Apr 27, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Temperatures at a season’s high 78 to begin the card, 69 at the end … Stretch headwind … B LIKE CRUISER was between horses to the lead, yielded to the fast quarter but came back out to control the throttle, looked to have handled the first-over around the far turn, but had to stay good to defeat that one. REDBANK BLAZE A was three-wide to the 1/8, tucked fourth, uncovered on the second turn and paced in 27 to go up and challenge, lost ground on the turn but came back on with very good gameness. DO WORK SON was third-over, four-wide into the stretch and was just up for third. HEARTBREAK HILL was second-over, three-wide midturn, not quite enough. TREASURE MACH took the inner path, didn’t look like he had any room nearing the wire. SNOWBALL’S ROMEO was four-wide to the first turn and three-wide to the 1/8, on top past that call en route to a very fast quarter, yielded for the two-hole, couldn’t come back on late. STARVIN MARVIN left, sat in, to the deep Pike, didn’t appear to have that much. CENTURY ENFORCER was outside but immediately started gaping.
SECOND RACE – GEORGIE MARTIN N put everybody in behind with a 26 opener, yielded for the two-hole, to the Pocono Pike, just got by TALL POPPY N. The latter tucked third 3/16, moved 5/16, made the top and slowed the half, under little outside pressure, just failed to withstand the pocket rocket. ARNIE’S ANGEL moved first-over towards turn two, never reached the leader, a distant third. CHIPPER DAISY was third-over, three-wide far turn, so-so. JUXTA COWGIRL took back early, needed until the ¼ to settle inside, then second-over but gapped from midbackstretch. DELISHKA N was last, circled wide, couldn’t get close enough. CAVIART CHERIE was wide early and three-wide past the 1/8, took the pocket nearing the 26 opener, started backing off before the ¾.
THIRD RACE – CAN’T SAY NO made two speed moves to the 3/8, backed off the half, opened up a big lead with a 57 last half despite going a little wide far turn, much the best. CHUCKY DE VIE had cover early, then left raw and grabbed the racetrack 5/16, immediately yielded, held the distant second. FRAC went evenly, as did ANDOVERS TOUCH. SCIROCCO PATRICK got the last check. GINGER TREE KNOX gapped much of the way. PEE WEE HANOVER lost contact. BROOKVIEW BLUTO was forwardly-placed, was looking for more when breaking midturn.
FOURTH RACE – SHEZAFREAKLIKEME left well to take command, had a horse at her outside from the 3/8 but didn’t have to go fast to keep that one outside, drew clear in the latter stages. TSM PRINCESS TEDDI filled the pocket and kept it closed, not that much late and just held second in a four-way photo. CATIE FAYE HANOVER was out behind the parked horse, three-wide just before midturn to get alongside the pocket horse, evenly. BYGONE HANOVER sat in, was blocked on the far turn, to the Pocono Pike and had an opportunity to be second but couldn’t get there. WHO’S SMOKIN N was third-over, three-wide covered then uncovered far turn, fair. BROOKDALE JESSIE had little inside. LOVELY LADY MAY went three-wide but soon stopped gaining. TINOS BADGIRL was a bit rough leaving, outside midpack first turn, then went up to race outside the winner from the 3/8, was tapped but didn’t have the speed to clear, backed off in the last quarter.
FIFTH RACE – SORTIE left, was challenging for the lead when the pole horse broke 3/16, set the pace, clear the last 3/8. POSSESS THE STONE was second early, second again 3/16 as a challenger cleared a breaker and he kept the pocket, started to unplug 5/8 but still was a clear second. POWERFUL YIELD went evenly as a no-factor third. MASTER CLASS sat in, no factor. KEYSTONE SERGEANT moved outside but never got into it. PHANTOM RUSTY moved outside 5/8, start to back up ¾. CHOCOTURE had very little to offer. LAZER JET left well from the rail, had the winner moving up on him 3/16 when he made a break and was taken to the infield.
SIXTH RACE – ONE OF THE GUYS headed right on down the road, urged late to preserve the win over BUCHANNON HANOVER. The latter was away well for the pocket and stayed tight, to the Pocono Pike, made up ground but not quite enough. SEASIDE MEDITATION gapped a bit in the first half then got tighter, nipped POWER RANKINGS for third. The latter sat third, came out late turn but didn’t have too much. THE NEXT THREE became well-detached from the field. HURRIKANE JUNIOR was wide early, took a bad step and broke equipment (not necessarily in that order), was pulled up.
SEVENTH RACE – WHAT A DAME raced into the early pocket, then made a quick move 3/8 to take control, rebuffed a challenge, drew away easily. BLESSINGSANDFAVOR vacated third 5/8 and made a pass at the leader, was rebuffed, couldn’t quite get into the pocket late turn, but still enough for second. BOASTER COASTER took back early, couldn’t stay with the top three nearing the ¾, evenly along the inside late. PADRE was wide early to get the lead just before the 1/8, yielded just past the 3/8, went loose in the pocket ¾. SLEW FOOT didn’t offer too much. KAACHING KAACHING was never close. GOLDEN GLIDER broke at the start, recovered, outside at the back down the back, fell back.
EIGHTH RACE – TIAMOGONEDANCEN was left outside to the ¼, cut the mile, opened a big lead, then perhaps a bit tired late and had her mind kept to business. MORROCKIN K moved outside from third 5/8 when the pocket horse left a bigger gapper, retucked, Pocono Pike, steadily. ELLEOFADELI came outside 11/16, left uncovered on the turn, well-clear in third. RHYME N ROLL pushed the ¼ and yielded for the two-hole, went loose in same down the backstretch. BUFFALO HEART never was prominent. SWEET SALLY SUE was outside on the final turn, had some pace and may have reached third but went offstride midstretch. RELLA TIVITY moved outside but could make no impact. NEW NUMBER WHO DIS also gapped out.
NINTH RACE – VIRGIN MARY S had the top immediately and forced tucks, s-l-o-w-e-d the half, dashed clear through the stretch with a 28.2 kicker. BEYOND BELIEF started well and got into the pocket, outsprinted by the winenr but did hold second. NEWSBOY moved from last 3/8 and grinded up a long way (though in a 1:00.2 middle half) to challenge, held well. VELVET STYLE backed out to go second-over, tightened on cover late backstretch, wide headstretch, not quite enough for a more major minor honor. SHARE THE WEALTH slid into the three-hole at the 1/8, not prominent late. GREG took back to slot in fourth past the 1/8, stayed in and was shuffled to last, wide stretch, evenly. GLACIER HANOVER lost contact ¾.
TENTH RACE – ALTA MADEIRA N was underway before the ¼, took the lead 5/16 and rated the half, had enough to withstand the late blitz of MILIEU HANOVER. The latter was second-over, went wide in the lane and had a powerful last 1/16 that didn’t miss by much (own last half 55). BEACH CRAZY went right to the top, yielded for the pocket, had a chance up the Pocono Pike but couldn’t quite put enough together. DELIGHTFUL SUMMER left well and went into the pocket past the 1/8, evenly inside late. SUMMER RAE gapped a bit early then found better strides and started raw into turn two, challenged, tired. SHADOW ONE was four-wide through the stretch, made up ground in a fast back half. THE OTHER PAIR did not figure into the major plot of this one.
ELEVENTH RACE – BEACH TOWN BOY was uncovered early on turn two, sprinted up in 26.4 the third split to really fight with the leader, having a small advantage much of the way but not clearing despite urging, finally put away that rival for good before midstretch, withstood the late bid of BETTORS AUTHORITY. The latter left well and couldn’t have enjoyed a better trip in the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, good but had to settle for the deuce. MOVE THE LINE forced a tuck 3/16, rated the half then stepped it up when the winner moved up to challenge, prevented that one from crossing over to the rail, held well considering being under much pressure. BULLVILLE JONATHAN was two- and three-wide on the far turn, next-best. MAJOR SHOW gapped in last much of the way, moving well along the inside late. BEEBEETEE sat in then backed out second-over when the “original” second-over gapped, accepted a blindswitch late turn and didn’t have much late. SOLARCTIC was outside, drifted a bit wide and couldn’t offer much. GETYOURLICENSELIAM was quite wide early, settled into fifth, originally moved second-over but drifted wide down the back and faded badly.
TWELFTH RACE – FRISKIE ALL NITE raced up to the top just past the 1/8, yielded, gapped in the 26.3 backstretch quarter, but tightened on the turn, moved out, and was along in time. CAVIART ROCKLAND stayed connected, to the Pocono Pike and got second away from WAR-N-MUNN late. The latter left well from the rail, yielded but came with a quarter-move, went 26.3 down the back trying to steal clear, but that plan could last only to just past midstretch. HE’S ELECTRIC had cover but wasn’t getting much from it so ducked back inside, best of the rest. GRIFFON HANOVER tucked fourth, moved raw at the half but never made any inroads. THE LAST THREE were the last three throughout.
Apr 25, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Stretch headwind; pleasant day in the mid 60s … KILLER MARTINI got to fourth-over from last, came sweeping to the 11/16 and passed a bunch to get to uncovered midturn, went to the lead, kept to business while drifting out a little. HASH-TAG SWAG came flying through at the start to get the lead, yielded after a 26 quarter, stayed tight behind fast fractions, came out headstretch after the winner went by, closed well to the left of that one late. JUST N ACE stayed in and rallied for a no-factor third. DERECHO was three-wide to turn one, very hard-used to make the top, kept up fast fractions, tired in the stretch. THE BUS A sat in then went to the three-wide path behind the winner, four-wide headstretch, could make no inroad. BEACH FIRE K eased out to second-over 5/8, double-blindswitched before and through the turn, three-wide in the lane but couldn’t get close. WHATA TREASURE couldn’t keep with cover early backstretch and saw another vacate the rail, double-blindswitched and back to the rail, last ¾, kept angling to five-wide into the stretch, no chance. BASS PLAYER was outleft in the zippy opener, tucked third before the 5/16, offered again raw off turn two, tired past the ¾.
SECOND RACE – COCKTAILS N DREAMS came grinding from midpack at the half, relentless, made the lead midstretch, just held off the big late surge of TRICKY DICK. The latter backed out to fourth-over 11/16, had to circle five-wide around stalled horses to headstretch, still last a little before midstretch but had a furious last 1/16 to just miss. NIGHT FLYER K sat in, found room in the deep Pocono Pike and narrowed in. DAGON HANOVER was five-wide early to circle the field, yielded 3/16, sat third-in, outside in a blindswitch late turn to the path behind the winner, couldn’t quite match steps with that one. TUIS SHADOW was looped early. four-wide to the first turn, three-wide past the 1/8, then two-wide for the lead 3/8, posted a fast half, had to face the grinding winner, held decently. BOOM BOOM BAY was third-over, four-wide nearing headstretch, not enough. BANG BANG BOINGA was looped and three-wide to the first turn, got in front 3/16 and yielded a like distance later to sit the two-hole, nothing left in the lane. LEPANTO was in good position second-over, went three-wide past midturn, came up empty.
THIRD RACE – GO WEST GO FAST was three-high to bend one, on top 3/16, slowed the half then sprinted 26.4 down the back to lose most of his foes, tons the best. AMERICA’S GUEST, looking on a line most of the way, came raw 11/16, kept on coming and was up for second. DRAGON STRIKES was on the lead at the 1/8 and soon yielded for the pocket, stayed close until midturn, couldn’t preserve second. ROLLIN IN NEW YORK left for forward position, gapped 5/8, to the Pocono Pike, evenly. FOX VALLEY INFERNO stayed in, tried to come between foes late but may have been in tight quarters. THE OTHER TWO were never a presence here.
FOURTH RACE – MARION GONDOLIER was outside before the ¼ after the two leavers sorted themselves out, made the lead 3/8, went a big 3/4s, all alone. SYLVESTERAMERICAIT went to the top, yielded but was quick on the retake, reluctantly yielded 3/8, went loose past the ¾, did hold the deuce. MUSHANA had to go raw from last, trotted home steadily. BANK BOX TREASURE took command at the 1/8, yielded, urged at the ¾ but had little response. BANZAI AS sat in, to the Pocono Pike but couldn’t gain. MUFASA AS struggled to keep up.
FIFTH RACE – CAVIART MAX left some but took back, started first-over into turn two, got a pocket tuck 9/16 in front of a gapper, outside again ¾, lead early stretch, held off WESTERN TYRANT. The latter was parked behind tuck-seeking cover early and himself tucked, followed cover and was left raw before midbackstretch, got cover again ¾, kept on coming doggedly in a big mile. MAJOR DESIRE left, yielded and then gapped most of the rest of the mile, got to the Pocono Pike and was a little better. INDIGO ART followed cover then went three-wide nearing midturn, not quite enough gain. SULLIVAN was in front at the 1/8 in a quick quarter, still had an open lead despite rating the half (letting the winner in behind him), tired in the stretch. BAMSKI gapped much of the way inside. LORD OF MISRULE was not in the main picture, tried coming between horses late but may not have had room. SPORTY DRAGON sat in, fanned wide but didn’t enter contention.
SIXTH RACE – FOCUS POCUS left to maintain the pocket, was full of trot vacating the hole midturn and went right on by. MON AMOUR set the pace as he chose to, second-best. AP HALL OF TRIX had cover then lost it to a break to the 5/8, went on steadily. PRACTICAL CAT may have been slow to clear between horses in the stretch, then was going willingly at the end. RED REDEMPTION was able to come up the inside down the back but gapped 11/16. CHING CHING LUCKY was wide in the lane but didn’t gain. MOON BRIDGE was never close. ONE AFTER NINE tucked early, started to move uncovered off turn two but went offstride.
SEVENTH RACE – KINGSVILLE was first to show then yielded for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and edged out the heavy favorite. CAPTAINGIDDYUPNGO tucked, went uncovered on the second bend, put a neck up before the ¾ but couldn’t clear and lost ground on the turn, but continued on with determination and was edged out. TUF COOPER went fast odd-numbered quarters to first get the lead then hold out a challenger, couldn’t sustain the advantage to the finish. GUSSY’S TRUMP CARD stayed in, evenly. MASK ON MASK OFF had very good cover but couldn’t mount a late charge. ALWAYS BETTER trailed, may have been in tight quarters late. SILVERSTONE kept up in third until the 11/16.
EIGHTH RACE – DUCASSE was four-wide early then three-wide around his barnmate at the 1/8 to the lead past the 3/16, set the pace, had the line come at an opportune time relative to DANDY. The latter was far back, gained on the turn then again had an explosive last 1/16 to just miss. WESLYNN CROWN was looped early, tucked in third 5/16, out raw again before the ¾, good. CANTSTOP YANKEE left well to take over early, yielded to the winner, started to unplug ¾. BIG BEN HANOVER broke just before the start. TNT BLUE CHIP broke while second-over mid-far turn; DONATELLO HANOVER broke while inside mid-far turn.
NINTH RACE – LETMECALLYOUBACK was away second then improved that position by one past the ¼, in firm control of this group. KEYSTONEFIGHTNIGHT set up an early lineup minus the breaker, yielded for the two-hole, started to get loose ¾ but had enough to retain second. CAPTAIN COOK moved outside just past midturn and came on pretty well. HUNTING FOR MILES didn’t have too much late. INSTANTANEOUS CASH moved raw off turn two but never got close. ALL THE CHIPS was leaving three-wide early when making a break, caught the field, was out behind dull cover, was going to get a check when breaking midstretch.
TENTH RACE – THAT OLE BAR STOOL was reserved midpack early while the front end sorted itself out, then in gear at the 1/8 but needed the next quarter-mile to clear, fought off a challenger on the far turn, then had a 28.1 kicker to hold off EL TORO LOCO. The latter left sharply, pushed the winner hard before yielding for the pocket, came outside early stretch and gained very nicely only to just miss. BACKSTREET PLAYER moved raw towards the 11/16, challenged on the far turn, held for third. BJORNSSON was forwardly-placed, backed out to second-over far turn, did well. PAYMAQ was not prominent. BAR COINS gapped inside. BEER CHEESE was behind stale cover, three-wide ¾, couldn’t reach. MALONE, looking hard to steer, was outside the duration near the back of the pack, broke mid-far turn.
ELEVENTH RACE – LANJO LEE tucked then was underway before the ¼ to clear to the front 3/8, came his last ¾ in 1:23.1 and was not threatened at all. GREG THE LEG pushed the ¼ and yielded, sat in, to the Pocono Pike and was along for the distant second. ROLL WITH THE FLOW spotted, then moved out raw ¾, OK. SHAKE IT was out nearly to the ¼ for command, yielded for the two-hole, didn’t have much left late. HUNTSVILLE PLACE got the last check. CRACK A SMILE was outside and moved up, then faded late. BULLVILLE FRANK trailed throughout.
TWELFTH RACE – P L NOTSONICE moved outside 3/8 as the favorite cleared and brushed past that one coming off the second turn, dashed clear on the turn and came home in 28.2 as much the best. RICH AND MISERABLE was outside with cover early, left uncovered before the 3/8 and then right to the lead, yielded past the half, couldn’t keep up far turn, clearly second-best. SWEET HEART AS was third-over behind gapping cover, widest in the stretch and up for third. MYSTICAL WYNN was three-wide to the first turn, needed past the 5/16 to get in front, yielded, gapped out. LEVITATION moved up raw gradually, then couldn’t sustain the move. CUPID HANOVER gapped cover. CRAZYCAT was not heard from; nor was DEE’S RED DELICIOUS.
THIRTEENTH RACE – BLOW A CLOUD N wanted the lead but settled for the pocket 3/16, moved outside after the first-over broke, caught HOPETOBEFIRST. The latter headed right down the road, rated the half, just didn’t have enough today. TRENTE DEO was out behind cover early then settled third 3/16, in, briefly had to go inside the pylons to avoid the headstretch trouble, then moved wide and closed well. TOLLY-HO stayed in and wound up last, shoved widest headstretch, closed very nicely. TOWNLINE FLIGHT sat inside, evenly late. SHAMMA LAMMA was third-over, three-wide midturn then wider around trouble, couldn’t rally enough. BEVANS CULLEN N was second-over, gapped cover, then went inside the breaker headstretch, not a late consideration. LITTLEBITASWAGGER needed until almost the ¼ to tuck in, then back out to the second turn, challenged first-over, jumped a piece of equipment on the track (also happened to him March 5) and scattered horses.
FOURTEENTH RACE – CAPTAIN MULZAC was wide early, went inside before the ¼, came out again into turn two behind the parked horse, three-wide 5/8 to two-wide before the ¾ to the lead ¾ to crossing over late turn, held off BRAVO TEX N. The latter was the innermost hard leaver and kept the pocket filled behind a duel, moved out late turn and performed very well late against the sharp winner. WON LAST FEELING gapped inside, up the Pocono Pike and was a very distant third. ALI went three-wide early to loop to the top, refused to let an opponent go, yielded to the winner ¾ and faded late. CLASSIC PRO was between horses leaving, pressed on but got the cold shoulder, didn’t fade as badly as one might think. BRANDON HANOVER gapped cover. MUDVILLE was away last and stayed last.
FIFTEENTH RACE – HORSE left and yielded for the perfect trip, to the Pocono Pike and took the short way home to defeat ITALIAN LAD N. The latter was second-over, three-wide just past midturn, may’ve lost the race on the ground he had to cover wide into the stretch, steadily late. COALITION HANOVER was quickly on top, had a clear lead much of the second half but got tired. JACKIE MOON left between horses and tucked in just past the 1/8, to the deep Pike and gained. CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN went up first-over but never reached the leader. SOUTHWIND PETYR angled to the path behind the place horse in the stretch, OK. HOPNROLL HEAVEN raced inside, was never prominent. TERRY A HANOVER was in a tough spot here.
Apr 22, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – There had been moisture overnight, but the track was rated “fast” in temperatures around 40 degrees … Stretch headwind – average last quarter just over 30, seven races 30+, and two of the last four races 31.1 and 32.1 … SPORTSMANSHIP tucked third, came uncovered grinding off the second turn, wore down the pacesetting SPINOUT late. The latter made two speed moves to control the throttle, held on very gamely. CAVIART SAGE changed gears to the 1/8 and went up to tuck fourth 3/16, backed out 11/16, wide, OK. BEST SHOT N took command 3/16, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, had his chance in the Pocono Pike but couldn’t quite reach. HYPOTHETICAL was first outside, got cover but gapped it 5/8. THE OTHER TWO brought up the rear throughout.
SECOND RACE – GONNAHAVEONEMORE was looped leaving, proceeded onward to the top before the ¼, went a good third quarter, all-out through the stretch to defeat a rival to both sides. SOCIAL THEORIES came raw out of third at the half and paced 27.3 down the back to challenge, seemed to stall far turn but then found renewed vigor and tried hard to the very end. A STUD NAMED SAM looped the field early, yielded for the two-hole, to the Pocono Pike, a step shy. BULLVILLE TERROR had a great trip second-over, three-wide late turn, simply did not have enough late speed. DIVISION BELL had to swing very wide in the lane and had some foot finishing. AMAZON was third-over, tipped four-wide but had no gain. FOUR-STAR FLASH had room to go up the inside down the back but gapped.
THIRD RACE – GEORGIE took control from the pole, avoided confusion from breakers, and raced well as much the best. RAINBOW RISING benefited from two second quarter breakers and got the pocket second turn, couldn’t keep up in the last quarter but did photo SOUTHWIND MOLLY for second. The latter also advanced two spots in Q2, uncovered 5/8, could not sustain her forward gain. HELLRUNNER HANOVER gapped late backstretch, evenly late. YOUNONOTHINJON avoided trouble and got the last check. LIGHTNING LEIA tucked third, came on a quarter move but broke 5/16. LADY ELECTRA had the early pocket, looked a little rank running up on the leader and broke 3/8.
FOURTH RACE – CAN’T SAY NO maintained the pocket early, was loose of the pacesetter much of the last half then closer on the turn, outside stretch and went right on by. WHATS THE WORD used track geometry in setting the pace, sprinted a fast third quarter with the wind, but couldn’t hold on to the finish. CHUCKY DE VIE raced up to third at the 1/8, stayed connected until the last 1/8. O JONNIE and CRITICAL MASS were no factors. CHECKMATE HILL moved outside towards turn two but didn’t generate any gain before breaking past the ¾.
FIFTH RACE – YER SO BAD set all the pace, urged to hold off CURBSIDE PICKUP. The latter had a fine trip, came outside towards headstretch, had dead aim, not quite enough late. WHERESJIM backed out to follow cover 11/16, uncovered midturn, along to take third. WAR OF WILL came out raw 5/8 after the parked horse faded, gained, went inside third midturn, couldn’t quite hold the show. CAPTAIN KEN was outside midpack early when deciding to go up, tired before the 5/8. SETHIEMYBOY bore out 3/8 and fell back. TRAVIS SAID went up to tuck third, backed up badly in the last ¼. GRATEFUL KISS was away slowly and was losing contact not much past the ¼.
SIXTH RACE – AMBERS CHAMPION moved 5/8 as the pocketsitter faded, looked like she tucked briefly in the pocket then back on the attack ¾, made the lead midstretch, held on for the victory. MATTER OF TRUST followed the winner, moved wide in the lane, found her best strides just a trifle too late. RELENTLESS JACKIE controlled the throttle with two moves, got a little tired midstretch. IWISHNOTTOBTOUCHED passed tired horses. HURRICANE BLUES left back took back, moved outside to the 5/8, couldn’t reach cover, went back in, little. BARSTOOL BELLA was out to the ¼ to get the lead, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, started to struggle from not that long into the backstretch. KEYSTONE VIENNA broke coming off the turn before the start. BETTER SINCE broke midpack 3/16.
SEVENTH RACE – PIRATES ALLEY stayed connected to the pocket horse until the 11/16, moved out around him and retucked, outside late turn and quickly drew off. SCRAPPIN GOLD got going midbackstretch and went around moribund stock, uncovered much of the far turn, wide stretch, beat out MY FRISKIE BOY for second. The latter tailed the cover of the place horse, ducked in late turn and came up the Pocono Pike, couldn’t quite manage second. WINNING IS SWEET set the pace on an open-length lead but was done when challenged headstretch. LOVE YOURSELF was shuffled to last behind a gapper, had some pace in the last 3/16. DEVISSER couldn’t keep up most of the way. SPORTS TEEN was away to get the pocket but gapped most of the way to the ¾, then really started backing up.
EIGHTH RACE – ARGENTO quarter-moved and took over going to the second turn, just held together in a 31.2 last quarter. CHELIOS finally was in gear 5/8 and kept gaining but just missed taking it all. KASEVILLE was wide into the first turn, cleared everybody, pushed the winner in the frontstretch and yielded going to turn two for the pocket, came out of same midturn but had no late gain. ORIGINAL SMOKEY was looped and three-wide past the 1/8, up into the pocket 3/16, no response in the last stanza. REDEMPTOR got a check. FATHER OF IRELAND couldn’t keep up the last half. CHROME PACKAGE broke past the ¼. RAISIN DOUGH was in the middle of a pack of horses looking for position early, was trying for the pocket when two-wide past the 1/8 but broke.
NINTH RACE – Lots of motion here, with the chalk prevailing … KAUAI KING pulled at the ¼ so as not to be caught in by a parked horse, had cover most of the way to the half, then up raw to get the lead ¾, maintained the advantage to the wire. MUSCLE MACH A was backed up then joined the outside flow, wide headstretch and narrowed in well. ROCK IDOL was second-over, lost cover ¾ and was making a menacing move past midturn when going offstride, recovered quickly and made a sharp comeback; no reason for placing due to the break. FIRST GLANCE was hard to take back, three-wide much of the ¼ then followed the winner, gapped 3/8 and let a foe out, then kept up steadily in the flow, left raw when a foe broke past midturn, paced on very solidly in a hard-luck mile. BILBO HANOVER was three-wide to the 3/16 then two-wide to get the lead 3/8, yielded, was shuffled when the pacesetter tired, moved to the right a path or two (or three) in the stretch, clear far too late. YANKEE KEELER yielded the lead 3/16, then found himself second-last via a shuffle, outside midturn, blindswitched by the recovering breaker, raced better than the line may look. JANAID went on between horses to 3/16 command, yielded 3/8 but regained immediately, done when challenged ¾. SIX DAY WARS lost contact the second half.
TENTH RACE – LADY’S IMAGE tucked third early, moved out early backstretch and three-wide to the 5/8 to retuck in the pocket, came out again late turn and sharply went past the pacesetter. BUZZ headed down the road, powerless to stall the winner though far clear of the rest. NICE STUFF and MATT’S MUSCLES passed troubled horses to be in the next two spots. MASTER CLASS was moving up some far turn when having to go wide when PIERCEWAVE HANOVER broke, flattened out. SUNDANCEDIAMOND was always far back. R HERBIE BLUE CHIP gradually worked his way frontward, challenged from before the 3/8 but was left out in the air, tucked in a vacancy fourth 5/8, fell back. PIERCEWAVE HANOVER was away in the pocket and kept the hole plugged until the half, then was getting loose, broke late on the far turn.
ELEVENTH RACE – MELANIE’S NICK pushed to the ¼ then sat a nice pocket trip, to the inside and had the most of these. WIN PLACE’N SHOW had position early, uncovered 5/8, grinded, never ahead but went on steadily. AMERICAN ZESTAR was second-over, gapped a bit ¾, wide stretch, couldn’t quite reach for second. HURRIKANE JUNIOR was four-wide early, up two-wide at the 1/8 to the lead at the ¼, rated the half, came up short at crunch time. ALTERNATE UNIVERSE had cover then ducked inside of it, kept coming up the inside and finished OK. DARIO HANOVER was never prominent. ROAD MAP went uncovered before turn two, got cover to the 5/8 but couldn’t go with it. POLARIS BEACH lost contact with these early.
TWELFTH RACE – Rain … A slow last quarter often produces a blanket finish … BULLY BOY was underway early to get the front and set the pace, kept to business late in a 31.1 kicker to prevail. CHOCOLATE MATTERS was a gapping last at the ¾, suddenly found a higher gear, four-wide stretch and passed everybody save the winner. KEYSTONE THUNDER moved second-over 5/8, three-wide late turn, OK though outtrotted for second. TEDDY BROSVELT moved up from being far back early, kept grinding raw, stayed in the fight to the finish in a brave showing. WORTHY OF HONOR left well, yielded for the pocket, not much the last 1/8. CHOCO CHARLIE stayed in and used the Pocono Pike but couldn’t reach. ALEXANDER HANOVER wasn’t keeping up at the ¾.
THIRTEENTH RACE – MADELYNN SOPHIA used the rail to maximum advantage and forced tucks, absorbed a late backstretch first-over challenge, then drew clear again. ALLYOUCANBET moved just before the half, powered up in 27.1 to challenge the leader 11/16, could not sustain the forward move but was nonetheless impressive second. BETTE TINA took the pocket, struggled in the two-hole much of the rest of the way, did last for third in a three-way picture. CLEAR THE WAY was shuffled late backstretch, outside far turn then ducked between horses to midstretch and finished with good pace. JAGGED LITTLE PILL was three-wide leaving, took back to fourth past the 1/8, retucked around a gapper down the back, so-so. SWEET KATIE BUG had little to offer. GOTTALUVIT HANOVER kept a hole closed before the 3/16, all done past the 5/8. SWEET HELLO was last when breaking at the ¼.
FOURTEENTH RACE – BRAVO TEX N drifted out then gunned up 3/16, went out to the three-path past the ¼ as a retaker surfaced, went right around that one to the lead, met a big challenge in the third quarter, then stamped himself as the day’s standout by coming home in 28.2 into the wind. BECKHAMS Z TAM left between horses to the lead, yielded, moved at the ¼ before the winner could keep him in, made the top again and yielded again, sat the two-hole, outside stretch but didn’t have the sprint, showed good energy. MAJOR OFFENSE was second-over but struggled to keep close to cover in the fast third panel, three-wide midturn, next in line. ROLLINWITHAMBITION was three-wide most of the first 3/16 and went on to take over, saw two go by in quarter two, sat in, to the Pocono Pike, almost third. DREAM OF LUCK went uncovered nearing turn two, paced in 27 with the wind down the back to challenge, couldn’t sustain. THE NEXT TWO never entered contention. DUCKIES DYNASTY was the innermost of three leavers, yielded, never surfaced again.
FIFTEENTH RACE – This race’s last quarter was almost four seconds slower than the one before it … GOLDEN GESTURE was three-wide early then two-wide between horses to the lead, yielded, thought about a retake then decided to stay, third-in down the back, got access to the Pocono Pike as the pocketsitter pulled late turn, took this one though not coming home much. SPIDER MAN HANOVER was off the gate, came all the way up the inside and was along for second. SMOOTH AS CHEDDAR stayed in and was shuffled to last, widest in the stretch and gained as the pace slowed. BEACHMASTER TWO didn’t get much help from cover, three-wide from the 11/16, so-so. REYS N A RUCKUS moved uncovered ¾ and went right by past the half, went to the ¾ in fast time, but didn’t have much left. BJ’S GUY went with cover but was soon left raw, never advanced beyond midpack. PIG IRON was four-wide to the 1/8 then three-wide most of the ¼, got in front, yielded just past the half, gapped down the back but closed in on the turn and actually came out near headstretch, couldn’t gain, then was actually shut off at the wire in tight quarters.
Apr 21, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Strong stretch headwind most of the day, especially reflected in slow second quarters, with temperatures in the mid-40s … Rain midcard; track “fast +0” races 1-8; “good +1” races 9-10; and “sloppy +1” the remainder of the way … HEARTBREAK HOTEL made the top just past the 1/8, yielded towards a fast quarter but was quick on the retake, had an easy time of it here. SU SU SUSSUDIO was second-over but gapped, briefly blindswitched, angled wide early stretch and had a big late 1/16. MIKI ROSE made the lead, yielded, sat inside, in the Pocono Pike and had some finishing power. AMERICAN JAZZ was three-wide before the first turn, on top at the 3/16, yielded for the pocket, not all that much in the lane. SAN ANTONIO STROLL tucked fourth, had a bit while deep in the Pike at the wire. SHES A BULLVILLE was third-over behind a gapper, three-wide midturn but didn’t gain late. SWEET KISS went uncovered into turn two, gained in the third quarter but faded in the last 1/8. COME ZOOM WITH ME was never in it.
SECOND RACE – BETTORS AUTHORITY was away third, went up into the pocket when the occupant of that spot pulled out 5/8, to the Pocono Pike and wore down MOVE THE LINE. The latter was away quickly and had an open-length lead from the 1/8 to the 3/8, got a slow half then sped up to battle the pocketpuller, almost lasted to the finish. MAJOR SHOW settled in the pocket, closed a gap, came out 5/8 to challenge, held her ground fairly well. BEEBEETEE was third-over, advanced in a blindswitch on the far turn, found stretch clearance and had pace on the end. ALL CHEDDAR gapped at a couple of points inside. PARKLANE TERROR never surfaced. BEACH TOWN BOY looked at leaving but saw many other like-minded foes and took back, fourth-over but gapped. SOLARCTIC was uncovered at the half, got cover 5/8, three-wide midturn, had very little in the lane.
THIRD RACE – TILL IM GONE sat in third, moved outside before midstretch after the pocketsitter went to the Pocono Pike and prevailed in a close finish. HEART MATTERS was second-over early backstretch, ducked in ¾ when cover didn’t advance, then swung widest headstretch and was charging home to just miss. WE COULD BE HEROS yielded for the pocket, appeared to have a broken martingale by the ¾, Pocono Pike, not quite enough. DEVIOUS DUSHI set the pace at her liking, not quite enough on the end. SOUTHERN AUTUMN gradually settled in early, uncovered at the half, didn’t reach the leader, held OK late. BUCKET HEAD was disconnecting before the 5/8.
FOURTH RACE – WICKEDLY INNOCENT got a forward spot, then was locked in from the 3/8 to headstretch as shuffled, outside headstretch then angled inside the front ones with a sharp burst to get the nod after patient handling. SWEET KISSES was on top at the 1/8, yielded, slipped out in front of a gapper ¾ to avoid a shuffle, three-wide past midturn, got to the lead in the stretch but outpaced to her far inside by a fresher horse. SUNSHINE SALLY made the lead, yielded, came uncovered at the half and worked to the lead 11/16, tired a bit in the latter stages. COVENANT WOMAN was uncovered 3/8, got cover at the half, lost it again 11/16 and continued to advance, held OK. MUST BE NICE was in a good flow but gapped cover. FOX VALLEY CACHET also was caught in, angled wide, some kick late. IQ HANOVER was looped and settled in third, moved not soon off the first turn but had to be encouraged to go to the lead before the second turn, couldn’t keep a foe outside 11/16, tired. SEAHUNTSIDEALBEACH was last at every call.
FIFTH RACE – GETTINMYSTEPSIN went right to the lead, set the pace as she pleased, kept to encouragement to maintain a winning margin. BOINGALICIOUS raced third, gapped slightly around the far curve, then went to the Pocono Pike, didn’t quite have enough, photoed P L PANDORA for second. The latter raced in the two-hole, outside past midturn, OK. RAVIOLI moved outside midturn, wide and finished steadily. MAISYS MUSCLES broke w-a-y before the start.
SIXTH RACE – DRESDEN was innermost of the leavers and ensured herself the pocket, outside to headstretch and gradually wore down BEACH CRAZY. The latter made the lead 3/16, slowed the half into the wind, was not challenged until the stretch, not quite enough to withstand the winner. ALTA MADEIRA N fit in third at the 1/8, stayed connected, Pocono Pike, a step shy. DELIGHTFUL SUMMER tucked, then couldn’t keep pace late. DEL DIGGITY moved uncovered before the half but never got close to the leader. SHADOW ONE was no factor here. THE LAST TWO got little help from the first-over.
SEVENTH RACE – BUTTER TOFFEE gapped midpack down the back but got tighter towards the ¾, three-wide late turn and proved to have the most of these late. FRAC was forwardly-placed, blocked on the far turn, then to the Pocono Pike, finished steadily. SWIZZLE HANOVER set the pace with two moves, drew clear far turn into the stretch, but tired and bore out, and was caught. GREEK LEGEND went evenly staying inside. CRUSHWORTHY followed the favorite but found that one’s cover useless, went three-wide ¾ and finished with trot. ANDOVERS TOUCH tucked fourth, started uncovered to turn two, advanced some then retreated more than some. SCIROCCO PATRICK was outside 3/8, got cover, but gapped it the entire last half.
EIGHTH RACE – Drizzle started … B LIKE CRUISER was battling with a foe past the 1/8 when that one went offstride, leaving an unopposed leader, clearly the best. BLACKLIGHT was forwardly-placed early then wound up in the pocket after the breaker, stayed close until the stretch, did hold on for second over BELIEVEINTHESPIRIT. The latter sat third, gapped as the pace picked up down the back, then closer on the turn and outside to headstretch, couldn’t quite reach place. LUZIANA was uncovered starting on turn two but never got close. CAN’T KNOCK ME got the last check. MCNEIL Z TAM gapped at the back. SOUTHWIND DREDGE backed up to follow cover but was rough and couldn’t keep up. HEREITIZ was wide while leaving well, two-wide and inching past the winner before the 3/16 before taking a stumblestep, broken equipment and was pulled up.
NINTH RACE – Track rerated to “good +1” … WILD KAT G led this race for 5280 feet, and was under pressure for most of them, but she was able to be clear in the end. THOSE BLUES moved outside off the second turn, three-wide past the 5/8 to two-wide uncovered far turn, couldn’t get by. PHANNYS MATTER was in the pocket 3/16, gapped late in the backstretch, but did a little better late. DIGNITY HANOVER never settled in, went frontward from the ¼, battled the leader, was looped ¾, but continued on gamely to the line. QUINNPATRICKSHEA joined the sweeping tier 5/8 but couldn’t keep up. MOOLA MAKIN CONNIE broke nearing the ¾.
TENTH RACE – SILENT CROSSING was looped early, worked up to the lead 3/16, rated the second split, then came home in 56.3- 28 to keep the edge over JACANA. The latter went right to the top then let the winner go by to sit in the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, good in almost getting there in a fast last quarter. SWEET ROCK DEO sat in, found good steps midstretch, may’ve been shut off at the wire. JILLIAN B MIKI spotted at the 1/8, then went up in 27.4 to put in a good challenge, not quite enough in the latter stages. DANCE TICKET moved to second-over, wasn’t a late factor. MYMONSTERSAREREAL was behind the gapping CHERISH HANOVER; both were always far back.
ELEVENTH RACE – MIMI OCEAN HANOVER worked up to control past the 1/8, saw her main rival break early stretch and won as she pleased with a 28.2 last split over the now “sloppy +1” track. WORKOUT GIRL was on top in a flash, yielded to the winner, was in the process of surrendering second when that foe broke, far ahead of the rest. SEVEN SHADOWS gapped at a couple of points. SUNSEEKER HANOVER stayed out of trouble. MONEY MATTERS waited in third, came out midturn and was starting to go by for second when miscuing early stretch. EXPLOSIVE SESSION went uncovered into the backstretch but never reached. GIZA DREAMS was trying to close a gap when breaking into turn two.
TWELFTH RACE – SOUTHWIND JAVA yielded and waited patiently in the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and won fairly easily. SOME KINDA ANGEL gapped midpack at a couple of points, narrowed in, moved two-, three-, and then four-wide far turn into the stretch, was moving very nicely at the line. APRIL ANGEL took the lead just past the 1/8, set the pace, got a big challenge from the 5/8 to the far turn, shook off that foe but couldn’t deal with the top two. SWEET OMEN went evenly along the inside. HORIZON backed out to second-over but couldn’t keep with her cover’s big move, three-wide when that one tired, evenly late. ONLY TEN I SEE was a gapping last, got in gear heading to turn two and went up in 27.2 to really push the leader, but tired on the far bend. MAINLINE CHARMER could not keep up 5/8.
THIRTEENTH RACE – Wind moderated … BEYOND BELIEF came out of third 5/8 and was urged to advance, gradually grinded up and took over. GLACIER HANOVER went a big opener to put everybody in behind, clear down the back but then had two coming to him on the turn, saw both go by but got second as one misbehaved. FINAL CLASS challenged for the early lead but had to take the pocket, loose down the back but tightened back in, went to the Pocono Pike and was going to be second but broke past midstretch, placed for violating the breaking rules. NEWSBOY was last, slid wide late turn, finished very well. SLEW FOOT went evenly. GOLDEN GLIDER was a bit off the gate, moved outside but couldn’t get into the action. PADRE went outside on the second turn, tucked back in midbackstretch after an opponent jumped, himself ran midturn. BOASTER COASTER lost gait nearing the 5/8.
FOURTEENTH RACE – TSM PRINCESS TEDDI hustled to keep the pocket closed early behind the fast fight on the front end, waited for the Pocono Pike and then paced right by. SHEZAFREAKLIKEME made the lead at the 1/8 and elected to hang a foe in a fast half, couldn’t stall the winner, held second in a photo with CATIE FAYE HANOVER. The latter swung wide in the lane and closed in fairly well. DANDY IDEA gapped behind the front-end duel, went uncovered 11/16, evenly. TINOS BADGIRL was away a bit slowly, angled wide late turn as the outer tiers stalled, got the last payday. BROOKDALE JESSIE wasn’t helped by cover, four-wide ¾ but never gained. BYGONE HANOVER spotted, moved out behind the parked horse then went to go three-wide around her but never generated enough power. WHO’S SMOKIN N left and challenged but was given the cold shoulder, tired soon past the fast half.
FIFTEENTH RACE – CRAZY CUTE made two speed moves then yielded to sit the two-hole behind the chalk, went to the Pocono Pike and gobbled that one up. LA BELLA VITA N spotted at the 1/8, then was quarter-mover #2, set an evenly-rated pace, outfooted at the end. GEORGIE MARTIN N was underway before the half, put in a good challenge, backed off a bit late but beat a bunch to take third. CHIPPER DAISY was second-over, three-wide later on the turn, fair for a DH4 with JUXTA COWGIRL. The latter left and took over 3/16, saw two go by, in the Pocono Pike but couldn’t go enough to stay close to the winner. MACZAFFAIR N sat in, angled widest and finished with some pace. ANOTHER BEACH DAY struggled third-over. NO WHERE TO HIDE was losing contact before the 5/8.
Apr 18, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Strange day weatherwise: Temperature starting at 60, fast track, stretch headwind; then in races 7-10, rain started, with the track “sloppy +1” after the seventh, and the temperature dropping 17 degrees in that period; a reversal of wind direction midcard for the next few races … RICH AND MISERABLE was outside with cover at the ¼, lost cover 5/16 and went on to the lead, going his own second split in 27.3 vs. the wind, but stayed in control to the line. P L NOTSONICE was double-looped early, pushed on to the lead 5/16, then yielded for the two-hole, had a shot up the Pocono Pike, good but second-best. MARION GONDOLIER was uncovered from early backstretch, held on well. SWEET HEART AS was second-over, gapped far turn, couldn’t gain late. SYLVESTERAMERICAIT went into the early pocket before the 3/16, sat in, backed out on the far bend but didn’t come back on. CUPID HANOVER was first to show on top, pushed past the ¼ and yielded, not enough to offer in the last ¼. WARRIOR WAY was never prominent.
SECOND RACE – CAPTAIN MULZAC was between horses to a fast quarter before getting the lead, kept his righthand foe parked, drew away from all but the two-holer in a 27 third quarter, was still looking good when that one broke early stretch and thus was far clear, with his 1:50.1 equaling the fastest mile of the year at Pocono. KEYSTONE TENACIOUS used the rail to maximum advantage, yielded for the pocket, stayed on the winner’s back, was looking for more early stretch when misstepping, righted the ship in time to cross the line second and then be adjudged guilty of no reason for placing. BAMSKI avoided the outer tier and was up for third. CLASSIC PRO fell back off the top two midbackstretch. LINCOLNJAMES sat in, moved out on the turn but couldn’t make a forward dent. WON LAST FEELING looked at leaving but took back, soon got in an outer flow that would go nowhere. DERECHO came out behind the parked horse past the ¼, went three-wide early backstretch when that one backed off, to two-wide but never got close. CAL went out to contest early but was limbed three-deep through a hot ¼ and then two-wide, started to back up soon off the second turn.
THIRD RACE – ALL OR NOTHING was four-wide leaving, went on to two-wide and then the front at the ¼, came home in 54.3 – 27.1 as much the best. CAPTAINGIDDYUPNGO got a forward position, on his own while gapping from the ¼ to the 5/8, then asked for more at the latter point when moving outside, clearly second here. LETMECALLYOUBACK got an alert start and the lead, yielded for the two-hole, couldn’t sprint enough late. ROLL WITH THE FLOW was never in any flow until the far turn, best of the rest. ONE OF THE GUYS took back early, got a tuck 3/16, gapped from the backstretch. DIVINE RIGHT was out second-over midbackstretch but had little to offer. BUCHANNON HANOVER never featured. PRAISE ME HANOVER lost contact past the half.
FOURTH RACE – THAT OLE BAR STOOL was three-high to turn one then went up and claimed command at the ¼, had a very easy time of it. BACKSTREET PLAYER got a forward spot, gapped in third down the back, outside late turn, drifted out a bit through the lane but held second over WESLYNN CROWN. The latter sat in, went inside the place horse midstretch and just failed to catch him. BIG BEN HANOVER yielded at the ¼ for the pocket, began loosening ¾. REECE N TEDDY was never heard from.
FIFTH RACE – Drizzle started … GO WEST GO FAST was three-wide to the first curve then on top 3/16, lived up to his name from there (at least the second part), handled confidently late. SULLIVAN left well then yielded for the pocket, put in a good chase in the Pocono Pike, well-clear of the rest. CLASSIFIEDMATERIAL tucked third to the 1/8, uncovered soon into the backstretch, went up to challenge, couldn’t keep his forward move going the last 3/16. AMERICA’S GUEST came out 11/16, gapped three-wide cover far turn, got the last check. CHICKEN NUGGET backed off to spot fourth at the 1/8, then moved second-over, three-wide far turn, but had very little late. THE OTHER PAIR were always near the back.
SIXTH RACE – Wind beginning to change to a stretch tailwind … PAYMAQ went up to tuck third 3/16, outside soon off turn two, grinded, made the lead midturn, a bit tired on the end but not to be caught. DONATELLO HANOVER moved second-over, gapped at points, then gained to the line late. MALONE was away second, very loose in the pocket, then swung outside past midturn as the leader tired, found a better gear midstretch. JOYGO rolled on the engine, could offer no resistance to the winner in the last quarter. TARGET PRACTICE had disconnected by the half.
SEVENTH RACE – And the rain started in earnest … SHAKE IT yielded, quarter-moved, then came home in 56 – 27.2 as absolutely the best. CAPTAIN COOK took a tuck 1/8, came outside headstretch and was up for the distant second. TUF COOPER stayed in, to the Pocono Pike and enough for third. DEFENSIVE PLAYER went to the front at the 1/8, yielded to the winner, got more and more loose the last 3/16. HUNTING FOR MILES started out raw entering turn two, gained some into the backstretch wind, tired significantly from the 11/16. JK MIKI MANTLE was moving second-over when miscuing on turn two. I PAY YOUR SALARY broke while last in the frontstretch.
EIGHTH RACE – Track goes from 60o and “fast +0” to 48o and “sloppy +1” between races 7 and 8 … DUCASSE moved second-over 5/8, three-wide far turn, circled to the lead headstretch and drew away. BAR COINS moved out late far turn, avoided any problems inside and closed well to be second. BJORNSSON was in front at the 1/8, let a parked rival make the top to sit the pocket, may’ve been bothered slightly by the headstretch trouble, to the Pocono Pike, could not get second. CANTSTOP YANKEE bypassed an early tuck and pressed on to 3/8 command, set the pace, bore out headstretch and got into TNT BLUE CHIP, tired, placed for causing trouble. TNT BLUE CHIP had the pocket early, pulled out uncovered to the 5/8, still in the fight for minor honors headstretch when in tight with the pacesetter and suffering an “ix.” BEER CHEESE broke near the first turn.
NINTH RACE – MISTER BOINGA gradually worked his way up with then without cover until taking over at the 3/8, trotted home well. FOCUS POCUS was uncovered 11/16, saw the pocket horse start to edge out past midturn but then saw that one break, carried on and narrowed in well on the leader. DAGON HANOVER had cover, distant third. ONE AFTER NINE let a fast leaver go early, moved 3/16 in front of the winner, go the lead then yielded 3/8 for the two-hole, looked o be edging out again past the ¾ but broke, regained stride; an inquiry gave no reason for placing. TRICKY DICK and REAL MCCOY were never forward factors. BANG BANG BOINGA left well from the outside to make the top, yielded to two horses, looked to be tiring early stretch when making a break. TUIS SHADOW jumped right at the start.
TENTH RACE – VETTEL N circled everybody early, forced one tuck then let another foe go 3/8, only to retake into turn two, had a game foe to each side but himself was game and held on. LET IT RIDE N moved raw from last at the half but got nobody out so had to do the speed-grind, fought very hard to the very end. MR DS ROCK was looped and three-wide past the 1/8, took back into the pocket just past the 3/16, inside, finally got to the Pocono Pike and had a sharp late burst to be right there. PRINCE OF TIDES was looped between horses, pressed on to the lead 3/8, quickly yielded to the retaking winner, came up just a bit shy late. ELVER HANOVER was on the rail, was bothered by a breaking CASUAL COOL headstretch. The latter followed cover but gapped it, then broke headstretch.
ELEVENTH RACE – … and down to 43 degrees for this event, where it stayed for the rest of the card … BULLVILLE FRANK was behind dull cover, three-wide from midturn, just got by in the very last step. THIRD POWER got to the top at the 1/8, yielded, came back out from third midturn, kept coming although appearing to never get the lead. HUNTSVILLE PLACE came with a big rush at the half and cleared past the 5/8 while pacing his third split vs. the wind in 27.3, fought hard and still had the lead two steps out. KEYSTONEFIGHTNIGHT quarter-moved, yielded 5/8, came back in the Pocono Pike but may have been lugging in and had to be urged right-handed on the left side, right there. INSTANTANEOUS CASH couldn’t go with his cover and was left raw, didn’t get close and ducked in on the turn, gained some as the pace slackened late then looked to be shut off at the wire. FORKNER HANOVER sat in, was gaining some when breaking midstretch. CRACK A SMILE was three-wide to the 1/8, settled in at the ¼, looked a bit hard to handle, faded.
TWELFTH RACE – Wind calm … BELIEVER left with cover, eased in fifth 3/16, then was second-over, three-wide headstretch, closed strongly to just beat out the two inside ones. MACMORRIS HANOVER was three-wide past he 1/8, went along to take over 5/16 and soon yielded for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, had a short lead past midstretch, just nipped. ICANFLYLIKEANANGEL moved off the rail at the 1/8 to join the frontward-heading procession, uncovered 5/16 to the lead 3/8, held pretty well. MUSHANA moved third-over but gapped, OK late. DARTY was first to the top then saw three go by in the next quarter mile, inside, to the inside stretch, evenly. BANZAI AS was not prominent. BANK BOX TREASURE left between horses to 1/8 command, yielded 5/16, came again raw past the half, gave way. VOSS VOLO was never close.
THIRTEENTH RACE – Pouring rain … LANJO LEE waited in fourth then moved at the half, paced like a machine in 26.1 down the backstretch to clear easily, still filling his hopples in the end in an extraordinary showing. SILVERSTONE went in third pat the 1/8, like everyone else couldn’t keep up down the back, outside in the lane and along for the distant second. GREG THE LEG outsped everybody early, really backed off the half, couldn’t go with the winner down the back, just failed to hold second. ALWAYS BETTER made the pocket, gapped down the backstretch, fair late. GUSSY’S TRUMP CARD got the last check. C-BET HANOVER was never prominent after not getting a good start. DOCTOR BB was behind dull cover, not a factor. TREVOR’S HUNT couldn’t go with cover as soon as he reached it at the half, had little.
FOURTEENTH RACE – LEGAL POWER went right to the top and was leaving nothing in reserve, tired midstretch but just hung on over KILLER MARTINI. The latter moved early on the second turn, found no cover, speed-grinded in 27 down the back but didn’t threaten the leader until midstretch, relentless and just missed a nose. HASH-TAG SWAG sat third-in, backed up a bit late turn by the fading pocketsitter, to the Pocono Pike and narrowed in well. P L LEEROY was looped early and made the pocket past the 1/8, not enough in the late stages. BEACH FIRE K moved out on the final turn but couldn’t gain enough. LEAR SEELSTER tried to go with cover but gapped. COMANCHE CREEK was way off the gate and was always disconnected.
FIFTEENTH RACE – DA DELIGHTFUL left behind cover, left coverless just past the 1/8 and went to the lead at the ¼, repulsed the first-over and then still had 27.1 speed the last quarter to leave these behind. DOUBLEORNOTHING N took the lead just past the 1/8, yielded for the two-hole, kept up well until the last 1/8, clear in second. ITALIAN LAD N gapped most of the first half, eased to a half and half position early in the second turn, got in gear and went up first-over, tired; an inquiry against him for possible interference early on turn two resulted in no action. FRISKIE ALL NITE left and yielded, didn’t show too much in the last stanza. PERFECTLY CLOSE didn’t find his cover particularly useful, wide and had some at the end. JAHAN HANOVER never posed a threat. WATER SPORTS TEEN moved before turn two, was briefly three-wide as a horse eased out but didn’t accelerate, settled back to second-over, empty before the far turn. STATEMENT MADE A never was a factor in here.
