Mar 28, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Mid to low 40s … strong stretch headwind most of the way … flurries developing midcard, with the track “fast +0” for the first eight races and then “good +1” … TULLOW N had a good cover trip, one-geared it late through the slowing last quarter to get the decision. LORD OF MISRULE came up third-over in the good flow, wide stretch and almost got the nod. CHICKEN NUGGET made a delayed frontward move at the 1/8 and got into the pocket at the ¼, shuffled on the far turn, swung widest and finished very well. CAL was first-up just before the half, challenged in 27.2 with the wind down the back, got to the pocket midturn and to the Pocono Pike, not quite enough to get by. CAPTAIN MULZAC was away well, quarter-moved and went 28 into the wind to clear, had pressure, weakened midstretch. CLASSIC PRO went right to the lead and forced a tuck in the 26.3 opener, yielded for the two-hole, gapped on the backstretch and on the turn, then had no room as the two inside horses gave him no clear path. WINDSUN GOTHAM lost contact the last half.
SECOND RACE – OWEN got a forward spot, moved into the second turn and had the lead nearing the half, went 26.3 down the back to bury this field, all alone. HOPETOBEFIRST was out behind the winner, got to retuck in the pocket towards the 5/8, second-best. AMERICA’S GUEST was off the gate and way back, three-wide far turn and had steady gain late. KEYSTONE TENACIOUS was in the outside flow, left uncovered later in the backstretch, fair. JUST A WRANGLER was caught in and followed a shuffled foe out into a blindswitch before the 5/8, never prominent. HASH-TAG SWAG yielded for the pocket, shuffled badly when the leader gave way, came out in a blindswitch and retucked, not prominent late. IDEAL STAR N was away slowly and never was a factor. TRENTE DEO made the lead 3/16, rated the half, surrendered without a fight at the half, and backed through the field with a problem, was pulled up.
THIRD RACE – MUSHANA sat fourth, moved out far turn and widest in the lane, had the most late kick. ITSONLYMONEYHONEY sat third, followed cover just past the ¾, wide, not quite enough. CAN’T SAY NO let an outside leaver go then was moving 3/16 to reclaim command, rolled, couldn’t last. KEYSTONE SERGEANT stayed in, had to zig-zag for stretch clearance and gained (into a slowing last panel). CHUCKY DE VIE quickly gained command, yielded, pulled the pocket just past the ¾, tired. CHRISTOPHER CRAZO was never prominent. FRAC lost contact down the back. KEYSTONE THUNDER broke well before the start, caught the field nearing the ¼, but fell back the last half.
FOURTH RACE – CAPTAIN ROMANCE was three-wide early to get the lead past the 1/8 in a hot opener, went his second sub-27 quarter in 44o weather to fend off the favorite, very impressive performance. DANCIN DRAGON stayed reasonably in touch, outside stretch and performed gamely to wrest second over BILL HALEY N nearing the wire. The latter came uncovered at the half, paced in 26.1 the third split and could only get to the leader’s wheel, tucked in the pocket, out again in the lane, couldn’t gain and just failed to hold second. SOUTHWIND OZZI was between horses leaving, sat the pocket, was loose in it most of the last half. HUNDIE N couldn’t keep up 11/16. WAR-N-MUNN was first outside to turn two, got cover but couldn’t stay with it. THE OTHER PAIR were never prominent.
FIFTH RACE – EUROBOND took a spot third and went on behind the fast pace, outside to the ¾, went on by the leader in hand. BIG OIL set all the fast pace stringing out the field, overpowered in the latter stages. P L NOTSONICE defended the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, no gain but clearly third. THE OTHERS just held their positions all the way around while not being able to factor in the very fast trot mile.
SIXTH RACE – PARTY WHIP was three-wide to the 1/8 then backed off to fourth 3/16, uncovered past the 9/16, didn’t reach the leader until near headstretch, but proved much the best of these despite not an easy trip. BLATANTLY BEST had excellent cover, enough for second. ROCK KING DEO made two speed moves, couldn’t sustain his advantage. ROCK THREE TIMES was urged early but got away in the back, retucked down the back, OK between horses late. LIL JOHNNY left between horses, made the top off turn one then yielded for the two-hole, little left late. SNAP CALL lost contact past the half. SKYWAY BILLY was empty to the 5/8 and backed through the field.
SEVENTH RACE – BELIEVER moved off the first turn to 3/8 command, went a quick third split and had a clear lead into the stretch, tiring late and just held off KINDA LUCKY LINDY. The latter moved with cover then was left raw by the 3/8, kept advancing and just missed. ALTUS HANOVER was in the outside flow, briefly three-wide as a rival moved out to avoid a shuffle, two-wide at a distance on the turn, OK. BLENHEIM was three-wide early, tucked fourth at the 1/8, came again raw into turn two, got to the pocket 5/8, couldn’t gain late. SPIRIT OF DEO got the last check. GRAPPLE HANOVER was away quickly, yielded, shuffled down the back then briefly edged out to clear a tiring foe, retucked, not much. CONSUS VICTORY was near the back throughout. SHAKE IT OFF LINDY was four-wide towards turn one and three-wide to the 1/8, in front 3/16, yielded for the pocket, had had enough 5/8.
EIGHTH RACE – The flurries started … MR CENSI took the pocket leaving and stayed tight, to the Pocono Pike, just edged a horse to each side. SPANISH ART was second-over, three-wide headstretch and finished well but just missed. MAJOR OFFENSE stayed connected third-in, went deep in the Pike and was right there at the finish. STELLAR BB wanted to set the pace, didn’t have enough to sustain the advantage to the wire. CAN’T KNOCK ME was part of a gapping last three along with SADIQ HANOVER and BLACKLIGHT, did get a check. INDIGO ART started raw into the second bend, went 27.1 down the back, tired in the last 1/8.
NINTH RACE – Track rerated to “good +1”; also the wind slackened a bit … CUPID HANOVER yielded past the 1/8 for the pocket, stayed close, to the Pocono Pike, another who had to fight off a horse on each side late. DIVINE SPIRIT rode outside the whole way, gradually grinded up, never took a backward step showing great courage. MISTER BOINGA got in third going to turn one, sat in, looked to have to wait for full clearance in the deep Pike, then was moving well late. DAGON HANOVER was second-over, gapped a bit on the turn, continued on as the pace slackened. BC’S ROSE was the leader before the 3/16, set the pace, couldn’t hold in a back 1:29.3 3.4s. BOASTER COASTER swung wide into the stretch and narrowed in well. SPIT AND VINEGAR did not contend. TRICKY DICK gapped third-over.
TENTH RACE – The fractions posted during the race were incorrect; the official fractions were 27, 55.1, 1:24.2, 1:51.4 … GO WEST GO FAST settled third early, on the move 5/16 before the parked horse reached him to make the lead just past the 3/8, wasn’t pressured down the back, then sprinted home in 27.2 to open a clear lead and be safe though tiring some late. CAVIART MAX pulled at the ¼ and was second-over, three-wide far turn, came home very powerfully. WESTERN TYRANT stayed in, had room to move out midturn, wide and also gained well. SHAMMA LAMMA was well-back, angled wide as did the second and third horses and finished with belated speed. LINCOLN JAMES was outside the mile, gradually advanced, worked up into contention, couldn’t sustain after the very hard trip. WON LAST FEELING went to the early lead, surrendered it to the winner to sit second, not much at crunch time. BOBBY K HILL got the early pocket, stayed in, gapped down the backstretch. BAMSKI was urged off the gate but did not show speed, moved out third-over but gapped.
ELEVENTH RACE – ROBBIE PEV was third-over, swung wide and closed strongly into a slowing tempo to win easily. ONE AFTER NINE, a bit off the gate, was near the back, went wide behind the winner and picked up everybody else. MOON BRIDGE was second-over, swung wide but only went evenly. STONEBRIDGE ARMOUR was three-wide to the 1/8 and out most of the ¼ to make the lead, yielded 3/8, went right up driver Allard’s back 11/16 while unruly as the first-over came on the scene, resettled in the pocket, Pocono Pike, didn’t have too much of a late response. PIVOTAL was uncovered from the half, gained late backstretch, but couldn’t continue going forward. RED REDEMPTION set the pace with two moves, looked to be all-out by the 3/4s though holding the lead to headstretch. FOCUS POCUS was in front at the 1/8, yielded, wound up third-in, got jammed up on the far turn as the innermost tier wasn’t going much, ran up on the horse in front of him and broke. CREDIT CON broke just after the start.
TWELFTH RACE – CLASSIFIEDMATERIAL tucked third, came uncovered just before the half and blew by while pacing his third quarter in 27, opening a clear lead he never yielded in a very fast mile. HEARTLANDBANYSBRO followed the winner out, tucked in the pocket before the ¾, a clear second. DERECHO went to the front quickly, yielded, escaped a pocket shuffle 5/8, tucked back in third past the ¾, held on for the show. BEACH FIRE N got out into a blindswitch ¾, finished with a bit of pace. MR FRISKIE BOY passed tired horses. PARKLANE JET gapped down the backstretch, came out and was nudged three-wide ¾, no factor. BASS PLAYER was not heard from. LEGAL POWER made two moves to control the pace after a fast quarter, had no answer for the winner and backed up.
THIRTEENTH RACE – IM A GIGOLO N moved not long off the first turn to control the pace, came home in 55.2 and handled a tough rival in SHVAIKO. The latter was three-wide to the 1/8 and then two-wide most of the ¼ to get the lead, yielded for the pocket, had a good trip, to the Pocono Pike, showed determination but couldn’t quite make it. SNOWBALL’S ROMEO was first in, then yielded, was helmetbumping in the three-hole during quarter two, couldn’t keep pace late. GRAY DRAGON was second-over, three-wide late turn, not enough rally. VIRGIN STORM moved uncovered 3/8, challenged, couldn’t sustain in the final panel. DO WORK SON was third-over, ducked in on the far turn, was not prominent in the stretch. AFLAME HANOVER never got close. DRAGON ROARS AGAIN lost contact approaching the 5/8.
FOURTEENTH RACE – HORSE sprung right out to the lead and was aided by the confusion caused by the breaker, had a clear lead much of the middle half, held gamely to the line. EXPLOIT had begun a quarter-move from fourth 3/16 when bothered by the breaker and had to go wide, retucked in the pocket and gapped midrace, got closer, steadily but not enough. FULL MOON BEACH was probably bothered the worst in the field having to go very wide at the ¼, to second-over, three-wide past the ¾ and went on nicely. JACKIE MOON was bothered, sat in and shuffled to last, widest in the lane and had good velocity late. HIGH MINDED tucked third, bothered, in, Pocono Pike, little response late. RIVERTON AM was bothered, moved two- and three-wide but couldn’t gain enough. ROGERS IMAGE went into the pocket at the 1/8, broke at the ¼ causing confusion, recovered and paced up raw, tired in the lane.
FIFTEENTH RACE – PRINCE OF TIDES was four-wide to the 1/8, three-wide to the 3/16 then on to the lead 5/16, but the early work didn’t appear to bother him at all, as he went on at a good clip and was a safe winner. JK MUSICMAN was two-wide early before taking a hole, moved uncovered 5/8, paced very strongly to the wire though not really threatening. BRAVO TEX N was second-over, next in line. DOUBLEORNOTHING N was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-deep to 3/16 command, yielded to the winner, couldn’t match strides from the 11/16. STATEMENT MADE A showed good speed as innermost of the leavers, raced third, was blocked on the far turn but didn’t gain once shown the Pocono Pike. THE OTHER TRIO were in arrears throughout.
Mar 25, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – A seasonable day over a “fast” track … P L LEEROY was three-wide early, to the pocket 3/16, stayed tight, outside early stretch, took over deep stretch and held off PIRATES ALLEY. The latter followed cover from third-over, tipped four-wide headstretch and finished very strongly. IC A FREE SPIRIT tucked early, stayed in, got clearance in the Pocono Pike before midstretch, may have found momentum a little too late. IYQ YQR headed down the road, kept a challenger parked, not enough in the last 1/16. DARK HORSE was outside behind cover leaving, then moved forward to challenge uncovered, held on very well. NEWBIE backed out to follow cover 5/16, had a good trip, swung three-wide but didn’t respond late. SANATTLE SLEW and SKYWAY BILLY were in close quarters while well back at the ¾.
SECOND RACE – SAMMY THE BULL N was looped early, proceeded up until taking over off the first curve, was in charge the rest of the way. WHATS GOIN ON started a long uncovered move on the second turn, held his ground nicely in the stretch. ROCKIN PANDA was quickly to the front before the first turn, let the winner go to sit the pocket, Pocono Pike, evenly late while well ahead of the rest. VILLAGE CHAMP angled wide late turn and had a bit of late speed. GOLDEN GESTURE looked to quarter-move but retucked when he couldn’t summon immediate quickstep, not prominent thereafter. HAPPY CAMPER struggled second-over. MT ADAMS never factored. SIR GENE G HANOVER tucked fourth 3/16, started gapping before the half.
THIRD RACE – TNT BLUE CHIP went right to the top, minded his manners, and won by half a block despite an only-moderate time. MOJAVE HANOVER advanced inside from midpack and took second. FRANKIE HILL was well back, moved wide late turn and was along for third. DANGA RUSS moved out second-over but was empty. SUMTER tucked third then got the pocket after the two-holer broke, gapped at several points. BIG BEN HANOVER was away in the pocket when breaking at the 1/8. DONATELLO HANOVER went uncovered past the 5/8 and had gotten to second when miscuing on the far turn. K J PHILLIP was offstride well before the start.
FOURTH RACE – SPINOUT was innermost of three leavers, yielded at the ¼ only to be right on the retake, proved the best here though not in fast time. BRADY TO GRONK started raw towards turn two, got cover into the backstretch, went three-wide before the ¾, back to two-wide past midturn, steadily for second. MONEYORROSES was third-over but couldn’t keep up two- or three-wide, along for show. MACHING TIME gapped inside down the back, to the Pocono Pike and made up some ground as the pace decelerated. TOWNLINE JATED left between horses, tucked third 3/16, moved again first-over, not much left in the last quarter. CONSTNTLYSIDEWYS A was three-wide 3/16 then two-high to the ¼ to reach the point, yielded for the pocket, wasn’t keeping up tight from the 5/8. SHADY MEMORIES broke while last past the half.
FIFTH RACE – 56.4 to the half, 1:01.1 home … TRULY moved up during a slow third quarter, swung four-wide headstretch and had the most pace late. IDEAL DESTINY left, yielded, stayed in third, regained the pocket 5/8 as an opponent ran, to the Pocono Pike, had a shot, not quite enough. SAN ANTONIO STROLL gapped much of the first half, then moved outside off turn two and made up a lot of ground (but it was in a 30.4 third quarter) to challenge for the lead, may have been ahead for a couple of steps midstretch but couldn’t sustain her forward gear. HOFFMAN HANOVER left, was a bit rough, made the top at the ¼, yielded 3/8, broke in the pocket 5/8, recovered quickly, gained back into a slow last ¼. COME ZOOM WITH ME went up second-over, three-wide far turn, flattened. TEEN DREAM stayed inside, spent most of the stretch looking for a clear path. JAGGED LITTLE PILL lost cover at the ¼ and continued on to the lead 3/8, tried to back things down as much as possible, but still had little late.
SIXTH RACE – MR BIG LOAD had to wait for dull cover to retuck, then advanced third-over, wide late on the far turn and caught SPORTSMANSHIP in a 30.1 kicker. The latter started uncovered into the backstretch, grinded up to challenge, made the lead and crossed over past midturn, failed to sustain the lead to the wire. LIMA SPARTAN was in the pocket, shuffled on the turn and out in a blindswitch late turn, kept angling wide and finished solidly after a luckless trip. AN THE THUNDEROLLS had good cover second-over, uncovered past midturn, evenly late. MCLEISH gapped, then made up some ground as the pace slowed. POLAK A dashed right to the lead, rolled on down the highway, was finished when challenged before the far turn. JAMES RIVERSIDE lost contact past the half. BAYONET moved out third-over but had no pace and moved back inside.
SEVENTH RACE – BLING IM A WINNER seated an early rival, walked the second quarter, then drew clear of these late. MYREANNA sat in and was far back, weaved between horses in the stretch and did well to be second. BOURBON CHESTNUT was far back, closed ground on the far outside. HOT CHOCO LATTE was three-wide leaving, accepted the pocket 3/16, tired and drifted left in the stretch. AMBERS CHAMPION left between horses and tucked third, gapped from the backstretch. BALLERINI was underway 3/8, made up ground midrace but then was tired at the end. TILL IM GONE got to be second-over from last, three-wide midturn, made a break midstretch. GHIBLI broke just before the half.
EIGHTH RACE – SOMWHERENBROOKLN N left, was used just past the 3/16 in a fast quarter to get the lead, rated the half, had HYPOTHETICAL banging away at him the last 7/16 but held determinedly. The latter got a forward early spot, was uncovered into turn two and soon was fighting with the leader, battled away very hard, held with great gameness. BADIX HANOVER left strongly to take over early and pushed the winner hard before yielding for the pocket, had a shot in the Pocono Pike, held OK but didn’t gain. HAYMITCH stayed in, found clearance early stretch and was moving well late. WHATA TWIST gapped early, then joined the flow second-over, gapped late backstretch, evenly. BEACHMASTER TWO flushed an excess of cover and went back in, not heard from thereafter. BEST SHOT N was third-over, tried going three-wide ¾ but had no gain. BJ’S GUY was fourth-over, not too much late.
NINTH RACE – GREG THE LEG headed right down the road forcing wholesale tucks, slowed the half, then came home in 56.2- 28 to defeat JO PA’S TURN. The latter was the innermost of the outside leavers and worked into the pocket, stayed tight, outside early stretch, did well but had to settle for second. C-BET HANOVER tucked third early, loose in the third quarter but better in the fourth. PARTY CENTRAL, wide leaving, needed until almost the ¼ to settle inside, came out raw 5/8, backed off the last 3/16. HUNTING FOR MILES moved with cover, went back inside far turn, not that much. THE OTHER THREE were always far back.
TENTH RACE – Stretch headwind picking up … A SHORE LEGACY quickly raced up into the pocket, pulled out 11/16 and soon went to the lead, withstood the late onrushers. ALWAYS BETTER moved outside towards the far turn, went wide and went past a lot of horses in the lane. SWEET SUCCESS started uncovered 9/16, got cover 11/16 but lost it early far turn, took the two-hole late turn, Pocono Pike, outpaced. DOWNTHEROAD Z TAM was wide to the first bend, got into third 3/16, gapped midrace, then was badly shuffled around the far turn as stuck in behind the fading leader, weaved clear and made up a lot of ground before being shut off nearing the wire for lack of room. RENO DINERO was way out of it throughout, had some kick late for the last check. MESSIER SEELSTER went down the road, yielded ¾ and tired. ETBAUER was in the outer flow, very little in the last 1/8. MESSIAH was away last and was always well behind.
ELEVENTH RACE – WINDY MICKI was quickly on the lead, went a fast opener then rated, had the pocket horse tire to let the first-over in behind, held that one off as she tried to come up the inside. MIKI ROSE was uncovered into turn two, steadily gained, got the pocket just past the ¾, tried the winner and gained a little late but not quite enough. CAVEN POINT was behind cover early then tucked midpack, moved second-over, inside midturn, so-so late. SHES A BULLVILLE was in the lively outer flow, went in headstretch and had some pace. HELLRUNNER HANOVER was third-over but couldn’t keep up in the last ¼. BYGONE HANOVER took back all the way to seventh early, sat in and was shuffled before the ¾, poor-luck outing today. CHERISH HANOVER was looped, worked up to tuck third, stopped badly 11/16. BARDMIRY maintained the pocket, stayed close to the ¾ then fell way back.
TWELFTH RACE – MAXIMUS RED A was last until the ¾, got out three-wide in a blindswitch then could swing four-wide late turn, had a good last eighth in him and relentlessly came on to catch BAY MEADOWS. The latter made the top, yielded 5/16 but was quick to retake, had a horse come at him at the ½, went a good 3/4s to dispose of that one, stole away to a clear lead, but was tired and could not last to the finish. LITTLE POWER advanced inside, found a slot early stretch (sacrificing momentum to the winner), was moving well late. TERRY A HANOVER was parked and urged to take over the lead 5/16, immediately yielded for the pocket, couldn’t keep up ¾. HEARTBEAT HILL gapped early, moved outside 11/16 then three-wide ¾, but didn’t gain. REYS N A RUCKUS tucked early and kept a hole closed, no factor late. BUSH MAN A went right after the pacesetter after he retook, but his bid stalled nearing the ¾. DRINKIN AGAIN went two-wide, didn’t gain and kept drifting further and further wide.
THIRTEENTH RACE – DEVISSER sat in third most of the way, outside with cover ¾, left uncovered later on the turn, kept coming and was along in the shadow of the wire. SPIDER MAN HANOVER was on an open lead virtually all the way, just failed to last to the finish. JAMAICAN COWBOY was the first to move before the 5/8, got to the pocket midturn, continued up the inside and wasn’t far off. READY TO RUMBLE N was far back until the ¾, then steadily made up ground. SPORTS HERO left and got to the two-hole past the 1/8, gapped virtually the rest of the way. IMIDEAL HANOVER didn’t offer much. THUNDER SOME WHERE was outside down the back but gapped badly, ducked in far turn. LAREDO TORPEDO N was already gapping in a strung-out field by the 3/8.
FOURTEENTH RACE – NIHILATED TRUTH was very wide early then fell in behind cover, left uncovered before the ¼ and pressed onward, hard-used to get the lead past the 3/8, but withstood anything thrown at him in a giant mile for this type. POINTSMAN left and forced tucks, finally yielded past the 3/8, stayed close, came out early stretch, good but second-best this day. ABSOLUTE INTENT moved to third-over, three-wide on the far turn, best of the rest. OHOKA JOHNNY N was outside, tucked before the ¼, then second-over, three-wide past the 11/16 to two-wide on the turn, was not a late factor. MORE DRAGON was never prominent. TODDLER TANTRUM left and had the early two-hole, came out early in the backstretch, went up a little then fell back a lot. CAVIART SAGE didn’t have much to offer here. QUEEN KENDALL gapped in trail position.
FIFTEENTH RACE – ROGUE CHEDDAR was in front before the 1/8, yielded to an early move to sit the two-hole, caught that one up the Pocono Pike. NATHAN FEELSGOOD set the pace with two moves, held nicely. WHATA TREASURE did not have flowing cover and was last ¾ as third-over, too far to come. SKYWAY FIREBALL was second-over, three-wide ¾, OK. RANSOM DEMAND sat in, swung wide in the lane and was moving well late. ARTACHE HANOVER was looped and parked, in at the ¼, uncovered into turn two but never got close, still not very far off at the wire after being used very hard. HEREHECOMESAROCKIN had some step away from the gate, but was then not a factor.
Mar 23, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – From the upper to the lower part of the 40s temperature-wise … JUXTA COWGIRL was three-wide to the 1/8, pressed on and made the lead past the 5/16, didn’t really have anybody come close to her thereafter. MOSSDALE LOTTEE N gapped fourth the first half, then was uncovered early in the backstretch, got to tuck in the pocket midturn, tried the Pocono Pike but could make little headway. JERICHO DIVA was second-over, left raw midturn, went on well. DELILAH DE VIE was behind a laggard, hustled up to get in the cover flow late backstretch, not bad late. NARINA HANOVER got a slow start, and then got the last check. MORROCKIN K couldn’t keep up. RHYTHM N ROLL pushed the early action, yielded, behind a tired one on the turn but showed little herself late. CLASSY CHAPEL N was between horses to 1/8 command, pushed then yielded past the 5/16, unplugged ¾.
SECOND RACE – WILLIE B WORTHY headed straight to the lead, yielded 3/8 but was immediately on the retake, dealt with the first-over, then stayed game to hold off BANZAI AS. The latter was three-wide to the first turn, then grinded up until taking over 3/8, relinquished for the two-hole, stayed close and tested the winner in the lane only to come up short. LIONBACKER KIDD gapped at a couple of different points but saved ground and was along for third. MASTER CLASS left and tucked, went first-over at the half, challenged, tired. DAYTONA DREAMIN was second-over, offered little. PUERTO RICO looked at leaving but took back, little thereafter. NOTMEITSYOU never surfaced. SCIROCCO PATRICK was tipping third-over just before the ½ when going to a gallop.
THIRD RACE – ALL OR NOTHING got forward position, then was on the move off the first turn to the lead 3/8, went 28 down the back to meet a hard challenge, then had another 28 coming home while looking to have more in the tank. BEST BETTOR left, forced a tuck, yielded 3/8, was loose in the pocket from nearing the 5/8, fought along the inside to wrest second late from CAPTAIN COOK. The latter tucked fourth just past the 1/8, moved uncovered off turn two and went 27.1 down the back to challenge the leader, a little tired late and could not retain second. MELANIE’S NICK caught up to cover second-over, didn’t menace. BUCHANNON HANOVER was outside much of the ¼ before getting in second, stayed in, evenly. HUNTSVILLE PLACE didn’t have much. SMOKESTACK and TREVOR’S HUNT were both off the gate and far back throughout.
FOURTH RACE – B YOYO was four-deep to turn one, went on to clear 3/16, yielded for the pocket, loose in the fast third quarter then closer, outside headstretch and went by easily. HORNS FOR THREE, three-wide early, made two speed moves, strung the field out in a good third quarter, but could not resist the winner. NICE STUFF was away well, tagged along third. POWERFUL YIELD never left the rail. JOE JOE JOE was off the gate, uncovered before turn two, never got close. PIERCEWAVE HANOVER backed outside then went three-wide 11/16 but couldn’t get in the main picture. SIR CROMWELL was outleft while two-wide, broke 3/16, caught the field and was second-over before miscuing again before the ¾.
FIFTH RACE – ELEGANT BLUE had an open-length lead on these from the 1/8 pole, never in doubt. LOVELY LADY MAY raced up into the pocket early then gapped the entire rest of the way, did hold on for a no-factor second. MILLENIUMS GIRL was second-over, three-wide headstretch and a little better approaching the wire. BROOKDALE JESSIE moved uncovered 5/8, headed the pocket horse most of the turn, but then backed off some. TSM PRINCESS TEDDI and MAKE A SCENE never got a call. CATIE FAYE HANOVER needed until the ¼ to find a tuck, gapped down the back. GEORGIE was three-wide to the 1/8, took back, was outside near the rear throughout, fell far back in the lane.
SIXTH RACE – VOSS VOLO was away alertly and made the pocket at the 1/8, waited, then came outside nearing headstretch and went to the fore easily. BUZZ buzzed down the road, couldn’t handle the winner but was well ahead of the rest. SUNDANCEDIAMOND was three-wide to the first turn, got in third 3/16, out uncovered past the 9/16 but never reached the leader, just held third. MAYDAY VOLO finished with some trot. MOSCONI HANOVER was second-over, went back inside far turn, not too much late. RENTIER gapped. PRESCOTT was last when breaking 11/16.
SEVENTH RACE – SWEET ROCKIN GIA was wide early and went on to grab fourth into turn one, came uncovered into the lower turn and grinded up to the leader, took over early stretch and went on well to keep SILVERHILL MISTY at bay. The latter had a fine trip second-over, just came up a mite short. YES DOUBLE DOWN was third-over, swung wide and finished steadily to edge TINKER TAXI. The latter took over early, yielded towards the ¼, stayed third-in and was boxed, out in a blindswitch to headstretch, got outside tiring horses and wasn’t bad at all. BULLVILLEKARLA got the last payday. KCK GIRLIES was fourth-over, three-wide ¾ but didn’t gain. DOUBLEOFFTHEWALL moved soon off the first turn to take over soon past the 3/8, was challenged, empty the last 1/8. SWEET SALLY SUE was parked most of the ¼ before taking the top, yielded, gapped in the pocket down the back but tightened in, had just swung into the Pocono Pike looking a contender but lapsed from gait.
EIGHTH RACE – R HERBIE BLUE CHIP yielded for the pocket, had to check midturn when the leader broke, but back in gear quickly and easily caught LADY’S IMAGE. The latter got a forward early spot, uncovered before the 5/8 and challenged, opened a couple of lengths when the leader broke, powerless to stall the winner but an acre ahead of the rest. LIBERO HANOVER moved uncovered just before the ½, got cover before the 5/8, stalled on the far turn and went back inside, held third. PRIME POWER N looked at leaving but took back to last, not heard from again. TIDQUIST was gapping inside before the ½. VANISHING ACT was never prominent. HALL IT OFF easily made the top, was trying to find more to meet the challenge of the first-up and not finding more when breaking midturn, taken to the infield.
NINTH RACE – PREMIER DELANEY had to work hard to get past a stubborn inside foe, then backed off the half, picked up the pace and held off a wall of horses with a nice last ¼. SHADOW ONE was second-over behind good cover, three-wide late turn, couldn’t quite sprint enough. WHO’S SMOKIN N left, reluctantly took third past the 1/8, moved raw 9/16 and grinded, held her ground well. MEAN IRENE thought about hanging the winner then yielded to sit in the two-hole, Pocono Pike, had her chance but couldn’t get there. JACANA sat in, OK. TSM WESTERN SOUL made a break headstretch. SOME KINDA ANGEL struggled to keep up. CATHY HANOVER took the inner route, was looking for a clear path when taking a bad step and then going into a gallop.
TENTH RACE – STONEBRIDGE ARMOUR used track geometry to maximum advantage and set the pace, had two 28.2 quarters in him for the back half and left these well behind. RED REDEMPTION settled into the pocket, stayed close until nearing headstretch, then gave ground but did hold second. SPUNKIN’SROCKETMAN was not well-served by cover and had to go three-wide before the ¾, steadily. HIP HOP GRACIE gapped early, finished with trot on the far outside. REAL MCCOY settled in third early, gapped down the back, not prominent late. BOASTER COASTER had little to offer. DAGON HANOVER was near the back throughout. NIGHT FLYER K tucked fourth at the 1/8, pulled out entering the second turn, didn’t gain too much in the fast third quarter and then tired.
ELEVENTH RACE – CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN disdained an early tuck and took over just past the ¼, had no worries in here. THIRD POWER came off the rail ¾, was still sixth midstretch but closed nicely to be up for second. WESTERN WALTZ left well to take the early lead, pushed the winner a bit then yielded for the two-hole, a bit loose 11/16, just failed to hold place. MOVE THE LINE got an early spot, was a handful near the ¼, backed out to follow the first-over down the back, three-wide late turn but did not have a sharp late response. BETTORS AUTHORITY was never a presence. SOLID ALIBI was underway raw from far back past the 3/8, paced a 26.4 quarter to get closest to the winner ¾, but tired. SEAL O’NEILL broke just after the start.
TWELFTH RACE – BANG BANG BOINGA was innermost of the hard leavers and controlled the throttle, had a tough foe in FOCUS POCUS through the lane but got to the line first ahead of him. The latter was between horses early, went into the pocket nearing the ¼, outside for the drive, tried very hard but had to settle for second. DIVINE SPIRIT was far back when he got into gear ¾, made up a great deal of ground. MOON BRIDGE was uncovered 5/8, tucked in third on the far turn, just lost that position late. TRICKY DICK was never a factor; nor was CASTYOURCROWN. CUPID HANOVER was three-wide leaving, behind cover at the 1/8 and got in third as a foe broke before the quarter, did not keep from shortly at the half. WORTHY OF HONOR had speed, ran 3/16, was stubborn and could not be taken back enough to move from the infield onto the main oval until the half.
THIRTEENTH RACE – FILLY SPEAKS got the point into turn one, yielded 3/16 for the pocket, had a fine trip then used the Pocono Pike to get the decision. BRONZE OVER N was three-wide leaving, then two-wide before getting the lead 3/16, set the pace, settled for second. SHECANDANCE N was second-over, wide midturn and finished very steadily. BRING ME DIAMONDS was four-wide early and three-wide to the 1/8, backed off to a four-tuck 3/16, couldn’t threaten but kept up well. CHEEKIE BABE gapped inside down the back, fair between horses in the stretch. GREENHILLDEBATABLE sat in, evenly among the inside. NEW NUMBER WHO DIS came uncovered off the second turn, didn’t gain until late backstretch and then just a bit, then tired. SHECOULDBEGOOD N was in a very difficult spot.
FOURTEENTH RACE – MACMORRIS HANOVER used the rail to advantage, yielded to the early mover and stayed connected in the pocket while the others struggled, outside late turn and went by easily. KINDA LUCKY LINDY was away third then quarter-moved, kept rolling at a good clip string out the others, overpowered by the winner. WINGS UP moved outside on the turn, won a three-way photo for third. DOT DOT DOT DASH was never a major danger. CAN’T SAY NO was three-wide to turn one, took back to tuck fourth just past the 3/16, couldn’t muster much late. ANDOVERS TOUCH and CHOCO CHARLIE never featured. CAVIART EMMA left, went into the early pocket 3/16, left some gap the last half until the far turn where she broke, was able to be taken to the outside without bothering anybody.
FIFTEENTH RACE – MYKINDACHIP made the top at the 1/8, yielded, quarter-moved in front of a parked horse, kept up a quick clip with the parked opponent pressing a long way, drew clear easily. WAR-N-MUNN gapped inside at the ½ then moved out down the back and got closer by the ¾, three-wide midturn, did enough to take second. JAHAN HANOVER was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide much of the 26.3 opener before taking over, yielded for the two-hole, a bit tired late. STATEMENT MADE A looked to be taken back at the start but wouldn’t go inside, remaining outside for the duration, raw and pressing the pace from the 3/8 on, faded but only after much energy expenditure. FULL MOON BEACH followed cover but couldn’t make his presence felt. BELLOWS BINGE sat inside, little late. SOUTHWIND DRUDGE was already disconnecting not much past the half.
Mar 21, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Upper 60s to low 70s … Not a good day in general for horses racing on the front end … End-to-end action for the fastest local mile of the year in the opener (1:50.4) … IM A GIGOLO N was third-over, gapped down the backstretch and on the turn, but put together better strides late and was up in the shadow of the wire. EAST BEACH had a good second-over journey, three-wide late on the turn, lead just past midstretch, just missed. CURIOUS CORTEZ was three-wide to the 3/16,then behind cover to the 5/16, lead 3/8, yielded at the half for the pocket, Pocono Pike, got to almost even terms past midstretch, flattened fractionally. PARMESAN N was buried inside, had willing kick once angling clear wide. OUR MAX PHACTOR N left from the rail, on the move into turn two, lost cover into the backstretch and challenged hard, not bad. DOUBLEORNOTHING N was looped between horses early, up to take the lead 5/16, yielded, came again to retake control just past the ½, under pressure, not quite enough. HOT DEUCE circled up three-wide to be the first on the point, yielded and was shuffled, couldn’t gain along the far inside late. CAPTAIN ROMANCE did not contend.
SECOND RACE – P L NOTSONICE pushed the early action, yielded, retook the front nearing the half, then just had too much for this crew. KENOGAMI COCO was looped between horses, carried on to the top 5/16, yielded before the half, a bit loose much of the last half, held second. BLENHEIM was left uncovered near the ½, didn’t threaten the winner, not quite second. MARION GONDOLIER was second-over, tipped three-wide, fair. BELIEVER was shuffled, outside past midturn, finished willingly. KING ALPHONSO was way wide early, used hard to get the front 3/16, yielded, inside, faded. THE OTHER PAIR gapped.
THIRD RACE – NEEDLESS TO SAY was first on top then forced a fast quarter before yielding for the two-hole, stayed tight behind the pacesetter, to the Pocono Pike and took the advantage midstretch, all-out to hold off HOPETOBEFIRST in a decelerating tempo. The latter gapped second-over in the third quarter fight, wide before headstretch, cutting into the winner’s margin late. SPORTY DRAGON moved out ¾, went wide and narrowed in. LITTLEBITASWAGGER was out to the 3/16 in a 26.3 opener before taking the top, under hard pressure down the back, couldn’t keep it going in the lane. FATHER SARDUCCI took back into a 4-tuck 3/16, moved raw past the 3/8, in gear down the back and fought with the leader, held OK after using much energy. VAGANOVA kept a hole closed early, no factor thereafter. DENALI SEELSTER couldn’t keep up in the second quarter and was pulled up.
FOURTH RACE – SHAMMA LAMMA was uncovered into turn two, was asked for and gave a 27 third quarter to get the lead ¾ and cross over on the turn, easy winner. AMERICA’S GUEST couldn’t go with the winner’s cover, enough for second. KEYSTONE TENACIOUS was in the pocket, shuffled midturn and waited for the Pocono Pike, couldn’t quite get to second. LORD OF MISRULE stayed in third until past midturn, evenly late. JUST A WRANGLER left well to force a lineup, really slowed down the half, then couldn’t summon enough second half sprint to stay in contention. ARTISTS RUFFLES disconnected in the second half.
FIFTH RACE – Stretch headwind picked up … CASINO BAGS ANSO gradually advanced a long way first-over, had a slight lead midturn to the finish as five were within a length to the wire. SOCIAL THEORIES had a fine journey second-over, wide headstretch, just missed in a clocking not fast for this class. HES GONE BADDER pushed much of a good quarter then yielded for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, didn’t hit top stride until a bit too late. PREMIER ROCKSTAR had some speed, sat in, gradually angled wide before headstretch, gained ground, finished with “b.e.” NIALL HANOVER was no factor. MY FRISKIE BOY was wide early and pressed on to the lead before a 26.4 opener, slowed the half, had pressure come to him later on the backstretch, not much left in the last 3/16.
SIXTH RACE – WON LAST FEELING was looped early, proceeded up before the 3/16 to gain control 5/16, rolled his last half in 55.4 and needed to to withstand the persistent SULLIVAN. The latter showed gate speed, then moved raw off the second turn, never head-to-head with the winner but always a looming presence in a sharp grind. SO SO DE VIE sat in, blocked just before to just into the stretch, had a response for third. A BETTOR BEACH had fine cover, evenly. THISJETSABOOKIN closed OK from last. BLOW A CLOUD N went right to the top, yielded to the winner to sit the two-hole, not much response in the lane.
SEVENTH RACE – CLASSIFIEDMATERIAL was fastest away, yielded for the two-hole and stayed tight, backed outside ¾ and went three-wide late on the turn, ran away from these. ALL CHEDDAR stayed in, advanced up the rail the last 5/16 to get second. BASS PLAYER was parked just past the 1/8 to get the top in a very fast opener, slowed the half then had to pick it up again as a challenger came, not enough. URBAN RENEWAL gapped inside at a couple of points, next in line. RYCROFT N gapped second-over. WINNING IS SWEET was never close. PARKLANE JET was outleft and behind cover early, tucked third, went raw at the half and paced his third split in 27.2 to challenge, but that deprived him of further forward progress.
EIGHTH RACE – WESTERN TYRANT came raw early in the backstretch and went 55 the last half grinding, somehow got a nose up right on the money. CYRUS PEAK was between horses to the first turn, took the pocket at the 1/8, moved to the Pocono Pike, made the lead midstretch and only gave up the advantage at the death. THE BUS A rushed through at the start to take control from the pole, went slow-fast in the middle, passed midstretch but stayed battling. BROTHER JAMES gapped second-over. TREASURE MACH gapped much of the last half. DREAM OF LUCK never factored. SUPER PAC HANOVER was three-wide to the 1/8, was pressing on when breaking to the 3/16.
NINTH RACE – LEGAL POWER left, yielded, quarter-moved, was in charge of this race the last half in fast time. DREAMS ARE TRUE left between horses to take the lead and induce a tuck, yielded to sit the pocket behind the winner, held second. SPANISH ART spotted early then gapped most of the rest of the race, had improved pace finishing. HEARTLANDBANYSBRO was three-wide to the first turn, went in second 3/16, back uncovered down the backstretch, made a decent challenge, but tired past midturn. THE OTHER FOUR had little say at any point in this quick contest.
TENTH RACE – GO WEST GO FAST just kept on rolling past the 26.2 quarter, was not threatened at all. FRONTIER ROLLO sat in, moved out 11/16 and moved closer to the winner, clearly second-best. LEAR SEELSTER was far back, gained inside on the turn, outside in the lane and was the distant third. LYONS AMUSEMENTS yielded for the pocket, gradually unplugged in the last ¼. CAVIART MAX offered little. BOBBY K HILL tried to move frontward before the ¼, was under urging but looked hard to steer and just dangled on the outside, nothing left 5/8 and went back inside.
ELEVENTH RACE – KILLER MARTINI quickly circled dull cover early backstretch and went up raw, got cover ¾, three-wide headstretch and drew away from these. HASH-TAG SWAG had speed, sat in, to the pocket, angled behind the winner early stretch and was along for a no-factor second. JUMPIN JAKE FLASH yielded 3/16 to sit in the two-hole, popped out of same midturn, outpaced late. BEACH FIRE K was three-deep to turn one, in front 3/16, didn’t get pressure, still had very little at crunch time. IDEAL STAR N and SKYWAY BILLY were always far back. SPORTSKEEPER came out uncovered near the half, immediately stated to retreat despite encouragement.
TWELFTH RACE – LINCOLNJAMES saw outside horses leaving and let them go, stepped out raw off the second turn and went up to challenge, finally wore down the leader midstretch and held off the closers. TULLOW N had a great second-over trip, good but had to settle for place. CAPTAIN DISOMMA was third-over, struggled to keep with cover, finished steadily. CLASSIC PRO was inside the other two main leavers and was determined to have the lead, paid a 26.1 price for it, continued on the throttle, tired midstretch. MARCO BEACH was three-wide most of the ¼ before tucking third, sat in, shuffled far turn, threaded through traffic in the lane, perhaps never fully clear. ROLLIN IN NEW YORK went out between horses, finally settled for the two-hole near the ¼, struggled to stay close from the 5/8. ST LADS NEPTUNE trailed.
THIRTEENTH RACE – BAMSKI was three-wide leaving, on to command past the 3/16, had CAPTAIN MULZAC come to him 3/8, was urged to keep that foe out at that point, and ding-donged with that one the rest of the contest in fast fractions, gamely to hold on. The latter got a forward position then got underway just before the ¼, reached the leader at the 3/8 and went at it with him uncovered, terrific stretch resilience. BRANDON HANOVER got tighter on cover late backstretch, three-wide into the lane, not far off. MAJOR DESIRE went out enough to force a couple to retreat in behind, yielded before the ¼, tightened in after gapping early backstretch, Pocono Pike, not quite enough. THE OTHERS had little say in the outcome of this one.
FOURTEENTH RACE – VETTEL N put a foe in behind on the first turn, came home in 54.1 – 26.3, and no foe could do anything against that. AFLAME HANOVER moved uncovered from fourth 5/8, never got close to the winner but was game to hold off closers for second. GUMPTION gapped in the second quarter, then tighter and second-over, paced well late. BILL HALEY N was third-over from far behind, finished sharply. TITO ROCKS wanted the lead but eventually settled for the pocket, not too much in the last ¼. FRISKIE ALL NITE was never prominent. SOUTHWIND OZZI tucked third at the 1/8, not heard from thereafter. HIGHRTHANANEAGLE A gapped the last half.
FIFTEENTH RACE – VIRGIN STORM left enough to secure the pocket, stayed tight behind backstretch duelers as the others didn’t keep up, angled outside late turn and wide into the stretch, paced steadily to catch CIGAR SMOKING TONY late as Matt Kakaley rolled a seven-bagger on his birthday. The latter left and took a spot, uncovered off turn two and went a big third panel challenging the leader, had a small advantage late on the turn and early stretch, continued on for second. GUINNESS PANIC was three-wide leaving then two-wide to the 1/8 to the lead in a 26.1 opener, had hard pressure most of the last half, held well. HUNDIE N gapped the last half. JK WILL POWER sat in and gapped gapping cover. BULLVILLE TERROR was third-over behind a dull one, three-wide midturn, too far to come. JK MUSICMAN was off the gate, gapped early, then started raw 3/8, would have had cover from early backstretch if he could have reached it. CAVIART ROCKLAND never entered the picture.
Mar 17, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Mid to high 40s; usual stretch headwind … OWEN came out at the 5/8, was full of pace and quickly went three-wide 11/16 to uncovered before the turn and by past midturn, stormed home in 55 very impressively. POINTSMAN worked his way to the top at the 1/8, strung out the field much of the way, clearly second-best. OHOKA JOHNNY N was out behind the winner but couldn’t go with him, three-wide far turn, along for third. IYQ YQR stayed in, not able to reach. ROCKIN PANDA left and yielded, little left in the last quarter. OUR REGAL IDEAL N and READY TO RUMBLE N were always far back. BADIX HANOVER was urged leaving, tucked third, was urged when pulled outside 5/8 but didn’t go forward.
SECOND RACE – DOWNTHEROAD Z TAM left strongly and took over early, pushed a foe past the ¼ then sat the pocket, outside in the stretch and had an easy time getting by. MASK ON MASK OFF was looped early, made the lead past the ¼, went along nicely, proved no match for the pocket rocket. ALWAYS BETTER left well, was well-placed, Pocono Pike, not quite enough. CAPTAIN EMOTION stayed in, avoided trouble, fair late. SWEET SUCCESS was second-over, had already started three-wide around faltering cover before midturn before being bothered. IVY STUD gapped a little to the half, went in 27.2 down the back to challenge, tired ¾ and was backing off when making a break causing difficulties, placed. ETBAUER was third-over, was shoved way wide mid-far turn and suffered an “ix.” PERFECTLY SAID wasn’t close, couldn’t avoid the trouble late turn.
THIRD RACE – WHAT’S GOIN ON moved uncovered from last entering the backstretch, got cover 5/8 and advanced, had a dislodged left headpole headstretch, looked to have to be steered carefully in the lane but finished with the most pace. SPIDER MAN HANOVER left for the early pocket, came out of third 5/8 raw, challenged hard, held well. SPORTS HERO showed good early foot to clear by the 1/8, yielded for the two-hole, had to wait for the Pocono Pike, then had a respectable response. PETER PUMPKINEATER backed out into the flow, a bit better in the lane. SPINOUT made a quarter-moved from third, set the pace, wilted late. CLASS HERO couldn’t keep up.
FOURTH RACE – JAMAICAN COWBOY took a midpack tuck, moved uncovered 9/16 and dashed right on past to the lead to the ¾, all alone at the wire. JAMES RIVERSIDE sat in, gapped, advanced inside on the turn, outside before midstretch and just second. BRADY TO GRONK briefly tucked third then quarter-moved, set the pace, had no answer for the winner and lost second at the wire. WHATA TWIST gapped cover, OK late. VILLAGE CHAMP didn’t offer too much. MT ADAMS was always well off the pace. MCLEISH was parked to the 1/8 for the lead, yielded to the early brusher, threatened to try to retake to the second turn but rethought that move, came back out to the ¾ after the winner rushed by but had no more left to give.
FIFTH RACE – SANATTLE SLEW got second-over cover just past the half, gapped it, left uncovered ¾, had the most of these closing into a 30.1 last quarter. BEST SHOT N, looked rough-gaited, followed the winner, three-wide midturn, couldn’t get the job done. CONSTNTLYSIDEWYS A took the early pocket then was on the move before the quick ¼ to set the pace, couldn’t last to the wire. CAVIART SAGE was wide going to the first turn and dropped in fourth, came uncovered just past the ½, got to retuck in the pocket ¾, Pocono Pike, couldn’t muster enough. HAPPY CAMPER was shuffled to last, had some on the end of it. MORE DRAGON was never a factor. SKYWAY BILLY was three-wide to turn one, soon thereafter made the top, yielded for the pocket, couldn’t keep up near the ¾.
SIXTH RACE – MIMI OCEAN HANOVER went a fast 3/8 to get to the lead, but didn’t have to come home very fast to maintain solid command. BLING I’M A WINNER started uncovered early on the backstretch and went up making a bid, couldn’t get to the pocket until late on the turn, then clearly second-best. HOT CHOCO LATTE retucked down the back, outside on the turn, along for third. MYREANNA backed out to follow cover, did not threaten. SHALL I FEAR ALL was outside 3/16 until grabbing command, yielded a like distance later to sit second after a quick early pace, kept close to almost the ¾, then was all done. BUCKET HEAD left and yielded, unplugged before the 5/8. GHIBLI broke coming off the second turn. BLUE TESLA broke not too long after the start.
SEVENTH RACE – SAMMY THE BULL N was on the go on the second bend, brushed quickly to the lead, was in control to the finish. MONEYORROSES followed the winner but couldn’t match his early backstretch move, grinded up, decided to move inside past midturn, had enough to retain second over SOMWHERENBROOKLN N. The latter couldn’t keep up in the fast third split, briefly went in midturn but then back out when the place inside moved to the pylons, finished steadily. AN THE THUNDEROLLS made the front to the 3/16 in a fast opener, yielded to a brusher nearing turn two then was stuck behind that one, some recovery. BJ’S GUY left, pushed, yielded, shuffled, backed out, couldn’t keep up. LIMA SPARTAN moved out towards the 3/8 and went up to the lead, but couldn’t even retain that lead much past early backstretch and gradually faded.
EIGHTH RACE –AIN’T IT FUN got POLAK A to take back twice before the 3/8, continued to be the one in charge, stayed solid to the wire. ARTACHE HANOVER tucked third, moved before turn two and went up to challenge, got into the pocket 5/8, moved outside late turn, finished steadily. GOLDEN GESTURE went into the outer flow before the half, left raw 5/8, went inside ¾, couldn’t quite get to second. DARK HORSE looked at leaving but took back as several others showed quick step, tucked sixth at the ¼, in the outside tier, kept on coming. MR BIG LOAD got the last check. HEREHECOMESAROCKIN sat in and was badly shuffled as the pocket horse backed up, moved out belatedly but had little. POLAK A wanted the lead but couldn’t go by early and tucked before the ¼, out again soon off the first bend but again forced to go back in the pocket, started backing up early backstretch. JANAID was always far behind.
NINTH RACE – KEYSTONE SERGEANT had cover to before the 3/16, then flicked at to go on to the lead nearing the 3/8, dealt well with a challenger to both sides in the stretch. PHANTOM RUSTY went by before the 3/16, yielded in front of the stands for the pocket, went to the Pocono Pike, just missed getting there. O JONNIE was uncovered near the 5/8, held his ground stoutly. CARAMEL MACCHIATO sat in, had no room in the later stages. ARCH CREDIT yielded, stayed in, moved outside midturn and wide headstretch, couldn’t quite reach. GINGER TREE KNOX flushed cover but was gapping before the ¾. ADELANTE S was looking to leave when breaking, got close to catching the field by the half but broke again down the backstretch.
TENTH RACE – WHATA TREASURE was in a great backstretch flow, left uncovered ¾ and quickly moved to the lead, drew off in a big performance. PIRATES ALLEY was able to get out into the flow, couldn’t go with the winner late but well ahead of the others. P L LEEROY was three-wide to turn one, made the lead just past the 26.4 ¼ then yielded, shuffled, didn’t get outside until past midturn, closed well in a better mile than it may look. ROGUE CHEDDAR went to command, yielded, caught in, shuffled then outside ¾, fair late. NIHILATED TRUTH stayed in, gapped down the back, not all that much. SPORTSMANSHIP was outside midpack through much of the first half, then made his move and gained through the backstretch, got the lead ¾ but had little left late. TODDLER TANTRUM spotted, then quarter-moved, came under pressure down the back, yielded and fell way back. QUEEN KENDALL never featured.
ELEVENTH RACE – SIR GENE G HANOVER was near the back, angled widest entering the stretch and outkicked these in the 30.3 last quarter. HYPOTHETICAL was uncovered at the half, briefly had cover then saw it bear wide so went on uncovered, not fast but steady. LUZIANA sat in, along for third deep in the Pocono Pike. BAYONET was three-wide to the first turn, went on to set the pace from 3/16, came up empty in the stretch. IMIDEAL HANOVER protected the pocket, could offer little late. TOWNLINE JATED was looped early and settled third at the 1/8, went raw to the 5/8 but quickly bore out, no factor. LAREDO TORPEDO N was way off the gate and never entered the picture.
TWELFTH RACE – IC A FREE SPIRIT had good early jet, in front just past the 1/8, slowed quarter two then sped up quarter three not allowing the first-over any closer than his rump, drew clear. NATHAN FEELSGOOD rode in the pocket virtually the entire way, outpaced SKYWAY FIREBALL for second. The latter had some speed, moved uncovered early on turn two, made mild progress in the fast third panel, held OK. MACHING TIME flushed cover, gapped it and ducked in ¾, best of the rest. NEWBIE never entered the picture; nor did INFORCE. AMERICAN COLT N gapped out starting at the 5/8.
THIRTEENTH RACE – APRIL ANGEL was underway before the ¼ to grab the lead, faced hard pressure on the far turn, then saw that foe bear out, looked in control to the wire. JAGGED LITTLE PILL forced an early tuck from the rail, yielded to the winner, stayed close, moved outside with stretch clearance, made up a little bit of ground. FAST MACHINE came uncovered 5/8 and fought hard with the winner around the far turn, but then bore out through the stretch though not ceding much ground. MIKI ROSE took the early pocket, sat in, outside on the turn then inside a drifting opponent in the lane, fair. BYGONE HANOVER gapped second-over, went inside far turn, evenly late. SWEET AND FEISTY didn’t have good cover, then was a bit rough and bore out late far turn. HELLRUNNER HANOVER gapped from the 5/8. CAVEN POINT trailed at every call.
FOURTEENTH RACE – TRENTE DEO rushed out to the lead, didn’t have much relief on the front end against a pair of challengers, held together nicely. STATEMENT MADE A was outside 3/8, briefly three-wide 5/8 then to two-wide to challenge, took a vacant pocket midturn, came back out early stretch and pursued very gamely to the line. YUPPER was looped, shut out of holes, finally got into the pocket 5/8 as that spot’s former occupant faded, held well considering the trip. DEETZY backed out to follow good cover but could not offer much. HEARTBREAK HILL made up a good deal of ground. WILSONS VINNER never featured. BLACKLIGHT made a break coming off turn two. LITTLE POWER left, raced into the pocket 3/16, kept the hole closed until the 5/8, then faded well back.
FIFTEENTH RACE – HORSE left briskly and took over at the 1/8, went a big third quarter with only two able to stay close down the back, got the job done here. ONE OFF DELIGHT A went in third at the 1/8, uncovered before the 5/8, didn’t gain in the fast third split but kept coming doggedly late. MR CENSI left and quickly yielded, stayed connected, Pocono Pike, not quite enough. STENDAHL HANOVER didn’t keep up down the back but got much closer on the turn, wide headstretch, OK. INDIGO ART had poor cover, had to make a big sweeping move just to clear dead wood and get to the rail fifth, not much chance today. BILBAO HANOVER came out past the 3/8 but never went anywhere. CANT KNOCK ME was off the gate, drifted outside until getting in fifth 5/16, not heard from thereafter. BOYS IN THE BAND offered very little.
