Apr 1, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Through the mid-40s in slight increments during the daylight card, which featured a stretch headwind that shifted into a crosswind … TREVOR ONE came out 5/8 and advanced behind cover, three-wide headstretch, overhauled tired horses. MARINER SEELSTER was third-over in the good flow, ducked inside headstretch and gained in the deep Pocono Pike to photo CAPTAIN CASH. The latter was four-wide to the 1/8 and three-wide most of the fast ¼ to get the lead, continued on at a good clip, paid for his early exertion. ABSOLUTE INTENT yielded after pushing away well, came back out before the 5/8 raw, ducked in late on the turn, didn’t gain late. KIMANI N swung wide and was along for the last check. TERRITORY left some, sat in and was shuffled, could not restoke; ROCK THREE TIMES had the same problem after being shuffled. PONYTA BOY was never prominent. DRAGON STRIKES was three-wide to the 1/8 to the lead 3/16, yielded for the pocket, unplugged through the last ¼.
SECOND RACE – BEACH TOWN BOY tucked early, had the fractions go his way, backed out to join a lively flow before the ¾, three-wide with cover past midturn, had by far the most late in a 31.1 kicker. BIDEN NATION got underway before the 5/8 and was three-wide before the ¾, to two-wide later on the far turn, second-best. SICILY BEACH zoomed to command and set a very fast pace stringing these out until the ¾, had no answers in the stretch. JAM THAT GUITAR got into the two-wide flow, not much. SETH HANOVER had some pace in the final quarter from way, way back. BLAZING LIGHT settled in third 3/16, retucked around the faltering pocketsitter ¾ but was himself done at that point. LOST IDEAL was never in it; nor was JAZZ BEACH. HOMETOWN FAVORITE defended the pocket, was exhausted before the ¾.
THIRD RACE – SERRANO VOLO struck the front at the 1/8 and never received a major challenge. CHOCOLATE MATTERS moved second-over, wide in the lane and up for a tie for second with CANTABSLEADINGLADY. The latter got away in good order, stayed in, gapped at points from the half to the far turn, then had mild trot up the Pocono Pike to get the DH2. CHING CHING LUCKY went uncovered 9/16, grinded, flattened a bit late. R SPEED OF LIGHT left between horses and sat the pocket, nothing left to give in the lane. P L OLIVIA broke 100 feet before the start, caught the field but broke again in front of the stands. MULLIGAN’S MISS gapped early, broke 3/8.
FOURTH RACE – STELLAR YANKEE gapped off the three leavers early, then was underway on a good uncovered move that carried her to the lead late on the far turn, more than enough to prevail. PATRIOT LINE got a very good cover trip, couldn’t get to the winner but far ahead of the rest. MR DÉJÀ VU gapped down the back, then had to angle very wide near headstretch to avoid the hooked horses, distant third. THREE DRAGONS went back in midturn, then had to jerk hard to the left to avoid the troubled twosome, decent recovery. CAVIART SAGE was three-wide to the first turn to the lead at the 1/8, set the pace, all done around the far turn. DUSTUP HANOVER gapped. WARRAWEE WHYNOT made a break going into turn two. THE BIG PICTURE defended the pocket, with MOVE THE LINE tucking behind him; the former, getting backed up by the tiring leader, appeared to snake wide late turn and hooked the latter, who had moved out behind the top two; both horses actually beat WARRAWEE WHYNOT under the wire, but were “DNF”s because the marshal helped untangle them.
FIFTH RACE – TUIS SHADOW left enough from the pole to control the pace, got a soft middle half, drew away. ARMANI HANOVER took back early to fill the pocket, preserved second late. DRAIN THE SWAMP tucked third, to the Pocono Pike, evenly. DUKE OF LINDY didn’t get going until early stretch, then made up a lot of ground. PIT MASTER came uncovered from fifth 5/8, had reached the flank of the pocket horse before going offstride midturn. FATHER OF IRELAND moved two-wide but could offer nothing.
SIXTH RACE – TSM PRINCESS TEDDI left and was well-placed throughout, came out with cover ¾, wide and paced past these to the tune of $103.80. IDEAL HANNAH was between horses leaving, made the lead past the ¼, pushed a foe then yielded before the second turn, to the Pocono Pike, briefly made the lead just past midstretch, held for second. LINE EM UP was three-wide early and cleared, saw two horses go by in quarter two, came back raw ¾ and got to even terms headstretch, not quite enough. GRIP N WIN was underway just past the ¼, needed until the other end of the frontstretch to get the lead, unpressured until the ¾, tired a bit. CATIE FAYE HANOVER sat in, gapped some on the far turn, evenly late. BETTER BID HANOVER never factored. EMORI HANOVER was way back when moving outside down the backstretch, made up ground but flattened out. THE OTHER TWO were always far back.
SEVENTH RACE – FINAL DREAM was three-wide early then two-wide to grab command just past the quarter, yielded for the two-hole trip, came out early stretch and went past INAPERFECTWORLD. The latter wanted to set the pace and did so, rated the half, never had the first-over inside a length of him, urged headstretch, had to settle for second. WINNING GENE moved outside early on the backstretch but gapped and ducked back in, came up the inside for the distant third. FOREVERHILLREIGN was four-wide most of the 1/8 then backed off to tuck fourth, uncovered again off turn two, gained in panel three then fell back some. MOSCONI HANOVER secured forward early position, backed out to second-over ¾ and three-wide late turn, couldn’t gain. THE FINAL FOUR never had any impact on the outcome of this event.
EIGHTH RACE – REAL LADY SADIE was second-over 5/8, three-wide late turn and had the most pace to the wire. MORE THAN KUTE tucked third past the 1/8, led the outer flow 5/8, challenged, had a brief lead upper stretch, second-best today. SWEETONTHEBEACH was the fastest, forced tucks, then pushed a foe almost to the second turn before yielding, moved outside headstretch, evenly late. MILEY ROSE left for a spot, stayed in then angled out late turn and wide, so-so. SNUF ENUF HANOVER gained a little in the Pocono Pike. DANCING TINA swung wide but couldn’t gain enough. SINFULLY DELICIOUS never featured. TIAMOGONEDANCIN gradually went forward but needed well past the 3/8 to get the lead, tired through the last 3/16. LAST LUXURY fell far behind.
NINTH RACE – DAGON HANOVER moved out from third late backstretch, benefited from the leader breaking and outtrotted BY A HOFF HANOVER. The latter raced up into the early pocket, had a clear path when the leader broke ¾, held for second. COLLEGE TUITION came a long way to get to second-over position, very durable late. MASSIVE MATTER stayed in, fair. ORIGINAL SMOKEY stayed flat for a check. MADDYS LEADING MAN had good speed to take the top, set the pace, still in control when breaking ¾. DANZON HANOVER was midpack when misbehaving before the 3/8. DS MRMEANER was wide most of the ¼ taking back to last and was starting to disconnect from there. BARKEEPER went offstride down the back.
TENTH RACE – EXPLOSIVE MAGIC left and took the pocket at the 1/8, stayed on the back of GOLDEN SON as those two drew away from the field far turn, then came outside to headstretch and trotted on by. The latter showed sharp speed, set the pace hounded by a parked horse until late backstretch, did well for second. URSIS DES CAILLONS moved third-over, three-wide 11/16 but didn’t gain too much, back to two-wide late turn, distant third in a photo with BROADWAY BRUISER. The latter was last, angled off the rail and got clear towards midstretch, finished well. CREDIT FRAUD was blocked inside, went to the Pocono Pike after the top pair were gone, so-so. ADAGIO DE LA TOUR spotted midpack, then was out second-over into turn two, blindswitched badly from the 11/16, ducked in but wasn’t a late factor. CAMPBELLINI was third-inside, couldn’t keep up to the ¾. WILLIE B WORTHY was three-wide to the 1/8 then stuck outside without cover, advanced to the leader until late backstretch, then backed up. TYSON came out fourth-over, gapped three-wide with cover far turn and faded.
ELEVENTH RACE – MAJOR BEAN made one big move at the half to go by past the 5/8 and left these far behind. GRATEFUL KISS left, was looking to get into the pocket 3/16 when making a break, recovered quickly, came out behind the winner but couldn’t go with that one, but did advance and get in the pocket past midturn, good comeback for second. NOTYOURTYPICALMAN gapped early, then was badly locked in late backstretch, eased out past the ¾ and recovered good ground with a good late kick. PLAY THERAPY went to the top in a quick opener and had a big lead when his outside rival broke before the spot, rated the half, couldn’t stall the winner’s brush, tired. YUPYUPYUP was always far back, three-wide far turn but without much gain. TSM BATMAN was not heard from. YOUR HONOR got an early tuck then inherited the pocket before the ¼, started to gap out 5/8. MOONLIGHT SHADOW was never close. KENTUCKY PROUD was forwardly-placed early, fell back in the last half, finished with “b.e.”
TWELFTH RACE – NATURAL KEMP sat in until nearing the ¾, moved up, went to the lead as the pacesetter broke headstretch, won handily. ALEXANDER HANOVER was outside past the 5/8, had cover before the ¾, went on well to get second. BRUTAL STORM came from far back to be in the outer flow ¾, ducked between horses headstretch and finished well in a good mile. MUSHANA was three-wide leaving, tucked third at the 3/16 but soon went offstride, caught the field by the ¼, sat last, moved widest in the stretch and passed a lot of horses. LIONBACKER KIDD yielded for the pocket, had to check headstretch when the leader broke, never got going in the lane. MAJOR IMPACT tucked midpack, not heard from again. KOW GIRL and PHANTOM RUSTY offered little. MANWITHAMISSION left between horses and went on to 1/8 command, set the pace, under pressure far turn, broke headstretch and was taken inside the course.
THIRTEENTH RACE – BEACH BOOGIE was three-wide leaving to the front past the 1/8, would not turn loose SWEET N FAST N and dueled with that one, saw him off, then withstood the charge of potential pocket rocket FEELING CAM LUCKY. The latter went to the top, yielded, kept the pocket closed, moved outside early stretch and gained some but not quite enough. MR PROFETA stayed in, evenly late. CLOUSEAU HANOVER was far out of it inside to the ¾, angled two- then three-wide and came on a bit. INDICTABLE HANOVER moved out behind the parked horse 11/16, circled him to uncovered ¾ but couldn’t sustain any gain. DIVISION BELL was no factor along the inside. SWEET N FAST N remained two-wide early, went up to challenge later first turn but couldn’t clear and had to take all the air, finished ¾. STEADY PULSE lost contact down the backstretch. OWEN had lost contact by the half.
FOURTEENTH RACE – Calmer wind, and if anything having turned into a stretch tailwind … LEAR SEELSTER went to control the stick at the 1/8, shook off grinding pressure and drew away. LENWOODS REAL DEAL raced second-over, three-wide late turn, fair to win the three-ply battle for the deuce. BUDDY HILL left well, tucked third 3/16, to the Pocono Pike, OK. TOPVILLE OLYMPIAN started on the grind to turn two, advanced in quarter three, couldn’t go with the winner thereafter but held decently. SIMPLE KINDA MAN sat the pocket, came up short at crunch time. HEARTBEAT HILL was third-over but lacking in the last 1/8. THE OTHER PAIR never featured.
Apr 1, 2021 | Employment, General News, Racing, Uncategorized
WILKES-BARRE, PA (April 1, 2021) – Mohegan Sun Pocono (MSP) is pleased to announce Michael Zullinger has been promoted to Director of Race and Sportsbook Operations. In this role, Michael will oversee racing operations, including live racing, at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono, as well as onsite Sportsbook operations at both The Downs at MSP and MSP at Lehigh Valley Race and Sportsbook, located in Allentown, PA.
“We are thrilled to have Michael assume the role of Director of Race and Sportsbook Operations,” said Tony Carlucci, President & General Manager of Mohegan Sun Pocono. “His vast horse racing and off-track wagering experience certainly make him an asset to our team, and we’re really excited about the future of both The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono and Mohegan Sun Pocono at Lehigh Valley Race and Sportsbook under his leadership.”
Michael has 27 years of experience with off-track wagering, starting his career as a part-time Mutuel Teller in 1994. Michael became a Facility Manager in 1997, and used his expertise to facilitate operations at off-track wagering sites in Carbondale, Hazelton and East Stroudsburg over the course of 23 years. In July 2020, Michael joined the team at Mohegan Sun Pocono at Lehigh Valley Race and Sportsbook, where his guidance and dedicated work during the COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact, resulting in his recent promotion.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN POCONO
Mohegan Sun Pocono, owned by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, was the first destination to bring gaming to Pennsylvania in 2006 and since then has become one of the premier entertainment, gaming, shopping, and dining destinations in the state. Situated on 400 acres in Plains, Pennsylvania, Mohegan Sun Pocono features a 238-room hotel with on-site spa and adjacent 20,000 square-foot Convention Center. It is currently home to 82,000 square feet of gaming space including nearly 60 live table games, over 1900 slot machines and electronic table games, a variety of dining and shopping options, nightlife, entertainment and live harness racing. Mohegan Sun Pocono is within easy access of New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware. More information is available by calling 1.888.WIN.IN.PA (1.888.946.4672) or visiting our website. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram, download our app and view us on YouTube.
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Mar 31, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – High 50s descending to mid 50s during the twilight card … Track “sloppy +2” throughout … A stretch headwind, especially strong early in the card … WISE IMAGE was away third, then quarter-moved, cut wind-appropriate fractions, left this field behind. HERE COMES SWIFTY was between horses to the early pocket, in, gapped, got to the Pocono Pike and just took second; ARTACHE HANOVER raced behind that one and also gapped in the fast third split, deep Pike, almost second. ALTA SHELBY N was three-wide to the first turn and on top just past the 1/8, yielded to the winner, gapped down the back then got tighter late backstretch and on the turn, moved out headstretch but didn’t gain while drifting out. BAYONET was three-wide on the far turn and up for the final payday. HIGHVIEW CONALL N was always far back. SPANISH ART was outleft and two-wide throughout, advanced during the second quarter but didn’t have the speed to clear, tired. JOE HILL showed little. BIG BOY FRAZIER moved out behind cover but was soon gapping.
SECOND RACE – MOON DOGGIE left and defended the pocket, moved to the Pocono Pike after a perfect trip and still just barely prevailed in a 31.1 kicker. HES GONE BADDER moved out before the ¾, three-wide far turn, almost got there. ALL ABOUT RUSTY was in a different area code in last much of the way, got in gear on the turn and moved widest, didn’t miss by too much. SKYWAY BILLY sat in, tried to find clearance from headstretch but could not, shut off nearing the wire possibly costing him third. GRITS N GRAVY semisettled third early, quarter-moved but was left out in a duel, held his ground pretty well. GRAVE DANCER gapped the last half. ROLL WITH JEFF was in front at the 1/8, kept a foe parked in a tough fight, nothing left for the stretch.
THIRD RACE – LINDY’S BIG BANG got underway midbackstretch, started gaining on the leader before the ¾ and was in front turning for home, much the best. WHETHER OR NOT FI made the front then yielded for the pocket, shuffled a little into the stretch then to the Pocono Pike, was a distant second. NAMJE settled back early, inside, deep Pocono Pike, fair. HASHTAGMADEYALOOK took command just past the 1/8, slowed the half then sped up, had no answer when the winner came calling far turn. GINGER TREE SKYR moved outside but failed to gain. VALLEY OF SIN lost contact 5/8.
FOURTH RACE – NEEDLESS TO SAY started a raw move at the half, blitzed by 11/16, won with no problem. HUGH HEFNER N yielded for the pocket, came out after the winner cleared and retucked in the pocket, cut into the winning margin late. SHARKNADO moved with the winner’s cover but couldn’t go with it, one-geared for the distant third. SHRIMP AND GRITS passed tired horses with a touch of late pace. RED DIRT ROCKNROLL never got close. DONEGAL JIM left for 1/8 command, slowed the half, couldn’t handle the winner later in the backstretch, faded. MCCITO gapped badly. LIMA RAIDER lost contact at the back.
FIFTH RACE – BLENHEIM made two speed moves to be on top by the 3/8, unthreatened late. KEYSTONE SERGEANT sat in then backed out with cover ¾, three-wide later far turn, finished steadily to catch ZOOMING for second. The latter moved uncovered at the half, raced up into the pocket ¾, couldn’t last for place. MUSCLE AVE left to command, yielded to the winner, gave the pocket ¾ in the fast third panel, then moved out into the stretch and went very wide, gaining late as the pace slowed. BELLA AVA got cover before the half, left uncovered ¾, tired in the lane. ANDOVERS TOUCH was no factor along the inside. MYSTICAL WYNN moved out down the back but broke 5/8.
SIXTH RACE – ENGLISH ROSE N stayed outside midpack, got in gear before the 3/16 to the lead 3/8, in control to the wire. SUDDEN CHANGE N left and forced a tuck, relinquished to the winner 3/8, came out of the pocket nearing headstretch, OK but clearly second-best. KOTARE YARRA N left and went into the early pocket, stayed in, evenly. RHODATOLDME had little to offer. DREAM DANCING was three-wide to the first turn, went into a tuck, uncovered into turn two and gained during the third quarter, but couldn’t sustain her gain. LIGHTNING VIRGIN broke past the start, recovered and went up second-over, three-wide early far turn when her cover tired, couldn’t get into it. JUS WANNA FEEL was in traffic headstretch, made a break.
SEVENTH RACE – NEXTROUNDSONME spotted early, then was third-over, three-wide past the 5/8 and remained three-wide the duration, showed the most trot late. NOBLE PRIZE didn’t get in gear until the ¾, three-wide at a distance behind the winner, just edged CHRISTOPHER CRAZO for second. The latter stayed in then moved out in a blindswitch on the turn, gained just inside the place horse and almost edged that one. SOUTHWIND BLIZZARD started uncovered 3/8 and hammered at the leader the last half, having a small advantage a couple of times, got a little tired after hard work. PUERTO RICO made two early moves, under attack throughout the last half, gave way some. SORTIE HANOVER needed until just past the ¼ to clear, yielded for the pocket, gapped far turn. SWISS PLATINUM and RENTIER were never featured. BOB N TONY tucked fourth, went second-over but couldn’t stay with the cover.
EIGHTH RACE – After a recall … MY DELIGHT took until the fast ¼ to put into the pocket, waited, outside late turn, drew clear. WIND BLAST was near the back most of the way, had a full head of steam four-wide late final turn, really ate up the ground in a big race. DO YA THINK would not yield the lead in a 26.4 opener, set the pace, gave way. REAL LUCKY N was five-wide early and took back, then moved out towards the second turn, was blindswitched by a sweeper near the half, went three-wide 5/8 and remained in the three-path the duration, better mile than it looks. AMRCANBOOTSCOOTA A was closely-placed, no factor late. CENTURY ENFORCER was three-wide to the 1/8, tucked, was caught in and shuffled back to last and out of it. BARGAIN SHOOTER left like three to each side did, backed off, then gapped much of the rest of the way. GOLDEN GESTURE was underway at the ¼, raw, looped 5/8 and faded. BIG MACH left, but so did the six inside him so he took back, underway with cover 3/8, eased out to three-wide position in the second turn and went a big third quarter two-wide to get fairly close before understandably tiring.
NINTH RACE – RICH AND MISERABLE left strongly to 1/8 command, had an easy time of it on the front end. DARTY was first on top, yielded for the two-hole, all-out to save place late from MOON BRIDGE. The latter sat third, moved out in the lane and did OK. ITSONLYMONEYHONEY gapped in fourth during quarter two, tightened but never factored. O JONNIE moved uncovered off the second turn, never got closer than the wheel of the three-in horse. SVF BLUSHINGBRIDE gapped throughout. CHOCO CHARLIE lost contact at the back. REMARKABLE DE VIE broke trying to get early position.
TENTH RACE – NOME HANOVER left well, yielded to the 5/16 but was quick to retake, accelerated and kept the first-over outside, then drew away. CAVIART VAL gapped until the far turn, then got going and swung four-wide headstretch, distant second. SUNSETBOOZECRUISE was looped and three-wide to the 1/8, finally made the front to the 5/16 then yielded for the pocket, evenly in the stretch. BULLVILLE TERROR followed cover, gapped during the early backstretch duel then in gear and three-wide past the 5/8 for the duration, OK. FULL VIEW came with a rush uncovered and almost cleared to the lead before the 5/8 but was kept outside, couldn’t gain thereafter. BIG CITY BUD never could get much going. WINDEMERE FRANK backed out to two-wide down the back but gapped. LOU ED ZEPPELIN had trouble staying close most of the mile.
ELEVENTH RACE – PEGGY J was outside at the 1/8, moved to the lead not long off the first turn, got an easy pace, saw LITTLE SANDY TOES gain inside past midstretch but was assured of the win when that one got bad-gaited. NARINA HANOVER came uncovered and hit a higher gear 5/8, held steadily late. LITTLE SANDY TOES was parked 3/16 for the top, yielded for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, looked to have a chance to overhaul the leader but got very badgaited nearing the wire; an inquiry revealed no reason for placing. SURE ARE LOOKIN GOOD was second-over but didn’t enter the main picture. THANEEYA went three-wide at the ¾ from last and did well late. RHYME N ROLL was third-over, gapped, blindswitched, evenly once clear. WINNING WORDS left and yielded, came up empty in the drive. THE OTHER PAIR did not make their presence felt.
TWELFTH RACE – GONNAHAVEONEMORE was looped early, half-went into a three-hole, then was quarter-mover #2, set the pace, accelerated when asked ¾ and drew away in a laugher. SOUTHWIND DREDGE moved raw before the 5/8 and gained the second part of the backstretch, started to fall back midturn, but showed grit in fighting on to take the distant second. ESAI HANOVER left, yielded, made a “hidden” quarter-move then yielded again, couldn’t keep up the last quarter. WILSONS VINNER scooted up the inside, blocked upper stretch then wedged between horses in tight quarters to just miss place. TRAY SURREAL left well and got to the front past the 1/8, saw two go by in quarter two, couldn’t regain enough ground. REIGNING BILLS was second-over, went to the three=path midturn but did not gain. WHO’S NEGAN was too far back. MCNEILL Z TAM was third-over and four-wide late turn but had no effective rally.
THIRTEENTH RACE – TWO AM was three-wide leaving to the front at the 1/8, had opened a clear lead before the half despite a slow fraction and kept the open lead into the stretch, perhaps shortstrided late but safe. KING ALPHONSO had some speed, was content to sit third until midturn even with the winner opening a big margin, ate into that big margin but didn’t get there. THISISSHE was away well to the lead into turn one, yielded for the pocket, was loose in same from before the half, edged MEADOWBRANCH RICKY for third. The latter looked at leaving but took back, inside, up the Pocono Pike and fair. TRY TRY AGAIN and STOP RESISTIN both circled the gapping SPLITSVILLE, and those two had mild trot on the end.
FOURTEENTH RACE – TRUTH AND LIBERTY grabbed an early midpack tuck, began a strong move uncovered before the half and challenged, went by into the stretch and repelled the inside move of JUXTA COWGIRL. The latter left, finally yielded 3/8 for the pocket, went right to the Pocono Pike, didn’t accelerate quickly enough to catch the winner, steadily late. DELISHKA N was three-wide leaving, needed until the 3/8 with tapping the get the lead, had a hard challenge from the first-over, held OK. GRANT ME THIS was third-over, four-wide early stretch and finished sturdily. BRING ME DIAMONDS tucked early, waited inside, angled across the track midstretch and did well between horses late. YES DOUBLE DOWN got a fine trip second-over, three-wide into the stretch, not quite enough. RELLA TIVITY gapped much of the way. TRAFFIC JAM never entered the main picture. TRUSSED UP TRUDY was off the gate, ran on turn two.
Mar 29, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – A couple of degrees on either side of 60 today, as spring has sprung … Swirling winds early in the card … LYONS AMUSEMENTS left between horses, took back to half-settle in third to the 3/16 and then quarter-moved, kept up a fast pace and left these soundly beaten. JEREMES GENERAL was innermost of the three leavers and secured the early pocket, gapped at the ¾ but went on evenly and grabbed second along the inside. MYIDEALSON N was three-wide early to the lead just past the 1/8, relinquished to the winner and stayed tight in the pocket until headstretch, bore out in the lane and could not maintain place. WHAT’S GOIN ON was blocked far turn, fair late. SWEET TALKIN SATIN stayed in and also was blocked far turn, angled wide headstretch and was gaining late. ROJAN’S WAY never got a call. BYE BYE JOHN backed out to follow the cover of nonadvancing LITTLE ADMIRAL, with both having no impact here.
SECOND RACE – RANGERS SURESHOT came out early backstretch and soon moved three-wide to sweep a parked horse and get to first-over, had a hard and long fight with pacesetter BLOW A CLOUD N and was just up late. The latter was between horses to 3/16 command, kept a challenger wide of him out in the air, then got new pressure from the winner before the ¾, dueled with that one the rest of the way and just failed. BAMSKI was far back most of the way, went wide back to two-wide on the turn and gained, continued to narrow in through the stretch. BABES DIG ME was the first to show, yielded and kept the pocket tight in the early fight, to the Pocono Pike, had his chance but couldn’t quite get there. JUST PLAIN LOCO gapped in quarter two then got tighter, deep in the Pike but not a late threat. TALK SHOW sat in, not prominent. MELANIE’S TEDY was three-wide to the 3/16 then left out raw, faded at the 5/8. ASTON HILL DAVE kept dropping back further in the last half.
THIRD RACE – MANHATTANUP NO ICE took advantage of track geometry to secure the early pocket, quarter-moved and backed off the half, then had to meet a stern first-over challenge, got clear when that rival broke to headstretch, tiring some but far enough ahead of closing rivals. STEEL SCHOONER was not away quickly and wound up fourth-over, left uncovered far turn, found better trot in the stretch and edged a bunch for second. SANCHEZ ROCKS took back early, then was second-over, to the pocket late backstretch off the duelers, fair late. RECIPROCALBLUECHIP was inside, weaving for clearance much of the lane and steadily got closer. SWEET SUSIE T was third-over, went to the rail midturn, then was in tight quarters finishing with some trot. PROTOSTAR was last, three-wide from the ¾, too far to come. FATHER FIGURE was four-wide to the first bend, made the lead off that curve then yielded to the winner, faded from midbackstretch. AP HALL OF TRIX started uncovered nearing turn two, went his own third split raw in 27.3, able to get a short advantage but not to cross over, battled the winner on the turn until breaking near headstretch.
FOURTH RACE – SPORTS TEEN, unhurried early, moved raw 9/16 and inexorably grinded up, took the lead early stretch and won handily in the second 12.5/15 cut to go faster than any of the day’s 30/40s. HEREHECOMESAROCKIN took the pocket behind an insistent rival in a fast quarter, went to the Pocono Pike, may have sacrificed a bit of momentum but it probably wouldn’t have mattered anyway, clear second. CASH IS KING was intent on the lead and went 26.1 early, had growing pressure from the first-over, tired but just did hold for third. WHITE HAIR ROCKS advanced inside, finished with pace. KEYSTONE STEAM was first to go out, but was stuck behind dull cover, may not have been fully clear between horses late. NEWBIE sat third-in until angling out past midturn, not much to offer. MOUNTAIN HIGH gapped second-over.
FIFTH RACE – STICK WITH CRAMER was away to protect the pocket, responded quickly when shown ground in the Pocono Pike and won handily. DREAM OF LUCK tucked third early, got to the deep Pike quickly and finished well to take second ahead of SPRINGBRIDGE PROUD. The latter was third-over, three-wide with cover at the ¾ then without it past midturn, narrowed in while bearing out significantly. UNDERTAKER was second-over, three-wide 11/16 to uncovered past the ¾, not quite enough. OH K MAN sat in, angled out and finished mildly. INDIGO ART went right through to the lead, came up shy at crunch time. LORD OF MISRULE left but took back to tuck fifth, went first-up towards turn two, never really got to the leader before fading. REDHOT ROMEO was never close.
SIXTH RACE – Wind beginning to convert to a stretch headwind … CLASS SIX was out 3/16 to get around the pole horse, rated the half then dealt with a hard third quarter challenge, had two more join the late chase but prevailed gamely. SUNSET BRAYDON tucked third nearing the 3/16, gapped some to the ¾ but then found more pace and angled wide headstretch, narrowing the gap late and managed second in the last step. BARNABAS tucked, then moved uncovered not much past the ¼, grinded, fell back a little late turn but then came back on late in a gritty performance. WATERWAY yielded for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, had no apparent excuse. ALEX TYE was three-wide early then took all the way back to last, came a long way with pace for the last check. ELECTRIC WESTERN was third-over, three-wide ¾ but couldn’t get into the main mix. REVELRY did not feature. URBAN RENEWAL moved early and had great cover but couldn’t stay with it. JUST N ACE left, had cover before ducking in at the ¼, never again prominent.
SEVENTH RACE – SWEET HEART AS tucked third to the 3/16, then moved in front of the stands to 3/8 command, won in hand. WORTHY OF HONOR put everybody in behind early, yielded to the winner to sit the two-hole, went on well but never looked a threat to go past. TRICKY DICK moved out raw 5/8, got to even with the pocket horse but no closer, tired, third-best. I’LLALWAYSBEBACK was forwardly-placed but lost ground in the last ¼. BOSCH went evenly inside. CHERRY RED was behind gapping cover, three-wide far turn, so-so. ZOE F gapped early, moved out down the back but gapped cover there. THE OTHER PAIR never factored.
EIGHTH RACE – GLENGARRY KNIGHT N, urged leaving, was three-wide to the 1/8 then took third 3/16, stayed in, aided when the pocket horse slid out early stretch, was able to produce a very fast last 1/16 to just catch FOO FIGHTER N. The latter made the front 3/16 in a 26.1 opener, never had a horse look him in the eye until the winner nipped him three steps out. IN SPADES stayed in and was shuffled to last, came all the way up the inside with consistent pace (as the tempo slowed). BRAVO TEX N had to circle five-wide headstretch as the outer tiers plugged, moving fastest of all late. IAMMRBRIGHTSIDE N pushed hard then yielded to sit the two-hole, outside soon into the stretch but did not gain. SOMEBEACH BARON was fourth-over from last, four-wide mid-far turn, OK. MY MIND IS MADEUP was third-over, three-wide 5/8 to try to circle gapping cover, but couldn’t get into the main argument. LOUD SPLASH was a gapping second-over. WAGON MASTER started the outer tier at the 3/8, moved up then fell back through the last quarter.
NINTH RACE – J K MUSICMAN was uncovered past the 9/16 and paced a third split of 26.3 himself to get a length advantage near the ¾ but was left outside by pacesetting BELL I NO, got the nod over that one in a good stretch fight. The latter needed most of the ¼ to make the top, could hold the rushing winner out ¾ and reclaimed a short lead in the lane, just edged out. SEEL THE DEAL N yielded nearing the ¼ to sit the two-hole, finally decided to go into the Pocono Pike, OK. WARRAWEE UNIQUE also raced inside, had to wait for SEEL THE DEAL N to pick a stretch route then chose to go deep in the Pike, not bad. MR CENSI was buried inside, had pace once free late. BLACKLIGHT did not make his presence felt. ACTOR HANOVER was outleft and spotted midpack 3/16, then was second-over but gapped out. WESTERN HILL offered little. DECLAN SEELSTER left hard and was wide early, took back and was three-wide to the ¼ before able to get back to last, never again a presence.
TENTH RACE – Wind has picked up … TITO ROCKS was three-wide early, got in fourth at the 1/8, moved raw off the second turn and went in 26 flat with the wind down the back to put pressure on WHOS BETTER, was in Thunderdome with that one through the lane and bravely got the decision. The latter took over past the 1/8, rolled on at a good clip, battled very gamely against the winner. HOT DEUCE left then yielded for the pocket, not in the league of the top two the last ¼ but decent. LORD WILLOUGHBY A went evenly after an inside trip. TAM MAJOR A looked to leave but soon was taking way back, sat in, fair inside late. CAPTAIN NASH was third-over but gapped a gapper, three-wide late turn, not quite enough. TRENTE DEO couldn’t get into the picture. THE WALL moved second-over but was soon leaving a gap.
ELEVENTH RACE – TULLOW N started uncovered 3/8, found a better gear 5/8 and went quickly up to the leader ¾, couldn’t get by that one until the last 50 yards. LOVE THE ACTION kept a foe out most of the ¼, yielded but was quick on the retake, opened a good-sized lead down the back, battled hard with the winner until the shadow of the wire. CAL was third-over behind dull cover, three-wide midturn, up for a no-threat third. A REAL MIRACLE left, tucked fourth 3/16, stayed in and was shuffled badly, out in a blindswitch to headstretch, got in the lane behind CAL and gained. APEX SEELSTER was moving well late after having to swing widest from last. JANAID was well-placed second-over but couldn’t keep up the last 3/8. SHOREVIEW never entered the picture. HORSING AROUND was badly shuffled when the pocket horse tired, but then showed little once free. PROVEN DESIRE was three-wide to the first turn then two-wide most of the ¼ in 26.2 for the top, yielded for the pocket, lost more and more ground from the 5/8.
TWELFTH RACE – An interference disqualification takes out a fourth straight first-over winner and gets a $174.00 horse put up … BUSBOY HANOVER took back early, came uncovered past the 3/8 and grinded up, bore wide off the final turn putting a wheel under HALLIE’S COMET, with that one going offstride, stayed ahead to the wire but was placed for causing the interference. That elevated 86-1 shot ROCKIN INTHE HILLS, who angled wide past midturn, was right behind the bothered horse and had to check sharply, then found a high gear quickly and motored home. OFFICIAL DELIGHT was second, gapped and was double-blindswitched, followed the first-over home and was elevated to second. CLASSY HILL took into the pocket past the 3/16, got to the Pocono Pike but had no gain late. MISSISSIPPI RABBIT was three-wide to the 1/8 and tucked third, inside, got room deep in the Pike but didn’t have much response. SALTY ROBYN N went down the road, moderated the half, still came up shy at crunch time. BOBBY K HILL was right behind the headstretch trouble. HALLIE’S COMET was third-over, went three-wide ¾ through the turn, had a wheel put under him turning for home and made an “ix.”
THIRTEENTH RACE – NICHOLAS BEACH briefly eased in fourth then quarter-moved to 3/8 command, went 27.3 with the wind down the back and then 27.3 against it with mild reminders in an impressive return. HIGH IMPRESSION put everybody in behind early, yielded for the pocket, held his ground pretty well. P L MUNSON left but took back for the early pocket, sat in then backed out second-over 11/16, went inside midturn as his cover stalled, next in line. FOREVER FAV left, took a 3-tuck, urged far turn but couldn’t reach the main action. TUCKER CREEK started uncovered into the second turn, paced his third split in 26.3 and got to the leader’s wheel before the ¾, but could not sustain. DIRT ON MY BOOTS appeared to run up on a foe on the second curve. BAY MEADOWS gapped cover.
FOURTEENTH RACE – ROCK THE TOWN forced a lot of horses outside of him to take back by the 1/8, then left the remaining parked horse get the top before the 3/8, sat the pocket, Pocono Pike, was strong through th lane. JOESSTAR OF MIA A accepted a spot behind the winner at the ¼, stayed in, took his shot to the left of the winner in the lane, again a good mile. PATERNITY SUIT A slid in at the 1/8, then commenced first-up going to turn two, went a big third quarter with the wind then held his ground gamely late. OLLIE’S Z TAM was four-wide to the 1/8 and three-wide most of the ¼, finally on top 5/16, went a fast third split, held on OK. PEACE OUT POSSE was looped and three-wide with cover going to turn one, finally tucked, then moved out, was third-over behind dull cover, wide and had pace in an unlucky trip. CASUAL COOL was last, had pace inside late but was too far back. RAGS TO RICHES gapped inside. CLOSING STATEMENT moved second-over but was all-out to stay close the last half. TALBOTCREEKWHISKEY didn’t enter the picture.
Mar 25, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Again warm, in the 60 degree range … Mild stretch headwind, especially earlier … TRIUMPHANT’S CHIP forced tucks early, yielded to the favorite and stayed close in the two-hole, could get through when the leader broke and went to the infield near headstretch, kept TYSON at bay. The latter left, reluctantly took the pocket 3/16, came out raw past the 5/8 and pressed the leader, trotted well but beaten by the horse with the shorter trip. CAMPBELLINI tucked fourth, gapped much of the second half, evenly late. CLARION HALL was in the two-wide flow, briefly blindswitched then three-wide on the turn, not bad late. CREDIT FRAUD moved out to the 5/8, got cover but gapped it, ducked in and went evenly late. MASSAMILLION tried going three-wide at the ¾ but couldn’t enter contention. NAMJE left, took third, then moved quickly 5/16 to the lead and put up fast fractions, got rough mid-far turn then made a full break and was taken inside the pylons, placed. UNABATING gapped. SECTOR broke nearing the ¼.
SECOND RACE – JAHAN HANOVER went hard to the 3/16 to get the lead, yielded for the pocket, outside late turn, went right by early stretch, maintained the advantage to the wire. YUPPER went uncovered 11/16, got brief cover when the winner pulled late turn, paced steadily to make that one earn the victory. ABSOLUTE INTENT moved out 5/8, got cover, finished OK+. FEELING CAM LUCKY went away quickly, yielded, quarter-moved, came up shy at crunch time. STEADY PULSE was far back, OK late. ROCK THREE TIMES and GOLDEN GUN could not keep their holes filled. PONYTA BOY lost contact.
THIRD RACE – TOP ME OFF left between horses, grabbed the pocket at the 1/8, moved 5/16 after another horse tucked and blitzed right to the lead, set amazing fractions for this type while stringing out the field and just overpowered these, with the 1:54.2 (in a maiden race) equaling the fastest 3YO trotting clocking in North America this year on any size of track. SAMEDAME LIFE AS got going ¾ and had a good last split to be along for the distant second. SWAN BY LAND finally narrowed in before the ¾, moved at that call, was caught for second. DAGON HANOVER gapped. MADDYS LEADING MAN was stuck out three-deep to the 1/8, then tucked third, while STORM BRINGER went to the top, then yielded to the winner – both were tired in the last quarter from chasing the tough fractions. THE OTHER DUO were far behind throughout.
FOURTH RACE – WINNIE THE GOO moved raw before the 5/8 and gradually reeled in the leader by early stretch, had enough to stave off the closers. CHING CHING LUCKY moved out, initially couldn’t get close but found better strides, three-wide late on the turn and did well for second. DOODLE HANOVER tucked behind the two early duelers, backed out behind the winner before the ¾, outkicked for the deuce. CHOCOLATE MATTERS was three-wide far turn from far back, OK. HAVANA OOH NANA sat in, between horses late and fair. SERRANO VOLO was used to a 27.3 quarter to get in front and then opened distance until past the 5/8, began shortening stride, faded,; suffered “b.e.” LINDY PRETTY LADY never got a call. CHEESY HANOVER came through quickly at the start, hung a foe to a fast quarter then sat the two-hole, gapped a lot, got a little closer late backstretch, then faded a lot. FIRE UP went offstride 5/16.
FIFTH RACE – SCRAPPIN GOLD left well, yielded, quarter-moved, lost all but CAPTAIN MCKEE with a 27.4 third quarter, then had to go that fast again to keep that pesky rival safe. The latter tucked fifth before the 1/8, came raw just before the half, paced his last half in 54.4 raw, moving to the winner nearing the ¾ and giving that one all he wanted. STORMONT CZAR A sat behind a gapper until midturn, decisioned MR PROFETA for third. The latter ducked in late on the far turn and came up the Pocono Pike with pace. HEARTBEAT HILL was outside, couldn’t do much more than get the last check. FRISKY PEDRO offered little. ADIOS MUCHACHOS made the lead at the 1/8, yielded, started to get loose in the pocket 11/16. DOIN THE MOST got an early spot, started gapping at the half. REDDING HANOVER struggled throughout.
SIXTH RACE – NATURAL KEMP kept the pocket early then quarter-moved, had no problems en route to an easy win. PHANTOM RUSTY made the point at the 1/8, yielded for the good pocket trip, lost a bit of ground late but did save second from BRUTAL STORM. The latter took a long time to be put in a hole late on the first turn, came out ¾, trotted home steadily. WHOUCALNCRAZY sat in third, angled out in the stretch but didn’t gain. BUTTER TOFFEE had a touch of trot late along the inside. RARE MUSCLE was three-wide to the 1/8 midpack, could find no hole so sat outside midpack, only missed fourth by half a length. STORM PARTY showed little. MINEFIELD HANOVER came out 11/16 and tried to sweep up on the turn but could not. SHOEMAKER HANOVER fell back sharply in the last ¼.
SEVENTH RACE – KILLER INSTINCT left and settled in the pocket, stayed close in a spread-out field, outside into the lane, was coming on at a high gear and seemed likely to go by TUIS SHADOW even before that one broke. The latter headed down the road, rated the second quarter then went fast in the third, trying to hold off the winner when she broke; an inquiry into her break showed no reason for placing. SPUNKIN’SROCKETMAN moved out at the half, got no closer than the wheel of the pocket horse, did outnod I AM THE STORM for third. The latter was three-wide to the first turn and settled in third past the 1/8, went evenly and was just beaten out for third. COUNT CHOCALOT gapped at many spots. DUKE OF LINDY tried to gain two-wide but could not. LEROYBROWN, well off the gate, lost contact at the half. SHELL SHOCK broke at the start.
EIGHTH RACE – JANE DIAMOND was looped leaving and stayed with cover to the 5/16, then swept three-wide to the lead before turn two in a good half, opened a giant lead down the back, getting weary late but was too far ahead. AP BLAZE OF GLORY sat in until coming outside on the turn, appearing to have a dangling headpole when swinging wide early stretch, made up ground. GRIP N WIN was out behind the parked horse down the back then moved inside when that one faded, continued up the inside with some late pace. MORE THAN KUTE kept the hole plugged early, inside then outside ¾ but didn’t gain. SWEETONTHEBEACH circled the field approaching the first turn, was in a fight with one rival from nearing the ¼, left that one out, yielded to the winner’s brush then gapped most of the last half. SINFULLY DELICIOUS was way off the gate, never prominent. LAST LUXURY was never close. BETTER BID HANOVER also never contended. CATIE FAYE HANOVER was three-wide leaving then left out in the air, tried for command but didn’t have the speed, looped past the 3/8 and continued raw, faded late backstretch.
NINTH RACE – URSIS DES CAILLONS was away third then advanced to the pocket as a foe broke 3/16, stayed tight as the top two drew away in the last 3/8, outside midturn, went to the lead early stretch but was kept to urging to conquer a stubborn PIERCEWAVE HANOVER. The latter got the lead at the 1/8, slowed quarter two then sped up in quarter three, was passed early stretch but dug in hard to the line. MOOSE MADNESS, off the gate some, sat in, moved outside headstretch and was along for third. ALEXANDER HANOVER lost cover at the 1/8 and was on the rim raw until the 5/8, when a tuck developed, didn’t tire too badly after the hard trip. DON’T SASS ME was outside but not prominent. BATTLE MAGE couldn’t offer much. NICE STUFF took the pocket at the 1/8 but ran 3/16, recovered quickly and followed cover, lost it 5/8, could make no further progress and broke again far turn. MEETMEINTHEMIDDLE jumped past the start. TROLLER spotted, couldn’t increase his speed as the top two did early backstretch, broke and went to the infield.
TENTH RACE – GOLDEN SON left quickly and took the lead, yielded for the pocket and waited for the Pocono Pike, showed enough trot to hold off the late charge of LUCKY JUNE BUG. The latter was well-placed, went wide headstretch and was narrowing in nicely. MANWITHAMISSION sat in midpack, got room deep in the Pike and was OK late. WILLIE B WORTHY set the pace with two moves in fast fractions, came up shy in the lane. POND JUMPER got the last check. ADAGIO DE LA TOUR moved outside but gapped, three-wide on the turn to try to get around a fader, showed little. MAGIC VACATION and VALLORIA N were near the rear throughout. ONE DIRECTION was three-wide to the first turn, hard to take back to go in a 4-tuck 3/16, then out first-over 3/8, didn’t start fading significantly until the ¾.
ELEVENTH RACE – THE LADY SHERIFF got a quick enough start to discourage other leavers save one, let that one go but was immediately on the retake, won more easily than the margin may suggest. SWEET YOUNG THING was the only leaver of note and hit the front 3/16, yielded for the two-hole, never really threatened but went a good mile. RELLA TIVITY stayed connected in the 3-hole. HURRICANE CALLEIGH started first-up before the half, never reached the leader but held her ground late. PHOOS GIRL was second-over, three-wide late turn but couldn’t enter contention. THE BAND K was at least forwardly-placed, but she and THE OTHER THREE were not threats in here.
TWELFTH RACE – TERRY A HANOVER yielded nearing the ¼ and sat the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, inched by midstretch, might’ve been hanging slightly late but proved the most photogenic at 36-1. ROUTHLAND was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to a fast quarter, got a breather then got a big challenge, had horses coming from every angle and still battled, unlucky to lose. HULOU went out between horses, settled third at the 1/8, thought about moving 3/8 but stayed in, pinned in on the turn, ducked to the deep Pike midstretch and was moving fastest of all late. MIKI U SO FINE showed good speed late in the backstretch to press the leader, kept on going right to the line. YUPYUPYUP and ISSA HORSE were near the back throughout. INTELLIGENT AM was second-over but gapped the last 3/8; third-over WELL DONE SON went three-wide headstretch but couldn’t reach.
THIRTEENTH RACE – GRATEFUL KISS stayed connected behind the early fireworks, moved out 5/8 but went back in as the parked horse faded, came out again two-wide midturn after the sweeper cleared to that lane, wide and picked up a tired crew. PATRIOT LINE was looped, advanced between horses on both sides of the 1/8 mark and finally got the lead 3/16, elected to park a challenger in a fast half, met the bold challenge of the sweeper on the far turn, held very well. WARRAWEE WHYNOT was still eighth at the 5/8 but had zoomed up to second just past the ¾ while going his third quarter in 27.1, flattened a bit in his first start in eight months but caught the eye with the big move. BLAZING NIGHT gapped before the half then got a bit tighter, couldn’t keep up behind the winner the last 3/16 but finished with pace. THE BIG PICTURE stayed in and was shuffled to last, then advanced inside the second part of the turn as horses moved out, looked to be pacing well in the Pocono Pike but may have gotten in tight quarters and appeared to check, hard-luck outing. JASPER HANOVER was first on top, yielded and kept the hole closed in the pocket, didn’t have much late and may have been running in affecting the Pike horse. DILLINGER was blindswitched then moved three-wide but couldn’t offer much. SETH HANOVER never featured. CAVIART SAGE was kept out three-wide to the 3/16, went up to challenge the new leader but was left out to dry in a very fast half, faded 11/16.
FOURTEENTH RACE – DA MAGICIAN left some, quarter-moved and cleared with mild urging to the 3/8, couldn’t be touched while coming home in 55.2. JK WILL POWER was three-wide to the 1/8 and went on, taking over off the first turn, ceded the lead 3/8 for the pocket, raced well but had to settle for second. INDICTABLE HANOVER gained inside down the backstretch, photoed BEACH BOOGIE for third. The latter outleft all of his opponents, yielded off the first turn, backed out to second-over before the 11/16, three-wide headstretch, paced home well. SWEET N FAST N moved uncovered on the second turn, not a major threat to the winner, held evenly until very late. BILBO HANOVER gapped inside. DO YA THINK was looped and between horses early, took back but found no hole and was outside midpack the duration, couldn’t keep up 5/8. THE LAST TWO were never close.
