Mar 27, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Low 40s throughout the card … Stretch tailwind … After earlier rain, the track rated “good” for the first 11 races, and “fast” thereafter; the track was rated “+1” for the first four races, and “+0” thereafter … A very rough day for anybody trying to race in the two(+)-wide tier(s) during the second half: the headwind down the back often inhibited first-over moves and flow … HIS BEATS HANOVER was the one pacer on the day who won after being two-wide during the last half: he moved uncovered at the 5/8, went by midturn, and drew away. THE WALL joined the outer flow ¾ and was a distant best of the rest. TJ’S INDY PACER left to garner the pocket, shuffled some late turn then to the Pocono Pike, evenly. HEARTBEAT HILL moved behind cover, saw it get away from him when left raw on the turn, evenly. NO QUARTER dashed away from the pole and went three :27.4 quarters on the lead (reflecting the atypical wind pattern), had the winner go by on the turn and faded. YUPPER was not factor. GENERAL MONTANA N was actually the fastest off the gate but took back when he saw a bunch of others looking for early position, no factor thereafter. NORTHERN RAIN gapped at times at the back.
SECOND RACE – PERKINS tucked early then hustled to maintain the two-hole, sat behind an embattled half, outside midturn and went to the lead early stretch, held off ODDS ON DELRAY. The latter slid in fifth behind parked horses, stayed third-in until coming out behind the winner past midturn, wide in the lane and was doing well late. MODERN ROCK set the pace with parked horses hounding him most of the way, shook them off at the ¾ but then had fresh attackers coming at him, tired. DAVIDS COMING HOME gapped early, Pocono Pike, not too much to offer here. VIRGIN STORM had to swing wide around the decaying middle tiers on the turn and finished OK. CAPOZZO was four-wide before the ¾, got to three-wide on the turn while gaining, but was tiring in the stretch. SEAL O’NEILL rode behind the parked ROYHILL, tried to go three-wide around him before the 11/16 but faded alongside him; possibly the pair were in close quarters.
THIRD RACE – AMERICAN CLASSIC was in front at the 1/8, rolled under a hold, a most impressive winner in a fast time. BLUESVILLE yielded to sit a perfect two-hole, didn’t give much stretch ground. LUCKBEWITHALEX was behind a struggler, circled him and went to the Pocono Pike, very strong finish. C-BET HANOVER gapped midrace then got closer, couldn’t gain late. THE OTHER THREE were never prominent in this quick mile.
FOURTH RACE – DRAGON STRIKES avoided the “dreaded” outer tier, swung wide in the stretch and gained strongly late to catch BELLOWS BINGE. The latter moved from second 3/16 to take over 5/16, set the pace, drew clear upper stretch but couldn’t keep going to the finish. ALWAYS BETTER left well with urging, on top at the 1/8, yielded for the pocket, a bit loose ¾ into the lane, but fought on to the wire. A FEARSOME HANOVER gapped in last, then found room between horses in tight quarters and was gaining late in the stretch. PUZZLING sat in, was not prominent. SOMBODYITREASURE was second-over but like so many today was not well-served by his cover, went three-wide but didn’t have much himself. DILLINGER came uncovered at the 3/8, never headed the pocket horse before tiring. TUXEDO BAY did not make his presence felt.
FIFTH RACE – DONTPASSMEHANOVER was underway from fifth before the ¼, had cover to before the 3/8 then went on to the lead into the second turn, overpowered these in the fastest mile of the year so far at Pocono, 1:50.4. VETTEL N outleft everybody, yielded but moved again at the ¼ in front of the winner, took the top again then let it go to the winner, couldn’t keep up on the far turn, but stayed game to be best of the rest. BETTORS DONTTELL was looped early, kept going to the lead near the ¼, saw two horses go by in quarter two and stayed in third, had nowhere to go far turn, finally to the Pocono Pike, OK but couldn’t quite make second. JUSTA LITTLE BIT A stayed in, evenly late. MR DS ROCK moved raw at the half but couldn’t get close to the lead. PRINCE OF TIDES never surfaced. TUGGIN ON MY HEART was rough after the start and finally made a break, recovered, followed nonflowing cover, couldn’t recover any more ground. LISBURN checked with the early breaker, was disconnected.
SIXTH RACE – More “all inner tier” … BUSBOY HANOVER quarter-moved, didn’t have pressure, held off the late move of UNICO LEGEND N. The latter went to the point, forced a tuck before the ¼, then yielded to the winner, stayed close and moved out in the lane, may have drifted out a bit but still was doing well late. DROPTHERAKEFREDDY wanted the lead but had to take the pocket 3/16, eased out on the turn, didn’t gain but held off a bunch for third. DRAGON ROARS AGAIN was four-wide early, dropped down to tuck fourth at the 1/8, evenly in the stretch. ARTIFACT HANOVER was second-over, three-wide through the far turn, fair late on a day where outer-tier horses struggled. BAMSKI ducked inside, deep Pocono Pike, evenly. BLAKEMORE moved three-wide ¾ from last, couldn’t get in it. HASH-TAG SWAG moved raw into turn two, never reached the leader before tiring.
SEVENTH RACE – CODE CRACKER looped this group four-wide early for the lead, yielded to sit the two-hole and stayed close, to the inside in the lane and had the punch to catch IMA HAPPY FELLA GB. The latter was looped and three-wide to the 1/8, then two-wide to the ¼, set the pace, tried hard but didn’t have the late steps of the winner. SAMHARA N went three-wide at the ¾ from third-over, finished better than many today with his kind of trip. HECANDANCENCRUISE was second-over, inside past midturn, evenly. GROOVY MAN left some but took back, gapped in quarter two then was uncovered off turn two, dropped in third near the ¾, not too much left. DRAGON CITY never factored here. NOCH TEN left some, was roused at the half but faded from that point.
EIGHTH RACE – BENJI’S BEST left for command just before the 3/16, made mincemeat of these in the last panel. OUR MAJORDAN N was second-over, three-wide far turn and got to be the distant second over a tight group. HOMESTRETCH WES was trapped in when the pocket horse unplugged far turn, to the Pocono Pike and regained some ground. URBAN RENEWAL pushed early then yielded for the two-hole trip, started to go loose 11/16. THE NEXT THREE were moving OK at the wire after having to come from w-a-y out of it. ELWELL grinded into a 4-tuck at the 1/8, first-over into turn two, went 27.2 against the wind down the back making some gain, but then tired.
NINTH RACE – MISS MCKEE left some, moved 3/16 to take over 5/16, in firm control here. GRAPPLE HANOVER left well, had the early pocket then sat third, along the inside in the stretch and outclosed ROCK OF CASHEL for second. The latter raced three-high towards turn one, in front at the 1/8, yielded to the winner, came out headstretch but didn’t have all that much late; still far ahead of the rest. ARCHIBALD sat in, gapped far turn, evenly inside late. LEVITATION vacated fourth ¾, lost fourth in a picture. EXCHEQUER never was on the radar. TRICKY DICK moved out down the back but couldn’t get close. KASEVILLE was gapping before the ½.
TENTH RACE – PARK OFFICIAL left but was looped, got on top at the ¼, had a serious challenge from first-over DIVISION BELL, but after that one went offstride to headstretch had things fairly easy in the lane. FRONTIER ROLLO got early forward position, sat in, came up the inside with pace for second. PLAY THE FIELD quickly circled the field from post eight, yielded at the ¼ to the winner and sat tight, outside stretch but had no more gain. A BETTOR BEACH was far back and stuck inside on the turn, beat the outer tier horses. BRAVO TEX N sat in then backed out to second-over 5/8 but gapped, blindswitched, so-so once clear. MUDVILLE was in a dull flow, tried a three-wide maneuver 11/16 but never gained much. CAVIART VAL moved second-over but soon started to gap. DIVISION BELL started up raw into turn two, gained while going 27.1 down the back and was still in the fight for the win when making a break just before headstretch.
ELEVENTH RACE – SONNY WEAVER N, briefly four-wide early, went out to take control before the 3/16, got company past the half and fought that raw challenger off, had a pair of 27.2 back quarters in him to be a confident winner here. STOP STARING went on early to the top then yielded or the pocket, swung out for the drive, neither gained nor lost ground in the sprint home. NICHOLAS BEACH sat in third, had room up the inside, paced well but couldn’t go enough. PAT MCGARRY A looked at leaving but took back, was second-over and tightened in on cover in the fast third split, three-wide midturn, did well against the bias late. KEYSTONE STEAM gapped at the back, a little better late. SOUTHWIND PETYR couldn’t get involved from third-over. INDIGO ART charged out at the half and went 26.3 full-out down the back to put big-time pressure on the winner, but paid for his efforts in the last ¼.
TWELFTH RACE – SHORE OF HIMSELF left quickly, yielded for the pocket, came out with a rush 9/16 to get the lead 11/16 as the top two drew away, bore out in the stretch but managed to beat out WAR DAN DELIGHT N; an inquiry into whether SHORE OF HIMSELF’s drifting bothered the place horse enough for a placing revealed no cause for doing so. WAR DAN DELIGHT N left three-wide to two-wide to clear before the 3/16, did not fight too hard when the winner when past down the back but was kept alert to stay close, came out in the stretch and was wide in the lane, just missed. CAPTAIN T HANOVER was away near the rear, sat in, up the Pocono Pike for a very distant third over a bunch. SIMPLE KINDA MAN left, sat third, unplugged from the top two 5/8, so-so. JK OBJECTION tucked early, was uncovered into turn two, left behind by the top two 5/8, evenly. OH K MAN had cover which never reached the front. CENTURY FURY was not in the main picture; nor did NEWBIE enter the main picture.
THIRTEENTH RACE – CAPTAIN ROMANCE left, yielded past the 1/8 and stayed right in the action in the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and just got the measure of his opposition in a close finish. CAVEMAN A took back early, started uncovered past the 3/8 (an especially hard trip today), grinded with no surcease, unlucky to be pictured out. CRUNCH HANOVER was outside 3/8, gapped a bit second-over down the back and on the far turn, then was pacing well as the line approached. IMAGINARY LINE went to control things past the 1/8, slowed the half then had an unshakeable first-over coming at him, gave way a little late. MULLINAX sat third-in, had no clear path late. WHITECOOKIE didn’t keep with cover third-over. THE LAST TWO were the last two throughout.
FOURTEENTH RACE – TNT BLUE CHIP was four-deep early, three-wide to the 1/8, then onward to two-wide to the lead 3/8 in very fast early splits, kept up the denuding tempo and found no one who could go with him as he went the fastest trot mile of the local season, 1:54.1. BULLY BOY HILL needed much of the quarter to clear a stubborn polesitting BEER CHEESE, relinquished for the pocket, wasn’t in the class of the winner but did well to be a clear second. BEER CHEESE dashed away, then finally yielded, sat third, couldn’t stay with the pocket horse to the ¾, just maintained third late against closers. HEART MATTERS had nongaining cover, finished with trot. CHAPHEART was uncovered at the half but didn’t get untracked today. THE NEXT TWO were no factors. AP HALL OF TRIX got a 4-tuck, gapped 11/16 and broke late on the turn.
Mar 25, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Temperature rising through the 40s through the card … Stretch headwind … SPRINGBRIDGE DUEL got early forward position, moved 5/16 but was left out to dry, looking to be falling back on the turn but found renewed strength and put his nose on the wire just ahead of DONT JUDGE A BOOK. The latter headed right down the road setting a very quick pace, bravely held until the last step. MR CENSI left, backed off to fourth 3/16, vacated the rail into a blindswitch 5/8, cleared early stretch and had some late pace; an inquiry as to whether his coming off the rail down the back pushed a foe wide resulted in no placing. LOUKES PERRY moved quickly off the second turn and went out to the three-wide path before the 11/16, stayed wide thereafter, did well. A STUD NAMED SUE never factored. MOVE THE LINE gapped down the back. PICTONIAN THUNDER left well, yielded for the pocket, nothing left for the latter stages.
SECOND RACE — I’M BENICIO A tucked, then followed a parked horse 3/8, three-wide 11/16 to the lead to the ¾, ran away. CAVIART REAGAN dashed out to the lead, set the pace under pressure, no answer for the sweeping winner, did manage to hold the distant second. SPORTY DRAGON sat in the pocket, came out headstretch but couldn’t get by the pacesetter for second. LUZIANA sat in, no factor. BUTTER UP was last, four-wide off the final turn and gained a little on the rest of the field. LITERL LAD HANOVER was three-wide to the 1/8, tucked third 3/16, backed outside down the back, three-wide ¾ but no gain. SKY CAPTAIN moved outside early but never advanced. HIGHRTHANANEAGLE A was caught four-wide early, dropped behind cover then was left raw 3/16, found no hole so went up to battle the leader, looped and faded.
THIRD RACE – BETTOR’S WESTERN came out on the grind 11/16 and steadily advanced, paced away from his opposition late. BRIGADOON was on the move before the ¼ to the lead 5/16, set the pace, no match for the winner but fought on for second in a photo decision over POINTSMAN. The latter took control early, yielded for the pocket, got to second in the Pocono Pike deep stretch but hung a trifle late. ADRENALINE RUSH moved second-over ¾, not far off second. FIRE SHINE sat in, to the far inside stretch, not enough. CALVERY HILL gapped past the 5/8. WHERES MY MONEY made a brief break earlier, quickly recovered and caught the field, but had no more left to give 5/8.
FOURTH RACE – STEEL SCHOONER spotted, then was out behind good cover, uncovered midturn, kept on trotting strongly through the line. SMART AS HILL tailed the winner throughout and did well late in his own right. NASEY wanted the top and took it with two speed moves, got a bit tired past midstretch. HOT SUMMER KNIGHT moved uncovered 11/16, could tuck back into the pocket, up the inside late but didn’t have too much. GINGER TREE BRAD broke early, caught the field, three-wide ¾, not too bad in recovery. UPFRONT STONE was near the back in a blindswitch midturn when shoved wide by the trouble inside. JUSTIFY was no factor inside when suffering an “ix” running up on the breaker. PAULIE WALNUTS left and was parked 5/16 for the front, yielded for the two-hole, was struggling from down the backstretch, made a break on the far turn causing trouble.
FIFTH RACE – PACK YOUR BAGS sat last, moved three- and four-wide on the turn, finished like LE BARON ROUGE overwhelming this field. LINCOLNJAMES spotted, moved 5/16 but immediately rethought the maneuver and went back in, back out raw at the ½, challenged, went by late turn and went clear briefly midstretch, but outpaced, just saving second. PHILOSOPHIZER was second-over, gapped his cover, one-geared in the lane. THOR was stuck inside, a mild rally deep in the Pocono Pike. SCRAPPIN GOLD utilized the pole for his goal of setting the pace, got pressure, done past midturn. RUNWITHTHEBIGDOGS gapped third-over, three-wide midturn while doing a little better, then flattened. FRITZIE PIC UP MAN couldn’t outstep the rail horse early and took the pocket, had little to offer late.
SIXTH RACE – WARINER tucked in what turned out to be the three-hole, moved at the ½ and went by late backstretch in a 29.4 quarter with the wind, in hand late. UNCLE NINO left well to get the lead, set the pace until being passed by the winner, stayed tight, Pocono Pike, grabbed second. TEST MY WILL moved out before turn two, got cover at the half, left uncovered to the ¾ and challenged, tired a little late after being overland a long way. FAWN DE SIGN backed out and was three-wide far turn, next in line. WINE BAR maintained the pocket until not being able to keep up before the 5/8. DINKY WINKY drifted out then hit a high gear just past the 1/8, broke going up to challenge nearing the ¼. BULLVILLE REGGIE was never on the radar. FOX HOLE, off the gate, went outside but gapped.
SEVENTH RACE – DONT GET SHOCKED took a hole early, moved from third 5/8 and went 27.1 (with the wind) to clear past the ¾, kept on going with strong strides for a crushing win in very fast time for these. RIOT was outside while far back to get around a breaker, kept coming far turn, drifted wide some late but still was up for second. PANTHEON HANOVER quickly moved from third 3/16 to take over control, couldn’t keep the winner out ¾, a decent mile in the fast fractions. P H KENNY darted away from the rail, yielded for the pocket, so-so the last ¼. THE OTHERS were left way behind in this very fast mile.
EIGHTH RACE – HAMMER CREEK went right to the top, put the hammer down past the half and lost this field in the fast ¾, only home in 31 but way way ahead. BANG BANG BOINGA spotted, then moved outside from far back, three-wide far turn, trotted on well to defeat the mere mortals in here. KEYSTONE SERGEANT was also way back, also made up ground wide on the turn and through the stretch. KEYSTONE THUNDER sat in and was shuffled, went widest towards midstretch and passed tired horses. WILLIE B WORTHY got the pocket, already going loose not much off the second turn. TEDDY BROSEVELT dangled in the back early then moved up uncovered, never got close before tiring. CREATE MYSTIQUE was very wide early and three-wide to the 1/8, took back to settle third at the ¼, gapped from the 3/8, Pocono Pike in the lane but had little to offer. SUNDAE FUNDAY dropped further and further back.
NINTH RACE – BELIEVEINTHESPIRIT was uncovered at the half, hit a better gear 11/16 and advanced, ducked in as the pocketsitter came out late turn, through in the Pocono Pike and went on to a nice victory. SOHO WALLSTREET A left for the pocket, pulled out to headstretch, never had the lead but went on to take second late. MONTY MONO took the top at the 1/8, set a steady tempo of his choosing, couldn’t make the lead last in the stretch. I SAW HIM FIRST followed cover, not in that one’s league but OK. SOMWHERENBROOKLN N tucked fourth, inside, stuck inside until angling out late turn, wide but free too late. PAR INTENDED never surfaced. SKYWAY BILLY gapped in the three-hole. MAYBE NED came out from last, was third-over, not enough the last ¼.
TENTH RACE – SUNDOWN KID went away well to control from the pole, had REAL PEACE at his throat from the 5/8, paced on tenaciously for the success. The latter tucked third past the 1/8, moved quickly off turn two and was at the leader by the 5/8, paced his third quarter in 26.4, was at least equal to the winner at several points, came up just shy in a big outing. RIFLEMAN was second-over, gapped a little in the fast third quarter, kept coming to the wire. TEXAS MIKI gapped midpack down the back, moved wide in the stretch and was OK. AFLAME HANOVER defended the pocket, didn’t offer much through the lane. WAIMAC ATTACK N never got close. CALYPSO ROCK N gapped from early in the mile. CENTURY ENFORCER took back at the start and never reentered the picture.
ELEVENTH RACE – LADY’S IMAGE quickly established command, slowed the second quarter, held off a tightly-packed field. MASSIVE OPULENCE left well and took the pocket at the1/8, awaited the Pocono Pike, got his chance, but couldn’t quite make it. NICE STUFF was second-over, blindswitched on the far turn, went inside the first-over in the lane, found enough room very late to take third in a four-horse picture. SPREE came grinding on the second turn and made a gradual advance, held his ground well in the drive. ARCH CREDIT had speed and was third-in, looked to want to split horses midstretch but may not have had enough room and appeared shut off. DIVINE SPIRIT gapped down the back, then did better on the turn and four-wide headstretch, narrowed in. RED REDEMPTION looked to leave but took back early, fourth-in, couldn’t gain contention. AMBERS CHAMPION was third-over past the 5/8 but gapped, then went three-wide late turn but didn’t have enough.
TWELFTH RACE –THREE WAYS N took instant command, rated quarter two while on a line on turn two, then sprinted in 27.3 down the back to open a huge lead he never relinquished. REDHOT ROMEO tucked fourth, made with cover 11/16 and then three-wide nearing headstretch, had the most late of the rest of this field. SAMMY THE BULL N was away for the pocket, went loose 5/8. CAVIART SKIPPER moved uncovered after the two-holer started gapping but couldn’t get closer. IMIDEAL HANOVER gapped down the back then caught the main bunch but couldn’t improve along the inside. THE OTHER DUO lost contact to the ¾.
THIRTEENTH RACE – COALFORD BET ALINE made a big 27.3 backstretch move raw to get the lead ¾, continued on nicely to the finish. CONGRESSIONAL, steppy at times again, was very wide leaving then took back to follow cover and then tuck, came uncovered into turn two, picked up cover from the winner and stayed with it, saw that one clear ¾ and was left raw again, continued to try hard. AMERICAN ZESTAR had the early pocket, moved in front of the stands to get the front, didn’t keep the winner out ¾, but continued to battle to the line. NOPEWASNTME had the best early speed, yielded, shuffled, evenly. WARRAWEE XTREME was third-over and not well-served by his cover, swung three-wide and was doing OK late. AXION HANOVER was in a dynamic cover flow but gapped far turn. LYONS PRIDE was three-wide to the 1/8, got in fourth towards the ¼, little in the second half. LYONS SWIFT was not so swift today.
FOURTEENTH RACE – MISTER BOINGA left for the pocket at the 1/8, stayed close in extremely fast fractions, popped up 11/16, went by in the stretch and equaled the local season’s fastest trot mile of 1:54.2. ONE AFTER NINE stayed closely-placed, outside past the 5/8 and soon had cover, second-best. SAYLOR streaked down the road at a wild pace, held pretty well. KOSHER MAHONEY was four-wide to the 1/8, backed off to tuck fifth before the ¼, couldn’t go with the top trio. TRUMAN JR HANOVER, wide early, slid in fourth just past the 1/8, couldn’t gain. THE REMAINING THREE were well off the top ones connected to the searing pace.
FIFTEENTH RACE – I WAS TRICKED was three-wide early, raced up to take over before the 1/8, slowed the half then was tapped entering the backstretch, responded by coming home in 56.2 – 28 in an impressive debut while holding off EL YERNO with encouragement. The latter moved with cover 5/8, three-wide headstretch, had very solid late kick. RUSTY BEACH moved into third at the 1/8, came outside past the 5/8 and advanced some, but couldn’t sustain that advance, next-best. MIGHT BE RIGHT left and got the pocket, not enough in the last ¼. RAYRAY gapped 11/16 but still got the last check. CRÈME DE LOU CRÈME was a bit off the gate when breaking 50 yards before the start, caught the field but was tired in the last ¼. ALEKSANDER was already losing contact by the ¼. HURRIKANE FERRIGNO broke at the ¼.
SIXTEENTH RACE – HAILEY’S SISTER went right to the front, held out the first-over and then the potential pocket rocket in a good showing. BLANK CHEEK was first to the lead then yielded for the two-hole, stayed close, had her chance in the Pocono Pike, not quite enough. HUNGRY FOR KISSES made third before he 1/8, moved uncovered 5/8 while going her third ¼ in 27.3, challenged hard and may have gotten to even terms early stretch, but couldn’t quite sustain her bid. BIRDIE THREE gapped 11/16. MARTARITAONDAROCKS was wide to the first curve, went in fourth at the 1/8, stayed connected with the top bunch most of the way but then gave way. IDEAL ALEXA and TRULY never entered the picture. BULLVILLE MEMORIAL had lost contact by the 3/8.
Mar 22, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Near freezing temperatures all day, and a “+1” allowance given even though the track was “fast” … Stretch headwind … MARINER SEELSTER was two-wide early, let a horse circle him 3/16, followed his cover then proceeded up to take over nearing turn two, under heavy backstretch pressure, but drew clear. TERRITORY left rapidly to hit the top into turn one, yielded, backed out 5/8 and was strong on cover, three-wide headstretch, won second in a three-way photo. TOPVILLE OLYMPIAN was in the outside flow, four-wide headstretch, came on well late. BAMSKI was three-wide to the 3/16 then two-wide just past the 5/16 to get the lead, yielded, pocket, gapped a little in the fast third quarter and on the turn, still second in deep stretch but didn’t have enough to retain second. BRUMBY was last, had some pace in the stretch with no clear path. WON LAST FEELING moved second-over but gapped early backstretch letting a horse out, went back in, not that much. ARTIFACT HANOVER was fifth at the “START” point but utilized the rail for good position early, first-over at the ½ and went 26.4 (albeit with the wind) to give the winner a stiff challenge, not much left late. PRAIRIE ROCKSTAR was never prominent.
SECOND RACE – VASARI N, flicked at throughout the mile, was second-over early on turn two, three-wide before the ¾, took the lead early stretch and went on nicely. LAST MACH gapped in last, underway three-wide with cover far turn then four-wide in the stretch, passed a lot of horses in the 30.3 kicker. DING DING DINGER got to the front at the 1/8, rolled on a fast pace, gave way some. SKYWAY BALLISTIC improved position early, first-over into turn two, couldn’t reach the leader but held OK. SIMPLE KINDA MAN was buried, zig-zagged without ever gaining full clearance while with pace. HASH-TAG SWAG sat in, went to the deep Pocono Pike but didn’t enter contention. COWBOY COOL had little to offer from third-over. VINOVIO left, got the lead, yielded, sat the pocket, came up empty late.
THIRD RACE – SORTIE came uncovered from third 5/8 and trotted right to command ¾, an easy victory. SWEET HEART AS stayed connected, outside late turn, took second away late from CHUCKY DE VIE. The latter inherited the pocket after a breaker, backed out behind the winner, couldn’t last for second nearing the wire. SYLVESTERAMERICAIT left, inherited the lead soon after yielding as a foe broke, set the pace, passed ¾, not that much late. CHOCO CHARLIE, a bit off the gate, got the last check. TRICKY DICK and TUIS SHADOW couldn’t keep up the last ½. ASKMELATER HANOVER left and was just in the process of clearing at the 1/8 when going offstride.
FOURTH RACE – PERKINS took command, yielded for the two-hole, went to the Pocono Pike and asserted himself over BLOW A CLOUD N in a two-horse main course. The latter was in front at the 1/8, cut even fractions, held well. HOOSIER SHARK spotted third, so-so in the latter stages. BEACH BLANKET BOOK closed an early gap, went uncovered 9/16 but never got closer than a nose ahead of the pocket horse ¾, tired and drifted out significantly. THISISHOWWEDOIT backed out late backstretch, four-wide headstretch, then inside the drifter for the last check. GLOBALDOMINATION N never entered the picture. KILLER MARTINI was asked for speed at the start but got no response, wound up second-over, three-wide late turn but empty.
FIFTH RACE – MISTER DAYTONA N left and grabbed the pocket, used the Pocono Pike to perfect advantage to catch a stubborn P L LEEROY. The latter was in front by the 1/8, rated the half then had to speed up to battle a hard challenger, finally caught to his left in a big effort. HIGH IMPRESSION was uncovered into turn two, went 26.4 down the back and got a small lead late backstretch, held tenaciously to the wire in a mile as good as the top two. DOCTOR BB had speed, backed out to follow cover, wide and narrowing as the tempo slowed. JONAH moved second-over, evenly the last quarter. THE OTHER TWO gapped at the back, then narrowed in in the decelerating late pace.
SIXTH RACE – THE GYPSY QUEEN IR made two speed moves in the first half, let the first-over go ¾ and stayed close, back out in the stretch and won handily. INTO THE UNKNOWN was third-over, three-wide around a gapper midturn, closed well to take second late. ST LADS BIJOU yielded, moved uncovered 9/16 and went on by ¾, couldn’t resist the late chargers. FOX VALLEY CACHET was three-wide early, briefly with cover then uncovered to get the front 5/16, yielded, inside, fair late. BLAZING RAMONA couldn’t keep up down the back. JAGGED LITTLE PILL was no factor from fourth-over. SHES A BULLVILLE never made her presence felt. FEAR HER TOUCH was second-over, fell apart in the last quarter.
SEVENTH RACE – BUSBOY HANOVER was three-wide to the first turn, then two-wide, got in gear nearing the ¼ and rushed to the top 5/16, dashed clear late in the backstretch and stayed clear until midstretch, then withstood the inside move of AIN’T IT FUN. The latter left, put a foe in behind, yielded 5/16 for the two-hole, was loose from the 11/16 until into the stretch, then came back some along the inside. MAJESTIC KIWI N was second-over, three-wide ¾, another doing been in deep stretch than in upper stretch. ARTACHE HANOVER got the early two-hole, then sat in third, fair while in close quarters through the stretch. MY WISH CAME TRUE was raw going into the second bend, never really got close to the leader but wasn’t that far off. HUDSEN A was rough early, gapped inside. PLAY THE ACE gapped at the back throughout. STELLAR BLUE CHIP was third-over, three- wide with cover far turn and four-wide near headstretch but didn’t gain.
EIGHTH RACE – BRIGHT SIDE UP took over past the 1/8, got a breather in quarter two while still stringing out the field, then said goodbye to these at the 5/8. SAULSGOOD moved outside at the 5/8, grinded well off the winner, along for second. FASHION CANTAB stayed in, came out in a blindswitch headstretch, went between horses and dead-heated BY A HOFF HANOVER for third. The latter was second-over, gapped cover late backstretch, fair in the lane. PHANNYS MATTER was hard to take back in the first quarter, wide stretch and gained some. WAVELIKEAQUEEN was inside, behind a tired one on the turn, but didn’t gain once clear. BAR COINS was no factor. MISS PRINCIPLE made the front, yielded for the pocket, steadily lost ground the last 3/8.
NINTH RACE – MAKE SOME WAVES was underway just past the 3/8 and was all business crossing over past the 5/8, never in danger. CRUISE PATROL joined the outside flow off turn two, left uncovered mid-far turn, paced very well to be the distant second. BLACKLIGHT backed out after a shuffle when the inner tier collapsed, wide in the stretch and along for third. SEAL O’NEILL left to get the early lead, yielded at the ¼, inside, shuffled badly then out in a blindswitch, did well to recover for fourth. IC A FREE SPIRIT was under urging early but could only get away third, then shuffled all the way to last, wide, not a late factor. SPORTSMANSHIP followed the winner then was left uncovered, tucked in the “pocket” midturn but all done at that point. RYCROFT N pressed on to get the early lead, set the pace, had no answer when challenged down the back.
TENTH RACE – IDIOSYNCRATIC tucked third at the 1/8, moved just before the ¼ in front of a parked horse and went up to take over, handled the first-over then drew off upper stretch, in control. ERINWOOD YVES was outleft, got in fourth off the first turn as the winner commenced a brush, stayed in, had sharp pace up the Pocono Pike to edge COMET CRUSADER N. The latter got away well and got into the early pocket, stayed in third until going two-wide late turn, wide in the stretch and moving very well late. ALADDIN HANOVER had first-over duty, went 27.2 down the back but couldn’t get close than the winner’s wheel, best of the rest. BAY CITY was away well, forced a tuck, yielded to the winner, had no response in the lane. VEL BITTER CHIP had traffic difficulties. SLICK RICHARD gapped. BUILDING BOOST gapped second-over, was fading when breaking nearing headstretch.
ELEVENTH RACE – KEPT UNDER WRAPS A, finally getting some good local luck, went to the top then yielded early for the pocket, had a great trip before going to the Pocono Pike, and won easily. DERECHO moved from the pocket at the 1/8 to 3/16 command, had pressure from the first-over, caught by a fresh horse up the inside, had pretty well to retain second over I GET THAT. The latter was uncovered at the half, challenged through fairly mild fractions, almost got the deuce. CAPOZZO stayed in, couldn’t get into the late battle. WF EEYORE was never a presence. COCOSFELLA A was second-over but gapped; SAULSBROOK RAPTOR was behind that dull cover, three-wide late turn but did not rally.
TWELFTH RACE – DROPTHERAKEFREDDY led for 5280 feet, set a decent pace, gave a little ground to CRACK A SMILE late but still seemed safe. The latter went into the pocket past the 1/8, a bit loose from late backstretch around much of the turn, did a little bit in the stretch. MADDOX HANOVER stayed in and was badly blocked behind the stragglers far turn, to the Pocono Pike and along for third. LORD OF MISRULE left some but got a bit steppy into the first turn, third, started to gap past the 5/8. SONG CYCLE SENESE never got close. IT’SGOODTOBEDAKING was second-over behind nonflowing cover, wide for the stretch but didn’t gain. ISITFRIDAYYET closed an early gap, came out at the half but never made much progress before faltering.
THIRTEENTH RACE – INTRIGUED AGAIN was last most of the way, got rolling behind cover three-wide ¾ and went four-wide late turn, just up as the pace slowed into the wind. DL’S BIG ELVIS was looped early, methodically went up to get command 3/8, came under pressure, shook that one off, just missed in the last couple steps. AMERICA’S GUEST was second-over, three-wide midturn, best of the others. JET ACE left for the pocket, under a hold in the hole at the ¼ and popped back out 3/8, challenged long and hard, held well. SPORTS BETTOR was two-wide, blindswitched on the far turn, had to back out and widest, OK late. TISADREAM N never was in the picture. WESTERN WALTZ was three-wide early to clear at the 1/8, pushed a foe to the 3/8 before yielding for the pocket, tired at the ¾.
FOURTEENTH RACE – CLASSIFIEDMATERIAL pushed away well and kept the pocket, pulled from that spot to the ¾ and challenged, a safe winner today. GLOBAL CRUSH made a good third quarter move although not reaching the leaders until getting cover from the pocketpuller to the ¾, second-best. ROYHILL reached the top just past the 1/8 and rolled along, couldn’t carry his speed to the wire. LOUD SPLASH was last, gapped cover, then had better pace late. HEARTLANDBANYSBRO was not a major danger. ER VEGAS never entered the picture. SAFENSOUND HANOVER started well, took the tuck behind the two inside leavers, started to gap by the 3/8.
FIFTEENTH RACE – WILD BLUE YONDER was like everyone else far back in the middle half, followed cover gaining, ducked inside headstretch then to the Pocono Pike, just got there in the shadow of the wire. RELENTLESS JULIE quarter-moved, went her middle half in 55.4 while opening a huge lead, stayed game but couldn’t last to the line. DANCE NUMBER was uncovered 5/8 and ate into the leader’s margin to headstretch, flattened slightly after working hard 5/8 to 7/8. SPEAKTOYOURMANAGER made the lead at the 1/8, yielded to the brusher and was gapping badly before the 3/8, distant best of the rest. LADY’S CHOICE K was in the pocket, far back, couldn’t make a comeback. THE LAST THREE were disconnected by the half: C DIDDY’S GAL came back with “b.e.”, and ADULT SWIM was off the gate.
SIXTEENTH RACE – GATOR HANOVER got forward position, moved out from behind a gapper 3/8 and was able to tuck in the pocket at the ½, to the Pocono Pike and did the best late. TRIFECTA HANOVER went inside the drifting horse 5/8 and advanced raw, held well to win a photo for second. BARNEY HANOVER let a foe go then came again 3/16 to make the lead past the ¼, got a moderate middle half but still didn’t show enough. PARK STREET BLUES was wide in the drive and finished well. CAPTAIN WHO joined the backstretch flow, OK late. WATCH U R BACK got jammed up past the 5/8 when the inner tier accordioned, never featured after that. DARIO HANOVER gapped at the back. BULLVILLESPANDEMIC was wide early and got to the top, left a gap 3/8 that was filled by the winner, drifted out and wide midbackstretch and dropped way out of it.
Mar 21, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
BENJI’S BEST was uncovered to the half, rushed by the leader ¾ and was off by himself late. MUDVILLE was third-over, blindswitched 11/16 but advanced in the blindswitch on the turn, clear early stretch and just up for the distant second. MINDTRIP had the winner’s cover, couldn’t stay with it to the ¾ and two-wide raw on the turn, to the inside headstretch, just failed to preserve second. SNOWBALL’S ROMEO stayed in and was shuffled to last, four-wide past midturn, OK. MODERN ROCK was in front at the 1/8, yielded at the ¼, very badly shuffled on the far turn, but didn’t gain once clearing. DRAGON STRIKES came three-wide from last past the 5/8 but only served to clog that tier. NOCH TEN was very wide leaving and four-high to just before the 1/8, tucked third at the ¼, badly shuffled, but no late response. SAMSON BLUE CHIP was three-wide to the 1/8, then went up to take over at the ¼, kept up a quick tempo, all done when challenged before the ¾.
SECOND RACE – IMAGINARY LINE went to the point at the 1/8, yielded past the ¼ for the two-hole, to the Pocono Pike and along. CAPTAIN ROMANCE was used to clear past the ¼, had to speed up again when a big first-over challenger emerged, shook off that one, couldn’t quit withstand the winner. HIS BEATS HANOVER stayed in and was shuffled, found room deep in the Pike and closed very well. HEARTBEAT HILL had some early speed, inside, gapped in the fast third split, evenly late. SHVAIKO came three-wide past the 5/8, one-geared in the slowing last quarter. KILOWATT KID N was on the move at the half and soon went three-wide to two-wide 5/8 while pacing his (wind-aided) third quarter in 26.3, held on pretty well after the big energy use down the back. MR PROFETA was away last and never in it. TERRY A HANOVER was three- then two-wide with cover to the ¼, then left raw, looped 5/8 and fell back.
THIRD RACE – SOMBODYITREASURE left well and got the pocket at the 1/8, sat in third until going two-wide with cover midturn, wide in the lane and closed well after the scalding pace. ALWAYS BETTER came uncovered at the 5/8, grinded, never ahead but steadily for the deuce. FRONTIER ROLLO left well, forced a tuck, then yielded for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, may’ve been bottomed a bit behind the fast pace. CAVIART MAX quarter-moved and put up very hot fractions, paid the price in the lane. THE OTHER THREE were never in the main picture.
FOURTH RACE – CODE CRACKER was fourth-in, was able to come through in the deep Pocono Pike and was able to outfoot this crew late. GROOVY MAN had cover leaving, spotted fourth at the 1/8, inside, to the Pocono Pike, got a tiny brief lead deep stretch, just missed. YS DO IT RIGHT was looped out of the gate, pressed on to 3/16 command, got a second quarter breather and wasn’t pressured on the lead, came up just shy. BLUESVILLE left sharply to circle the field early, yielded for the pocket, outside headstretch, not quite enough late. MAJOR SHOW was second-over, three-wide past midturn, found his best strides too late. C-BET HANOVER showed speed, pulled uncovered at the half, evenly while never posing a large threat. THE OTHER TWO were in the back throughout.
FIFTH RACE – PARK OFFICIAL was outleft, tucked third then quarter-moved, proved far superior to his opposition here. PLAY THE FIELD was three-deep to turn one to 1/8 command, yielded for the pocket, couldn’t do much about the winner but was a clear second. BRAVO TEX N was uncovered off the second turn, never got close and dropped in third late turn, a distant third. A FEARSOME HANOVER was last, circled quite a few horses wide in the stretch. PUZZLING gapped cover 5/8. STELLAR BB was in the outer flow but had little to offer. LATEST ERA gapped inside. DECOY left, yielded at the 1/8, third-in, backed up in the last ¼.
SIXTH RACE – HARRY KNOWS IR was three-wide leaving and got around the breaker 3/16, patiently to the top 3/8 and immediately started stringing out the field, coasted home. JULA MAGICIAN came outside past the ¾ and grabbed the distant second. MYSTICAL WYNN moved outside late turn and got up for third. GRAPPLE HANOVER left well for the lead, yielded 3/8, then struggled to stay close to the winner, fair late. MUSHANA couldn’t keep up the last half. CHIPLOSIVE was off the gate, had a touch of belated trot. MARION GONDOLIER was never a factor. SAY YOU DO was between horses moving up towards the front when breaking 3/16.
SEVENTH RACE – CAVIART VAL made the lead just before the 1/8, slowed the half, then was resistant to a big bid from the first-over, drew clear early stretch and was mildly kept to task to be safe. DIVISION BELL was uncovered into turn two, paced 27.1 raw down the back to seriously challenge the winner, shaken off early stretch but tried with good courage to the line. URBAN RENEWAL went to the lead then yielded for the two-hole, not quite enough in the last ¼ although not bad. ODDS ON DELRAY sat in, found clearance past midturn, four-wide in the lane and was moving well late. IDEAL STAR N had good cover second-over, three-wide headstretch but faded. LITTLE POWER and ROCKET RUSSELL were never factors.
EIGHTH RACE – WHAT SHOULD I GOO looked to consider a tuck early but found the hole shut and went on to the lead, yielded before the 3/8, outside midturn, directly to the lead, won easily. CHAPHEART was a long way back when starting uncovered, made up a lot of ground in a good showing of his own. BULLY BOY HILL was on the lead at the 1/8, yielded, third-in, moved out in the stretch but couldn’t save second. THE NEXT THREE stayed in and went along evenly. ILBENEEDINSTITCHES left, had cover, left uncovered and went on to the lead just before the 3/8, set the pace, folded. FOREVERHILLREIGN gapped.
NINTH RACE – BELLOWS BINGE was three-wide early then two-wide 3/16 for command, yielded for the pocket, moved to the Pocono Pike and had the necessary kick from the good spot to defeat these. TUXEDO BAY launched uncovered nearing the 3/8 and had reached the pacesetter by the 9/16, went 26.4 with the wind down the back battling that one, never took a backwards step. VIRGIN STORM gapped cover second-over in the fast third quarter, then swung four-wide in the stretch and gained as things slowed a bit. DAVIDS COMING HOME was buried inside, could get to the inside of the winner deep in the Pike, not quite enough steps. I’LL TAKE THE BET stayed in early and was shuffled to last, swung five-wide in the drive and narrowed in. BIG BOSS HILL was actually the first to show off the gate but took back as surrounded by speedy foes, stayed in, blocked through the stretch. MEADOWBROOK FLASH showed speed and yielded, backed out at the half but gapped in the fast Q3, three-wide late turn, not enough. SHORE OF HIMSELF was four-wide early then fell in behind cover, uncovered 3/16 on to the lead 5/16, rated quarter two then was under the gun, not enough left late.
TENTH RACE – STOP STARING went out between horses for the lead then yielded for the pocket, angled out sharply near headstretch, opened a clear lead midstretch, coaxed through the line to stay safe. KEYSTONE STEAM was second-over, three-wide 11/16 through the turn, lost ground straightening away but re-dug in and finished well. MIGHTY SANTANA N followed the place horse then swung wide, good late. MULLINAX showed speed and yielded, sat in, Pocono Pike, not that much. JUSTA LITTLE BIT A was last inside, had justa little bit of pace deep in the Pike. WHITECOOKIE was three-wide to the first turn then two-wide to the 3/16 for the lead in a very fast opener, rated the second split, had the early work catch up to him in the last 1/8. DANCIN DRAGON eased into a midpack tuck, then was first-over to the second turn, didn’t really threaten.
ELEVENTH RACE – GUINNESS PANIC moved uncovered at the half and roared to the lead 11/16, opened a big margin, then held together in a slowing last ¼. HOMESTRETCH WES was double-looped, proceeded onward to the lead off the first turn, yielded approaching curve two, got back out before the 11/16 and was able to retuck in the pocket, kept at his task gamely. DRAGON ROARS AGAIN left, took the lead at the 1/8, saw two horses go by in the second stanza, also was able to back out down the back, briefly retucked on the turn then out again for the stretch, fair. OUR MAJORDAN A left and had the pocket early, stayed in, wide in the stretch, OK and far ahead of the rest. A BETTOR BEACH had dull cover and took off three-wide 5/8, had gained until breaking mid-far turn, recovered for the last check. LATE MAIL N didn’t deliver today. BOBBY K HILL would have been in a good flow had he been able to keep up with it. CAPTAIN T HANOVER pulled from fourth at the ¼, left uncovered 5/16 and needed most of the frontstretch to clear, no answer when the winner challenged beyond the 5/8.
TWELFTH RACE – DANDY, in play from the start, was three-wide just past the 1/8, pressed on but was hung out well past the 3/8 to get the lead, but proved to be very tough in staying clear. EUROBOND gapped midrace, found a better gear 11/16 and outside, didn’t really threaten. DOUBLE ACCOUNT made the top, forced a tuck, kept the winner out until nearing the second turn then yielded for the pocket, didn’t have all that much punch in the stretch. ROBBIE PEV stayed in and gapped, evenly. MACMORRIS HANOVER avoided trouble and had some trot at the end of it. TOP ME OFF couldn’t go this much. BLENHEIM was outside at a distance down the back, broke far turn. P L NOTSONICE left, took the pocket, didn’t appear comfortable in the hole and ran 5/16, went to the infield.
THIRTEENTH RACE – BLACK CHEVRON N, well-handled, was third-over from last, stayed in the lively flow then ducked inside midturn, could rally up a clear Pocono Pike and got the win here though they weren’t going fast late. DILLINGER was second-over, gapped a little down the back then better, uncovered ¾, inside midturn, out again late turn, steadily. ASTON HILL DAVE backed outside and got in a good flow, not far off at the wire. AMP IT UP N sat in and was shuffled to last far turn, widest and good late. AMERICAN REBEL left between horses, tucked at the 1/8, also a shuffle victim far turn, out in a blindswitch late turn, fair in traffic late. SECRECY tucked fourth at the1/8, went first-up on the clubhouse turn, paced past ¾, but couldn’t sustain the progress. JK OBJECTION took the top 3/16, yielded for the pocket, hopelessly shuffled as the leader stopped ¾, but made no recovery. CENTURY FURY made two speed moves, no response when challenged ¾.
FOURTEENTH RACE – DONTPASSMEHANOVER had to overcome the raw journey, went in 26.4 to press his case down the back, then drew clear in a very impressive display. BIG FRITZ was three-wide to the first turn, then two-wide to 3/16 command, rolled on at a good clip, second-best. STONEBRIDGE REEF took over at the 1/8 then yielded for the pocket, a bit loose the last ¼. DRAGON CITY sat in and was shuffled to last, out in a blindswitch headstretch, kept feathering his way wider through the lane, with a good surge widest late. P L LOU was first to show, yielded, sat third-in, gapped down the back. LUCKBEWITHALEX was second-over, moved up in quarter three but couldn’t sustain the gain. AMERICAN CLASSIC never factored. SOMETHING BETTOR A gapped third-over.
FIFTEENTH RACE – DASH OF DANGER went out for the pocket trip and stayed mostly connected, to the Pocono Pike and along in a slowing last quarter. BULLVILLE TERROR was three-wide leaving, in third past the 1/8, back out raw off turn two, one-geared from there, OK. DO WORK SON was buried inside, weaved through traffic with late pace. TJ’S INDY PACER took control from the pole, went a fast third quarter without pressure, ran out of gas. CRUNCH HANOVER was first to move, wound up third-over, not a factor. DOUBLEORNOTHING N never surfaced. DRAGON SAID was very wide early, got in fourth 3/16, then came second-over, faded.
Mar 18, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – 40 degrees … TODDLER TANTRUM left well, yielded then reclaimed the top spot, nudged along home to prevail over BRIGADOON. The latter was urged early and cleared at the 1/8, yielded for the pocket, outside early stretch and was gaining late but came up shy. SPINOUT was second-over, three-wide ¾, gained on the turn, then went evenly late while bearing out. DISMISSAL SLIP and SKYWAY BILLY both gapped along the inside. RUNWITHTHEBIGDOGS gapped in last. REDHOT ROMEO took back to tuck fourth, went uncovered at the half, gained a little then fell back more than a little in the last quarter.
SECOND RACE – ARGENTO went second-over from seventh early backstretch and went in 28.1 down the back to put in a bigtime challenge, got the job done with only mild hustling. TRICKY DICK left and made the top 3/16, saw two go by in quarter two, crucially blocked on the turn and into the stretch, angled wide midstretch and was flying late, unlucky. GINGERTREE STAKIAS had cover early, tucked third 3/16, then moved 5/16 to get the lead approaching turn two, had the winner reach him before the ¾, came up a bit shy. LADY’S IMAGE left, yielded, moved before the ¼ back to the top then yielded for the pocket, not all that much in the Pocono Pike. AMBERS CHAMPION was third-over well off the pace, fair late. HOT SUMMER KNIGHT got forward position early, backed outside 5/8 but couldn’t keep with the winner. RUFFLES N LACE gapped inside; JUSTIFY gapped outside.
THIRD RACE – REDBANK BLAZE A left, yielded, outside 3/16 to the lead 5/16, rolled home in 55.4 in q quick mile for this type. DECISION DAY went up to tuck third at the 1/8, moved uncovered 9/16, went steadily in the big last half in a fine effort. AFLAME HANOVER hustled to the top just past the 1/8, yielded for the two-hole, not enough speed in the latter stages. CURBSIDE PICKUP was third-over, three-wide from the ¾, fair. A STUD NAMED SAM did not factor. FRISKIE ALL NITE was at or near the back throughout. DONT JUDGE A BOOK was second-over but didn’t have enough here.
FOURTH RACE – PANTHEON HANOVER let the fast starters go, moved 3/16 to command 5/16, ran away from these in the last ¼. WESTERN THUNDER fit into the pocket at the 1/8, third-in, outside stretch and clearly the distant second. STONEBRIDGE NIKE sat in, to the Pocono Pike and just got third over SOHO WALLSTREET A. The latter dashed away to 1/8 command, yielded for the two-hole, gradually went loose in the last 1/4. BELIEVEINTHESPIRIT gapped backstretch cover, three-wide late turn, got the last check. HEAVEN’S SUPERSTAR went raw into turn two but never got close. RIPPLESONTHEBEACH made a break coming out of the first turn.
FIFTH RACE – PANETTONE HANOVER left sharply to make the top pretty easily, pushed the favorite before yielding 3/8 and sat in the two-hole until headstretch, drifted out through the lane but still had enough to get the job done in the good kicker. CONGRESSIONAL was looped leaving, refused a hole 3/16 and went on to take over 3/8 while a bit steppy, came home quickly but again steppy in the lane and couldn’t hold it together. AMERICAN ZESTAR had the early pocket then stayed third-in, off the 1-2 horses on the backstretch but did a little better in the lane. WARRAWEE XTREME was buried inside, angled out when getting room midstretch and finished well. AXION HANOVER did not factor. BULLVILLE STEPHANO went uncovered on turn two, made a good move down the back but couldn’t sustain it in the fourth stanza. FAST CHAT backed out to follow cover but could offer little. WOODMERE ANDRIOLI was second-over from last, gapped the last 3/8.
SIXTH RACE – CAVIART SKIPPER was looped, three-wide most of the 1/8, to the lead past a quick quarter, was passed midstretch but stayed game and came back to take the decision. PHILOSOPHIZER had the top early then yielded, stayed third-in until getting the pocket 5/8 as the two-holer went out, to the Pocono Pike, got a short lead midstretch but couldn’t quite deliver the knockout punch. BETTOR’S WESTERN moved with cover then went three-wide ¾ when his cover didn’t advanced, did well in the stretch. P H KENNY was urged leaving, got the top past the 1/8, yielded for the pocket, came out 5/8, didn’t threaten, but didn’t fall far behind either. CALVERY HILL was three-wide with cover on the far turn, couldn’t reach. ON THE TAKE trailed throughout.
SEVENTH RACE – CREEMORE was three-wide just past the 1/8 and soon thereafter made the lead, yielded for the pocket, outside early stretch and just up on the money. PAULIE WALNUTS was four-wide to the 1/8, then ducked behind cover, left raw 3/16 and continued up to get the lead 3/8, fought off the parked horse, just caught in the last jump. STEEL SCHOONER went out for early position, third-in, Pocono Pike, OK but outtrotted. UPFRONT STONE let the outside horses go early, shuffled back, had to swing four-wide late turn, finished steadily. AWSOME PAUL came out behind the parked horse, gapped early backstretch then got closer, three-wide midturn, didn’t gain late. KEYSTONE SERGEANT was third-over, blindswitched late turn, not a threat. GREEK LEGEND gapped most of the way. HAMMER CREEK was very wide early then backed off to follow cover, left raw 3/8 and challenged, tired in the last ¼ from his exertions.
EIGHTH RACE – LINCOLNJAMES went into the top spot at the 1/8, had a hard challenge from first-over WHERES MY MONEY from the 5/8 around the turn, looked to have shaken that one off headstretch, but saw that resilient foe come back for more, held. The latter was uncovered from the 3/8, advanced steadily as described, looked to be tiring headstretch but was coming back late. THOR sat in, blocked badly far turn, to the inside and a distant third. IMIDEAL HANOVER backed out to second-over off the second turn, gapped. FRITZIE PIC UP MAN showed speed, yielded for the pocket, not enough in the last ¼. I SOAR HIM FIRST never entered the picture.
NINTH RACE – KNIGHTS GUARD left and took a tuck, moved off the first turn to get the lead, had the pocket horse the only one close to him in the last half, held off that one. An inquiry on the winner concerning the start of the race gave no reason for action to be taken. UNCLE NINO showed quick opening speed, yielded to the winner and stayed close, couldn’t quite get there. DINKY WINKY was way back with the disconnected ones, four-wide ¾ then three-wide later on the turn, made up a lot of ground. SHARP CURVE had faltering cover, three-wide ¾ to two-wide later on the turn, also made a good recovery. WINE BAR got a forward spot, then just couldn’t go enough from just past the half onward. FOX HOLE and BULLVILLE REGGIE never were on the radar. TEST MY WILL was outside 3/16 looking to duck in the pocket when breaking, recovered and was two-wide raw but just clogged that tier thereafter.
TENTH RACE – TNT BLUE CHIP let outside leaders go then moved to control in front of the stands, had this field strung out most of the way and won in an impressive time. BRIGHT SIDE UP was three-high to bend one, went on two-wide to 3/16 command, yielded for the pocket, struggled to keep close most of the rest of the way and ultimately couldn’t, still clearly second after a good race. MISS PRINCIPLE used speed, was forwardly-placed, outside headstretch, maintained third over BAR COINS. The latter tucked fourth, moved outside on the turn then back inside stretch, evenly. MR CRIMSON and PHANNYS MATTER were in a bit over their heads. ZETTE FLAME broke late first turn and went to the centerfield.
ELEVENTH RACE – COWBOY COOL tucked, went 27.2 down the back uncovered to sail right by ¾, named his margin of victory. CAVIART SAGE made two speed moves, couldn’t keep the winner out ¾, just did hold on to second. MR CENSI sat last, blocked inside far turn, found room between horses midstretch and closed well. SPORTY DRAGON spotted third, sat in and also blocked far turn, outside headstretch, evenly. BUTTER UP was third-over, three-wide midturn, not able to rally. LUZIANA moved second-over but soon was not able to go with cover. ALWAYS A LOOK circled the field early, yielded for the pocket, dropped back sharply in the last split. SKY CAPTAIN broke on the turn before the start, recovered and spotted the field five lengths, then broke again at the ¼ and went to the centerfield.
TWELFTH RACE – SOMWHERENBROOKLN N sat in then backed out to second-over 11/16, wide headstretch, finished steadily as the pace softened and just decisioned SAMMY THE BULL N. The latter was shuffled to last, behind the winner then wider in the lane, edged out. POINTSMAN left well to the lead, yielded to the favorite but seemed anxious and moved again before the ½ to get the lead 5/8, quickly had open lengths that had been eaten up by midturn, held past the pylon before the finish. MAYBE NED moved outside at the half, was left uncovered, gave a solid effort. BLACKTREE sat in and was shuffled, couldn’t rerally. PACK YOUR BAGS moved out 3/16 to the top 3/8 with some rocking, was challenged and yielded 5/8, left a gap late backstretch, narrowed back in, but then had no late gain.
THIRTEENTH RACE – ONE AFTER NINE was three-wide and made the early lead, pushed a rival past a fast ¼ before yielding 3/8, moved again ¾ and went by into the stretch, drew away. MISTER BOINGA was three-wide with cover early, down to two-wide without cover past the 1/8, was pushed to clear 3/8 in a fast quarter and half, was challenged ¾, no match for the winner but remained game to edge ARCH CREDIT for second. The latter was well-placed throughout the mile, outside behind the winner late turn, just edged for place and well ahead of the rest. WILLIE B WORTHY and KEYSTONE THUNDER were outside midpack down the back, got the last checks. TEDDY BROSEVELT was not heard from. EVERYONE’S TALKIN checked slightly when a foe broke at the half but never was in contention before or after. MANWILLING went offstride just before the half.
FOURTEENTH RACE – COALFORD BET ALINE moved outside off the first turn, briefly three-wide to the 3/8 then two-wide to gain control mid-second turn, looked to have a potential Pocono Pike challenger, but when that one went offstride he won relatively easily. MIGHT BE RIGHT accepted that pocket at the 1/8, came back out to challenge raw early backstretch, appeared shaken off past midturn but plugged on steadily in a big race. PERFECT PROMISES was slightly off his cover, OK. CAVIART SCOTLAND hung outside in place early then was in gear to the 1/8 to get the front 3/8, soon yielded for the pocket, moved to the Pocono Pike, loomed but appeared to take a bad step midstretch, went offstride and to the infield; placed last. TRIFECTA HANOVER left and forced a tuck, made the favorites work early then yielded, inside, gapped turn, was exploring the deep Pocono Pike when a foe broke shutting off that avenue. RUSTY BEACH never got into the main action.
FIFTEENTH RACE – SHORE OF HIMSELF left, tucked just past the 1/8, then decided to take control and did so, had only the pocket horse stay with him from the 5/8 and drew off from that one in a very fast mile on this day. NO QUARTER left and put a foe in behind early, then yielded when that one decided to try his luck again, stayed right with the winner until the stretch, couldn’t gain but way ahead of the others. WAIMAC ATTACK N backed out to second-over 3/8, left uncovered 11/16 way off the front pair, just held third. CAPTAIN CASH went three-wide 11/16 and was out wide the duration, just missed third. BIG BOSS HILL was not prominent throughout. GOOD DEAL came with a rush 5/16 and paced a second quarter of 27.1 to challenge, but then stopped gaining before the 5/8, eventually dropping inside and fading. ASTON HILL DAVE sat third, then gave ground the entire last half.
SIXTEENTH RACE – ALWAYS B NAUGHTY went on to take over just past the 1/8, called her own margin with a 55.4 back half. HAILEY’S SISTER was hustled a bit early to secure the early pocket, stayed close most of the way, clearly second in here. ALEXA’S SUNSHINE was uncovered 11/16, didn’t gain and went back in, then came out again early stretch and was able to take the very distant third. LADY’S CHOICE K left well, stayed connected in third until late backstretch, tiring late. IDEAL ALEXA broke at the half but regained composure fairly quickly, got the last check. MOLLY MCARDLE gapped at the 5/8, broke far turn. THE OTHER DUO couldn’t keep up most of the race.
Mar 18, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – 38 degrees today; track rated “fast” but still seeming a bit below peak speed … RYCROFT N moved behind cover at the ¼ then followed a brusher, went by him to the top 3/8, rolled on, held on to the wire. DING DING DINGER left sharply to a quick lead, saw two go by, sat in, moved outside towards headstretch, finished nicely. COCOSFELLA A never left the rail, evenly in the Pocono Pike. BLACKLIGHT was second-over, three-wide ¾, kept at it to the finish. CALVIN K was looped, never tucked, got the top at the ¼, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, no response late. KILLER MARTINI was last, out then in again far turn, fair. CONCUR followed cover two- and three-wide but never achieved prominence. KIMINI N was uncovered early on turn two, never reached the leader, backed up in the last ¼.
SECOND RACE – HURRIKANEMYSHANNON made two speed moves, controlled the tempo, was not threatened. BETTE TINA was uncovered before the 5/8, grinded steadily for a solid second. RHYME N ROLL was third-in, to the Pocono Pike and gained. ROSEY TIME moved towards turn two, got cover, gapped it late backstretch, kept making up some ground late. ROCKNROLL NELLA was on the lead 3/16, yielded for the pocket, didn’t have much in reserve. JOES BEAUTY was not away quickly, shuffled some, wide stretch, evenly. NARINA HANOVER disconnected he last ½.
THIRD RACE – MISTER DAYTONA N was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to the ¼ to get the front, rated quarter two, dealt with all the stretch challengers. ROYHILL left and yielded at the 1/8, stayed third-in, angled wide in the stretch and closed well to catch HIGH IMPRESSION for second. The latter got to the top at the 1/8 then yielded at the ¼ and sit in the pocket, outside after entering the stretch, fair. GLOBALDOMINATION N stayed in, found room midstretch and was gaining. LOUD SPLASH was second-over, was rough and gapped. INCREDIBLE BADGER came uncovered just past the half, never got past the wheel of the pocket horse. SPORTSMANSHIP had little to offer late.
FOURTH RACE – MAKE SOME WAVES drifted out, had cover much of the 3/8 then left raw in the fast fractions, cleared to the lead past the 5/8 and opened a huge lead through the very fast ¾ and on the turn, a tremendous performance in these circumstances. DOCTOR BB was third-over, blindswitched ¾, finally cleared early stretch between horses, up to nip DJ’S BIG ELVIS for the very distant second. The latter moved out behind the winner, uncovered late backstretch, went steadily, caught for second very late. VINOVIO had the early lead, yielded, was shuffled in the stifled inner tier and backed out, four-wide headstretch, OK in an unlucky journey. THISISHOWWEDOIT was in the lively two-wide flow, three-wide ¾ but soon stalled. ISITFRIDAYYET tucked third at the 1/8, on the move before the parked horse to get the top before the quick half, couldn’t stall the winner in the fast ¾ and tired. WESTERN WALTZ went to the front at the 1/8, pushed in the fast tempo then yielded before turn two, had little left. MUSCLE MACH A lost contact down the back.
FIFTH RACE – SCRAPPIN GOLD was underway before the ¼ and went up to gain control, backed off the half, then opened a big lead 5/8 which he held to early stretch, gave some ground but had enough to prevail. ROCK IDOL was in the outer flow, three-wide 11/16 to two-wide entering the final turn, ducked inside in the stretch, cut significantly into the winner’s margin. INCREDIBLE EVAN made the early lead, yielded, stayed in, then angled two- and three-wide nearing the stretch, next in line. PAPIAMENTO was looped and was out to the ¼ to get in front, yielded, couldn’t keep up in the pocket from the 5/8. LOTTERY WINNER went uncovered on turn two but had very little. LEAVE AND ROLL was no factor. DUCKIES DYNASTY never was a factor. HOLY MOMENT was disconnected by the ¼ and was pulled up.
SIXTH RACE – MARINER SEELSTER left well, then moved before the ¼ and grabbed control of the throttle, much the best in here. SONG CYCLE SENESE was last and gapping midbackstretch, got tighter and moved two- and three-wide, four-wide headstretch and paced over all the others. MY WISH CAME TRUE was taken back into the 4-hole at the 1/8, uncovered into turn two, didn’t reach the winner but held his ground well late. PERKINS was third-over, three-wide 11/16 the duration, OK. TOPVILLE OLYMPIAN followed cover second-over into turn two, gapped and was blindswitched, not too much late. LORD OF MISRULE was between horses early and settled third, no late response. THREE WAYS N was three-high before turn one and crossed over to the top at the 1/8, yielded for the pocket, went loose of the winner the last ¼.
SEVENTH RACE – CRUISE PATROL led the outer tier into turn two, was able to tuck second down the backstretch, came back out midturn, paced on to the lead, enough to hold off CLASSIFIEDMATERIAL. The latter would have been fourth-over so stayed in, still was shuffled, outside ¾, ducked inside late turn and finished with a ton of pace deep in the Pocono Pike. DERECHO wanted to set the pace, held pretty well. CAPOZZO was second-over, couldn’t quite stay with cover the last ¼. HUDSEN A was third-over, three-wide towards headstretch, OK from a hard spot. HITMAN HILL was third-over but couldn’t get into the fight. IC A FREE SPIRIT went up to take third at the 1/8, shuffled horribly behind the stopping pocketsitter, no response when clear but may have been discouraged in the shuffle. HEARTLANDBANYSBRO was away well and took the pocket, backed up sharply from past the 5/8.
EIGHTH RACE – INTO THE UNKNOWN had a great trip second-over behind a front-end battle, wide in the stretch and proved to have enough to defeat this field. THE GYPSY QUEEN IR was out most of a fast ¼ to get the top, rated the half then had to step it up again to meet the challenger of the first-over, held well. FOX VALLEY CACHET tucked in fourth at the 1/8, stayed in, backed out on the turn and went widest in the stretch, not too far off the top two and well ahead of the rest. SHES A BULLVILLE was a gapping last, best of the rest along the inside. ROCKIN ROO couldn’t generate anything from third-over. THAT’SMYTYPE moved uncovered at the half and went after the leader hard down the back, came up empty headstretch. JAGGED LITTLE PILL hung a foe to the ¼ then relinquished for the two-hole, not keeping up 11/16.
NINTH RACE – P L LEEROY had every intention of cutting the pace and kept a foe limbed out during a speedy half, ran away from these to be the only double GOC winner at this level. DROPTHERAKEFREDDY found enough speed late first turn to keep the pocket shut, not in the league of the winner but did preserve second. JET ACE was briefly behind cover then tucked back in 5/8, out again on the turn, third in a three-way photo. BLOW A CLOUD N was very wide early, tucked fourth at the 1/8, struggled to stay tight much of the way. ROCKNROLL CHARM circled the fading parked horse, had a bit on the end. ER VEGAS never surfaced. WHATA TREASURE gapped inside. KEPT UNDER WRAPS A, briefly three-wide early, couldn’t quite make a tuck and was left out on the rim in fast early numbers, fell far back.
TENTH RACE – BULLVILLE FRANK left well and was well-placed off the early action, up the inside midturn as the pocketsitter moved out and went to the Pocono Pike, finished nicely. BAY CITY left but took back, stayed in, finally could angle wide before midstretch and finished boldly. ALADDIN HANOVER had cover until past the 3/16, went on to the lead before 3/8 then yielded soon thereafter, came out of the two-hole late turn, didn’t quite have the needed steps. ERINWOOD YVES was three-wide to the 1/8, two-wide past the 3/16 for the lead, yielded to the 3/8 but reclaimed the front almost immediately, came up short. BUILDING BOOST and LETMECALLYOUBACK struggled near the back. CRACK A SMILE had poor cover and never contended. SWEET SHUNEY MOON took a tuck fifth past the 1/8, then was first-over but never got close to the front action.
ELEVENTH RACE – BRUMBY moved uncovered at the half, went in 27.4 down the back and got into the pocket 11/16, out again near headstretch and proved the best. STELLAR BLUE CHIP was third-over, got blindswitched past the 5/8, then backed out to follow the wide cover, lost cover late turn, didn’t find his best strides until too late but they were powerful strides once in gear. MADDOX HANOVER came motoring three-wide past the 5/8 and got around all but the top two, ducked inside, a good showing. SAFENSOUND HANOVER made the lead then forced a tuck in a 27 opener, opened a big advantage down the back, couldn’t sustain his margin to the line. REYS N A RUCKUS had some pace on the end. IT’SGOODTOBETHEKING tucked third, sat in, had no room in the stretch. UNDERTAKER gapped second-over. PONDERINGJACKSFAME left wide, went up and was put into the pocket before the swift opener, not much left from just past the half.
TWELFTH RACE – JULA MAGICIAN was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to the 3/16 for the lead, backed off the half, met the challenge of the leader, held on over GRAPPLE HANOVER. The latter got a good forward spot, stayed in and stayed connected, found room in the deep Pocono Pike, a winner in the next step. DAGON HANOVER got on top at the 1/8 and yielded 3/16 for the garden trip, inside the pacesetter, not far away. SORTIE had dull cover and had to go three-wide through the turn, came home well although the pace slowed a bit. CHUCKY DE VIE sat in, angled between horses to midstretch, OK. SWEET HEART AS was flushed uncovered before turn two, went 27.4 down the back, couldn’t sustain that move but certainly didn’t finish badly. CAN’T SAY NO was taken back to last and not heard from thereafter. SAYLOR was away slowly, moved 5/16 and soon got cover, empty second-over.
THIRTEENTH RACE – BUSBOY HANOVER let well and wound up in the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and picked up TERRITORY with a mild late urge. The latter took over at the 1/8, set the pace, came home well and was second-best. MAJESTIC KIWI N kept a hole shut early, uncovered 11/16 and challenged on the turn, couldn’t quite sustain that move. BEACH BLANKET BOOK came out second-over ¾, so-so. AIN’T IT FUN was inside midpack, gapped midbackstretch, so-so. KINGOFMYHEART left under urging but didn’t have the speed for the top and could find no hole, dropped back. THE OTHER TWO never entered the main picture.
FOURTEENTH RACE – PEARL HARBOUR N was wide leaving, tucked third at the 1/8, moved off the first turn to take over 3/8, had horses coming at her from both sides late but held gamely. NADINA HANOVER was third-over, had to go wide around a gapper, came a very long way in the lane to just miss. LOUISIANA GB started uncovered at the half and gradually moved forward, engaged the winner ¾, right there holding very well. BRILLIANT BEAUTY won on to take over at the 1/8, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, gapped a little down the back then narrowed back in, Pocono Pike, not quite enough. SOUTHWIND JAVA yielded, stayed in third, blocked on the turn, gradually angled wide in the lane, OK. A CRAFTY LADY also was blocked far turn, still digging at the end. CHELSKI was second-over, gapped past the 5/8 and was blindswitched, not enough today. PRAY THE ROSARY was last at every call.
FIFTEENTH RACE – SAULSBROOK RAPTOR struck the front at the 1/8, then yielded for the two-hole, outside headstretch, made the lead midstretch, proved the best. ARTACHE HANOVER was urged leaving, finally did drop in fourth 3/16, wound up third-in and blocked on the far turn, to the Pocono Pike and moving well late. SNAP CALL was third-over, followed cover three-wide and then four-wide just past midturn, very strongly late. JONAH was last, followed the four-wide horse late turn, also with a good late punch. HOOSIER SHARK made two speed moves, didn’t have enough to last to the wire. WF EEYORE gapped at a couple of points. MONTY MONO was first-over into the backstretch, never reached the leader. WESTERN TYRANT spent the second turn raw then got cover, moved three-wide 5/8 but never did gain much.
