May 1, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Stretch headwind developing before midcard … THISISSHE cleared with relative ease, rated the half, held off a long bid from STOP RESISTIN. The latter moved uncovered 5/8, challenged hard and drew to almost even terms late turn, ceded only a little stretch ground. TRIUMPHANT’S CHIP gapped down the backstretch, to the Pocono Pike, outfinished the others. GOLDEN SON left and secured the two-hole, struggled a bit in the last quarter. EXPLOSIVE MATTER moved outside but couldn’t reach cover. BROADWAY BRUISER never entered the picture.
SECOND RACE – TRUFFLES TOO was three-wide to the first turn, worked into third before the 3/16, moved outside just before midturn, gobbled up the ground to the leader and won going away, starting a big day for Buter-Butenschoen. ARMANI HANOVER was in front just past the 1/8, rolled in good fractions and had an open length lead at the ¾, could not stall the winner but kept on going for second. SOUTHWIND FULTON yielded at the 1/8 for the pocket, couldn’t keep up ¾, gained a bit of ground back the last 1/16. COUNT CHOCALOT struggled from the 5/8. DRAIN THE SWAMP struggled from off the second turn. NEWYORKBLUEBLOOD moved outside 11/16 but passed nobody. SHELL SHOCK was a bit off the gate and gradually lost contact with the field.
THIRD RACE – MANHATTANUP NO ICE went to the lead at the 1/8, slowed the half then had a good battle with the first-over from before the 11/16, shook that one off headstretch, then kept the potential pocket rocket at bay late. SERRANO VOLO raced in the two-hole, went to the Pocono Pike, had her shot and performed well but couldn’t go by. HALL IT OFF sat in, best of the rest while inside in the lane. SPECIAL PROSECUTOR moved out raw 5/8 and battled with the winner from the 11/16 through headstretch, then backed off a bit. CHERRY RED moved out at the half but gapped from the 5/8. SANCHEZ ROCKS gapped early, then fell way back in the stretch.
FOURTH RACE – CHANCELLORCULLEN N left well, yielded 3/16, was on the move quickly off turn two and speed-grinded to the top 11/16, drew away. ARCHETTO HANOVER had cover most of the backstretch then lost it 11/16, able to take second in a three-horse photo. HES GONE BADDER joined the outer tier, steadily late. HUGH HEFNER N was parked 3/16 for the lead, extended a foe further than that distance before letting him go, and for his trouble got backed up when that one tired on the far turn, went between horses headstretch, slow to clear, hard to tell how much horse was left. JEREMES GENERAL went up early, had cover to the 3/16, looked as if he might take a two-hole off the first bend but eschewed that and did get the lead nearing turn two, tired the last 5/16. ARTACUS was at the back throughout.
FIFTH RACE –AP HALL OF TRIX was quickly in front, pushed on some then yielded towards the fast ¼ to ride the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and got by rather easily as the longest shot on the board. MAGNIFICENT SEVEN followed useful cover a long way, three-wide headstretch, gained speed the closer they got to the wire. RECIPROCALBLUECHIP was looped early and was out to the fast opener, set the pace, couldn’t quite hold on late. TUIS SHADOW was forwardly-placed, not much in the latter stages. STEEL SCHOONER, not away well, struggled at the rear. LAZER JET moved raw early on the clubhouse turn, went 27.4 the third panel to challenge, could not sustain.
SIXTH RACE – TONIANNE had one leaver to deal with early, moved from the pocket 3/16 and quickly went on to the lead, was clear on the engine the rest of the way. TSM PRINCESS TEDDI sat in third, backed out into a blindswitch late turn, found room between horses upper stretch and was a distant deuce. BYTHEWAY HANOVER was third-over then second-over as a rival broke, in gear on the far turn, won a four-way photo for third. SNUF ENUF HANOVER left a gap most of the way, Pocono Pike, evenly. A BETTER GAME started first-over 9/16, advanced but never got close to the winner, gave way a little. SWEETONTHEBEACH was the only leaver, yielded past the ¼, couldn’t keep the pocket tight much of the rest of the way. MISS TANGO never surfaced. MIKI THE CLOWN was outside down the back but went offstride.
SEVENTH RACE – DEWEY ARNOLD was three-wide early, to two-wide and proceeded to the lead at the ¼, moderated the half then restoked the burners down the back, finished well within himself. STORM BRINGER was the innermost of three main leavers and yielded at the ¼, struggled to keep semiclose in the pocket in the third quarter, lost that battle but did stay on to be second. BALLCAPSNBLUEJEANS was far back behind nonmoving cover, along for a distant third. MUSCLE JACK moved with cover then lost it 5/8, could not gain. PADRE ducked in fourth at the 1/8, outside into turn two, could do no better than retuck in a distant three-hole, little. MOSCOW MOON and DAGON HANOVER never were in the picture. I’LLALWAYSBEBACK left between horses, took third at the 1/8, fell back through the last half.
EIGHTH RACE – MELANIA got in fourth 3/16, waited until the 11/16 to move out but chewed up the ground thereafter with every stride, drew off easily for Buter/Butenschoen #2. BILLIE CLAIRE came through third early, backed out with cover late turn, a distant second in a decent mile. SHE MUST BE MAGIC left strongly and hit the top at the 1/8, strung these out with a very fast pace for this class, started tiring ¾ after the hard early exertions. CHING CHING LUCKY was two-wide much of the 1/4 before tucking, out behind the winner but couldn’t match her move, wide and with some trot on the end. HAVANA OOH NANA yielded at the 1/8 and was loose in the two-hole much of the rest of the way. DOODLE HANOVER never entered the picture. SNOWFELLA took a while to take back and settle inside, never again a factor. BLESS YOUR HEART steadily dropped back the last half.
NINTH RACE – GAMBLIN MO waited in the two-path until the quarter, then in gear to command 3/8, came home in twin 27.4s to win commandingly for Buter/Butenschoen #3 (combined margins = 10¾ lengths). KAUAI KING was three-deep to turn one then worked up to quarter command, yielded to sit behind the winner, no match but far ahead of all the others. BOLTMAN wasn’t in the picture until the stretch, when he came up the inside to be the very distant third. JASPER HANOVER left well, yielded at the ¼, couldn’t go with the top two the last ¼ and was edged for third. PD THE BIG EASY, not looking smooth-gaited at points, came up uncovered and briefly got to third, then fell back. TSM BATMAN joined the outer tier but did not advance. GRATEFUL KISS looked to leave but broke, recovered and caught the field, three-wide ¾ but broke again.
TENTH RACE – EAZY PASS came out 5/16 appearing to anticipate that the quarter-mover would clear, stayed behind that one’s cover when she was left out two-wide, three-wide just before the ¾ and burst right into the lead, drew away. P L OLIVIA left strongly, forced tucks, then did not let the early brusher go by, could do little about the winner but held remarkably well for a very good second. FRANKLY MY DEAR left and got the two-hole, kept that spot closed during the midrace battle, stayed far clear of the others in third. NANCY BAR was out behind fading cover, wide into the stretch and just there for the very distant fourth. ETRA DE VIE tucked third before the ¼, moved out past the 5/8 but did not gain. R SPEED OF LIGHT was in very close quarters nearing the 1/8 taking back and made a break, then made a pretty good recovery. TRIP SEVENS was on the move going to the ¼ but was rebuffed in a bid for the lead, fell back significantly the last quarter. LEXA HANOVER never featured. KAYLA’S PLAYMATE was inside, made a break on the far turn.
ELEVENTH RACE – MACKIE HANOVER left with cover two-wide, tucked at the ¼, came uncovered off the second turn after the fast half and gained steadily, swept to the lead just past midturn, a safe winner. TWIN B CHIT CHAT backed out to second-over 5/8, advanced, left uncovered past midturn, turned into the stretch as a clear second, held that position to the line. SUNRISE HANOVER got a forward spot, shuffled as the inner tier collapsed on the turn, outside then ducked back in early stretch and finished well. REAL LADY SADIE was out well past a fast ¼ to get the lead, then yielded for the two-hole, helmetbumped the driver of the pacesetter to the 5/8, then was badly shuffled under a big hold on the turn, worked clear but had only a mild forward gear late, did come back with “b.e.” MORE THAN KUTE was widest in the lane for the last check. RHYME N ROLL never was in the main picture; nor was SPEAKING OF COFFEE. CLASSICA thundered down the road from the rail, yielded 5/16 but immediately retook and put down three fast splits, all done when challenged on the far turn.
TWELFTH RACE – TRY TRY AGAIN was three-wide to the 3/16 in a fast opener, then went on to take the lead going to the 3/8, maintained the advantage to the wire with mild coaxing. NORTHERN SKYWAY came out second-over past the 5/8, three-wide into the lane and very good belatedly. CLARION HALL looked to be considering coming raw before the half when a foe broke and stayed in thereafter, to the Pocono Pike and got to second, fair late. MEETMEINTHEMIDDLE left between horses to 3/16 command in the snappy opener, yielded towards the 3/8, looked all-out the last 3/16. HARNESS AM moved raw past the 5/8, gained, held OK. INAPERFECTWORLD never featured. NAMJE emerged with the early lead, yielded 3/16, made a break before the ½, went inside the course and was pulled up.
THIRTEENTH RACE – CAPTIVATE HANOVER moved uncovered 9/16 and moved raw (with his own third quarter in 27 with the wind) into the lead midturn, still looked safe midstretch, but slowed a little late, still got the job done. WALK IT TALK IT moved out behind dull cover seeking to avoid a shuffle, three-wide midturn, thundered home (the last ¼ wasn’t that fast, though) to win a photo for second. TRAY SURREAL made the early lead, yielded 3/16, soon on the move to regain, yielded again for the pocket, backed out behind the winner ¾ and soon was left raw on the turn, tried hard to the end. FULL VIEW went widest from latest and finished sturdily. BRAZEN BRAZILIAN was out to the 3/16 to grab command, yielded, stayed in, edged out late turn, OK late midtrack. MAKE IT COME TRUE brushed to the lead in front of the stands, kept up a good pace, tired when the winner came calling. NOCH TEN left between horses, tucked third, left a big gap at the half, never again in the main battle. THANOS was outside but did not gain.
May 1, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Temperature near 50 degrees all day; stretch tailwind … CAPSAICINN was three-wide to the first turn, briefly with cover then kept going raw to 3/8 command, looked to be under threat from the closing QUEEN Z TAM midstretch but saw that one break and won by herself. The latter stayed in until the ¾ then moved up, looked a possible/probable? winner midstretch but went offstride, placed for a triple LOB. BETTER BID HANOVER got the top to the 3/16 and extended the winner a like distance before yielding for the pocket, kept close before fading some in the lane. TSM PRINCESS LEXI stayed inside, blocked late on the turn, angled wide early stretch and was gaining late. AHSOKA TANO left, yielded, had some trouble keeping pace the last 3/8. SANGRIA JULIE spotted 3/16, not heard from again. HILDA BE MINE did not enter the picture. RED RED HOT gapped in front of the stands the first time, went outside 5/8 but had very little. WOULDACOULDADID lost contact the last half.
SECOND RACE – IDEAL HANNAH had cover to the 1/8, worked to the front 3/16, yielded for the pocket 5/16, outside stretch and went on by. CAPTAINANDTELLY was looped and with cover, left raw 3/16 and onward to the front 5/16, set the pace with pressure, couldn’t quite last to the line. CRAZY COOL got a forward position, in, to the Pocono Pike, good. SPICY COVINA was second-over well-placed behind a third quarter fight, swung three-wide late turn, best of the others. NUTTINBUTTHEBEST never was a major player. IDEAL CHIP was underway 5/16 with the wind at her back but couldn’t brush by the leader, tired past the ¾. EMORI HANOVER showed some speed, then stayed in and was shuffled back to last, three-wide, little chance. ADELIA HANOVER couldn’t do much from third-over.
THIRD RACE – WHATA DAME was away enough to protect the pocket, a bit loose there from off the second turn to mid-far turn, then downshifted and gradually went by FLAME AWAY. The latter was away nicely and hit the front by the 3/16, strung out the field for the most part, but found one she couldn’t get away from. LILYBET was between horses early and tucked third, maintained that position throughout. ONE TRIX PONY went around a gapper down the back, outside far turn but couldn’t gain. BABYILOVEYOURWAY started gapping near the 3/8. THE OTHER TWO never came into the picture.
FOURTH RACE – AMAZON soon took over, had only YOUR HONOR staying close most of the way, had enough to turn back that rival. YOUR HONOR defended the pocket, came out in the lane, tried hard but had to settle for second. TRICK CARD gapped most of the way after an early tuck. SOMEWHEREINAMERICA moved outside ¾ but couldn’t gain. DANCING TINA was hard to settle back in last, never threatened.
FIFTH RACE — CHOCOLATE MATTERS took over 3/16, had no challengers, won in hand. SECRET EDGE started strongly, yielded to the sit the pocket, evenly late without threatening. CAN DO IT ALL stayed close to the top two until the stretch, still clearly third. PRAIRIE TRINKET passed strugglers. SIMPLYME HANOVER gapped out 5/8. ARWEN DE VIE was losing contact with the field by the half.
SIXTH RACE – SEVEN IRON tucked fourth as the four inside posts got away 6-7-8-9, retucked third to the 5/8, outside midturn, strongly through the stretch. ASKMELATER HANOVER streaked to the top in 26.4, got a moderate middle half, but when he was asked later for more, he showed some effect of the hard opener. SEVEN KNIGHTS wound up working to the pocket in the fast opener, gave ground the last 3/16 but still clearly third. BUTTER TOFFEE decisioned KANDY KORN for fourth; the latter was out down the back and retucked ¾, couldn’t generate much late. WHOUCALNCRAZY was rough when taken back just before the start, never in it. SCIROCCO JAKOB also did not get a good start, never factored. SWISS PLATINUM was far back throughout. CHRISTOPHER CRAZO tucked third just past the 3/16, fell back from the 5/8.
SEVENTH RACE – CASEVILLE was on top before the 1/8, strung the field out in large part, a clear winner. TRIUMPHUS moved with cover before the 11/16, three-wide nearing the stretch and came home well. TUFF TO BE LINDY had the pocket, struggled to stay close to the winner much of the way despite a non-fast pace, so-so late. WILLIS THE MAN put in third before the 3/16, out raw 5/8 and moved up, but then grew tired. MY SON TY HANOVER gapped midpack. THAT’S ALL FOLKS never featured. GOTCHA HANOVER was offstride on the far turn and inside the course. OGALARAM was four lengths off the gate and kept losing ground from there. MATH WIZARD also was not right on the gate, but went frontward early, three-wide at the 1/8, broke.
EIGHTH RACE – TYSON wasn’t long to take control, kept a challenger parked, drew well clear the last 5/16. CIMERONKEN was three-wide to just before the 1/8, then two-wide to the three-hole at the ¼, stayed in, got room in the Pocono Pike was along for a distant second. DON sat the pocket, struggled to stay tight most of the last half, couldn’t hold the deuce. PUERTO RICO appeared to briefly consider going two-wide later backstretch but stayed in, pinned in on the turn, clear in the lane, so-so. POND JUMPER was three- then two-wide with cover most of the ¼, then left raw, tried for the top but was left outside, held pretty well considering the trip. SIR JOHN F never entered the picture. SPLITSVILLE moved out three-wide ¾ but was well off of useful cover. MOOSE MADNESS was third-over behind the parked horse, appeared to clear the second-over breaker without a problem, went three-wide at the ¾ but had no gain. CASEY T was out at the first two calls behind cover, broke off turn two.
NINTH RACE – ITZPAPALOTL (named after a fierce Aztec goddess) had a very good start, yielded to a frontstretch challenger and sat in the two-hole, right to the Pocono Pike and right by. REALIZATION defended the early pocket, stayed in, went inside the winner and finished well. MAJOR HOULIHAN gapped a quick early tempo, moved outside past the 5/8 and gradually caught up to cover, tipped wide early in the stretch and along for third. SHEZAFREAKLIKEME wasn’t in the main picture, had some late pace inside. RABLE was underway raw off the second turn, made a mild advance then gave way. SO DIVA and MILEY ROSE were always well off the main bunch. ATOMIC FIREBALL got a 3-tuck going to the 1/8, moved 5/16 to the top past the 3/8 in a wind-aided second split, tired badly and drifted out in the stretch, and was wheeled to head back to the paddock shortly after going under the wire.
TENTH RACE – SO IRRESISTIBLE drifted out, got in gear just past the 1/8 and took over just past the ¼, rated quarter two, was in a good fight in the third quarter, turned back that rival, still had a major foe on both sides to deal with, did so gamely. CARRINGTON was quickly to the lead, yielded for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, put up a very good fight. INCASEYOUDIDNTKNOW was second-over and gradually ranged up to be tighter on cover, three-wide midturn, paced her own back half in 55 but just couldn’t reach the top two while again performing well. MILIEU HANOVER was in last and close to Duncannon turning for home, gobbled up stretch ground. ROLL ON MAMA was away in good order, went evenly. AP BLAZE OF GLORY was third-over then three-wide with cover, not quite enough. BEACH CRAZY went uncovered into turn two and spurted into the backstretch to force the leader to speed up, couldn’t sustain her bid the last 3/16. THE OTHER DUO did not affect the outcome of this one.
ELEVENTH RACE – CAN’T SAY NO moved past the ¼ and went on to the front nearing the second curve in a fast half, had a clear lead late in the backstretch, but had a pair of determined ones coming after him, held well. EVA DAIRPET FR took a midpack spot, went second-over, wide early stretch and finished with great determination. DIVINE SPIRIT started raw 9/16, got closer and closer to the winner the further they went. FINAL DREAM gapped in an excellent flow, best of the rest. ER SOPHIA didn’t get a call. BRONZE YANKEE was three-wide much of the first 3/16, two-wide to the lead near the 3/8, yielded for the pocket, fell back at the ¾. BANZAI AS was first on top, pushed q quick 3/8 before relinquishing the top, started to gap even before the pocket horse started fading. ROUNDTOWN ROCKER couldn’t keep up the last half.
TWELFTH RACE – FULL MOON BEACH stayed connected with the first half of the field, went out behind cover 11/16, left uncovered ¾, closed very strongly to draw away. THREE DRAGONS got early position, moved out 11/16 and retucked in the two-hole at the ¾, then backed out as the winner went by the leader and was a clear second. CAPTAIN TERROR was looped early and worked up to the pocket, popped out from the two-hole just past the half and paced his own third quarter in 27.1 against the wind to open a big lead from the 5/8 to midturn, but could not sustain that rate. THE BIG PICTURE was next. CHEESEHEAD gapped throughout and still got a check. SOCIAL THOUGHT and JAM THAT GUITAR were never close to the main dynamic. DUSTUP HANOVER had good gate speed to make the lead, rated the half, still succumbed to a challenge before the 5/8 and really backed up.
THIRTEENTH RACE – CAMPBELLINI yielded the lead 3/16 and waited patiently in the pocket, outside headstretch and put a nose up just on the wire. ADAGIO DE LA TOUR was four- then three-wide to the first turn, on the lead 3/16, got a slow second quarter even with the wind behind him, didn’t have much pressure until the stretch, just missed. GRAPPLE HANOVER moved second-over, gapped some down the back then closer and three-wide midturn, best of the rest over REMARKABLE DE VIE. The latter angled out two- and three-wide with cover midturn, came between horses in the lane with some finishing trot. PHANTOM RUSTY never factored after an inside trip. GAAREAT GAZOO wound up with an excess of cover. ONE DIRECTION pulled raw, urged but had little response. MEADOWBRANCH GLIDER moved out but couldn’t stay with cover.
Apr 27, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – DON’TCALLMEFRANCIS was between horses leaving, looped, in gear when that one went past and up to command just before the 3/8, stayed in command to the wire. SPECTACULAR ROCK took an early tuck, then moved first-over towards turn two, grinded well for a solid second. BYE BYE JOHN was third-over, gapped at the 5/8, came on to be next-best. GOLDEN GESTURE left, yielded, trapped in as the pocketsitter gave way, clear in the Pocono Pike and OK. THOUGHTYOUDLIKETHAT didn’t get in the main picture. ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR gapped third-over. RAKSMACH N was four-wide early then three-high to the 1/8, took over 3/16, yielded to the winner to the 3/8, got looser from the 5/8. BAYONET tried to gain three-wide ¾ but could not.
SECOND RACE – NEEDLESS TO SAY was third-over, gapped early backstretch then went tighter and then three-wide to the ¾, three-deep through the turn, lead before midstretch, withstood the late charge of DURANT. That one followed the winner the entire way, finished steadily. HEEZ ORL BLACK N protected the early two-hole, started uncovered towards the half and challenged hard, had a small advantage ¾ but couldn’t clear to the inside on the turn, next in line after a tough trip. NEWS WATCH was second-over, accepted the blindswitch to the ¾, angled behind the winner into the stretch, even pace late. CHALEURS AD made up a lot of ground wide very late. HIGHVIEW CONALL N outleft everybody from the rail, hung a challenger almost to the second turn before yielding, moved out of the pocket into a blindswitch position headstretch, may not have been fully clear the length of the stretch. ADMIRAL waited outside early then worked up, left out until nearing the second turn, further used fighting the first-over, tired. THE OTHER PAIR couldn’t get into the main argument.
THIRD RACE – SWEET HEART AS moved out with cover 5/8, lost it 11/16 and kept going up to challenge, game and got the decision. MOON BRIDGE vacated third 5/8, raw, tucked back in the pocket past the 11/16, the Pocono Pike, took a bad step stalling momentum, still won the photo for second. LIFE WELL LIVED was the only strong leaver and had a clear lead much of the first half, certainly didn’t back off in the drive. MARION GONDOLIER moved out past the ¾, came up a bit shy. CONSUS VICTORY gapped at the back. RAINBOWINTHEWEST was in the pocket, lost her action early backstretch and faded badly.
FOURTH RACE – MARYMACISBACK was away in good order, moved to the lead in front of the parked challenger and then kept that one out in the air, didn’t get any threats the last 3/8. ISLAY N stayed in, moved outside just past midturn and finished gamely to photo RELLA TIVITY for second. The latter was on to the early lead, yielded to the winner, just failed to hold second. TSM ARTEMIS T moved outside far turn, OK. DOTTED LINE stayed in, never prominent. SOMETHINGABOUTMARY N was second-over, went three-wide 11/16 to try to circle the dull cover, but just hung outside the parked horse. GALARINA was stuck behind the two outside tier cloggers. SHE’S A BILLIONAIR was outside leaving, lost cover at the ¼ and went up but did not have the speed to clear, tired 5/8.
FIFTH RACE – CHOCO CHARLIE drifted up leaving, had no hole so stayed behind the parked horse, went around that one three-wide early on the far turn to two-wide past midturn, proved the gamest in a three-horse battle to the wire after all the extra ground. BATTLE MAGE moved out with cover towards the quarter, lost cover then went up to 3/8 command, got a creaking 59.3 middle half, still unable to hold on. KARETS was looped early, went on to the front at the ¼, yielded, pocket, Pocono Pike, got to even with the pacesetter, not enough. DON’T SASS ME sat in, fair in the stretch. WILLY MOUSE looped two foes en route to command just past the 1/8, relinquished, in, so-so. HOT SUMMER KNIGHT sat in, used the Pike, evenly. ER BEN gapped. INNER PEACE was actually the first to show off the gate while three-wide, was about to be looped and took back, found no hole so went up frontward, got close to the leader down the backstretch but then could offer no more.
SIXTH RACE – ANDOVERS TOUCH left well, took the pocket, came out 5/16 but ducked right back in when seeing the pacesetter was not letting the parked horse go, sat cozy in the pocket, then powered up the Pocono Pike for an easy win. O JONNIE sat in, into the Pike a bit off the winner, but still in time to get second. VALLEY OF SIN forced the winner in behind him early, then refused to let a parked challenger go, just missed holding second. ICINGON DE CUPCAKE moved out on the second turn to follow the parked horse and quickly caught up to him, three-wide just past the 5/8 but was left out in position three-wide the duration, didn’t gain late. ARCH CREDIT sat in and was shuffled to last as the field double-stacked three-wide, got the last check. BRUTAL STORM went up to challenge but was given the cold shoulder, applied pressure a long way and was still contending when they turned for home, then understandably tired. MAGIC VACATION had to swing four-wide headstretch and couldn’t gain. ATABOY HANOVER rode cover two- and three-wide, also did not make an impact.
SEVENTH RACE – FRAC was out to the quarter for command, rated the half, dug in against the tough first-over NATALIE HANOVER and wouldn’t let her get by. The latter started uncovered into turn two, one-geared along the last half and would not go away. LANDONFITZ was third-over, three-wide midturn, finished steadily. ARUBA VACATION made the lead by the 1/8 then yielded at the ¼, sat the two-hole, didn’t have enough response late. CRITICAL MASS sat in and was buried, finished steadily once finding room in the Pocono Pike. LAKEVIEW TAMMY was second-over, gapped on the turn and was blindswitched, evenly between horses late. WILLIAM STAR could not make up enough ground. PITTSTOP KIP got a forward position, couldn’t offer much in the latter stages.
EIGHTH RACE – WHEN YOU DANCE hustled through as his righthand neighbor broke at the start, put everybody in behind and then far behind in the last quarter, quick mile for the bottom level. STORMONT CZAR A hustled away and got the two-hole, no match for the winner but held second. ROCKNROLL CHARM was second-over, gapped cover on the turn, came on mildly to get third. MY MIND IS MADEUP went in fourth, moved uncovered 9/16 and made up backstretch ground, stopped gaining on the far turn. NIALL HANOVER was way back, went wide to get the last payday. CENTURY ENFORCER got a midfield slot past the 1/8, offered little thereafter. INSTRUCTOR was away third, laboring before the ¾. GOTTA LOVE HIM was never close. WARRAWEE VELOCE was looking for a quick start but ran just after the gate sprang.
NINTH RACE – TART TONGUE was three-wide to turn one, then proceeded forward to 3/16 command, no anxious moments the last 3/8. SOOT HANOVER started uncovered from far back 3/8, one-geared with sturdy consistency and was a very good second. HALLS OF VALOR sat in, stuck behind the pocket horse then avoided that one when he went offstride, OK for third. BY A HOFF HANOVER was inside, gapped a bit a large part of the third quarter, came up the Pocono Pike and wasn’t far off third. KEEPTHETAB HANOVER backed out to second-over to turn two, didn’t have too much late. SAN CRISTOBAL had a little gain on the end. FATHER OF IRELAND was not in the picture. CAPITAL T STORM broke between horses heading to the first curve, recovered but couldn’t get back into it. SWAN BY LAND went to the lead at the 1/8, yielded to the winner, was battling to keep second when going to a break late turn, went to the centerfield.
TENTH RACE – TOP ME OFF was handled patiently while four-wide early, three-wide past the 1/8, then two-wide to get the lead 5/16, kept the first-over at bay, in control of this one. ROBBIE PEV hugged the inside all the way and came through for second. CEFFYL DWR forced tucks them pushed the winner to the 5/16 before yielding, loose in the pocket from towards the ¾, evenly late. BLACK TIE BASH was gapping significantly at the back of the main pack midbackstretch, but also rode the inside and had some late speed. KILLER INSTINCT left three-wide but quickly took a tuck, then was second-over, three-wide far turn, didn’t reach. PILOT HANOVER tucked past the 1/8, came back first-over before the half, challenged, then began to fall back past mid-far turn. HOOLIE N HECTOR was outside, not too much. TRICKY DICK was a bit rank as the gate came off the turn and made a break before the start.
ELEVENTH RACE – SHOULDABEENATD worked into the pocket before the 3/16, slightly loose much of the backstretch, had room to slide out near headstretch and then wide, closed well. ABIGAIL DAWN went outside ¾, gapped on the turn and dove to the Pocono Pike, made the lead midstretch, won a photo for second. MAJOR BATTLE moved out ¾, finished steadily. DIBABA N gapped early then got closer, moved raw 11/16 to challenge, outpaced. BOLT OF BEAUTY sat in, gapped, then found better pace and weaved for space through stretch while gaining, might not have had full clearance. TOPVILLE ANGELINA made the point into turn one and rolled on at a quick pace, not able to sustain her speed. THE FINAL THREE never made their presence felt.
TWELFTH RACE – MISS MCKEE could sit third until the 11/16, then made a raw burst that carried her to the lead late on the turn, drew away. WITH OUT A DOUBT sat in the two-hole, had to wait headstretch as the leader tired, then went to the Pocono Pike and made a good finish to regain second. NEXTROUNDSONME came out far turn but couldn’t stay with the winner, caught for second. MUSHANA also came out on the far turn, had some finishing speed. SUSIE’S SISTER made a break before the 3/8. KING ALPHONSO got in gear near the 1/8 and had command coming out the first turn, set the pace with a good third split, but had very little in the last quarter.
THIRTEENTH RACE – ALL ABOUT AMY looked stone-cold buried past the ¾, far back on the rail, but she slid out in a blindswitch midturn, angled wide behind TRAFFIC JAM in front of a gapper, gained behind that one, then slid wider towards midstretch and just got up in the 29.4 kicker. The latter sat in then could back out behind cover but that cover gapped, three-wide midturn, got a brief lead four steps out but got caught. GEORGIE MARTIN N was three-wide to the 3/16 then went on to 5/16 command, under intense pressure to keep the first-over horse on the outside, held well. BRING ME DIAMONDS left between horses, tucked third before the ¼, had to wait for access to the Pocono Pike, then gained as the pace was slowing down. GRANT ME THIS was four-wide to the 1/8, then three-wide, reluctantly tucked towards the ¼, came with a 27.1 rush down the back and almost cleared but never could to the ¾ and through the turn, which probably led to her tiring after a no-luck outing. AMERICAN TOUR N used the rail to geometric effect parking foes early, yielded 5/16 for the two-hole, not much late. RHODATOLDME was never in the picture. CHASETHECLOUDSAWAY, a bit off the gate, gapped a gapper. DELISHKA N moved out behind good cover but could not go with it.
Apr 26, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Slight stretch headwind … LEAR SEELSTER followed the lively cover of NATIVE’S SWEETLOU, left uncovered on the turn then ducked in late turn, to the Pocono Pike and caught that rival. The latter spotted fifth, uncovered at the ½, in gear at the 5/8 and sailed past the leader past the ¾, held well after the hard trip. TULLOW N committed outside 11/16, couldn’t go with the top pair but was along for third. LYONS AMUSEMENTS had the pocket from the rail as only one other horse left hard, sat in the two-hole then was shuffled past midturn when the leader tired, slid out two-wide, couldn’t make a sharp regaining of ground. PROVEN DESIRE was never close. SUNSET BRAYDON was also caught in the far turn shuffle but didn’t respond once clear. BAMSKI was urged leaving to no effect, fell back inside. FOO FIGHTER N went right to the lead, had a clear advantage 3/8 and didn’t get pressure until the ¾, but had nothing to give when called upon.
SECOND RACE – MISSISSIPPI RABBIT pushed the early dynamic and yielded, eased out just past the half and rushed right to the lead 11/16, opened a clear advantage on the turn that he kept to the wire. BARNABAS followed the winner, gapped as that one went up to the lead then was left raw, did get into the pocket far turn, clearly second-best. WHITE HAIR ROCKS was in the lively flow, also tucked in on the turn, distant third. BURNING MIDNIGHT was last behind gapping cover, made up good ground in the lane. BLOW A CLOUD N left between horses and wound up in the pocket, shuffled badly from the ¾, extricated himself then ducked back in, couldn’t recover enough. CAPTAIN HILL was first to pull 3/8 and an 1/8 of a mile later he was fourth-over, then gapped midbackstretch. BOBBY K HILL went forward a little late in the beginning, three-wide then backed off into a tuck, also shuffled out of it. THISJETSABOOKIN was three-wide past the 1/8 in getting the lead in a 26 opener, had no answer when the winner challenged 11/16.
THIRD RACE – MYKINDACHIP was three-wide leaving to the lead just past the 1/8, yielded for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, accelerated midstretch and won easily while becoming a millionaire. OLLIE’S Z TAM left between horses and settled third early, then quarter-moved and rated the half, was challenged the third quarter but shook the first-over off, no response for the winner. CENTURY FURY yielded for the pocket, in then backed out past the 5/8 and quickly three-wide 11/16, to two-wide past the ¾, not enough in the sprint home. SCOOTNROLL gapped down the backstretch, outside late turn, fair late. IDEAL WHEEL moved from last before the half, challenged the leader but had no more to give just past the ¾.
FOURTH RACE – WARRAWEE UNIQUE tucked in third 3/16 and waited there until almost the 3/4, then grinded up and proved the best. PALOMAR was behind dull cover and went three-wide before the 11/16 to get around it past that point, got new cover on the turn, battled on. TELL THEM LOU was three-wide leaving with encouragement to the lead just past the 1/8 in a snappy opener, yielded to the brusher for the two-hole, did well in the Pocono Pike. THEFREEDOMFIGHTERN sat in, came between horses in tight quarters late with pace. SOMEBEACH BARON defended the pocket early, then quarter-moved and slowed the half, then took off again down the back, not enough in the last 3/16. CAPTAIN NASH gapped near the back down the back, stayed in, angled out in the lane, fair. PRINCE OF TIDES was urged leaving but only got to the five-hole, came uncovered into turn two but didn’t have much here. DA MAGICIAN never surfaced. WINDSONG JACK went three-wide to pass a fader but never did so.
FIFTH RACE – ROCKIN INTHE HILLS made the front and pushed the chalk well past a steaming opener before yielding, came out in the stretch and paced right on by impressively. SCOTT ROCKS was used very hard to make the lead past the wicked initial station, rated the half, didn’t get any pressure, but did not have as much as the winner late. SWEET N FAST N sat in, was urged far turn, mustered late kick to grab third. CLASS SIX was forwardly-placed, gapped the last ¼. GHOST DANCE didn’t keep up but got the last check. LOVE THE ACTION was three-wide to the first turn, slotted fourth 3/16, moved raw early second turn, never got closer than even with the third-in horse; AMERICAN REBEL followed that one’s cover, sent three-wide 11/16 but never gained.
SIXTH RACE – CONQUEST AS sat in, then backed out to third-over 11/16 after a foe broke and as the outer tier became the place to be, followed cover on the turn then swung three-wide, the strongest late. BANK BOX TREASURE was three-wide to the 1/8, briefly had cover then was left raw, relentlessly grinded to the lead before the ¾, couldn’t deal with the winner’s kick but courageously saved second from the horse on his back, JACK RULES. The latter backed out behind the parked horse 3/8 and had excellent cover, uncovered to the ¾, couldn’t quite get second though racing well. KEYSTONE SERGEANT was out in the flow but gapped, ducked in stretch, OK in the Pocono Pike late. FOREVERHILLREIGN never factored. RIVER OTTER was innermost of a gaggle of leavers, yielded for the pocket, trapped when the lead changed hands to the ¾ but didn’t seem to have much anyway. CR BLAZIN BEAUTY went on to the lead just past the 3/16, continued at a good clip, powerless when challenged late backstretch. MASSIVE OPULENCE was closer to the outer fence than the inside pylons leaving, took back to tuck, had just backed out to third-over 9/16 when going to a run.
SEVENTH RACE – REVELRY appeared to give a pocket tuck to prepare for a quarter-move, parked most of the frontstretch for the lead, but thereafter had no proble, stepping home in 54.3. RETOUR AU JEU moved just as the winner cleared and was uncovered, could finally make the pocket to the ¾, tired late but held the distant second. BLACKLIGHT left wide, took back, moved third-over, was blindswitched, came clear two-wide past midturn, finished OK+. TREVOR ONE was second-over, gapped early in the backstretch then got tighter, inside third mid-far turn, evenly late. SWEET ROCK was looped early, got in the two-hole nearing the ¼, inside, checked ¾ when the horse in front of him broke, into the Pocono Pike but didn’t rally. BRAVO TEX N made a three-wide sweep from fourth-over 11/16 to no avail. HOW ARE YEE JOHN was near the back throughout, swung wide but had no shot into a 54.3 back half. HIGHRTHANANEAGLE A started quickly, pushed the winner through the frontstretch then yielded, started gapping not too far into the backstretch, broke to the ¾ and went inside.
EIGHTH RACE – Wind picked up a little … WARRAWEE WHYNOT was fastest away, yielded before the 3/8 for the two-hole, hard to steer late turn and into the Pocono Pike, but produced enough forward pace to get the decision. MIKIBYTHESEASIDE left with cover, left raw 3/16 and made the lead near the 3/8, had hard pressure from the first-over from the 5/8, shook that one off and paced sturdily to the line. STELLAR YANKEE was uncovered from next to last and paced his own middle half in 55.2 to put high heat on the leader, held well. TERRY A HANOVER left, made the pocket 3/16, in, out in a blindswitch late turn then went back inside, fair late. WIN PLACE ‘N SHOW was second-over from last behind excellent cover, three-wide past midturn, not quite enough to reach. SARANAC BLUE CHIP gapped down the back, not a major danger. LOU ED ZEPPELIN backed out to third-over off turn two, four-wide mid-far turn, couldn’t gain nearly enough.
NINTH RACE – CAPTAIN SLEAZE was in front going to turn one, rated the half then dialed up the speed when a challenger came on, briefly clear headstretch, then held back the late charge of MAJOR MAKOVER. The latter was up on the bit past the 3/8 but waited for cover, got it, three-wide past midturn and a little wider spinning off the curve, closed well. EMBLAZE HANOVER was wide early, put in third past the 1/8, came uncovered off turn two and fought with the leader while going his own third split in 26.4, appeared shaken off late turn but doggedly carried on to the line. HULOU yielded for the pocket, gapped when the price of pacing went up down the back, evenly. SIX DEGREES gapped at the back, came between horses late while possibly in tight quarters. BATTERUP HANOVER couldn’t do much from third-over.
TENTH RACE – KYUQUOT sat in and was last, angled out towards headstretch and to the extreme outside past early stretch, had a tremendous last 1/16 to nail TREVOR’S ACE on the line. The latter had the early pocket, pulled just ahead of a long train just before the half, got to the top just after the ¾, looked good nearing the wire but was just denied. HE’S A SNOB improved early position, then had a fine second-over trip, left raw early far turn, paced well. STOP STARING wound up fourth-over, three-wide midturn, good outing. ONE EIGHT HUNDRED went right to the lead, paced a fast quarter, looked over at the challenger past the ¼ and let him go 3/8, shuffled badly far turn when that one tired, to the Pocono Pike, took a couple of steps to find high gear then was gaining very rapidly. TARKIO stayed in, outside in a blindswitch midturn to avoid more of a shuffle, fair. MAD MAN HILL was out past the ¼, fifth-over, wide on the turn but couldn’t enter the action. COALITION HANOVER, wide past the start, had cover early and tucked midpack at the ¼, came third-over, was in a good position headstretch but broke, was taken to the infield, placed for the breaking violation. STRAIGHT TALK was a little rough behind the gate, left, battled up raw to gain command at the 3/8 in a fast half, was all done ¾.
ELEVENTH RACE – SWEET TALKIN SATIN had some speed then let the top two go at it, out again 5/16 to avoid being pinned in by the parked horse and brushed to command, opened a clear lead on the turn but was rocked the length of the lane to keep GIVEN UP TERROR safe. The latter started first-up towards turn two, got in third before the ¾ but back out again midturn as the pocket horse faded, paced on determinedly to the finish. LORD OF MISRULE came three-wide from the back 11/16, to two-wide raw on the turn, made a good showing to be a clear third. FERNADO left to get the top between horses, forced a tuck, yielded to the winner for the pocket, no more forward pace the last 3/16. REDHOT ROMEO was never prominent. POLAK A was three-wide early and wanted the top but had to settle for the two-hole 3/16, started gapping 11/16. RANGERS SURESHOT was outside midpack throughout, looped going to the ¾ and faded. MYIDEALSON N lost contact with the field down the backstretch.
TWELFTH RACE – Further increase in wind … J M MANDAMIN defended the pocket early, moved to the lead past the ¼ after the favorite met with misfortune, rated the half, came home in 55 – 27.2, which was enough as his main opponents came home even faster but were too far behind. JACK’S SHADOW N moved out second-over, three-wide towards late on the turn, stepped home in 54 – 27 in a superior effort. GROOVY JOE went three-wide to the lead past the 1/8, yielded to the winner to sit the two-hole, had his shot in the Pocono Pike but a couple of steps shy. BETTOR MEMORIES came out before the 5/8 raw and paced up in 27, which didn’t let him reach the leader, kept on going well. RODEO ROCK sat in, tried coming through deep in the Pike, may have been lacking room very late. BABES DIG ME was never prominent. HIGHALATOR left between horses, was looped at the 1/8, was eyeing the 3-hole to the 3/16 when he suffered an “ex,” was pulled up.
THIRTEENTH RACE – VETTEL N went away enough to force two tucks, then let the other leaver go by at the ¼, sat a tight two-hole, to the Pocono Pike and just had enough to get by a stubborn AFLAME HANOVER. The latter looked at leaving but gradually settled back, came raw before the 5/8 and hit a better gear to the ¾, got a short lead early in the stretch, paced on with determination. CLOSING STATEMENT was briefly four-wide early, got to two-wide and grabbed the racetrack just before a quick quarter, set the pace, came up a little shy. P L MUNSON started out third-over but ducked back in, outside stretch, evenly. CASUAL COOL finished with some pace along the inside. SEEL THE DEAL N moved second-over but gapped before the ¾.
FOURTEENTH RACE – BILL HALEY N was three-wide early, backed off to third 3/16, then went second-over, three-wide midturn when cover faltered, then kicked home strongly for the fastest mile of the year here, 1:49.3. BLOOD LINE went on to grab the lead early, yielded to the 3/8 for the pocket, went to the Pocono Pike, good but just not having the steps of the winner. SOMEBODYITREASURE waited outside with cover until the winner tucked, then launched forward to get the front just before the 3/8, kept rolling at a very fast pace, not enough to last to the wire. TRENTE DEO was third-over, gapped, then found a higher gear widest and narrowed in nicely. JOESSTAR OF MIA A defended the early pocket from the rail, moved again raw before the half but couldn’t really menace although holding OK. BULLVILLE TERROR had room up the inside to gain contention down the back but did not. BELL I NO was in a difficult spot. SEEYOU AT THEBEACH never factored. … (Fun fact: Bill Haley the musician had that “spitcurl” hair design over his right eye to distract attention from the fact that he was blind in his left eye.)
Apr 22, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – No wind to start; temperature would rise from 55 to 60 through the afternoon … AMAZON made the lead 3/16 in a hot quarter, rated the half, strung out the field then had only YOUR HONOR close from the 5/8, kept that one at bay. The latter went to the lead, pushed the winner then yielded and sat a tight second, good but second-best, far ahead of the others. SNUF ENUF HANOVER did not get a good start, moved out to the ¾ and went past the rest. DANCING TINA, also away a bit slow, was next in line. SOMEWHERE IN AMERICA did not seem easy to steer, moved out but had little to offer. ROAD READY WES tucked third, couldn’t keep up most of the last half.
SECOND RACE – SPECTACULAR ROCK made the early lead, yielded, moved from third before the 5/8 and stepped right by just past the ¾, went his own back half in 56 in a $7500 claimer to win by a ton. ARCHETTO HANOVER moved behind the winner but immediately couldn’t keep up, left uncovered far turn, stayed on for second. SKYWAY BILLY made the lead 3/16 then yielded after almost a like distance to sit the pocket, backed out to the new second-over on the turn, OK. The remainder were with a length of each other, far off the winner, at the wire: NEEDLESS TO SAY was three-wide to the first turn, tucked third, back underway before the ¼ to get the lead just before the 3/8, could not answer the winner ¾. LIMA RAIDER gapped inside. BB’S HARLEY moved outside but never got close. THE OTHER TWO never featured.
THIRD RACE – SHES SO SWEET went right to the lead, seated a foe, then yielded to the chalk for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, went by fractionally midstretch, never extended that advantage vs. a game foe but did beat her out. SO IRRESISTIBLE was satisfied with tucking third early, then moved off the first turn to the lead 3/8 and got a rating to the half, challenged by the winner and gave away a small advantage midstretch, but paced on gamely to just miss. BACI BACI left, opted not to fight the winner at the 1/8 but took the early pocket, inside, deep Pike, good. RABLE gapped early, uncovered early on turn two, got to the leader’s wheel but no closer before falling back (just a bit) in the last 3/16. INDRA HANOVER was third-over behind gapping cover, three-wide just past the ¾, not bad from a tough spot. MAJOR HOULIHAN was second-over, gapped, blindswitched far turn, couldn’t enter the main picture.
FOURTH RACE – TRUSSED UP TRUDY was the innermost of four leavers in a six-horse field and certainly took advantage of geometry, forced two tucks then hung a hard-used foe to the front past the 3/8, sat behind the fast pace then went to the Pocono Pike, grinded by late. THE LADY SHERIFF was four-wide to the 1/8, three-wide to the 3/16, then two-wide before being able to get the lead past the 3/8 in fast fractions, continued at a quick clip, was game but got a little weary very late. JUSLIKEAQUEEN was two-wide to the early pocket, eased outside past midturn, clearly third. SHE’S A BILLIONAIR was clearly best of the rest. LULU DE VIE was away slowly and never got close. MSAMERCASWEETHART A was three-wide to the 1/8 then took back to tuck, not heard from again.
FIFTH RACE – Mild stretch headwind starting … INCASEYOUDIDNTKNOW left, was tucking when taking one bad step before the first turn (where her “b.e.” might have occurred), started uncovered towards turn two, grinded away, came her back half in 55.2 in a very brave victory. AP BLAZE OF GLORY was third-over far turn, ducked between horses from last headstretch and came through well to win a big scramble for second. BEACH CRAZY took back early, stayed in, to the deep Pocono Pike and had some pace. SO DIVA moved raw 3/8 but soon got cover, three-wide headstretch, OK. ROLL ON MAMA lived up to her name, went a fast third quarter trying to deal with the winner, not quite enough. ATOMIC FIREBALL secured the pocket, had her chance in the Pike but came up empty.
SIXTH RACE – SWAN BY LAND yielded for the pocket, took to the Pocono Pike, went by midstretch, held off the closers to give Tom Jackson a win in his first local appearance of 2021. INFINITE ZETTE went in fourth before the 3/16, then went second-over, three-wide off the turn, OK. WILLIS THE MAN was last among the main group until the ¾, then moved outside, four-wide headstretch and finished well. ORIGINAL SMOKEY made the top 3/16 and set the pace, got no middle-half resistance, couldn’t maintain the lead to the wire. CARTIER BI sat in, evenly. TUFF TO BE LINDY had some speed, vacated third to go raw 11/16, faded a bit late. CHECK MY SCORE wanted to leave but broke. MONEY MOVES was offstride an 1/8 before the start.
SEVENTH RACE – Stretch headwind increasing … ANDOVERS TOUCH quickly outleft all foes, yielded to sit in the two-hole, to the Pocono Pike and won easily. SEVEN KNIGHTS moved out of third before the 11/16, steadily late. LADY EAGLE quarter-moved from second, set the pace, came up shy at crunch time. SEVEN IRON had some kick in the latter stages. COURT’S N SESSION was uncovered past the 5/8, got cover but gapped it, ducked inside late turn, fair. WILLY MOUSE was never a factor. TRAVELLER was moving outside into the second turn but broke.
EIGHTH RACE – BLESSINGSANDFAVOR moved second-over at the half, went three-wide before midturn, got the lead into the stretch, opened a good lead then withstood CHOCOLATE MATTERS. The latter settled in third and gapped the early battle, backed out to third-over and the lively tier 11/16, three-wide not keeping with the winner’s cover far turn, then came on strongly late. SECRET EDGE wanted the lead but was forced to accept the pocket, then shuffled late on the far turn, found room between horses upper stretch, OK recovery. CAN DO IT ALL got in fourth early, went raw at the half and trotted up to fight the leader, took a brief lead approaching headstretch but was all done at that point. ARWEN DE VIE got a slow start, couldn’t keep up with the main action throughout. GHIBLI put an early foe in behind, rated the half, had pressure in the third quarter, nothing left the last 3/16. FLAME AWAY misstepped before the initial turn.
NINTH RACE – ONE DIRECTION was three-wide to the first bend and in front at the 1/8, had things his own way on the front end and won comfortably. PHANTOM RUSTY sat in third, came up the Pocono Pike and trotted steadily. INNER PEACE yielded to ride in the two-hole, outside late turn, lost ground in the stretch. WINNING GENE settled back in fourth past the 1/8, moved out ¾, swung wide headstretch, OK. THE OTHER THREE did not have any say in this outcome.
TENTH RACE – CARRINGTON forced an early lineup, had only MILIEU HANOVER stay close after the favorite fell back past the half, kept to mild urging to the wire to hold that one off in 55.1 – 27.2. The latter sat second, a bit loose when the pace increased down the backstretch, outside early stretch and gained, but not enough. IN HIGH COTTON and REALIZATION retucked around the fader early backstretch but never got close; MILEY ROSE backed out behind those two, retucked, no factor, finished with “b.e.” ALWAYS B DANCING stayed close until just past the half, when she suddenly had no forward gear, was pulled up.
ELEVENTH RACE – Drizzly conditions for the next couple … SOME DEAL HANOVER left and got a pocket trip, outside shortly into the stretch and powered home nicely. BARRYWHITE HANOVER set the pace on his own terms, not enough late. JIM ROCKS left a little gap in third much of the way, held that position. SETH HANOVER moved uncovered 9/16, evenly. THREE DRAGONS was very wide leaving then tucked, was second-over, evenly. IMAMAJORPLAYER was not a major player here. SHAKEALEG HANOVER was looped leaving and didn’t get in until the 5/16, fell back 11/16. SOCIAL THOUGHT pulled uncovered 3/8 and was moving up when breaking going into the second turn. CAVIART SKINNER was well off the gate and had no pace.
TWELFTH RACE – A BETTER GAME started outside from last into turn two, had cover from off the second turn but couldn’t reach it, uncovered mid-far turn, kept coming in steadily and just nipped BRIAR right on the money. The latter hustled out of fourth into the backstretch, went up to challenge and cleared to an open lead on the far turn, just failed to last to the line. IDEAL HANNAH backed out ¾ behind the winner, finished steadily. WELLTHERACEISON was in the pocket when shuffled around the turn as the pacesetter faded, couldn’t recover. ADELIA HANOVER was never prominent. EMORI HANOVER crossed right over to the top, set the pace, had no more when challenged ¾.
THIRTEENTH RACE – Wind calmed after the sprinkles … MEETMEINTHEMIDDLE was outside midpack early then in gear to the 3/16, waited for the pocketpuller to clear then went past him past the 3/8, drew away in the 30 last quarter. CIMERONKEN was out past the 1/8 to grab the stick, saw two brush by, moved outside late turn after the winner was gone, along for the distant second. TYSON yielded then quarter-moved in front of the winner, yielded just past the 3/8 for the two-hole, little response the last ¼. MOOSE MADNESS was a little off the gate, out at the half and soon coverless due to a breaker, one-geared without threatening. PUERTO RICO never was a major factor. BOY MEETS GIRL K gapped at the back. CAMPBELLINI was starting to roll uncovered at the half but soon jumped it off.
FOURTEENTH RACE – MORROCKIN K didn’t leave but was underway before the ¼, waited for another early mover to clear then assumed command before the 3/8, had twin 27.4s coming home to hold off the only one to stay close, CRAZY COOL. That one made two early speed moves then yielded for the pocket, went on steadily but wasn’t threatening late. SANGRIA JULIE moved outside on the far turn and got the distant third. BETTER BID HANOVER went to the lead going to the 1/8, saw two go by early, not much response in the last 1/8. TSM PRINCESS LEXI went to the Pocono Pike but was a bit rough and didn’t gain. LAZY DAY HANOVER moved outside from far behind but never gained. NOPE NOT YET never featured. RED RED HOT was looking to leave but broke.
