Apr 14, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Track rated “good +1” throughout the card … DON’TCALLMEFRANCIS went out enough to maintain the pocket, then moved 5/16 to 3/8 command, rated the half, had only the challenge of MR BIG LOAD to deal with in the lane and held all-out. The latter was second-over, found a better gear midturn and went wide, narrowed in steadily. INDIGO ART went out first-over towards turn two, made a good challenge, tired but a clear third. JOE HILL put everybody in behind early, yielded 3/8 for the two-hole, seemed empty ¾. BAYONET left, took back for a 3-tuck at the 3/16, in, not a late factor. STONE FIRE HANOVER joined the outer tier but did not achieve prominence. BYE BYE JOHN never got in the picture. ARTOFFICIAL FLAVOR gapped at the back.
SECOND RACE – Some stretch tailwind … BB’S HARLEY sat the pace with two moves and got a rest in the second quarter, turned back the favorite then stayed clear of HIGHVIEW CONALL N. The latter moved outside 11/16 and launched three-wide before mid-far turn, narrowed in steadily. DURANT was three-wide to turn one, tucked fourth, made a good attack first-over, held pretty well. HES GONE BADDER stacked widest and made up stretch ground. GOLDEN GESTURE was second-over, blindswitched by the place horse midturn, had to wait to back out behind him midstretch, a bit on the end of it. HUGH HEFNER N stayed in, shuffled some late turn and had traffic trouble upper stretch, fair. HEEZ ORL BLACK N was four-wide to the 1/8 going to the lead at the ¼, yielded for the pocket, fell back gradually from midturn. DONEGAL JIM never got close. SHRIMP AND GRITS moved second-over but started gapping off turn two.
THIRD RACE – HOOLIE N HECTOR had good cover second-over, three-wide midturn, the strongest late. PILOT HANOVER went uncovered 3/8 and grinded up slowly but surely, actually had a short lead midstretch, held very well. BLACK TIE BASH tucked third, stayed in, to the Pocono Pike, found his best steps late and just missed second. KEEPTHETAB HANOVER also stayed in, out in a blindswitch later on the turn, blocked past midstretch then went behind the place horse, finished with trot. BY A HOFF HANOVER charged through at the start insisting on the lead in a quick quarter, came up shy in the lane. DROP THE MIC couldn’t reach from last. FATHER OF IRELAND had nearly a length lead going to the first turn but couldn’t clear and finally accepted the pocket, little left in the stretch.
FOURTH RACE – CREDIT CON was outside 3/16 in pursuit of the lead, yielded to the retaker to sit the two-hole, to the Pocono Pike, went by midstretch but didn’t win by much over two tough foes. TRICKY DICK set the pace with two moves, fought on to the line. TART TONGUE moved uncovered 9/16 and challenged, fell back a little coming out of the turn but trotted on determinedly. THE NEXT THREE were impeded by the breaker past the ¼, had almost caught the top three by the half; the two that sat in down the back went evenly, while the one that went outside fell back. CARTIER BI made a break past the ¼ and was taken inside. BOASTER COASTER looked ready to leave but made a break at the start.
FIFTH RACE – CEFFYL DWR went right to the lead, backed off the second quarter, then rolled home in twin 29s to win easily. ROBBIE PEV spotted fourth, went uncovered off turn two and moved up to challenge, had to settle for second far ahead of the rest. HALLS OF VALOR protected the pocket, little left late. SHARE THE WEALTH went to two-wide down the back but gapped and ducked back in, not prominent. RARE MUSCLE and MY SON TV HANOVER were never close. SIX O’CLOCK NEWS left, took back to third 3/16, was looking for more going to the ¾ when breaking stride.
SIXTH RACE – RIVER OTTER went to the front and parked a challenger, then had to deal with the now-first-over POND JUMPER, just got the nod here. The latter was three-wide to the 1/8, tucked in, moved out at the half and was soon three-wide to two-wide raw 9/16, challenged the rest of the way, looked to have to be handled cautiously in the stretch as appearing to want to lug in, just missed. NOBLE PRIZE sat a pocket trip, loose from the 5/8, third-best. CRITICAL MASS and PIER HO EXOTIC (a trifle rough early) got the remaining checks. KANDY KORN was on the move just past he half and went wide around the fading parked horse but couldn’t reach serious contention. LAKEVIEW TAMMY showed little. WINNING GENE was looped and two-wide at the 1/8 when making a break. BATTING STATS went up to challenge for the lead but was given the cold shoulder, faded from before the 5/8.
SEVENTH RACE – LADY LONDON went to the lead at the 1/8, rated the half, had no difficulty. BRING ME DIAMONDS yielded for the two-hole, neither gained nor lost ground late. MISS IRISH ROSE A was looped and went up to third at the eighth, OK late. GRANT ME THIS sat in, couldn’t get into contention. LITTLE SANDY TOES started uncovered towards turn two but never got closer than the flank of the pocketsitter. KOTARE YARRA N spotted midpack then was second-over, a bit rough into the far turn, not too much. SHE’S A BILLIONAIR sat in, no factor. THE OTHER TWO were hampered by dull cover.
EIGHTH RACE – BRONZE YANKEE led the outer tier movement from sixth towards turn two, steadily attacked the leader, had an advantage but not the inside on the turn, went by for good early stretch and was a good winner. KEYSTONE SERGEANT had great cover, steadily. SPOILER ALERT also drafted up nicely third-over, three-wide headstretch, OK. CONQUEST AS was parked to a quick quarter to get the lead, yielded past the 3/8 for the pocket, shuffled late turn into the stretch, Pocono Pike, OK. RAINBOWINTHEWEST was double-looped and remained outside with cover to the ¼, then went on to get the front past the 3/8, kept the winner out on the far turn but was tired after that point. ANDOVERS TOUCH was first to command, yielded at the ¼, also blocked towards headstretch, not much late. O JONNIE never entered the picture. SCHNICKEL FRITZ sat in, gapped down the back. MAGIC VACATION sat in and was shuffled to last, broke in the stretch.
NINTH RACE – REVELRY was looped at the 1/8 and rode with cover past the ¼, then went on to grab the lead before turn two, didn’t get pressure, then streaked home in 27.1 on a day when no other race beat 28.2 home. TIGER BARON was three-wide almost to the 3/16, up to grab command 5/16, yielded nearing turn two, couldn’t go with the winner the last quarter but must be respected still, given how fast that last quarter was. NIALL HANOVER had nonadvancing cover, left two-wide raw on the turn, OK to get the distant third from ROCK THREE TIMES. The latter used the rail to geometric advantage, yielded 5/16, left behind ¾. FRISKY PEDRO wanted to leave but took back, moved out again before the 5/8 but never made any headway. THE REST didn’t have enough in this mile.
TENTH RACE – TOP ME OFF went to the front 3/16 and soon yielded to sit the two-hole, outside after the first-over broke, trotted right on by in hand. KILLER INSTINCT was three-wide at a couple of different points in quarter one, got the lead off the initial turn and set the pace, tired from the early usage. CAPITAL T STORM moved out in the stretch and went by for a no-factor third. MADDYS LEADING MAN forced the early issue and yielded, stayed in, left behind in the lane. WINGMAN HANOVER spotted early, fell far behind. SOOT HANOVER started a good uncovered move 5/8 and had gained significant ground before rolling off gait midturn.
ELEVENTH RACE – SUSIE’S SISTER went uncovered into the second turn, trotted a sensational 27.1 third quarter against the breeze to just clear ¾, urged to hold safe the field, excellent showing. HARNESS AM left well, sat in, slipped out with cover ¾ as the winner cleared, finished steadily. NEXTROUNDSONME had the winner’s cover, went on steadily although unable to stay with that one’s big move, uncovered ¾, held nicely. MOON BRIDGE worked up to the front 5/16, trotted very fast in the third quarter to try to keep the winner out but could not, stayed close into the stretch and then went to the Pocono Pike, tired a little bit late. MARION GONDOLIER backed out into the cover flow on the turn, had decent trot under the wire though in gear a little late. LIFE WELL LIVED left and grabbed command, yielded 5/16 for the two-hole, shuffled a little on the turn, then couldn’t find a clear path in the lane. ZOOMING gapped in last.
TWELFTH RACE – URBAN RENEWAL went to the leader, kept a foe out almost to the 3/8 then let him go to sit the two-hole, to the Pocono Pike, responded in enough time for the victory. WILSONS VINNER started a steady grind at the half, made a brief lead in the stretch, held very gamely. DIVISION BELL was third-over, wide only in early stretch, along to be just third. WHEN YOU DANCE was parked past a fast quarter and almost to the 3/8 for command, set the pace and had pressure, couldn’t make the lead stand up. IDEAL WHEEL was uncovered into turn two and then got cover at the half, couldn’t stay with it in the last quarter. ITSONLYROCKNROLL A made the early pocket, stayed in, didn’t appear overloaded in the stretch although may have been not fully clear. MY DELIGHT never surfaced. GOTTA LOVE HIM trailed.
THIRTEENTH RACE – TWO AM sat the pocket journey, to the Pocono Pike and went right on by easily. KING ALPHONSO took control from the pole in a lineup and kept up a steady pace, had no answer for the winner. BLENHEIM moved raw 11/16, gained on the turn, stayed on OK for a clear third. THISISSHE struggled from the 5/8. NATURAL KEMP was well behind the majority of the mile. MUSHANA took back to settle in his spot in the lineup, jumped 5/16.
FOURTEENTH RACE – MAGICAL MISTRESS was four-wide early intent on getting the lead, three-wide just past the 1/8 then two-wide en route to claiming the top 3/16, slowed the half then picked it up with a challenger advancing, dealt with pressure on both sides through the lane. SHOULDBEENATD yielded for the pocket, had a clear shot in the Pocono Pike but couldn’t go by. TOPVILLE ANGELINA left, took a 3-tuck just past the 1/8, started uncovered before the half, attacked the leader, held her ground very gamely. BETTORS CHEVRON N got by the rest. GEORGIE MARTIN N was third-over then still two-wide but gapping when the second-over ducked in, no factor. CHASE YOU started uncovered 3/8, got cover before the half but was gapping by the 5/8, ducked in far turn. OOH REAL GOOD was struggling by the 5/8.
Apr 12, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – The nicest day of the year, around 70 degrees, leading to fast times … BAMSKI went into the three-hole at the 1/8, moved outside raw 5/8 and retucked in the pocket at the hot ¾, outside stretch, led midstretch, held off BURNING MIDNIGHT. The latter spotted, then was behind dull cover and had to go three-wide ¾, back to two-wide on the turn, finished strongly into the decelerating pace. WHITE HAIR ROCKS claimed the lead just past the 1/8 and set blistering fractions, understandably tired late. OFFICIAL DELIGHT had plenty of room along the inside down the backstretch but only gradually narrowed in, between horses stretch and OK. HALLIE’S COMET moved outside with cover but had to go inside to pass that laboring one, up the rail and fair late. SHOREVIEW left well to preserve the pocket, was bottomed out ¾ behind the wicked tempo. BUSBOY HANOVER was three-wide leaving, took back and was outside near the back to the half while very rough coming out of the first two turns, fell back. RANGERS SURESHOT came out second-over but was empty.
SECOND RACE – BLOW A CLOUD N left well four-wide and circled to command, got pressure from the 5/8, had two late attackers to his left and one to his right, was very game to hold them all off. KEYSTONE STEAM looked to leave but took back, uncovered to the second turn and reached the leader 5/8, fought on gallantly to the wire. POLAK A left purposefully to secure the pocket, stayed close, to the Pocono Pike, hanging a bit. LORD OF MISRULE sat in, to the deep Pike, did well. FERNADO was second-over, three-wide early on the far turn, not quite enough. JUST PLAIN LOCO was last most of the way, didn’t enter the main picture. RECORD MACHINE gapped at a couple of points, swung widest in the lane but didn’t gain much.
THIRD RACE – DIRT ON MY BOOTS was three-wide 3/16 and pressed on to the front off turn one, drew clear midbackstretch and won for fun. CAPTAIN MCKEE followed cover that never reached the winner, three-wide headstretch and just up for second. WESTERN HILL left between horses and tucked third 3/16, behind the tiring pocketsitter, up the Pocono Pike and almost got second. ABSOLUTE INTENT was the innermost of the three biggest leavers and yielded for the pocket, couldn’t go with the winner past the 5/8. BLUEBERRY HEAVEN stayed in and never made his presence felt. PRIMO GIOVANNI started uncovered into turn two, never reached the winner before fading. THE OTHER PAIR gapped at the back (CENTURY ENFORCER did report back with “b.e.”).
FOURTH RACE – SWEET TALKIN SATIN was between horses to the ¼ and then on to the top just past the 5/16, kept a foe parked in a huge half, looked OK turning for home but tired some after the hot tempo and drifted out a bit, but had enough to prevail. NEWBIE stepped to the top towards the first turn and kept them three-deep almost to the ¼, yielded 5/16 for the pocket, went on steadily late up the inside and was close at the wire. AN THE THUNDEROLLS left OK, stayed close, only evenly late. MELANIE’S TEDY moved out from far back 11/16, three-wide late turn, closed as the pace slowed. MOUNT ROYAL gapped significantly to the ¾, REDHOT ROMEO never factored. JEREMES GENERAL was left out three-wide to the ¼ then argued two-wide for the lead to and past a snappy half, started to fade nearing the ¾.
FIFTH RACE – Stretch headwind starting to come up; would become more prominent later in the card … EMBLAZE HANOVER moved second-over 11/16 and slowly advanced, wide just past headstretch and paced over three rivals late. STOP STARING moved uncovered late backstretch and challenged, game to the line. MIKIBYTHESEASIDE left enough to force tucks, then yielded to the favorite for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, got a short lead midstretch, no apparent excuse. TARKIO spotted, then quarter-moved, went on quickly, a step shy. WIN PLACE ‘N SHOW got the last check. SARANAC BLUE CHIP was three-wide early, took the pocket 3/16, stayed in, little response late. GRAND CAYMAN didn’t offer too much.
SIXTH RACE – HORSING AROUND was looped, thought to go on but then decided to tuck third in a hot opener, stayed in, then was able to back out third-over in front of a gapper, three-wide with cover on he turn, dug in through the stretch and got the job done. CAPTAIN MULZAC was second-over just past the half, went three-wide midturn as the first-over had a hard time clearing, outkicked but stayed on to grab second late. SIMPLE KINDA MAN moved uncovered at the half, got in front of the leader ¾ but couldn’t clear until very late on the turn, briefly had a clear advantage but had done hard work in fast fractions and tired late. INDICTABLE HANOVER swung out on the far turn missing the inside trouble, had good pace on the end. DA MAGICIAN gapped third-over. DO YA THINK and CAL sat in, lost all chances when having to check behind the headstretch trouble. MISSISSIPPI RABBIT went to the lead in 25.4, yielded to a retaker at the half, moved out into a blindswitch late turn then got in close quarters with SPORTS COLUMN. The latter left fastest of all, yielded, made a retaking move at the half (all in very quick time), came under fire nearing the rapid ¾ but wouldn’t let the first-over clear until late on the turn, then had a steering issue, going inside the pylons and causing confusion.
SEVENTH RACE – TREVOR’S ACE left strongly, forced a tuck, yielded before the 3/8 for the pocket, came out headstretch and wore down pacesetting COALITION HANOVER late. The latter left, had cover to the 3/16, then was outside almost that distance before making the lead, got a bit of a breather to the half, couldn’t quite hold up late. HE’S A SNOB moved outside 11/16, found better strides past midstretch and closed in. BARRYWHITE HANOVER left, took the early pocket 3/16, not too much left late. MOVE THE LINE moved out on the far turn then ducked back to the inside in the stretch, not much. HULOU was outside late backstretch but never worked into it. PERFECTION HANOVER was not heard from. SIESTA YANKEE moved outside but showed little, then made a break late.
EIGHTH RACE – CLOSING STATEMENT settled third at the 1/8, up on the bit at the half and soon started uncovered, speed-grinded, showed determination to take the late advantage. MYKINDACHIP left and set the pace stringing out the field past the half, met with a tough customer and held well against him. SAWYER’S DESIRE protected the pocket early, moved outside late turn and wide headstretch, OK but not enough. CAPTAIN NASH moved second-over but gapped a bit, ducked to the Pocono Pike, just missed third. THE WALL sat in, couldn’t gain late. BAGS TO RICHES moved outside but showed little. THE LAST PAIR were always at the rear.
NINTH RACE – STRAIGHT TALK made the front at the 1/8, enjoyed an open-length lead most of the rest of the way, in control. KYUQUOT yielded at the 1/8 and then was loose in the pocket virtually the rest of the way; at the finish was as close to the winner as he had been since the 1/8. WARRAWEE WHYNOT tucked third, gapped in the third quarter then was tighter, examined his options headstretch and chose to go inside, had gotten past KYUQUOT but then was hanging late. BATTERUP HANOVER gapped midpack until the ¾, moved outside, couldn’t enter into it. SIX DEGREES went evenly. HIGH ST CORRIDOR tucked fourth early, came out at the half and paced his third split in 26.1 while gaining on the winner, but couldn’t sustain his progress. SWEET SUCCESS showed little. FIRST STATE JONI came out before the half, soon got cover, but then had no forward gear the last half.
TENTH RACE – MAD MAN HILL spotted third temporarily, then made sure to be on the move 3/16 before the parked horse came on, on top 5/16, rated the half while keeping the parked foe out two-wide then went on, drew away in the last 1/8. CAPTAIN SLEAZE left and had cover most of the 5/16, then was left raw on the rim the duration, held with terrific courage. TERRY A HANOVER was three-wide to the first turn, took the early pocket past the 1/8, inside, outside early stretch and had pace on the end. LOU ED ZEPPELIN grabbed command out of the gate, let the winner go then kept the pocket secure, out of gas in the lane. MAJOR MAKOVER swung three-wide ¾ and did well to get the last check. GRETZKY was never prominent. SPECIAL TYLER gapped second-over then was blindswitched. BUD TRUCK never entered the main picture.
ELEVENTH RACE – ROCKIN INTHE HILLS left well, yielded for the early pocket past the 1/8, sat forwardly-placed third-in behind the battle on the lead, got to use the Pocono Pike when the pocketsitter came out headstretch, had a good last 1/16 to add a $51.80 scalp to his $174.00 of two weeks back. NATIVE’S SWEETLOU was wide leaving, worked up to the lead 5/16 then refused to let the parked horse clear him despite having to go really fast, finally shook him off around the turn, lasted until very late in a superior outing. UPTOWN FUNK was out past the 1/8 for the top, ceded the lead 5/16 then kept the two-hole shut, popped out headstretch but may have shown the effects of the earlier work in the fast pace. ALBERGO HANOVER was underway at the quarter but didn’t get tight on his cover until past the 5/8, three-wide ¾ but couldn’t rally. BARBADOS sat in then could back out to third-over at the half, gapped the third quarter then tighter on cover two- and three-wide, a bit of pace late. TULLOW N never entered the picture. AMERICAN REBEL, wide early, fell behind cover to the 5/16, then was left two-wide, desperately battled for the lead in blazing fractions but was denied the top, finally faded after showing good energy until midturn; set a Pocono Downs record by being claimed for $50,000. APEX SEELSTER got into an outside flow at the ¼ but couldn’t stay with it.
TWELFTH RACE – LYONS AMUSEMENTS left between horses for the early pocket then quarter-moved, rated the second split, then sprinted down the back, drew clear on the turn, kept to business to withstand IAMMRBRIGHTSIDE N. The latter rode third-in until headstretch, kicked into a higher gear a little too late. GLENGARRY KNIGHT N was three-wide early, crossed over 3/16, yielded for the pocket, OK but not with sharp pace the last ¼. CLASS SIX sat in, evenly. SPORTS TEEN moved raw into turn two, went 26.3 down the back but then couldn’t sustain the gain. IN SPADES was not prominent. TUCKER CREEK was second-over but gapped. A REAL MIRACLE was third-over, never entered contention.
THIRTEENTH RACE – BABES DIG ME burst out of third off the second turn and blitzed right to the lead down the backstretch, kept pouring it on for the fastest local mile of the year, 1:49.4. SCOTT ROCKS was between horses while outleft, got in before the ¼, stayed in then backed out 5/8 and soon three-wide to circle dull cover, to two-wide far turn, tried hard behind the runaway winner. LOVE THE ACTION left between horses and made the two-hole just past the 25.4 opener, backed out as the winner went by, left raw until tucking midturn, third. PROVEN DESIRE had to circle four-wide late turn to get around cloggers, OK late. FOO FIGHTER N was three-wide for the torrid opener, tucked fourth to the 3/8, then blindswitched late turn as the early leader faded, couldn’t offer much late. MY MIND IS MADEUP never featured. SUNSET BRAYDON was bent on setting the pace and went a wicked opener to do so, couldn’t do anything with the winner’s move and gradually slowed. BARNABAS moved behind the winner but gapped.
FOURTEENTH RACE – AFLAME HANOVER was three-high to the 1/8 to take control 3/16, rated the half then came home with a second 55 half to take the finale nicely. PATERNITY SUIT A was the innermost leaver and protected the two-hole, went on gamely in the wake of the powerful winner. PEACE OUT POSSE left between horses and tucked third past the 1/8, uncovered not long into the backstraight and pressured the winner late backstretch through the turn, tired a little midstretch. ALEX TYE sat in and gapped in the third panel, then angled wide in the stretch and was OK+ finishing. TRENTE DEO also gapped near the back, threaded between horses towards midstretch and finished willingly. SOMEBEACH BARON looked at leaving but took back, then second-over before the 5/8, not too much. JAHAN HANOVER was not prominent. RAZOR’S EDGE was a bit off the gate and already gapping by the ¼.
Apr 12, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – TRY TRY AGAIN was second-over and gradually caught up to cover later in the backstretch, three-wide past midturn as horses sought to avoid the breaker, came on well late to decision TRIUMPHANT’S CHIP. The latter spotted third leaving, helped when the leader broke far turn and had access to the Pocono Pike, made a short lead but just failed to hold. WILLIE B WORTHY took the pocket at the 1/8, was able to come through when the leader broke and went to the infield, not very far off. URSIS DES CAILLONS was inside and far back on the backstretch, evenly along the inside late. STOP RESISTIN was uncovered past the 3/8, pressured the leader, was in front when that one broke but was still two-wide, tired. BROADWAY BRUISER gapped cover down the back, a bit late. GOLDEN SON was looking to leave but briefly broke, took back to last, not heard from thereafter. PIERCEWAVE HANOVER set the pace, came under pressure, asked for more towards midturn but broke and went to the inside.
SECOND RACE – Stretch tailwind starting … GIVEN UP TERROR moved out third-over 5/8 and caught up to cover, three-wide with cover on the turn, four-wide headstretch and had the most pace home. SKYWAY BILLY had a good second-over journey, three-wide early on the far turn, just outkicked. ALL ABOUT RUSTY showed some speed, uncovered at the half and attacked the leader from the 5/8, made a short lead, good but outfooted by the horses coming off cover. SHRIMP AND GRITS set all the pace, had pressure from the 5/8, held decently. CHANCELLORCULLEN N sat in, gapped, out in a blindswitch but had little late. HUGH HEFNER N took the pocket past the 1/8, blocked late turn but not much once clear. LIMA RAIDER was last at every call.
THIRD RACE – DAGON HANOVER was second-over, looked good when asked for a faster gear early stretch and trotted off. DRAIN THE SWAMP tucked third, moved uncovered 11/16, made the stretch lead but couldn’t hold it. I’LLALWAYSBEBACK left and yielded towards a fast quarter, staying tight in the pocket, evenly in the Pocono Pike. COUNT CHOCALOT sat in, angled out midstretch and showed some finishing foot. ARMANI HANOVER was out most of the 28 opener, got 1:00.2 in the middle half but still couldn’t sustain late. THE OTHER TWO were always near the back.
FOURTH RACE – GRATEFUL KISS started uncovered into turn two, reached the leader 5/8 and fought with that one the rest of the way, just getting a nose up in the last step. MIKIBYTHESEASIDE was away second, pulled at the 1/8 to make the lead late first turn, set the rest of the pace, just nosed out in a good try. BEACH TOWN BOY was fourth-over, wide early stretch and motoring strongly late. NOTYOURTYPICALMAN was third-over, gapped cover a bit much of the last half, OK late. TSM BATMAN was second-over but couldn’t do much with the trip. PLAY THERAPY stayed in and never factored. YOUR HONOR quickly made the lead, ceded the top for the pocket, weakened the last ¼.
FIFTH RACE – EAZY PASS got a nice journey second-over, ducked to an open Pocono Pike headstretch and trotted off from these. ILLICIT FUNDS started a grind into turn two, fought with the leader, not enough late speed but showed late gameness to go on for second. FRANKLY MY DEAR needed almost to the 3/8 to get the front, set the pace with pressure, not enough late. FIRE UP made a break just before the start spotting the field 4 or 5 lengths, recovered and third-over, showed good energy repairing the miscue. LEXA HANOVER showed some speed, inside, shuffled, couldn’t get into contention; CHEESY HANOVER was also inside and shuffled, failed to be a big factor. BELAIR BEAUTY made the front past the 1/8, parked the chalk for much of the next ¼ mile before yielding for the pocket, all done ¾. LIZ’S CHAMP went to fourth-over but broke early far turn.
SIXTH RACE – AMERICAN CHANCE took a tuck third, moved uncovered 11/16 and advanced to challenge on the turn, just got by pacesetter SWEETONTHEBEACH at the end. The latter set the pace on an open lead, just failed. SINFULLY DELICIOUS protected the pocket early and was loose in it until the stretch, Pocono Pike, a step shy. ADELIA HANOVER moved out second-over ¾ but didn’t have enough. MORE THAN KUTE and DANCING TINA were never in the main picture.
SEVENTH RACE – TUIS SHADOW was three-wide early to the lead 3/16, yielded to sit the pocket behind the fast pace, got to the Pocono Pike and trotted away from these. CHERRY RED was out second-over before the ¾, had some late trot. LAZER JET left but took back, uncovered 11/16, brief lead into the stretch but couldn’t sustain it. SANCHEZ ROCKS took the lead at the 1/8, yielded, stayed in, deep Pike, so-so. TRICKY DICK was out before the ¼ and made the front 3/8, continued on at a fast clip, not much left late. HALL IT OFF and SECTOR never achieved prominence. SHELL SHOCK was off the gate then already badly gapping in front of the stands.
EIGHTH RACE – REBEL GIRL spotted, then didn’t have to move to the 5/8, then came raw and went right by in the slowest quarter of the race, opened up at will. P L OLIVIA went to the lead, yielded in front of the stands, moved out behind the winner and retucked in the pocket far turn, clearly second-best. SUNSHINEINTHERAIN was outside going around the tired pacesetter, so-so for third. MYREANNA set the pace with two moves, powerless when challenged ¾. THE NEXT THREE could not make their presence felt. KAYLA’S PLAYMATE moved out down the backstretch, gapped then broke. TRIX ME was three-wide leaving then had cover, was eyeing a tuck when breaking 3/16.
NINTH RACE – PEGGY J was on the move before the ¼, made the front 5/16 and slowed the half, was challenged 5/8, yielded 11/16 but stayed up on the bit, outside again on the turn and three-wide headstretch, finished strongly. EVEN LOUDER went three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to gain command off turn one, yielded, gapped in the quick third quarter then advanced inside, to the Pocono Pike and had a brief lead midstretch, enough for second. CLASSICA rode good cover, lost it 11/16 and challenged, held well late. REAL LADY SADIE was uncovered into turn two, made a strong brush down the back and got to the top 11/16, but couldn’t sustain in the lane. SURE R LOOKIN GOOD went to the front, yielded, was shuffled, had little or more probably no clearance late. NARINA HANOVER was out in a very lively flow but gapped. WINNING WORDS backed outside 11/16 but her cover wasn’t helpful. RHYME N ROLL gapped in last.
TENTH RACE – TRIP SEVENS was underway nearing the ¼ and had taken over by the 3/8, kept the field strung out the rest of the way going at a good clip, in charge. ALPINE took until just near the ¼ to grab the racetrack, yielded for the two-hole, good to not lose ground late. R SPEED OF LIGHT left with speed, saw two go by between the ¼ and 3/8, came outside headstretch, held her ground well. ETRA DE VIE tucked, moved outside on the far turn but couldn’t gain. NANCY BAR gapped inside. INSURED AM was outside towards turn two, passed stragglers, was never prominent. CREDIT INCOME moved two-wide from far back but never got in it. THE OTHER PAIR could not keep up.
ELEVENTH RACE – HORSE (a Manitoba-bred who is named after RCMP Dudley Do-Right’s horse) took no prisoners here despite constant pressure in quick fractions, held on gamely. CAVIART VAL reluctantly took the pocket 3/16, then gapped it behind the midrace duel despite urging, tightened in ¾, to the inside in the stretch, couldn’t quite reach. FULL VIEW moved three-wide far turn from way off the pace and beat out a bunch for third. GONNAHAVEONEMORE was three-wide past the 1/8, briefly tucked third 3/16 then decided to go on with it, but was met with the cold shoulder through a fierce midrace duel, held his ground very well. DIAMOND HEAD spotted early, then left a big gap 5/8, improved some late. NOME HANOVER moved outside down the back to try to circle gappers but could not, blindswitched midturn, ducked all the way inside but couldn’t make up enough ground. TERRITORY was last throughout.
TWELFTH RACE – AP HALL OF TRIX left and quickly gained the pocket, waited for the Pocono Pike, may have won more easily than the margin may suggest. WORTHY OF HONOR took over the lead, rated the half then picked it up to deal with the first-over, good outing. PROTOSTAR was uncovered from last at the 3/8, made a good challenge down the back, held very well at 56-1. MAGNIFICENT SEVEN sat in, no clear path in the stretch. RECIPROCAL BLUE CHIP was third-over, three-wide late turn, OK late. CAN’T SAY NO was outside until tucking third before the 3/16, backed out to second-over 11/16 but immediately started to gap. STEEL SCHOONER broke at the start.
THIRTEENTH RACE – CIGAR SMOKING TONY was four-wide early to two-wide to a pocket tuck 3/16, to the Pocono Pike and went to the top easily. REST ASSURED was last and had dull horses in front of him, five-wide from last into the stretch and passed all but one at 82-1. SOCIAL THEORIES started the outer tier into turn two, never looked like the winner but held on gamely. BULLVILLE TERROR gained along the inside but didn’t quite have enough. ESAI HANOVER struck the front at the 1/8 and set the pace, not equal to the task late. SOUTHWIND DREDGE gapped third-over, moved three-wide with cover then four-wide late turn, OK. MCNEILL Z TAM gapped inside down the back, out into a blindswitch headstretch, didn’t have a clear path late. TRAY SURREAL left with speed, backed out to second-over past the half, went three-wide 11/16 but hung in the third tier.
Apr 12, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – About 60 degrees, and starting with a stretch tailwind … ADAGIO DE LA TOUR was able to cross over to the top 3/16, rated the half with an aiding wind, then was fully in control the last half. CAMPBELLINI yielded for the pocket, left well behind in the red dust but held second. SPLITSVILLE was forwardly-placed, gapped ¾, evenly. PUERTO RICO was third-over off turn two, three-wide mid-far turn, finished OK. MOOSE MADNESS went raw into the second bend, but never got even with the pocket horse. ONE DIRECTION had cover but didn’t do much off of it. MANWITHAMISSION was blocked on the far turn but then had no response. MEETMEINTHEMIDDLE drifted out but then took back to tuck at the ¼, not heard from afterward.
SECOND RACE – THE LADY SHERIFF was away well three-wide to the lead at the 1/8, hung a foe a ways, then let that one go only to immediately retake, stole clear to a big lead before the ¾ in a fast tempo, all-out late to withstand TRUSSED UP TRUDY. The latter moved second-over, tipped out three-wide midturn, ate up the late ground and almost made it. AFTER THE LOVIN was gapping in last until the far turn, widest in the lane and moving fastest of all. JUSLIKEAQUEEN went first-over on the second turn, didn’t reach the winner but went on evenly. MORE MORE MORE was first on top, yielded, stayed in, blocked on the turn, but not that much once clear to the inside. SWEET YOUNG THING was looped at the 1/8, pressed on to almost the 3/8 at a speedy rate to get the lead, yielded for the pocket, started backing up 11/16. HURRICANE CALLEIGH was third-over but never entered into it. THE BAND K gapped down the backstretch.
THIRD RACE – CHING CHING LUCKY came out raw from third 5/8, trotted right on by late on the turn, safely. FLAME AWAY was second-over just past the 5/8, gapped ¾, found better strides after the issue had been decided. CHOCOLATE MATTERS sat in the pocket, shuffled when the pacesetter tired then backed out to headstretch, got rough midstretch but righted and a clear third. KATJUSHA HANOVER didn’t offer much throughout. CANTABSLEADINGLADY went on an extended run before the 3/8. ISOBEL went right to the top, set the pace, had been corralled late turn before making a break headstretch. MULLIGAN’S MISS couldn’t keep up.
FOURTH RACE – NVESTMENT BLUE CHIP was looped and between horses to the ¼, pressed on to 3/8 command, kept to hustling tactics to preserve the victory. WARRAWEE VELOCE had the gate push to loop the field, kept the winner out to near the 3/8 before yielding for the two-hole, Pocono Pike, good. CAPTAIN MCKEE was badly trapped before the 5/8 to past the ¾, swung out three-wide and was full of pace late. STORMONT CZAR A stayed in, outside a path in the stretch, good between horses late. HEARTBEAT HILL kept the pocket filled early, in, evenly late. ABSOLUTE INTENT swung three-wide from last 5/8 and got to first-over before ¾, couldn’t sustain in the lane. CENTURY ENFORCER was three-wide to the ¼, covered to the 3/8 then left out in the air raw, faded late backstretch. BETTER WATCH OUT was urged from the rail early but still got away seventh, gapped badly, then did better following wide cover until he lost it, back to two-wide on the turn but done at that point.
FIFTH RACE – SAMEDAME LIFE AS pulled uncovered 9/16 and grinded up, was able to outfoot ORIGINAL SMOKEY in the sprint home. The latter made the pocket at the 1/8, to the Pocono Pike, trotted home very well. STORM BRINGER was wide leaving to 1/8 command, got a 1:00.2 middle half, but then could not sprint enough late. KEEPER OF SECRETS did not factor. CHECK MY SCORE moved out down the back but never did reach cover, not too much late. TUFF TO BE LINDY gapped at the ¾ and broke nearing headstretch. DANZON HANOVER made a break past the start and a break past the half.
SIXTH RACE – Wind has calmed … KAUAI KING tucked third going to turn one, moved uncovered off turn two, grinded, took the lead early stretch, may’ve been tiring a bit late but withstood THE BIG PICTURE. The latter was four-wide early and three-wide to the 1/8, tucked fourth 3/16, then moved with the winner’s cover, did not tip off of it until early stretch, narrowing in well late. SICILY BEACH started uncovered into turn two and found himself third-over coming out of that turn, gapped at the 5/8, blindswitched, ducked between horses into the lane and finished well. IMAGINARY LINE was fourth-over, four-wide headstretch, very nicely late. BIGBABAJIM stayed in, shuffled late turn, blocked much of the stretch, had some pace on the end. CAVIART SAGE cut the pace with a moderate second quarter, couldn’t keep it rolling to the wire. LOST IDEAL sat in, appeared to have some traffic trouble upper stretch. JAM THAT GUITAR sat in the two-hole, started gapping 5/8.
SEVENTH RACE – MYSTICAL WYNN tucked in fourth at the 1/8, started uncovered 9/16 and grinded away, could not be resisted in here. FOREVERHILLREIGN left to defend the pocket, had room in the Pocono Pike, second-best. CHRISTOPHER CRAZO showed good early foot to get command, rated the half, passed on both sides late. FRAC stayed in, had some belated late trot. SKYWAY TINACIOUS moved at the half and soon flushed cover, but then couldn’t stay with it. THE OTHER FOUR had little to offer here (TROTTING Z TAM was off the gate).
EIGHTH RACE – PEAKS CRUISER rode in the pocket, came out early stretch, hit a better gear midstretch and gradually worked past IDEAL HANNAH. The latter had things her own way on the front end, just missed. SANGRIA JULIE went evenly. BETTER BID HANOVER moved outside far turn and wide headstretch, so-so. SANDRADIMPLES never was in the hunt. SHAKE N GO left, a little wider than she had to be at a couple of points, had to travel the long road, held together until just past the ¾. LADYSINGSTHEBLUES had nothing to offer in the last quarter.
NINTH RACE – GRAPPLE HANOVER moved from the pocket 3/16 to the early lead and set the pace, came under attack from NEXTROUNDSONME late in the backstretch, kept ahead of that rival, but went over to the pace very late and made a full gallop just past the wire; after a review, GRAPPLE HANOVER was placed fifth in the official purse distribution of the race. NEXTROUNDSONME was looped and went inside 3/16, came out again 5/8, trotted strongly to the line. FINAL DREAM was out to command nearing turn one, yielded for the two-hole, Pocono Pike, a step shy. BRUTAL STORM could offer little. SPOILER ALERT moved out from far back but never got close. DIVINE SPIRIT made a break before the ¼. MASSIVE OPULENCE gapped in the backstretch, moved outside but broke headstretch.
TENTH RACE – ALWAYS B DANCING remained outside with cover early, in gear to the 3/16 to the lead off the first turn, got a breather in quarter three then sprinted home in 27.2. ROLL ON MAMA left well, yielded to the chalk for the pocket, got a bit loose on the turn, second-best. IN HIGH COTTON tucked 3/16, gapped on the turn, fair third. ALWAYSABEACHDAY was second-over, three-wide midturn but couldn’t make up ground in the sprint home. BEACH CRAZY was third-over, widest and got the last check. EMORI HANOVER could do little after an inside trip; same with NUTTINBUTTHEBEST, who was a little bit off the gate. MILEY ROSE went uncovered 9/16, made a mild bid then backed up. HOT TO CHANNEL was off the gate, offered very little.
ELEVENTH RACE – SO IRRESISTIBLE was three-wide to the first turn and took over off that bend, pushed a foe to just past the half before yielding, outside to headstretch and won easily. AP BLAZE OF GLORY came out behind the winner into the lane and edged out RABLE for second. The latter gapped slightly much of the way, to the Pocono Pike and did well late. THE DOUBLE DEUCE got a forward spot early, came 5/16 but needed to work until just past the half to clear to the lead, couldn’t make the advantage hold up. SHES SO SWEET was very wide early then with cover, spotted midpack at the ¼, then second-over, three-wide late turn, not a major danger. SHEZAFREAKLIKEME went out quickly to the lead, yielded off the first turn, popped back out raw 5/8, tired in the last quarter. SOUTHWIND XENA was leaving a huge hole by the ¼ and was pulled up; GRIP N WIN and CATIE FAYE HANOVER were behind her early and after circling her could not get back into the race.
TWELFTH RACE – MILIEU HANOVER left and ceded the lead past the 1/8, content to sit third until the ¾ then went up to pacesetting ATOMIC FIREBALL, worked past that one very late. The latter had cover early, left uncovered past the 1/8 and went up to set the pace from just past the ¼, rated the half, held tough late. BACI BACI stayed in and stayed connected, Pocono Pike, distant third over SO DIVA. The latter was second-over, lost cover past the 5/8, did her best to the wire. WELLTHERACEISON went to the front past the 1/8 and yielded an 1/8 later for the pocket, tired in the last ¼. MAJOR HOULIHAN went uncovered, couldn’t reach and retucked, broke. THE OTHERS never made their presence felt.
THIRTEENTH RACE – INCASEYOUDIDNTKNOW went to early command, saw two go by, followed a retaker 5/8 and challenged that one from the 11/16, put her away in the stretch and was much the best. INDRA HANOVER tucked 3/16, went out to second-over, came on to edge CARRINGTON for second. The latter was out off the first turn, uncovered past the 5/16, made the lead into turn two, yielded to a retake and sat the pocket, had to pause to wait for the Pocono Pike headstretch, possibly costing her second. ITZPAPALOTL took back early to tuck, evenly. JANE DIAMOND took until just past the 5/16 to get to the front, yielded at the end of the frontstretch, made a quick move off turn two to reclaim the front, absorbed pressure from the winner, then wilted. AHSOKA TANO gapped badly in the back then suffered far turn interference. ARIANNA GRANDEO wasn’t keeping up when making a break and causing a chain-reaction broadsiding; disqualified. C U PRINCESS saw the breaker go sidewards into her near midturn; AERIAL VIEW was outside of them and in turn suffered an “ax.”
FOURTEENTH RACE – LEAR SEELSTER was two-wide and looped leaving, in gear 3/16 to the lead going to the 3/8, rebuffed a charge from the first-over, then really was not threatened by the closing MR CENSI. The latter left four-wide around everybody, yielded 3/8 for the two-hole, gapped a little the third quarter and around the turn, finished well. DRAGON STRIKES was away in good order, held OK for a clear third. DIVISION BELL stayed in, couldn’t offer much late. REVELRY was last, widest in the lane and was moving well at the wire. SCRAPPIN GOLD wound up third-over, three-wide late on the turn, had too far to come. MY DELIGHT came with a rush first-over soon into the backstretch, but had been rebuffed into the far turn. CLOUSEAU HANOVER gapped second-over.
Apr 4, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Temperatures start in the mid 40s and rise to 50 … FOO FIGHTER N went away like a scalded cat, had an open-length lead throughout, came home in 28.2 after the wild pace and looked to be safe throughout. LOVE THE ACTION made the pocket then was loose/gapping the entire way, paced on with gameness for second. ALBERGO HANOVER started first-over on the second turn, was determined in the last 1/8 and kept going well. SPORTS TEEN sat third-in, had the use of the Pocono Pike but seemed a little hard to steer and went between horses, may have been pinched nearing the wire. DA MAGICIAN needed until almost the 3/8 to get into the 4-hole, angled out in the stretch and had some finishing kick. WATERWAY was not prominent. SHOREVIEW and BURNING MIDNIGHT both had excess cover. CAL tried to advance second-over but could not.
SECOND RACE – BABES DIG ME was looped and between horses early, needed to the 3/8 to get the front, but strung the field out and won for fun for the Jim Pantaleano “bottomed ‘em out” Double. OFFICIAL DESIRE sat in, was gapping a gapper on the turn, then found a better gear and came up the Pocono Pike to win the photo for second. BAMSKI was three-wide to the 3/16 then tucked fourth, moved out late backstretch, blindswitched past midturn, then found a seam between horses and had pace on the money. BLOW A CLOUD N was forwardly-placed, outside before the 11/16, tried to the wire. WHITE HAIR ROCKS was third-over, three-wide mid-far turn, outkicked in the battle for minor honors. WINDSONG JACK and LOUD SPLASH never got a call. TALK SHOW outleft everybody to turn one, yielded 3/8, empty ¾. INDEPENDENT ONE was the first to move outside but couldn’t generate cover, then fell back.
THIRD RACE – COALITION HANOVER moved sharply nearing the 3/8 to go right to command, had no problem thereafter. LOU ED ZEPPELIN gained the lead 3/16, yielded just past the 3/8 for the pocket, couldn’t keep up on the turn, then drifted into the Pocono Pike and didn’t allow MAJOR MAKEOVER clearance, placed for the passing lane violation. MAJOR MAKOVER yielded 3/16, stayed in third, had a foe drift down into the Pike and only got around him and potential trouble by cutting a pylon, had pace on the end. SPECIAL TYLER stayed in, showed a high turn of late foot after clearing in tight quarters midstretch. SARANAC BLUE CHIP moved out uncovered 11/16 but couldn’t gain enough. HIGH ST CORRIDOR needed to the ¼ to settle in, then was second-over but gapped. A FEARSOME HANOVER looked at leaving then took back all the way to last, third-over far turn, took a knuckling bad step headstretch losing any chance for a check. BUD TRUCK gapped out, broke late.
FOURTH RACE – TRICKY DICK took over 3/16, rated the second quarter, in charge to the wire. MADDYS LEADING MAN was innermost of a bunch of leavers and defended the pocket, clearly second. CEFFYL DWR was the outermost of potential leavers, took back and settled last at the ¼, had his cause aided by the two breakers far turn, swung wide and finished alertly. KEEPTHETAB HANOVER gapped midpack inside. WINGMAN HANOVER was second-over but gapped. SIX O’CLOCK NEWS was three-wide leaving, tucked third, looked up on the bit at a couple of points, made a break while having nowhere to go before midturn and went to the infield. SPUNKIN’SROCKETMAN was underway raw just before the half, was finding some better strides near the ¾ but then broke near midturn.
FIFTH RACE – BUSBOY HANOVER was three-wide 3/16 to the front nearing the ¼, didn’t have a hard time of it in winning decisively. WILSONS VINNER showed early speed, sat in third until angling wide to headstretch, finished with speed. ROCKIN INTHE HILLS stayed in and was shuffled to last, used the Pocono Pike to be along for third. MYIDEALSON N was quick off the wings, yielded for the pocket, got loose in the pocket ¾. HALLIE’S COMET was behind a stale wall two- and three-wide, four-wide early far turn, closed well belatedly. UNION STATION never factored. JUST N ACE was between horses leaving, briefly with cover then uncovered from the ¼, never got near the leader. DO YA THINK moved to follow the parked horse 3/8, three-wide early in the backstretch but just hung in place there.
SIXTH RACE – NATIVE’S SWEETLOU was outleft, got into gear at the 1/8 and wrested command by the ¼, rolled on the front end and was impressive. A REAL MIRACLE had the early lead quickly then yielded for the two-hole, kept up well in a fast mile but wasn’t threatening late. AMERICAN REBEL could only tuck seventh early, then third-over, three-wide with cover from midturn and four-wide headstretch, continued in sharp form by coming from last at the stretch call to nab third. BARNABAS got a midpack tuck, then was second-over, three-wide past the ¾, not bad at all. MY MIND IS MADEUP sat in and was shuffled some behind the sluggish favorite, split horses before midstretch and finished well, though the outside ones may have had the momentum advantage. APEX SEELSTER moved raw 9/16 but never reached the winner. UPTOWN FUNK and BRAVO TEX N was always near the back. TULLOW N appeared to be struggling to keep up much of the mile.
SEVENTH RACE – TOP ME OFF was unhurried early and went to the front just before the 3/8, kept up a steady pace and stayed game to fend off KILLER INSTINCT. The latter left, pulled from third approaching the ¾ and came at the leader, sharp but had to settle for second. ROBBIE PEV came third-over, three-wide late turn and was along for third. IN DULCE DECORUM spotted, came out 9/16 but didn’t advance much, got cover to the ¾ but gapped, evenly. CAPITAL T STORM sat in, gapped 5/8, then was blocked a bit near headstretch, Pocono Pike, OK. DROP THE MIC angled out from far back and had a bit of stretch speed. SOOT HANOVER never was prominent. HALLS OF VALOR left well, pushed the winner to almost the 3/8 before yielding for the pocket, empty the final quarter. RARE MUSCLE was last at every call.
EIGHTH RACE – Stretch headwind picked up … SCOTT ROCKS was outleft and took back, moved raw into turn two, found a better gear towards the ¾ and attacked, wore down pacesetter SUNSET BRAYDON in a gritty showing. The latter was very fast early, went slow-fast as wind-appropriate in the middle fractions, could not resist the winner. IN SPADES backed off early, in, wedged between horses without full clearance and with pace late. HORSING AROUND used the rail well to maintain the pocket, couldn’t offer much late but did return with “b.e.” IAMMRBRIGHTSIDE N advanced up the rail, had no room until past midstretch and was never fully clear, OK. JANAID was widest early, needed until near the ¼ to settle in, then was second-over, gapped ¾. RANGERS SURESHOT and WAGON MASTER were not helped by the gapping second-over. PROVEN DESIRE never got a call.
NINTH RACE – HOOLIE N HECTOR was three-high just past the 1/8, got inside 3/16, on the move raw 5/8 and went right up, got by towards late far turn, easily. BLACK TIE BASH moved out down the back but never kept with the leader, steadily to nip SWAN BY LAND for second. The latter was away second then quarter-moved, couldn’t stall the winner on the turn, failed to hold second very late. FATHER OF IRELAND went evenly. CARTIER BI never factored. MY SON TV HANOVER dropped back. BY A HOFF HANOVER quickly made the top from post eight, yielded to a brusher and sat the two-hole, looking for more when breaking late turn and going inside the pylons. BOASTER COASTER fumbled soon after the start.
TENTH RACE – ONE EIGHT HUNDRED made the top before the 1/8, went along steadily, then downshifted at the ¾ and came home in a startling 26.1 while going easily – one to watch. MOVE THE LINE left and sat second, just held that spot over BARRYWHITE HANOVER, who sat behind him then came out midstretch and just missed place. DUSTUP HANOVER and BUTTER UP were both off the gate and never close. EMBLAZE HANOVER left between horses but soon broke.
ELEVENTH RACE – MAD MAN HILL yielded for the two-hole, kept tight, started edging out as the first-over went by the leader and was soon left raw, never gave up and was along for the big money right on the wire. HULOU took back early to sit third, moved 11/16 and with a burst got by in an 1/8 of a mile, soon had open lengths, but just failed to preserve his margin to the wire. ALWAYS A JOY was three-wide leaving to command past the 1/8, set reasonable fractions, got steamrollered on the final turn but kept pacing doggedly to the line. KYUQUOT and BLAZING LIGHT stayed in and got the last checks. VICTORY MOVE was uncovered past the 5/8 but never got into contention. INTELLIGENT AM moved out but couldn’t get much going.
TWELFTH RACE – STRAIGHT TALK moved from second to control the pace, did have the quickstep on the turn to keep the rusher outside, drew off early stretch but saw that pesky foe coming back late. FIRST STATE JONI went right to the lead, yielded for the pocket, gapped early backstretch then tightened in after kicking the plugs 5/8, right-lined ¾ and made a quick burst that got him a short-lived lead, saw the winner draw clear but was still coming on late. WIN PLACE’N SHOW sat on the rail and came through inside for a good third. SWEET SUCCESS moved behind the place horse late turn but didn’t gain. SHAKEALEG HANOVER moved from third 11/16, soon got cover but couldn’t stay with it. HE’S A SNOB broke just before the start.
THIRTEENTH RACE – TARKIO was going to quarter-move but retreated as the horse in front of him did so, uncovered before the half, grinded up in 27 with the wind to take the lead before the ¾ with urging, extended to keep TREVOR’S ACE safe. The latter moved behind the winner, briefly uncovered then tucked in the pocket, back outside to headstretch, found his best strides a mite too late. BATTERUP HANOVER was in an excellent flow, ducked in and used the Pocono Pike, a step shy. STOP STARING closed well from far back. AQUAMAN HANOVER joined the outer tier as it formed, not quite enough late. TERRY A HANOVER refused to yield early, finally did so in front of the stands, then lost all chance when the pacesetter tired and he was shuffled far back. JASPER HANOVER was also stuck inside. PERFECTBOY HANOVER was very hard to put into the pocket 3/16, soon went back on the attack and this time got the lead, rated the half, but tired when challenged to the ¾ and fell far behind.
FOURTEENTH RACE – TAM MAJOR A took the pocket in a lineup, moved outside headstretch and was game to run down the pacesetter in a “Tam-Tam” finish. OLLIE’S ZTAM used the rail to advantage, set wind-appropriate fractions, just outsprinted at the tail end. BELL I NO moved raw into turn two, could make no headway until nearing the ¾, fell back a little late turn and early stretch, then came back at the end to take third from ALEX TYE. The latter sat in, Pocono Pike, no real excuse not to maintain third. TRENTE DEO closed well widest. CAPTAIN NASH didn’t have great cover, gapped it far turn, evenly late. ELECTRIC WESTERN could offer little; same with THE WALL.
