Jun 6, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – ROLL ON MAMA moved raw after a quick half and got to the front 11/16, was on even terms ¾ but drew away as the outside foe tired. TRAFALGAR followed the winner’s cover, left raw 11/16 and went alongside to challenge, but gradually gave a little ground from midturn while holding pretty well. DELIGHTFUL SUMMER was third-over in the delightful flow, couldn’t stay with the top two on the turn and went inside, Pocono Pike, couldn’t reach second. SUNRISE HANOVER needed most of the ¼ to settle inside, then in the outer flow, three-wide mid-far turn, next in a photo with SWEETONTHEBEACH. The latter was three-wide to the 1/8 and got into the two-hole at the ¼, stuck behind the tired pacesetter then slid outside midturn, evenly. SPORTS DUCHESS went into third 3/16, also caught in, never heard from late. MORE THAN KUTE and MISS TRESSA were never prominent. LOOKING SANTASTIC took control from the pole and put down pretty good fractions, was all done when challenged late on the backstretch.
SECOND RACE – GERARD was first on top then yielded and sat the two-hole, stayed in until early stretch then wore down WORTHY OF HONOR to take his third straight after starting his career 40-1-12-7. The latter cleared at the 1/8 from post nine, got pressure down the back, held well but had to settle for second. TUIS SHADOW gapped inside down the back, had a bit of trot down the stretch. BEE FOREVER was uncovered to the second turn and got cover at the other end of the turn, gapped until past the 5/8 then hit a high gear and gained two- then three-wide, drifted four-wide then broke briefly headstretch, was regathered and showed high speed in the stretch; an inquiry into any violations he made gave no reason for placing. SHEER MUSCLE moved outside late backstretch, went back in on the turn, gained a little in the Pocono Pike. CHOCOLATE MATTERS got an early spot, came out at the half and pressured the leader, then gradually fell back the last 3/16. EVANNA was away slowly and was way back. PROTOSTAR made a break before coming off the turn before the start. CHING CHING LUCKY broke before the start.
THIRD RACE – DUKE OF LINDY stayed in down the back then joined the lively outer tier, wide and trotted home strongly to win easily. MOSCOW MOON moved second-over 9/16, lost cover ¾ and advanced, may never have been ahead in the stretch but along for second. RARE MUSCLE started raw early in the backstretch and cleared to the lead ¾, had immediate pressure, got a little tired late. CHROME PACKAGE gained inside in the last ¼. KASEVILLE sat the two-hole, shuffled some then backed outside on the turn, couldn’t recover enough ground. FATHER OF IRELAND took control in by far the fastest ¼, rated the half, then could not withstand the serious challenger ¾. CROWN FASHION tried to gain but gapped 5/8. SEEKING MATTHEW was misbehaving an 1/8 before the start.
FOURTH RACE – SOME DEAL HANOVER pressed on and took command 5/16, yielded past the 3/8 for the pocket, came back out ¾ to challenge, went by headstretch, put in a good race. KAUAI KING was uncovered 9/16, got cover from the winner ¾, wider in the lane and had late pace. DILLINGER had the early pocket, shuffled a little, to the deep Pocono Pike and finished well. JASPER HANOVER was on top at the 1/8, saw two go by in quarter two, went up to the pocket on the far turn, Pocono Pike, not enough. HOLY MOMENT was third-over, had some belated gain. THE BIG PICTURE pulled at the ¼, had cover to the 5/16 then paced up to take over past the 3/8 in a fast 1/2 and ¾, not enough in the lane. THE OTHER DUO were near the rear.
FIFTH RACE – DAGON HANOVER made the lead, slowed the half then immediately sped things up, well-clear the last half. DYNAMITE VOLO was away third and tightened in, outside down the back and retucked in the pocket, couldn’t get close to the winner but far ahead of the others. CAMDEN HILLS didn’t have great cover, three-wide on the turn, distant third. WARRAWEE WHISPER tucked fourth, moved out down the backstretch but couldn’t gain. SOOT HANOVER came between horses mildly late. ARTHUR BOY broke in the stretch, LOB and placed behind I’LLALWAYSBEBACK, who made the pocket just past the 1/8 but then called it a day at the half.
SIXTH RACE – BUDDY HILL moved out past the 1/8 and was on top before the 3/8, rolled along very quickly and ran away with this one, 1:51.1 in the bottom class. DA MAGICIAN left some, stayed connected, outside raw past the 11/16, a clear if distant second. BEACH BABY BEE gapped to the half, closer and moved with cover, along for third. SHOREVIEW had the top into the first bend, yielded before the 3/8, gapped the winner on the backstretch, tired in the lane. THE OTHER FOUR was always well off the action.
SEVENTH RACE – MUSKINGUM made two speed moves and laid down a quick tempo while clear the last 3/8, maybe a little tired late but far gone. BUTTER TOFFEE gapped in the second quarter, came out on the turn and was the only opponent to make any kind of considerable inroad into the winner’s dominance. PONDA’S MUSCLE MAN left a big gap down the back after being behind a breaker then eventually got closer, followed the place horse’s cover on the turn, along for a clear third. ER BEN was on top going to turn one, yielded for the two-hole, fell back from the winner the last 3/8. THE NEXT THREE stayed flat but could generate little. CELEBRITY MASERATI broke at the half. TW LAUXMONT broke not long into the race.
EIGHTH RACE – TREVOR’S ACE took control from the pole and seated all rivals, came home in 55.2 – 27.2 and nobody could get near him. TERRY A HANOVER kept the pocket tight, couldn’t go enough in the last quarter but did hold second. SOUTHWIND DREDGE tucked third, went on evenly for third. STONEBRIDGE REX had not-great cover, gapped ¾, then was pacing better in the stretch. BRAZEN BRAZILIAN was four-wide early then backed off to tuck fourth, gapped in quarter two and slightly beyond, uncovered 5/8 but never got close. DIAMOND HEAD sat in, couldn’t produce enough even to get a check. THE LAST TWO were never factors.
NINTH RACE – CUSTOMARILY made the front and hung foes two- and three-wide just past the ¼, yielded, backed out to second-over 5/8, left uncovered ¾, was up after a hard battle to pay $60.20. KEYSTONE BARRACUDA went uncovered before the ½, trotted a 27.4 third quarter to get the lead, almost held on for the victory. SALT AND VINEGAR was two-wide between horses to get the lead just after the ¼, yielded 3/8, shuffled on the turn, cleared to the inside and was a far-back third. FINLANDIA gapped, moved outside on the turn, not that much. BILLIE CLAIRE was three-wide to the ¼ then two-wide 3/8 to get the lead, couldn’t trot enough to keep a foe outside ¾, broke between horses late. KAYLA’S PLAYMATE moved out with cover but jumped coming out of the second turn. NANCY BAR had some speed and was still in the pocket behind the early duel when running 3/16.
TENTH RACE – REIGNING DEO was second-over, three-wide headstretch, still fifth at the right end of the pond, but beat out a tightly-packed group — the first win at PcD for driver Pelling and trainer Cano, and at $96.20 the second straight “bomber.” BETTORBUCKLEUP left, was quarter-mover #1 and yielded early on turn two, to the Pocono Pike, just nipped. TELL THEM LOU came raw 5/8, ding-donged with the pacesetter to the wire (although both were edged). IMA GIGOLO N made the top at the 1/8, saw two go by in quarter two, to the deep Pocono Pike and was in the win photo. BLANK STARE was quarter-mover #2, briefly with cover then up and got the lead early second turn, got hard pressure ¾, didn’t fade badly. GET LIT couldn’t reach. HORSE broke entering the backstretch before the start.
ELEVENTH RACE – BETTERTHANTHEBEACH pulled from fifth 11/16 and stormed up to engage the leader, had a big fight with that one the last ¼, won in a nosebob. SERIOUS MIKI waited early then gradually went to get control, went 27.3 down the back then had the winner come to him with these two drawing way, fought tooth-and-nail with him to the line. MAGNUM MOON gapped at the half, backed out near headstretch then swung wide, closed hard and just up in the four-horse photo for third. MAKE MY DEO was three-wide getting the lead first turn, let the favorite got to sit the two-hole, left behind late. BAY BRUTE moved out behind the winner but couldn’t keep with him. YER SO BAD had speed, yielded, Pocono Pike, OK. THE NEXT PAIR were disconnected. SHIP WRECK BEACH K broke an 1/8 before the start.
TWELFTH RACE – SPELLCHECK HANOVER was three=deep to the 1/8 to the top to the 3/16, didn’t slow the pace, stayed safe of the closing BEACHBLANKET LINDY. The latter moved out ¾ behind advancing cover, three-wide into the lane, hit her best stride a little too late. MORROCKIN K vacated fourth for a raw trip past the 5/8, gained, held OK. BET LIGHT went right to the lead, yielded for the two-hole had a chance in the Pocono Pike but couldn’t quite make it. MIKI THE CLOWN was between horses to a tuck third 3/16, stayed in and to the deep Pocono Pike, fair. PAULAS BET HANOVER was outside while far back, reached cover ¾, tried to come through between horses in the lane but didn’t appear to get full clearance. QUICK SIX never featured. ODDS ON CARLY gapped. CATIE FAYE HANOVER lost contact down the backstretch.
THIRTEENTH RACE – KING ALPHONSO was carried up second-over by fine cover, three-wide headstretch, just barely worked by the game CAN’T SAY NO. The latter controlled the tempo with two moves, got a breather in quarter two, then was just able to summon enough to keep the brushing first-over outside ¾ and around the turn, fought very hard to try to hold on to the lead. YANKEE GIRLFRIEND moved uncovered from fifth and went her own third split in 27.2, had ¾ of a length at the ¾ but couldn’t clear to the inside, stayed in the fight to the wire. DIVINE SPIRIT gapped slightly third-over, but then was moving very well in the stretch. AP HALL OF TRIX was third-in, doubtful if he had enough room in the stretch. HUNTING AS made the front before the 3/16, yielded for the two-hole, Pocono Pike, step-and-a-half shy. PETER’S EXPRESS stayed in, not prominent.
FOURTEENTH RACE – BETTOR SUN was four-wide leaving, tucked fourth 3/16, just got out at the bottom of the second turn, then rushed up in 26.2 to clear down the back, went clear, then was tiring some late but held on for the tally. MANKAT defended the early pocket, shuffled a bit on the far turn, but had a sharp response when shown the Pocono Pike and gave the winner a little scare. CAPTIVATE HANOVER was in the good outside flow, three-wide with then without cover on the turn, finished nicely. BEACH FIRE K was third-over, circled a tiring horse on the turn and got back to two-wide late turn, just edged for third. MOVE THE LINE put everybody in behind in a 26.2 opener, then took a 30 breather, then went his next quarter in 27.1 but that still wasn’t enough to keep the winner out, tired after hard usage. MCNEILL Z TAM tucked third, was shuffled, backed out wide, a better mile than it may look. RHETT SEELSTER did not enter the main picture. AMAZON was underway nearing turn two, briefly three-wide early second turn to keep momentum as the winner pulled, followed that one, left uncovered 5/8, faded far turn.
Jun 6, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Near the middle of the 60s most of the day; stretch tailwind … THE IRISHMAN left between horses to the lead past the 1/8, yielded past the ¼, came out of third early in the backstretch and worked on by to the ¾, saw a resurgent TRUFFLES TOO coming back at him late and just held on. The latter was handled patiently at all times, gradually worked up to the lead 3/8, yielded ¾ but stayed to task, was coming back strongly nearing the wire. MASSIVE MATTER raced inside, had to wait for clearance near headstretch then utilized the Pocono Pike for the distant third. HESOHOT HANOVER was behind a plethora of moribund cover, swung widest and was doing well late. LINDYS GOIN CRAZY was three-wide almost to the 3/16 and then in front at the ¼, yielded 3/8, did not have much in the last 3/16. LOVE THIS BAR left and yielded, came out, gapped, then was left raw, didn’t go forward late. PREACHER MAN gapped. GINGER TREE KNOX had no punch from third-over. CAPITAL T STORM broke just past the start.
SECOND RACE – UNWRITTEN RULE left a big gap behind the pacesetter that he gradually closed in quarter two, popped out 11/16 but couldn’t go by on the turn, did go clear top of the stretch then held off the late rushers. JAM THAT GUITAR was way off the pace behind a gapping one, started to gain three-wide through the turn, kept on coming and just won a three-way photo for second, not far off the winner. SIR LOVEALOT BC moved outside from midpack 5/8 and made a rapid move to go behind the cover of the winner, fell back a little upper stretch then was resurgent. FLIGHT ONEFORTYSIX came out down the back but didn’t gain, then picked it up in a blindswitch on the far turn, spent the first half of the stretch trying to find a path between horses, then squeezed through, gained some, then was shut off nearing the wire. BOLT POWER was far behind, then had very good pace on the far outside. A B COLLINS gapped the whole way, including when having the chance to go to the pocket, finished evenly. WEST COAST KID had five lengths going to the first turn from PP9, set moderate fractions, pressured hard on the turn and kept the winner two-wide, then gave way. SHAKEALEG HANOVER never factored. HURRIKANE JUNIOR was looking for early position but broke.
THIRD RACE – The well-bred SHAMROCKS tucked third then quarter-moved and was in control of this event the rest of the way. JOE EXOTIC was on top just past the 1/8, yielded to the winner, stayed close but wasn’t gaining late. TEST YOUR MAGIC came out 5/8, soon three-wide as cover was stagnant to two-wide ¾, held his ground OK. TUFF TO BE LINDY made the early lead then yielded, struggled to keep up the last 1/8. GAVINATOR was blocked on the far turn but didn’t have much when taken wide. WINGMAN HANOVER was never in it; nor was MY SON TY HANOVER, who was off the gate and gapping much of the way. GET TO THE POINTE left and was looped, backed off to fourth past the 1/8, moved raw 5/8 but never gained and then retreated. THE PAPA BEAR broke well before the start.
FOURTH RACE – ON A STREAK was between horses to the early pocket, quarter-moved to 3/8 command, held sway the rest of the way to get the 2YO Breeders Crown winner on the 2021 scorecard. FLEMSTEEN got early positioning, then got the Pocono Pike as the pocketsitter pulled headstretch, good but couldn’t quite reach. DONATO PATRIOT K was inside, deep in the Pike and not bad for third. COLLEGE TUITION was three-wide leaving to the lead at the 1/8, yielded, pulled out from the pocket midturn but lost a little ground. NEW LEGACY broke 9/16, made a decent recovery to salvage the last check. GOLDEN COMPASS came out 5/8 and made a nice move the latter part of the backstretch into the turn, then seemed to lose his momentum when the pocketsitter pulled, giving him cover — the rally ended there. SPUNKIN’SROCKETMAN never featured. CARUSO broke an 1/8 of a mile before the start.
FIFTH RACE – FAWN DE TOUCH had cover leaving, eased in fourth just past the 1/8, moved with cover 5/8, uncovered turn when the cover tucked in the pocket, by far the strongest late. R SPEED OF LIGHT was three-wide early to the lead and had an open lead from before the ¼ to headstretch while setting a quick pace, overhauled late but still second. P L OLIVIA pulled from third before the half, didn’t reach the leader, tucked in the pocket on the far turn, gave some ground late. SECRET EDGE got the pocket towards turn one, started to back off ¾. MISS MAYTRIX and BARNUM never factored; nor did PRAIRIE TRINKET after moving outside from far back down the back. PAINT BY NUMBERS misbehaved off the turn before the start. BLUE TWISTER broke early on the backstretch.
SIXTH RACE – JUJUBEE left between horses and kept his main rival parked to the ¼, waited, then eased outside for the drive and trotted home in 27.2 confidently and comfortably. CAPSTONE was three-wide to the 3/16 and two-wide to the ¼, got a 59 middle half then turned on the speed, came home in 27.4 and still was caught, good mile. CEFFYL DWR left, yielded 3/8, stayed connected until the stretch, saved the show. TRICKY DICK looked to be laboring to keep up 5/8, trotted evenly inside. MISTER BOINGA spotted fourth past the 1/8, moved out but went backwards. COMEONOVER HANOVER wasn’t quite equal to this task.
SEVENTH RACE – STORMY PLACE went in third to the first turn, moved out 3/8 and cleared just past the half, good enough to fend off KIANNA. The latter was in front near the first bend, pushed the winner past the 3/8 to the half then yielded for the pocket, went to the Pocono Pike and almost got there. DARK MIRAGE went uncovered into the backstretch, grinded and held ground nicely. BETTER BID HANOVER left well, yielded, stayed in, faded some. CAVIART LUCIA was between horses in a three-way group off the leaders on the turn, finished steadily. AILEY HANOVER was three-wide in that back group, ducked inside a drifting horse and finished with some pace. BYGONE HANOVER was inside in that back group and didn’t feature. EYES DON’T LIE looked to have a wrapping come undone early, tucked midpack, then second-over, fell back and drifted wide in the stretch. COME HITHER went thither.
EIGHTH RACE – CAPTAIN COREY went to command at the 1/8, was clear by the 3/8 and had an awesome return to the races in the first of two PaSS cuts where Svanstedt horses finished 1-2. LEPANTO raced out to the early pocket, gradually fell back from the winner but did hold the distant second. FIFTY WAYS stayed in, blocked on the far turn, to the Pocono Pike, couldn’t get to second. ROBBIE PEV backed out to follow cover before the 11/16, three-wide headstretch, couldn’t reach for top minor honors. ARNOLD N DICKY never made a move. TOP ME OFF made a brief break at the start, caught the back of the field, gained positions uncovered from last down the back until alongside the pocket horse, but tired.
NINTH RACE – INAMINUTE HANOVER quarter-moved, set his own pace, roused midstretch to stay clear. RITSON was underway raw into turn two then got cover at the half, three-wide near headstretch, finished steadily to beat BELIEVER for second. The latter as noted started first-up at the half, got to the saddle pad of the winner on the far turn, couldn’t quite sustain the move. KEEPER OF SECRETS took the early pocket 3/16, in, shuffled late turn then outside in the stretch and had some trot. PILOT HANOVER was outside midpack until getting in at the ¼, couldn’t get into the main game. ARMANI HANOVER went in front early, yielded, gradually loosened in the pocket from before the ¾. LINDYS BOOZE CRUZ, slow starting, was not a factor. GHETTO BOY was third-over but gapped.
TENTH RACE – DELAYED HANOVER got the front, pushed TYPE A through the frontstretch before surrendering the lead, moved out of the pocket nearing headstretch, saw his stablemate get a brief lead midstretch but kept on going and won in a headbob. JOHAN PALEMA was three-wide to the first turn then two-wide, tucked third after the ¼ as the quarter-mover left a hole, got access to the Pocono Pike as the pocketsitter pulled, made a brief lead midstretch, just edged by his barnmate. TYPE A went out and defended the pocket then moved out before the ¼ with room, was pushed the length of the frontstretch before clearing, went a good 3/4s, not quite enough late. ETHAN T HANOVER stayed in, OK inside. TAKE ALL COMERS was second-over, three-wide headstretch, couldn’t quite go enough. WHISKEY BLU came uncovered off turn two and gained well in the slowest quarter of the race, but then backed off a good bit. IN RANGE was misbehaving an 1/8 before the start.
ELEVENTH RACE – SUNNY CROCKETT never let anyone past him and came home in 56.4 to be the dominant force. JACK FIRE took back early and dropped in, was second-over, gapped early backstretch then in gear, three-wide 11/16 to two-wide raw far turn, closest to the winner in a commendable showing. SAINT K took the early pocket, couldn’t go with the winner to the ¾, just did hold third. SOUTHWIND CAESER tucked third before the ¼, sat in, to the Pocono Pike, fair. CLANCY’S BAR stayed in, blocked late turn then moved outside, couldn’t gain. BY A HOFF HANOVER (a couple of lengths off the gate) and VINCENTI were always far back. MAKE SURE ITS COLD was three-wide to turn one, spotted fourth, then came uncovered to turn two but gained only a little before giving way. WORLD BANK moved out at the ¼ but couldn’t go with cover.
TWELFTH RACE – MY BOY JACK left well, yielded to sit the two-hole, a bit loose down the back then tighter and outside headstretch, showed a very sharp last 1/8 to sprint right by ICANGOGO. The latter was three-wide to the first curve, on top 3/16, got a moderate middle half, then was outsprinted in the lane. BOTTLE ROCKET came clear midturn and moved outside, third-best. MOM’S LITTLE WORLD angled out headstretch after an inside trip, next in line. HURRIKANEKINGCARLO never was prominent. CHEESEHEAD was making up some ground from far back when breaking 11/16. DUSTUP HANOVER was looped and was out in the air, got as close as third midbackstretch before tiring. DUE WEST had very little.
THIRTEENTH RACE – ARCHIBALD tucked third and sat close to the wild pace while in front of gappers, uncovered to the 5/8 and gradually worked up, even at the 3/4s and got a short advantage on the turn, drew away. WISENHEIMER would not yield and set fiery fractions, kept the winner outside on the turn, held for second. FOREVERHILLREIGN saw he was not getting the lead and took the pocket 3/16, moved outside late turn, but may’ve been bottomed with involvement in the quick pace, drifting out and not gaining. FINAL DREAM swung wide off the far turn and made up ground in the 59 last half (vs. 55 first half). KEYSTONE THUNDER stayed in, evenly. FRAC was well-gapped off the frontrunning trio, little late. ICINGON DE CUPCAKE moved outside but couldn’t reach the leaders. THE OTHER PAIR were always far back.
FOURTEENTH RACE – TSM PHOTO BUGGER made the early top, yielded 3/8, quickstepped by the new leader early backstretch, then held off his late charge – game at 14. NEXTROUNDSONME quarter-moved to 3/8 command, was stepped around into the backstretch, stayed close, outside headstretch, narrowing in but couldn’t quite get it all. DESWANSLITTLELORIE was in the outer nonflow after the breaker, three-wide late turn, finished steadily. RIVER OTTER sat in, so-so late. HOT SUMMER KNIGHT had excess cover, not bad at the end. JUMPSHOT tucked midpack past the 1/8, then was second-over, lost cover 11/16 to a break, couldn’t gain much raw. FASHIONWOODCHOPPER was not a presence. MY LINDY WINNER broke coming into the backstretch before the start. BLENHEIM quickly got into the pocket, came uncovered before the 5/8 and was gaining some when running 11/16.
Jun 3, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – “Sloppy +1” and 51 degrees for the card … BETTER B ROLLING was rolling raw into turn two and quickly rushed to the lead, built up a huge advantage, tiring late but too far gone to be caught. HIGHVIEW CONALL N joined the lively (far behind the winner) outer flow, three-wide far turn, and steadily for second. BIG TURN ON was in the flow, left uncovered into the far turn, ducked in to the Pocono Pike for the stretch and reclaimed some ground. SPORTSMANSHIP had forward position, then was shuffled horribly behind a tired horse, sent wide once escaping and regained good territory. NEWS WATCH was second-over then soon first-over well off the lead, got the pocket ¾, gave way. MEADOWBROOK FLASH left but was looped, out past the quarter for the lead, passed easily early backstretch and faded. CARMENS BEST left wide and cleared before turn one, yielded after the ¼, was behind the tired pacesetter and shuffled, but didn’t regain ground once clear. NORTHBROOK RON was already gapping by after the ¼.
SECOND RACE – JUST MAYBE THE ONE left, was behind cover to the ¼ when making a break, recovered quickly and went into the 5-hole, uncovered at the half, gained and briefly went in the 3-hole upper far turn then outside on the lower part, just overpowered these; an inquiry into his early break gave no reason for placing. CAMPBELLINI let and pushed before yielding at the 1/4, sat in the two-hole and stayed close in fast fractions, went to the Pocono Pike, second-best. POND JUMPER was two-wide until finding the 3-hole off the first curve, gapped down the back, went evenly as the tempo slowed. DON was parked to a stiff quarter for the lead and kept on rolling, tiring in the stretch. SIR JOHN F backed out to follow cover 11/16 but couldn’t get into the main fight. CIMERONKEN moved outside early but never achieved contention. PUERTO RICO and GRAN PARAISO did not feature. MARLEY’S GUY broke shortly before the start.
THIRD RACE – FEELING CAM LUCKY shifted gears early and went frontward, three-wide to the 5/16 then two-wide to going into the second turn in a blazing clip for these (53.4 front half, 59.2 back half) to get the lead, was clear from early backstretch all the way to midstretch, obviously (and understandably) tiring but held together. EGOMANIA gapped behind the early fireworks, moved out before the 5/8 and had to check behind a breaker at that spot, gapped the parked-the-mile horse then got closer, three-wide late turn, made meaningful gains only a trifle too late. JANAID was looped early and stuck in the two-path, with cover to the second turn and then without it, kept on going in a big effort. WARRAWEE VELOCE moved outside before the 5/8 but before long made a break, recovered and followed cover, went four-wide on the far turn, OK; his break was the subject of an inquiry which yielded no reason for placing. NATIONAL SPORT went offstride 3/16. GRAND PRIORITY left a gap early and had little late. FERDINAND N outleft everybody, kept rivals stacked three-wide to the 5/16, yielded the lead nearing turn two, gapped much of the last half.
FOURTH RACE – A stretch tailwind has picked up … SWEET ROCKIN GIA let and had the early pocket, quarter-moved in front of the parked horse to make the lead and then had that one hounding her to the ¾, then had to dig in to ward off the leftward threat of LATE NIGHT DATE A late. The latter left to get the front, yielded to the winner and sat the two-hole, had a shot up the Pocono Pike, did well but didn’t quite make it. SHEIKH YABOOTY N tucked in third past the 1/8, came out behind the parked horse off turn two and then moved three-wide 11/16, gradually progressed until two-wide late turn, then bore out but still managed third. GEORGIE MARTIN N, not away well, moved out on the far turn, ducked inside the drifting show horse, not enough. STELLENBOSCH was wide leaving then had cover from two different horses until in front of the stands, then pressed hard from the death seat, didn’t fade until past midturn. PEGGY J had little to offer. BOLT OF BEAUTY stayed in, not prominent late.
FIFTH RACE – O JONNIE rushed uncovered at the half and went right on by at the ¾, opened an insurmountable lead. WHAT A RUSH was outside slightly off the winner’s cover, left raw ¾, just held second over the onrushing MARION GONDOLIER. The latter got a forward spot, then was badly shuffled on the far turn, fanned very wide and was eating up the real estate late to just miss place. KEYSTONE SERGEANT had some cover early then raw at the 1/8, made the lead 5/16 then yielded to the retaker, shuffled when that one tired, evenly late. CHOCOTURE was outside but gapped. URSIS DES CAILLONS was in front at the 1/8, yielded 5/16 but quickly reclaimed control, couldn’t withstand the winner’s move 3/4 and faded. CELEBRITY SERENA made a couple of breaks.
SIXTH RACE – WISE IMAGE was hard-used to make the lead at the ¼, set the pace, held on gamely to the line. BAYONET got the lead, pushed the winner to the ¼ then yielded for the two-hole trip, outside in the stretch, not quite enough, did retain second over JEREMES GENERAL. The latter came outside 5/8 even though he was gapping because he saw the horse in front of him weakening, continued two-wide but didn’t gain that much, then did gain when the pace slowed late. HES GONE BADDER came outside off turn two, three-wide 5/8 through past midturn then went back to two-wide, went on evenly. ARTACUS stayed in and got the last check via the Pocono Pike. CHANCELLORCULLEN N left, gapped much of the last half, so-so. THE OTHER THREE were far away from the main action.
SEVENTH RACE – The two longest shots go by the favorite very late … RAKSMACH N got an excellent second-over trip, three-wide midturn, paced home well and got the decision. REDHOT ROMEO went to third-over at the half, followed the winner’s cover three-wide far turn though gapping it slightly, better in the stretch and up for second over POLAK A in the last step. The latter was on top at the 1/8, forced a tuck 5/16 only to see that one break and went on to a brief clear advantage, got backstretch pressure, shook that off and held until the last 50 yards, good mile. AN THE THUNDEROLLS had the most early step, yielded, gave the pocket 5/16 but got it right back as the holefiller made a break, gradually tightened back in though a trifle loose, to the Pocono Pike but had no gain. ARCHETTO HANOVER was inside then went to the deep Pocono Pike but also couldn’t gain contention. ACE OF CLUBS came uncovered from sixth 3/8, went a big third panel to challenge, but tired midturn. GOLDEN GESTURE stayed in, had all kinds of traffic troubles upper stretch and lost all chance. SWEET TALKIN SATIN left, had cover early then went on to challenge, had just gotten into the pocket 5/16 when making a break.
EIGHTH RACE – JAHAN HANOVER was first on top, yielded before the 3/16 for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and took over midstretch, just held off BAGS TO RICHES. The latter was third-over, followed cover three-wide past the 5/8, went on three-wide uncovered to two-wide covered on the turn then had to swing back out three-wide as cover stalled, flying late to just miss after going a very good last half. TACT TATE N was in front before the 3/16 and fronted these a long way on the lead, held well. SEEL THE DEAL N tucked early, moved second-over, three-wide around dull cover 5/8 to two-wide raw 11/16, stopped gaining approaching headstretch. COMMANDER HILL sat in, had enough to get the last check. WILDCAT HILTON never contended. BRINGITONHOME N was always far back. ROCK THREE TIMES started the outside train but didn’t have much power from just before the 5/8.
NINTH RACE – JACK RULES was three-wide to the 1/8 to get the top past the 3/16, opened up turning into the backstretch, and if it were a prizefight they would have stopped it at the ¾. ZOOMING was second-over, three-wide late turn, beat out the others but far behind the winner. NATALIE HANOVER was forwardly-placed, moved raw at the half, never got past the pocket horse to the ¾ and around the turn, but went on steadily. CRITICAL MASS stayed in the two-wide lane and waited out the blindswitch on the turn, wide, fair. PITTSTOP KIP was blocked as the pacesetter left an ever-increasing gap, so-so once free. KATKIN AND COKE was second-over, didn’t tip wide, little. LANDONFITZ left well to 1/8 command, pushed the quick quarter and yielded, then fell further and further back in the two-hole. KANDY KORN tried to come three-deep from the back but didn’t gain. LAKEVIEW TAMMY offered little.
TENTH RACE – CRAZY CUTE gradually worked up to the 4-hole at the 1/8, came uncovered with a rush while going in 27.1 down the back putting high heat on the leader, kept on digging and completed her last half in 55.2 over the off going, showing her class. CAVIART CHERIE left, yielded, retook, really slowed the half then really quickened when the winner came on, held well. STOWAWAY HANOVER had excellent cover, three-wide headstretch, very good outing. MONICA GALLAGHER was four-wide early, on the point 3/16 then yielded, to the Pocono Pike, came up a step shy. LUCKY ARTIST A pushed away some, then sat in, looked all-out at points. ALII NUI was third-over, gapped, moving OK under the line. TALL POPPY N did not figure in the outcome.
ELEVENTH RACE – TRUEMASS VOLO got a great trip second-over, three-wide in the lane and strongly to the wire. GEMOLOGIST went on to the lead 3/16, yielded for the pocket, had to wait for the Pocono Pike as the winner built momentum, finished solidly when clear. LIFE WELL LIVED came uncovered off turn two and made a strong backstretch move, got an advantage around the turn but couldn’t clear, held well. RECIPROCALBLUECHIP was third-over, finished very nicely. DARTY left and yielded, stayed in, clear inside but couldn’t gain late. WILLIE B WORTHY got an early spot, underway before the ¼ to take the lead, under serious pressure, held the challenger out on the turn but then was out of gas. ANDOVER’S TOUCH never made his presence felt.
TWELFTH RACE – The wind has died down … CLARION HALL quickly got in front then yielded 3/16 for the pocket, sat until the Pocono Pike, finished strongly; four wins for trainer Garcia-Herrera. THISISSHE was outside 3/16 in a quick opener to get command, set the pace, pressured on the far turn, shook that one off but then couldn’t hold off the winner to her left. MADHATTER BLUECHIP went up to grab third early, raced evenly late. SVF CASH DEPOSIT sat in, backed out then angled wide nearing the lane, finished well. STOP RESISTIN was the first-over, gained down the backstretch then pushed the leader hard on the turn, then gave way. MAGIC VACATION couldn’t do much from second-over. INAPERFECTWORLD got away slowly and was gapping when breaking nearing the ¼.
THIRTEENTH RACE – THE WALL was carried up in a dynamic flow, tipped three-wide and proved the strongest in a good last quarter for this card. GLENGARRY KNIGHT N left, reluctantly took the pocket 3/16, moved when HEREITIZ started to move at the 1/4 but both soon reseated themselves, stayed in and was shuffled after the lead change later in the backstretch, angled out midturn to three-wide and then behind the winner as he went to the lead, finished well after bad racing luck. IAMMRBRIGHTSIDE N would not cede the early lead, rated the half, got outrushed 11/16 but stayed up on the bit in the pocket, Pocono Pike and along for third. LINCOLN JAMES had fine cover from the half then lost it 11/16, went up on the turn, then flattened a bit. LOVE THE BLUES N stayed in to get the last payday. HEREITIZ wanted to quarter-move but retreated as the pocket horse made the same move (including the retreat), underway at the half and urged to get by 11/16, but couldn’t sustain the advantage. CAPTAIN MALICIOUS got outside but could offer little. STOP ACTION never factored.
FOURTEENTH RACE – I’M VERY SPECIAL was three-wide to the 1/8 then a like distance two-wide to the top, rated then sped up, game to withstand the charge of potential pocket rocket DIBABA N; five for George Nap (and brother Anthony had four). The latter took over to the 1/8 and yielded at the ¼ for the pocket, outside headstretch and had good pace but just failed reaching. JUXTA COWGIRL left and yielded, stayed in, left a gap midbackstretch then got closer, held third over DELISHKA N. The latter hustled early to tuck fourth, stayed in, went to the inside of the show horse in the lane but could not beat her out. TRUSSED UP TRUDY was inside, shut off late. TOPVILLE ANGELINA got little help from her cover, swung wide and had some pace in the end. JUSLIKEAQUEEN started raw 3/8, did pace her third split in 27 but never seemed menacing, faded. ALL ABOUT AMY didn’t do much after a second-over trip.
Jun 1, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Temperatures just under 50 degrees, with a strong stretch tailwind, and a “sloppy +1” track throughout the day … JK MUSICMAN tucked, then moved off the first turn to make the top 3/8, set the pace, game to hold off the late bid of GIVENUPDREAMIN. The latter was behind cover early, then went up 1/8 to 3/16 command, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, outside headstretch and kept narrowing in but just missed. BLACKLIGHT left and went to the lead to the 1/8, yielded, third-in, up the Pocono Pike, steadily but not quite enough. MY MIND IS MADEUP scampered up the rail down the back, next-best. ART SCENE never entered the main scene. BULLVILLE TERROR was second-over behind dull cover, three-wide turn but didn’t gain. SHINY BLACK BEAUTIFUL and MILENNIAL was already far off the rest at the half. INDICTABLE HANOVER pulled raw but never gained, then fell back.
SECOND RACE – WAR-N-MUNN tucked third, sat in, gapped on the far turn but then narrowed in, deep in the Pocono Pike and along. FASHIONONTHEBEACH left, moved from the pocket 3/16 to the lead, set the pace, couldn’t quite last to the line. VALIANT IVY sat in, angled wide early stretch and made up a lot of ground late. BLOW A CLOUD N made the top early, yielded for the pocket, had room inside the pacesetter but not enough kick. BARNABAS tucked fourth at the 1/8, uncovered into turn two, challenged to headstretch, held decently. CLASS SIX moved third-over behind the struggling cover of BAMSKI; neither was a major danger.
THIRD RACE – LOUD SPLASH spotted early, then led the outer tier’s move towards the half, pressed the leader hard on the final turn, then paced away late. NEWBIE left sharply and cleared easily, got a breather in Q2 then picked it up, second-best. LENWOODS REAL DEAL landed midpack early, got to second-over, couldn’t stay with cover on the turn, steadily for third. ARTACHE HANOVER was forwardly-placed, outside past the ¾ to avoid a shuffle, three-wide headstretch, not bad. LORD OF MISRULE was urged leaving, got into the pocket, but started to back up before the ¾. ALWAY’SYOURWAY and GIVEN UP TERROR never featured; nor did MAJOR ASSET and PLAY THERAPY, both of whom suffered broken equipment.
FOURTH RACE – PRINCE OF TIDES was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-deep to the ¼ in pursuit of the lead, shook off one challenger and then kept SOMEBEACH BARON at a safe distance. The latter was between horses past the 1/8 before getting to the pegs, yielded for the pocket, outside into the lane, finished steadily. SAWYER’S DESIRE moved out second-over but then went in again ¾ as his cover failed, evenly along the inside late. CAPTAIN CASH gained up the inside down the back, didn’t go with the top ones. DARK ENERGY N was slow to the gate, came outside first but wound up third-over in a nonflow, three-wide late turn, evenly. LYONS AMUSEMENTS was locked inside on the turn but had little once clear. VILLIAM was shuffled to last, blocked in the stretch. ALWAYS THE SUN was outside in a dull flow, never prominent. ISLANDSPECIALMAJOR was away well, yielded, came out raw into the backstretch, gained a little the third quarter then fell back a lot in the fourth quarter.
FIFTH RACE – BUSBOY HANOVER, looking to like the off going, was tight on cover second-over, three-wide past midturn, easily to the front late. DO YA THINK started first-up into turn two, steadily gained, made the lead to midstretch, held quite well. URBAN RENEWAL was third-over, gapped cover a bit, wide in the stretch and with pace. CAPTAIN HILL stayed in and was shuffled far turn, out in a blindswitch to headstretch, found room and was OK through the lane. A REAL MIRACLE left, yielded, got underway before the ¼ to reclaim the lead, set the pace, came up empty at crunch time. ALL IT TAKES went to the lead at the 1/8 then yielded to the retaker, a bit loose in the pocket much of the last half, not much late. VICTORIA’S MAVERICK gapped through much of the mile.
SIXTH RACE – REGAL SON was three-wide to the 1/8, got a spot behind the early battle, gapped it then closed the hole after the ¼, stayed in, got to the Pocono Pike as the pocketsitter moved outside, had the most to the wire. ROCK THE NITE got around the breaker and pressed on for the lead but had to reluctantly take the pocket nearing the 26.4 quarter, came out headstretch, was never ahead but battled on gamely for place. KEYSTONE STEAM came raw 3/8, one-geared it up, looked done on the far turn but dug in with courage and was gaining late. WHITE HAIR ROCKS saw a contender break early, then seated another in a fast quarter, rated the half, didn’t have pressure, but could not maintain the advantage through the stretch. BABES DIG ME was second-over, three-wide midturn, went on steadily late. FIREBALL didn’t factor. SWEET N FAST N was shuffled to last, had a bit of pace on the end. MISSISSIPPI RABBIT was leaving with speed when breaking before the first turn, caught the pack and was third-over but could not reenter contention.
SEVENTH RACE – HATIKVAH followed strong cover second-over, three-wide headstretch, bore out noticeably in the lane but just caught GREAT UNKNOWN. The latter was uncovered from fifth at the half and gained a good bit against the wind (in not much of a quarter) down the back, battled the leader through the turn, took over early stretch and just failed to take it all. MUSHANA was outside third-over, gapped cover then got tight on it later in the backstretch, went inside the winner when that one started drifting and had some trot. CONSUS VICTORY made the lead past the 1/8, yielded for the pocket, passed the spent leader in the Pocono Pike, then wound up outside the place horse late in the lane with some trot. BAND BOX TREASURE was looped but still got early position, not a late factor. PAPI HANOVER was not heard from. CONQUEST AS gapped at points. HEAT WAVE HANOVER was three-deep a good part of the opening split, made the lead off the first turn, strung out the field in quarter two despite going 29.4, came under pressure, had nothing left to give late. TAD KRAZY HANOVER was last at every call.
EIGHTH RACE — LOVE THE ACTION went right to the top, took the day’s normal second quarter breather (with the wind) then picked it up, had the two behind him swing wide in the stretch but held off their moves. BELL I NO spotted sixth, advanced up the inside past the half, swung three-wide into the lane and closed well in just missing. ROBBIE BURNS N sat a nice trip in the pocket, outside midturn, fought hard but came up just shy. THE CANDYMAN CAN came all the way up the rail from last, not close but next-best. NATIVE’S SWEETLOU also avoided the outside congestion, not much late. ALBERGO HANOVER was caught behind the wide clog in the back, swung four-wide in the lane and passed the rest. WAGON MASTER was third-over, tried to circle up three-wide 11/16 but could not. SPORTS TEEN moved first-over before the half but never gained before fading. ROCKIN INTHE HILLS was looped and tucked, then second-over, blindswitched 11/16, could not regain anything lost in the shuffle.
NINTH RACE – CASUAL COOL hung a pair to the ¼, yielded, moved before the half to the lead after the half, yielded to the ¾ but stayed close, then rerallied in the Pocono Pike to gain the lead in a game outing. BRAVO TEX N was two-wide down the back, behind a gapper, accelerated when that one tucked far turn, closed in strongly to just miss. TOOKADIVEOFFDIPPER improved position early, followed the winner outside, was left uncovered at one end of the backstretch and took the lead at the other end, held well right to the finish. HORSING AROUND went three-wide around a dull one, best of the rest. LEAR SEELSTER had live cover but gapped it, left raw, ducked in far turn, little to offer late. HEISMAN PLAYER backed out to avoid a shuffle but didn’t gain. CURIOUS CORTEZ was very wide early, between horses on the first turn and a bit more than two-wide coming out of that bend, made the lead, yielded 3/8, then gapped. CLOSING STATEMENT was six-wide leaving and took back to last, never back in the picture thereafter. HP NAPOLEON was five-wide early, three-wide to the ¼ then two-wide to 3/8 command, passed off turn two, slowed a lot in the stretch after all the real estate covered early.
TENTH RACE – CRYSTAL FASHION left and yielded, was moved out 3/8 and had the lead before the half, drew clear in the 28.1 last quarter in a solid performance for the classy veteran. SCIROCCO ROB made the lead early, saw two go by in the next 3/8, outside 11/16 and got to a nonthreatening second. MELADY’S MONET was looped leaving and went on to get the front past the ¼, relinquished to the winner at the half, was in the fight for second until late. BAUTISTA and THE LAST CHAPTER trotted steadily. KINDA LUCKY LINDY started to not keep up ¾. RICH AND MISERABLE was last throughout.
ELEVENTH RACE – BLAZEN RIVER N left between horses and persevered to the 3/16 command, not under pressure in front, drifted out in the lane but held together enough to resist MAYHEM HANOVER. The latter left and protected the pocket, gapped early backstretch but later tightened back in, had a clear shot late but came up just shy. HICKFROMFRENCHLICK was three-wide and ahead most of the 1/8 but realized he wouldn’t clear and took back to third, stayed in on the far turn, along the inside and OK+ late. ON THE CARDS N slid down into an early tuck, then started first-over towards turn two, got into a better gear 11/16 and headed the pocket horse around the turn, then tired some. MYKINDACHIP gapped down the backstretch. REDBANK BLAZE A moved past the 3/8 and soon had cover, then soon was gapping it. SOMETHING FANCY never had a say in this one.
TWELFTH RACE – JACK’S LEGEND N made the top past the 1/8, pushed a foe well past the quarter then yielded for the pocket, shuffled a bit late turn into the lane, but showed great acceleration when shown the Pocono Pike, got the lead quickly, then held off BRAEVIEW BONDI A. The latter was second-over, gapped a little then caught up to cover, wide in the stretch and pacing very well late. VETTEL N was uncovered off turn two, in gear 5/8 and kept gaining, couldn’t clear on the turn but had the lead entering the stretch, went on well. MIKE’S Z TAM did well from third-over. HIGHALATOR was urged leaving, couldn’t do better than wind up third, sat in, slow to clear angling wide, some acceleration at the end. FILIBUSTER HANOVER was three-high to turn one, then two-wide 5/16 before getting the lead, got serious heat from the 5/8, tired.
THIRTEENTH RACE – SPLASH BROTHER was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to the lead 3/16, was the front part of a two-horse breakaway that saw him keep ahead of his inside rival LYONS KING safely. The latter yielded for the pocket and stayed close, very good and second way ahead of the others. VIRGIN STORM moved second-over, left uncovered on the turn, had some pace late for the distant third. FABRICE HANOVER was uncovered before the 5/8, never threatened, tucked in on the far turn, evenly. ATTA BOY DAN was rocked leaving, got a 3-tuck, struggled to keep up the last half. JM’S DELIGHT never contended. GLACIA backed out to third-over but didn’t gain. THE OTHER DUO were always far back.
FOURTEENTH RACE – AFTER ALL PAUL had cover to turn one then went on to get the lead to the 5/16, yielded for the pocket, stayed close, outside late turn, outtrotted WITH OUT A DOUBT. The latter had gate speed, yielded, outside 5/16 to be on top just past the 3/8, did well but had to settle for second. GRAPPLE HANOVER gained the front at the 1/8, saw two go by, a bit loose in the three-hole 11/16, tired but did hold show over BURN NOTICE. The latter gapped past the 3/8, stayed in, to the Pocono Pike, couldn’t quite make third. REFI went first-over at the half, never got close to the lead but carried on steadily. SEVEN IRON never was head from. THE FINAL PAIR were near the back throughout.
May 30, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – A couple of degrees either side of 70 all day … Stretch headwind … MISS VET HANOVER spotted early, uncovered at the half and gradually ranged up, got cover 11/16, three-wide to headstretch, proved the best as the pace slowed. TOCCOA FALLS was last when making a brief break to the 5/8, swept up four-wide late backstretch to get to second-over on the turn, four-wide headstretch, couldn’t go with the winner but outfooted the others; an inquiry into this one’s break gave no reason for placing. TUIS SHADOW filled and protected the pocket, pulled out 11/16, not quite enough after chasing the hot pace. CHOCOLATE MATTERS had to circle a tiring inside horse twice, went very wide and closed well. CIRCLE OF LIFE AS got in the outside flow, three-wide to the 11/16, looped, evenly. CELEBRITY ROLEX controlled the throttle from the pole in a really fast quarter and kept on going quickly, defenseless in the stretch. CHING CHING LUCKY was originally second-over, gapped. STORM BRUISER was three-wide past the 1/8, finally got the three-hole after a very quick early pace, started to fade midbackstretch. SERRANO VOLO spotted, was stuck behind a fading one 5/8, squeezed out and retucked, gaining along the inside when breaking late turn.
SECOND RACE – LET ‘ER BUCK saw a foe pass early then was underway to the 3/16 to get the lead, was clear most of the middle half (with a quick third quarter) then had DOUBLEOFFTHEWALL narrow in, held that one off to the inside. The latter tucked early, got tight on the top two then pulled out 5/8 after the pocket horse faded, retucked in the two-hole and gained, came up the Pocono Pike, good. AP BLAZE OF GLORY spotted, came out down the back but was badly gapping the top three, along for the very distant third over SWEETONTHEBEACH. The latter shot to instant command, let the winner go, was loose before the ½ and fell back more. MORE THAN KUTE tucked fourth, gapped out 5/8. THE OTHER TWO were never a factor.
THIRD RACE – CARTIER BI, wide leaving, went up after the leader when that one cleared past the 1/8, took command 5/16, opened up a bit down the back getting MASSIVE MATTER to tuck in, then held off that one’s late move. The latter went uncovered off turn two and challenged, took the pocket to the ¾, outside again in the lane, good but second-best. KASEVILLE was wide leaving, then two-wide to the front just past the 1/8, yielded 5/16, gradually went loose in the pocket most of the second half, just did hold third over FATHER OF IRELAND. The latter yielded, stayed in, tried to rally in the Pocono Pike for third but could not make it. COUNT CHOCALOT moved out to the cover flow 9/16 but couldn’t keep with it from the 5/8. CHERRY MASON never entered the picture.
FOURTH RACE – DREAM CHASER was wide early, briefly had cover then went forward 3/16 to the lead to the 3/8, drew away from this field. BET LIGHT was stuffed fourth-in, started to angle out into the stretch but then saw the pocketsitter drift out and went through that vacated lane with good ability. ITALIA SEELSTER went into the early pocket before the 3/16, sat in third, was blocked on the far turn, had a clear path in the stretch, just held third over TSM WESTERN SOUL. The latter was also locked in but also gapping on the turn, had some late foot in the deep Pike. OFF THE RECORD was four-wide leaving, gradually worked into a midpack tuck at the ¼, then again first-over 9/16, didn’t gain much. BARDMIRY went to the front early, yielded to the 3/8, couldn’t keep up in the pocket ¾ trapping the inside horses behind her with nowhere to go. IDEAL HANNAH and SNUF ENUF HANOVER were always far back. MORROCKIN K was the first to move outside, got cover but couldn’t go with it.
FIFTH RACE – SOUTHWIND CAESER was four-wide early, three-wide to the 1/8, then two-wide to the pocket 3/16, pulled the pocket to the 5/8 and went by to the ¾, gamely held off DAGON HANOVER while trotting his own last half in 56.4. The latter got in third at the 1/8, initially gapped when the backstretch duel developed then moved out and was raw ¾, chased the winner well in the lane but had to settle for place. FLEMSTEEN was three-wide between horses, then two-wide to the lead past the 1/8, forced a tuck then backed the pace up to a crawl, couldn’t switch to a sprint at the 5/8 and was passed, third-best. MOSCOW MOON gapped down the back then got closer on the turn and then to two-wide, but had little response late. JUST FOR LUCK came out from last into turn two and got the last check over THE REST OF THE FIELD, who had no impact on the outcome.
SIXTH RACE – TEMPURA HANOVER was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to the lead off the first bend, yielded to the brusher, came out 5/8 while the top two were clear of the rest and went right by to the lead, made the advantage hold up as closers narrowed in. MIKI THE CLOWN edged three-wide off the second turn as a foe edged two-wide, continued a three-wide brush (third quarter 27) to get to two-wide and then the pocket on the turn, tried to catch the winenr up the inside, just missed but did save second over PAULAS BET HANOVER. The latter followed the path of the place horse a couple of lengths off that one, three-wide on the turn to two-wide, came on steadily but couldn’t quite make it. LADY AKILA left between horses to the top past the 1/8, yielded, shuffled to the ¾, angled two- and three-wide late turn and was best of the distant rest over BEACHBLANKETLINDY; the latter was even wider into the lane and had some pace. JENNA’S WATCH edged out raw at the half but was looped by the main closers late backstretch and on the turn, faded. CATIE FAYE HANOVER left, yielded, quarter-moved, set the pace, had no response when the winner challenged 11/16. THE OTHER PAIR were far back.
SEVENTH RACE – FINAL DREAM was three-wide early, yielded, out second-over 5/8, wide stretch and trotted away in the slowing tempo. TW LAUXMONT left some, moved again before the ¼, waited for a brushed to clear then stepped around him 3/8, opened up a big lead from the half past a fast 3/4s to the stretch, couldn’t stall the winner but did hold second. CHUCKY DE VIE was five-wide early then three-wide to the first turn, two-wide to ¼ command, saw two go by, came back out midbackstretch, narrowed in on the leader, outtrotted. CHRISTOPHER CRAZO made up some ground along the inside as the tempo lessened. SCIROCCO JAKOB and ER BEN never factored. LIGHTS COME ON made two speed moves and yielded, started gapping at the half, broke midturn trying to make up ground.
EIGHTH RACE – STELLAR YANKEE got to the top off the first turn and kept rolling to open the pocket for a foe, dealt with the first-over then stayed safely clear of MAJOR SHOW. The latter left and was outside behind the winner until past the ¼, went on, took the pocket to the ¾, stayed close, to the Pocono Pike, good but a step shy. BOLTMAN went uncovered 5/8 and challenged, held OK. BET NINETEEN was second-over but slightly gapped, three-wide late turn, some at the end. GRATEFUL KISS was buried inside, out in a blindswitch to headstretch, slow to clear between horses then had just enough room to come through and had pace. JASPER HANOVER parked the winner to the ¼, yielded, then gave the pocket to the 3/8, done at the ¾. TSM BATMAN never factored. ROUTHLAND moved third-over but slightly gapped a gapper, wide on the turn but couldn’t close. MOONLIGHT SHADOW lost contact before the half.
NINTH RACE – SNOWFALLA went to the lead, rated the half then sped up as the first-over attacked, had 1½ lengths turning for home, saw the pocket horse break but still got a Pocono Pike challenge, from SALT AND VINEGAR, but held that one off. The latter looked at leaving but took back, stayed in, avoided the early stretch breaker and went to the Pike, was gaining late. KAYLA’S PLAYMATE came from last of the main pack in a long first-over bid, got to second, tired a little. FINLANDIA sat in, waited a second to see what the breaker would do, then regeared and finished with trot. CUSTOMARILY was OK late on the far outside. BILLIE CLAIRE defended the pocket, appeared to be going to the Pike but went offstride, ran home, placed. BLESS YOUR HEART backed outside but couldn’t reach cover. BELAIR BEAUTY jumped just before the start. LINNEA HANOVER was taking back when breaking before the first turn, eventually pulled up.
TENTH RACE – HORSE got in front towards the first turn, yielded 3/16, backed out to second-over 5/8, wide headstretch, had a good battle with TRU LOU to his inside and just did nip that rival. The latter left and made the lead 3/16 in a fast ¼, yielded at the half and stayed close, right to the Pocono Pike, paced very well late, just missed after a big mile. GET LIT got early position, went out as soon as the parked rival cleared and challenged from the 5/8 in a fast third quarter, got third. KING JAMES EXPRESS sat in, deep in the Pike with late pace. NOME HANOVER was outside midpack past the 1/8, could find no hole so pressed on and did get to the front at the half, under heat late backstretch through the turn, held very well for a 58-1 shot. ROGERTHAT BLUECHIP was second-over but gapped, let a rival out, then was blindswitched, not that much when clear. BLU CREW was third-over, three-wide 11/16 when his cover gapped, stayed three-wide through the turn, flattened out. THE OTHER TWO were far back; SO MANY ROADS made an equipment break late on the far turn.
ELEVENTH RACE – CIGAR SMOKING TONY streaked away to command, had only the pocket horse close to him well past the half, hooked up with CAPTIVATE HANOVER and had a riproaring battle with that one the last 3/16, just prevailing. The latter gapped a gapper early, then uncovered 5/8 and went up in 26.4 to challenge, fought very hard, no disgrace to be photoed out here. KYUQUOT gapped a good part of the mile, came up the inside in the stretch and gained third over AMAZON. The latter stayed close to the winner until late turn, when he moved outside, not quite enough late. MOVE THE LINE never moved. STONEBRIDGE REX hustled up to get tight on great cover midbackstretch, was in good second-over position when breaking looking for more far turn. NEED AROCKET was wide early taking back, lost touch in the second half.
TWELFTH RACE – KING ALPHONSO was wide leaving then two-wide to quarter command, slowed the half then lost the field down the backstretch, won by himself. HUNTING AS came out with cover, ducked in when that stalled ¾, outside stretch, got second when MAGNIFICENT SEVEN broke. The latter slid in third at the 1/8, inherited a distant pocket far turn, looked likely to hold second when himself breaking midstretch, ran home; an inquiry gave no reason for placing. THE NEXT THREE were never prominent. DISCUS HANOVER got the early lead then yielded to the winner, started gapping at the 5/8, then broke towards midturn, placed for causing an “ix.” AP HALL OF TRIX was uncovered at the half but never got close in the fast third quarter, then made an “ix” when a breaker was close to him midturn.
THIRTEENTH RACE – SERIOUS MIKI was three-wide to the 1/8, took over off the first curve, rated the half then sprinted with the wind down the backstretch, good in a fast victory. UNCONTROLLABLE launched uncovered midbackstretch and went 26.3 raw gaining on the leader, didn’t back off at all all the way to the line. SOUTHBEACH HANOVER was first on top, yielded for the pocket, was loose when the pace picked up early backstretch, still a clear third. BEACH TOWN BOY couldn’t go with backstretch cover, went in on the turn, out again in the stretch but not able to gain. CAPTAIN ROMANCE found these a bit much. DILLINGER was between horses early, tucked third at the 1/8, started backing up 5/8. THE LAST THREE were always far behind.
FOURTEENTH RACE – BEACH FIRE K went behind cover early, lost it 3/16 and got to the lead 5/16, in complete control from there, hone in 55.2. MCNEIL Z TAM went on to take over 3/16, yielded 5/16 for the two-hole, unplugged in the last 3/16, still second. SOUTHWIND DREDGE was uncovered from far back 5/8, gained enough to get third. ALWAYS ON THE HUNT was outside far turn, next. TERRY A HANOVER was shuffled on the turn, outside in the lane and salvaged the last check. ROCK IDOL was always far back. FULL VIEW had some speed, started gapping in third off the second turn. JUNIOR MAN slowed to a jog in the last quarter.
