY-HO spotted fifth, was second-over behind dull cover and went three-wide ¾, got a check. DREAM OF LUCK moved uncovered off turn two but couldn’t offer much. THE LAST PAIR were the last two throughout.

TENTH RACE – LANJO LEE never went to the rail, moved between horses to the 1/8 and went up to get the front off turn one, hung his main foe 3/8 then yielded for the pocket, came outside headstretch and had a big burst in a fast quarter to take the victory. ALL OR NOTHING was wide early then dropped down behind the winner before the 3/16, left uncovered past the ¼ and went on to the lead 3/8, closed speedily but was outsprinted. GREG THE LEG circled right to the top, stayed inside, good for third. LETMECALLYOUBACK eyed getting early position but took back to a midpack tuck, inside, OK. BULLVILLE FRANK avoided the outer tier and got the last check. CAPTAINGIDDYUPNGO was on the move from last 3/8, got to second-over but gapped down the back. SHAKE IT moved raw off turn two and had a big burst to challenge the leader, but had little left late. KEYSTONEFIGHTNIGHT could not get into this one.

ELEVENTH RACE – GO WEST GO FAST had the top easily, went four sub-28 quarters and drew away in the last ¼. HASH-TAG SWAG left well for the pocket, unplugged gradually the last ¼ but held second. CLASSIFIEDMATERIAL got away third, gapped at the ¾, went to the Pocono Pike, OK. INDIGO ART had to go three-wide around fading cover late turn and closed steadily. LORD OF MISRULE and SPORTY DRAGON did not keep up during the swift fractions. ALI went up on a slightly-delayed basis and got in fourth at the 1/8, uncovered 9/16 but couldn’t threaten. LINCOLNJAMES struggled at the back.

TWELFTH RACE – SHAKE THAT HOUSE made the lead at the 1/8, yielded for the pocket and defended it during the vicious duel up front, moved in the Pocono Pike and won going away (29.2 last quarter). SHVAIKO yielded at the 1/8, stayed attached, outside past the ¾, looked on a line upper stretch, but paced on. VIRGIN STORM also stayed connected, moved out late turn and wide headstretch, not enough. DA DELIGHTFUL was looped early, went up to challenge but was left out in the air in very hot fractions, faded at the 5/8 and tucked in before the back gappers reached, inside and beat out the horse that parked him. IMAGINARY LINE was one of the two behind a bad gapper who made up a lot of ground in the last 3/8. CAPTAIN ROMANCE was out to a hot quarter, had to continue to go wild numbers with a challenger, ran out of gas. ITSROCKANDROLL A was the other horse who made up a lot of second-half ground. WARRAWEE UNIQUE was leaving a huge gap by the 3/16.

THIRTEENTH RACE – COALITION HANOVER laid off the early fighting then was second-over, blindswitched just past the 5/8 and rode the blindswitch to early stretch, then had clearance and closed into the 29.3 victory to be going away. CAPTAIN KEEN was three-wide past the 1/8, then two-wide, looked for a pocket hole but there was none so went on to the lead 3/8, yielded grudgingly before the 5/8 and is one of the very very few horses you’ll ever see first at the half, last at the ¾, and then coming back to get the lead midstretch via the Pocono Pike, good second. ITALIAN LAD N went to the front at the 1/8, yielded 3/8, came back out going to the second turn, had to work to get the lead to the 5/8, had immediate pressure – all in fast fractions – and then tired. LITERL LAD HANOVER yielded, helmetbumped near the ¼, started to go outside at that point but stayed in, did go out near the half with cover, lost it and challenged raw, had a slight lead far turn, but tired. BEACH FORECAST moved out from last and three-wide 5/8 the duration, flattened early stretch.

FOURTEENTH RACE – CHING CHING LUCKY was out third-over, three-wide 11/16 and gained, to two-wide and the lead headstretch, proved the best. PRACTICAL CAT was last, angled from the rail midturn to four-wide just past headstretch, finished strongly. HURRIKANE WILLIE G set the pace, shook off the first-over but couldn’t hold on. TRICKY DICK got away well for the pocket, Pocono Pike, not enough late. DAGON HANOVER was second-over, blindswitched by the winner 11/16, may never have had full clearance thereafter, steadily late. LEPANTO tried to follow the wide move of the winner but couldn’t. TUIS SHADOW tucked third and rode third-inside, deep Pike, didn’t gain. BEYOND BELIEF made fourth to the 3/16, again underway to turn two, challenged, faded in the last 1/8.

Connors’ Comments for Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Apr 30, 2022 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – Intermittent precipitation; 55 degrees; “sloppy +1” … DIVISION BELL moved out of fourth into turn two, turned in a 26.4 backside to clear easily, shook off the “new” first-over to open a clear lead in early stretch, held together to defeat ROCK IDOL. The latter was hustled early but still got away fifth, came out second-over but gapped, didn’t look at his best on the turns, but had a big late burst to almost get there. FOUR-STAR FLASH was the innermost of three leavers, yielded, backed out as the winner cleared and was left raw, gained on the turn, then faded some. CLIFFHANGER got going too late. MCNEILL Z TAM was three-wide 3/16 then two-wide to the lead off the first turn, rated the half, couldn’t hold out the winner, kept fairly close until the last 1/8. APP HANOVER gapped. SMOOTH AS CHEDDAR left between horses, tucked third 3/16, struggled the last 3/8.

SECOND RACE – LADY’S IMAGE was three-wide early, then two-wide to take over at the ¼, turned this into a romp the last ¼. WILLIE B WORTHY took early command then yielded to sit the two-hole, stayed fairly-well connected until nearing the ¾. R HERBIE CHIP was very wide early, settled into a tuck, came out 11/16 and was along for the distant third. NICE STUFF was never a major danger. B YOYO got forward position but then started gapping 5/8. THE LAST THREE were the last three throughout.

THIRD RACE – BETTE TINA sat third-inside, cut inside two pylons near headstretch and got through in the Pocono Pike, made the lead midstretch, finished first but was placed for going inside pylons. ALLYOUCANBET moved out uncovered well before the half and quickly got by into the backstretch, took the lead into the stretch, but tired some and bore out although looking to be fighting to the wire. CLEAR THE WAY eased out on the second turn, briefly had cover then lost it, couldn’t reach the front ones, got eased wide early stretch and made up some ground at the end. COME ZOOM WITH ME was outside to a fast quarter, really slowed the half, then was passed early backstretch and was loose before the ¾, then was in tight quarters headstretch as passed to the inside, close at the wire. TEEN DREAM moved entering the second turn, was eased out three-wide and stayed three-deep the entire second bund, then went back to two-wide, not all that far off. ARTEMIDA was inside throughout, couldn’t gain in the deep Pike.

FOURTH RACE – INFANTE DEO followed cover but gapped it, left raw 11/16, got the pocket to the ¾, outside again headstretch, lead midstretch, held off WHISTLE A SONG. The latter raced with cover, left uncovered on the turn, didn’t find her best strides until midstretch, then narrowed in rapidly. AMBERS CHAMPION moved at the half to challenge, worked by 11/16 and opened a clear lead, but couldn’t sustain the advantage to the wire. HURRICANE BLUES stayed flat. GOO GOO LU LU was up early to challenge while a bit wide, got the lead 5/16, yielded past midbackstretch and faded. MYREANNA broke off the second turn. PERFECT DESTINY was leaving but broke just after the gate sprung, recovered and made a big move to be behind cover fourth but broke again 3/16. RELENTLESS JACKIE had the early lead, let a foe go 5/16, then was totally locked in as that one faded late backstretch, made a break out of what may have been frustration ¾.

FIFTH RACE – ALTERNATE UNIVERSE moved out to challenge 5/8, came home very nicely to take a photo decision from WIN PLACE’N SHOW. The latter moved from the pocket past the ¼ to go to the front, set the pace, fought on to the wire. C-BET HANOVER left alertly and quickly was in front, relinquished to sit the two-hole, went to the Pocono Pike, had his chance but just missed. DANCE PARTNER moved outside on the far turn, had a good last quarter. DOUBLE DOUBLE was far back, made a good move to get around stragglers but flattened in the last ¼. POLARIS BREECH broke while last 5/16. DARIO HANOVER gapped through the last half. RECTIFY also gapped, then broke 11/16.

SIXTH RACE – MISS MUSCLE took control early then yielded to the early brusher, sat the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and went by easily. TRUEMASS VOLO brushed from third going to the ¼ to set the pace, in a fight for second when a foe broke. MASSIVE OPULENCE tucked in fourth, then was first-up into turn two, challenged, questionable whether her fight for second would have gotten her there when she broke nearing the wire; an inquiry gave no reason for placing. VOLARE was three-wide early, then two-wide to the pocket 3/16, stayed in, backed out past midturn, evenly. JUDGE KEN tightened on cover from third-over, had a slight pause when the second-over broke, went back inside, not too much late. LIONBACKER KIDD never featured. JUSTIFY went second-over but gapped, looking for more midturn when losing gait. PONDA’S MUSCLE MAN was well off the gate and kept falling further back.

SEVENTH RACE – KAY SAGE backed out to what would become third-over, went three-wide around gapping cover ¾ and moved up well on the turn, kept coming and did very well late to be along over YS ISA. The latter was looped but went on and secured the front 3/16, set the pace, went clear early stretch but couldn’t hold off the rush of the winner. AMARETTO HANOVER was away well, moved uncovered 11/16, tired but held third over JAGGED LITTLE PILL. The latter quickly cleared, yielded for the two-hole and stayed close until the ¾ then unplugged. MAINLINE CHARGER came out past the ¼, didn’t get in the main picture, did get the last payday. SWEET KATIE BUG was uncovered 3/8, didn’t get close then didn’t get close to cover when it appeared 11/16. SWEET HELLO gapped out ¾. TOODLES HANOVER didn’t keep up then broke.

EIGHTH RACE – KASEVILLE left well from the rail then yielded to the brusher in a fast half, pulled to the 5/8 and dashed right by, opened up at will in a very fast clocking for these in the slop. FLYHAWK EL FUERTE was far back, circled the pack behind the winner on the far turn and into the stretch, good outing. CHROME PACKAGE pulled from third before he ¼ and took over, yielded readily 5/8, with the fast numbers catching up to her. U BAKE THE CAKE backed out to follow cover 5/8 that soon got away, evenly. REDEMPTOR went evenly. SUMTER was two-wide but gapped cover. KOLB HANOVER broke just before the start; LIGHT BRINGER broke just after the start.

NINTH RACE – SHADOWS DANCERS left for the pocket then quarter-moved, rated the half then sprinted the third split, drew away in a nice outing. MADELYNN SOPHIA was very wide early, circled up to the lead just past the 1/8, yielded to the winner, started getting loose 5/8, looked to be a bit wide late backstretch and into the turn, still persevered for second. LIGHTNING LEIA moved out on the far turn and three-wide before the stretch, some late speed. SHE’S A BULLVILLE was looped and took back to tuck, outside raw 11/16, evenly. BETTOR STRAIT N UP kept a hole closed 3/16, then never figured in the bigger picture. THE OTHER TRIO were at the back throughout.

TENTH RACE – PAPI HANOVER was in front at the ¼, saw off a challenge from the first-over, then was kept to active urging late to complete the deal. DARTY went to the front then yielded at the ¼ for the pocket, stayed close, gained some late but had to settle for second. DUDELOOKSLIKELINDY sat in and gapped at points, a clear third. ALL RISE gapped third-over, but found much better trot in the stretch. BC’S ROSE raced second-over, three-wide late on the turn, not enough. WINGS UP was not a factor. DYLAN THE GREAT came out first-over 5/8, challenged, began to fade the last 3/16. J-S JASPER was at the back throughout.

ELEVENTH RACE – CAPTAIN KEN circled a gapper, then was uncovered 5/8, kept gaining, two-wide turn, still far back headstretch but was determined and got the decision. CURBSIDE PICKUP pushed the scorching early action then sat in the two-hole until off the second turn then rushed right to the lead, had an open margin at the very fast 3/4s and still was clear into the lane, but couldn’t make the advantage hold up at the line. KJ UNREAL tucked then left a big gap through the hot half, moved outside 5/8, got around the exhausted pocketsitter ¾, inside stretch, could make up no more ground late. A SHORE LEGACY was in a different area code at the 5/8, moved out and gained steadily while having too far to come. WAR OF WILL was in a war to get the lead 3/16 to the 26 opener, still on top at the fast half but surrendered early backstretch and faded. THE OTHER THREE all left gaps behind the zippy front-end fireworks.

TWELFTH RACE – THE WALL yielded then moved outside 3/16 to get control of the throttle, stepped it up down the back to meet the first-over’s move, then drew away in the stretch. BELLOWS BINGE kept a hole shut 3/16, moved uncovered to the 5/8 and made the winner work, faded gradually but still a clear second. SOUTHWIND MOROCCAN stayed in, to the Pocono Pike and got the distant third. ROLLINWITHAMBITION went up between horses to take over past the 1/8, yielded for the pocket, not enough the last ¼. GET LIT had poor cover, three-wide 11/16 but couldn’t make an impact. AMAZON, very wide early and three-wide to the 1/8, settled in fourth 3/16, couldn’t keep up in the last ¼. IDEAL COWBOY was never close. MUSCLE MACH A moved outside to the half but just clogged the two-wide path.

THIRTEENTH RACE – ARTACHE HANOVER sat in fourth, increased his speed mid-far turn and swung wide, closed solidly for the decision. MILITARY MASTER A moved off the rail ¾, may have had the lead for a couple of steps past midstretch but was outblasted late. SPORTS TEEN was three-wide to the first turn then up to be in front past the 1/8, quickened down the back, tired late. BEST SHOT N stayed in and had some late gain. CAVIART SAGE inherited the pocket 5/16 when a foe broke, but didn’t have much late. DARK HORSE had non-advancing cover, went three-wide before ¾ but himself had very little. SPINOUT left between horses to the lead, yielded and was rough a bit afterward, broke in the pocket 5/16, recovered and was outside midpack, never again to threaten. MAKE A STATEMENT A fell far back in the last ¼.

Connors’ Comments for Monday, April 25, 2022

Apr 28, 2022 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – Stretch headwind … WORTHY OF HONOR went quickly to the front and clicked off a sharp ¼, then could moderate things until TEDDY BROSEVELT came to him midturn, had a ding-dong duel with that one in the lane and prevailed. The latter spotted fourth at the 1/8, got underway raw coming off turn two, gradually went up and reached the leader midturn, fought very hard in the stretch only to just miss. ALEXANDER HANOVER raced forwardly, gapped ¾ then tightened and was blocked late turn, outside in the stretch and edged PIERCEWAVE HANOVER for third. The latter was first on top and yielded, rode a fine trip, saw the winner get away a bit to headstretch, Pocono Pike, evenly. CRITICAL MASS was last in the main pack, outside far turn then wide, closed well. O JONNIE never factored. GREEK LEGEND moved outside but couldn’t stay with cover. KEYSTONE THUNDER broke an 1/8 before the start.

SECOND RACE – REYS N A RUCKUS was looped early, carried on to take over at the ¼, went fast in the third quarter and had no problem in the stretch. GOLDEN GESTURE went to the early lead then yielded for the two-hole, no threat to the winner but far ahead of the rest. BJ’S GUY stayed in, blocked through the far turn, to the Pocono Pike and just up for third. AN THE THUNDEROLLS gapped much of the back half. DJ’S BIG ELVIS spotted fourth, came raw just past the 3/8 but never got close to the front. JAMAICAN COWBOY was second-over behind dull cover, three-wide 11/16 through the turn, still had a shot at third before breaking early stretch. BEACHMASTER TWO disconnected through the last half.

THIRD RACE — QUICK BET raced forwardly-placed, moved out ¾ and outfinished the opposition. GIZA DREAMS gradually worked to the front just beyond the 5/16, set the pace, held for second in a photo. SILENT NIGHT went to the lead, pushed a foe a ways then yielded for the pocket, Pocono Pike, not quite second. MATTER OF TRUST slid into a tuck first turn, rail, didn’t keep up late turn, evenly late. TELENOVELA moved outside far turn but couldn’t make up ground. IWISHNOTTOBTOUCHED looked to be struggling to keep up at several points. SUNSEEKER HANOVER moved outside but had very little. OK SUNNY broke early.

FOURTH RACE – IC A FREE SPIRIT went quickly to the top, yielded at the ¼ to sit the pocket, Pocono Pike, found a little more midstretch and just caught SCRAPPIN GOLD. The latter was between horses early and looped, went on to take over at the ¼, had backstretch pressure, lost that one but then was caught to the left. NIHILATED TRUTH moved second-over, gapped down the back, then gradually better in the last 1/8 and was up for third. SOCIAL THEORIES went overland going into turn two, challenged, but then could not keep up the challenge in the last 1/8. SPORTSMANSHIP raced inside, might’ve been in a little tight between horses late. LOVE YOURSELF was shuffled to last, widest in the lane and had some pace. SEAL O’NEIL, looking hard to drive, was away last, went three-wide from third-over 11/16 but didn’t gain.

FIFTH RACE – JONAS K S went to the lead, set the pace as he pleased, won handily. CHELIOS came uncovered off turn two and slowly advanced, couldn’t gain any more headstretch but was far clear of all the others. THE AMERICAN EAGLE was leaving but broke, caught only to suffer an “ix” behind another breaker to the ¼, reset, went a big third quarter to get near the main pack, wide and finished strongly – one to keep an eye on. DOLEMITE gapped down the back then was shuffled a little, stayed flat, photoed for third. TSM PRINCE TRISTAN was away third, started gapping out 11/16. K J PHILLIP had cover, was gaining on the far turn but then broke headstretch. RAISIN DOUGH sat in the pocket, started fading 11/16, broke headstretch and went to the infield. TWENTY THREE PINTS ran nearing the ¼.

SIXTH RACE – SU SU SUSSUDIO came out 3/8 after the battle for the early lead, grinded into a quick 3/4s, crossed over headstretch, held on gamely in a 30.4 last quarter. FOX VALLEY CACHET was far back to the ¾, then gained three-wide on the turn, four-wide headstretch, just didn’t have quite enough late. HEARTBREAK HOTEL spotted midpack, then was third-over, three-wide before the 11/16 and that wide the duration, just couldn’t make it. DANCE TICKET had the lead 3/16, yielded, shuffled behind a tiring horse far turn, found room between horses only midstretch, was gaining late. HORIZON yielded 3/16, backed out into turn two to follow cover, blindswitched 11/16, stayed in the two-path, giving a bit of ground late. SWEET OMEN went evenly late. MIKI ROSE couldn’t enter the fray. APRIL ANGEL was behind cover early, pressed on past the fast ¼ to the lead 3/8, had little rest with the winner outside, tired.

SEVENTH RACE – SWEET ROCK DEO was immediately on top, kept the field stretched out with a fast pace, clear the last 3/16. SWEET KISSES was briefly four-wide early, slid into third past the 1/8, outside on the far turn, retucked second, raced well and was an acre ahead of the rest. FAST MACHINE was w-a-y back, rallied well to get the distant third. MS TREACHEROUS took the early pocket, unplugged from the 5/8. THE OTHERS just could not keep up in this very quick mile for these.

EIGHTH RACE – SOUTHERN AUTUMN tried to get the lead but was put in the pocket just before a 27.2 opener, enjoyed the two-hole trip, went to the Pocono Pike and trotted on for the victory. DIGNITY HANOVER wanted the early lead and paid a high price for getting it, rated then sped up in quarter three to meet a challenger, couldn’t withstand the winner. HEART MATTERS retucked around a gapper, closed well down along the inside. P L PANDORA had cover leaving then tucked fourth, then second-over, couldn’t quite reach. WILD KAT G started raw into turn two, challenged hard, got a little tired. RAVIOLI came out third-over, swung wide but didn’t get close. MOOLA MAKIN CONNIE gapped most of the way. MAISYS MUSCLES was offstride an 1/8 before the start.

NINTH RACE – RIPPLESONTHEBEACH tucked third at the 3/16, came out uncovered 5/8 and went by late turn, bore out headstretch and a little bit in the lane, held off JK MIKI MANTLE. The latter followed the winner’s cover, looked to be wanting to lug in a bit as going to lefthanded encouragement, just missed. There was an inquiry into the stretch drive involving the top two, but no action was taken. KJ HUNTER got the pocket and gapped it early, got closer, shuffled a little as the top two went by past midturn then backed outside, enough for third. RACINWITHTHEWIND was living up to his name past the ¼, rated then sped up again with the wind, couldn’t stall the top pair on the turn, a tired horse late. TREVOR’S HUNT was very hard to steer in against the pylons early, outside but gapped 11/16. ETBAUER wasn’t keeping up off the second turn. THE OTHER TWOSOME lost contact in the last half.

TENTH RACE – SILENT CROSSING was out almost all of the 26.3 opener to make the lead, then got a breather, saw the pocket horse come out to challenge 11/16, withstood that one and the one coming up the inside to sweep the Weiss. SOUTHWIND JAVA pushed the winner to the ¼ then yielded to sit behind her, edged out 11/16 and challenged, good but didn’t pose a major danger, stayed on for second over SUNSHINE SALLY. The latter went into the early pocket, gapped midbackstretch then went closer into what was now the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and almost second. SOME KINDA ANGEL saved ground, also gapped in the third split, had some rally to get a good check. JACANA moved outside behind dull cover and briefly three-wide to a gapping third-over, fair. JILLIAN B MIKI moved out second-over 5/8 but did not keep with cover. COVENANT WOMAN lost contact down the back. IQ HANOVER moved outside but never gained, eventually ducked back inside, way back.

ELEVENTH RACE – CIGAR SMOKING TONY showed speed, sat third until the 5/8 when moving raw, grinded up, had a short lead headstretch, didn’t extend it by much against a game GONNAHAVEONEMORE but got the decision. The latter rolled out to the lead and kept on rolling, fought very bravely through the stretch. KAUAI KING was second-over, gapped a little on the turn, doing better nearing the line. TULHURSTSANTANNA A raced into the pocket past the 1/8 and stayed close, may’ve been in tight quarters between horses late. RIFLEMAN was way back behind many gappers, got around them making up a lot of ground. NARINA HANOVER was the leader of the distant second half of the field in the backstretch, little late. ROCK THREE TIMES never entered into it. STELLAR BB spotted, came out off the second turn, never went forward and in fact fell far back.

TWELFTH RACE – MIMI OCEAN HANOVER waited patiently outside with cover to the ¼, then brushed up to the lead, strung this field out severely, drew away in the last 1/8 in another impressive performance. GETTINMYSTEPSIN needed most of the 27.4 opener to secure the front, yielded to the winner, stayed close to her until the last 1/8, far ahead of the rest. THOSE BLUES came a long way in a charted line that was better than it may appear. PHANNY’S MATTER tucked at the 1/8, edged out ¾ but didn’t get close. WE COULD BE HEROS was last, wide off the far turn, OK from an impossible spot. DEVIOUS DUSHI pushed the opening action and yielded, started to fall back ¾. BOINGALICIOUS was gapping before the ½. TILL IM GONE was close up on the back of a foe, may have gotten in tight quarters and ran before the ¾.

THIRTEENTH RACE – HEREITIZ put everybody in behind with a commanding 26.4 opener, rated the half the turned on the speed again, repulsed the first-over, won as he pleased under a hold. BELIEVEINTHESPIRIT was three-wide to the 3/16 and then tucked, followed cover but gapped it early backstretch and went back in, gained inside, edged out headstretch and along for second. JANAID was four-wide early and circled up to two-wide into turn one, took the two-hole near the quarter, stayed close to nearing the ¾ then tired. CAN’T KNOCK ME was two-wide among four leavers, tucked, back out raw 3/8 and challenged in a fast third quarter, couldn’t keep going. THE OTHERS were always far back.

FOURTEENTH RACE – RYCROFT N spotted forwardly, was uncovered at the half and speed-grinded, showed great determination late as many were close at the wire. IDEAL WHEEL was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to get command off the first bend, rated the half then picked up the pace, lasted until deep in the lane. ROGUE CHEDDAR spotted, sat in, backed out late turn and three-wide headstretch, gaining late. WINNING IS SWEET was in front at the 1/8, surrendered the top at the ¼ for the pocket, went to the Pocono Pike, a step shy. PIRATES ALLEY took a long time to settle back inside, stayed in, to the deep Pike and was gaining late. ROUGH ODDS was rough throughout, moved second-over, made a break on the far turn. MY FRISKIE BOY was always far back. RUFFLE UP did not enter contention.