Feb 23, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – The 2023 racing season kicked off under sunny skies and temperatures a bit over the freezing level … Stretch headwind … MAC’S MARVEL was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide until taking over off the first turn, got a second quarter breather, then had successive 27.3 quarters home to be in charge of these. PATERNITY SUIT A was hustled early to maintain position, yielded at the ¼ for the pocket, couldn’t quite stay with the winner midturn, paced on solidly late. VIRGIN STORM took back nearing the 1/8, stayed third-in, clearly third. CAPTAIN CASH did not have good cover, wide in the lane and a distant fourth. HEARTBEAT HILL stayed in, gapped out ¾. IM A GIGOLO N moved uncovered at the half but never got close. SNAP CALL moved outside but couldn’t keep up and went back in down the back. ROYHILL fell back in the last quarter.
SECOND RACE – MUDVILLE moved uncovered going into the second turn, grinded up, had the lead far turn but couldn’t clear, raced well to get this decision. HIGH IMPRESSION left OK, quarter-moved to the lead 3/8, was pressured by the winner and kept that one outside on the turn, persevered second as others narrowed in late. OHOKA JOHNNY N went to the lead at the 1/8, forced a tuck, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, evenly late. BUSBOY HANOVER backed out to third-over off turn two, came on well in the stretch. P L LEEROY was four-wide to the first turn and three-wide just past to the 1/8, to two-wide and then the pocket 3/16, locked in on the turn, couldn’t find room along the inside early stretch, angled out past midstretch and gained. SHANGHAI BOBBY had great cover but didn’t stay with it, came back with “b.e.” AIN’T IT FUN was last at every station.
THIRD RACE – BROTHER JAMES eased back into third 3/16, was tight on the pocket horse then moved out at the ½, went his own third quarter with the wind in 26.3 to clear before the ¾, drew away as much the best. LORD OF MISRULE forced an early lineup, made the winner work for the lead but couldn’t hold him out, a bit tired late but could preserve second over CENTURY ENFORCER. The latter moved behind the winner but couldn’t stay with him in the wicked third split, got to the rail third midturn, finished steadily. BLACKLIGHT gapped cover, best of the far-behind rest. HOLY MOMENT defended the pocket, gave ground most of the last half. THE OTHERS were far behind.
FOURTH RACE – IDEAL BEACH moved out at the ¼ and gained the length of the frontstretch to get the lead, was not under a threat most of the rest of the way. AMP IT UP N left but couldn’t get around the rail horse, stayed in then moved out 11/16 after a two-wide horse broke, wide late turn and closed well. DROPTHERAKEFREDDY used the rail well for positioning, shuffled a little far turn, outside early stretch and got to second but surrendered that spot late. SLICK RICHARD backed out behind the winner to the 3/8, was left raw before the half, didn’t threaten but held OK. SWEET SHUNEY MOON was four-wide to the 1/8, three-wide to the 3/16, then two-wide to command off turn one after hard usage, yielded into turn two, couldn’t go with the winner the last ¼, finished with “b.e.” ALWAYS A LOOK grabbed an early 4-tuck, stayed in, evenly along the rail late. TSM TRISTAN T never factored. LATEST ATTRACTION came out from last and was moving well gaining to catch cover when taking a bad step and breaking 11/16.
FIFTH RACE – DASH OF DANGER was left out three-wide to the contentious ¼, finally made the top 3/8, yielded at the half and stayed close in the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, just held off the amazing DILLINGER. The latter was out on the limb the whole way, grinded uncovered from the half and gained, had no quit in him and was unlucky to lose after a giant effort at 38-1. IDEAL STAR N pushed away hard from the rail, moved out 3/8 after the early fireworks had cleared and went by at the half, went a fast ¾, held well in the stretch. CAPOZZO backed out to follow cover, gapped ¾, best of the rest. BOBBY K HILL moved outside but never got close; DERECHO also did not make his presence felt. HASH-TAG SWAG let well to clear at the 1/8, was under pressure and yielded at the ¼, shuffled inside but couldn’t keep up far turn. HEARTLANDBANYSBRO was left out in no-man’s land early, cleared past the ¼ then yielded, inside, couldn’t keep going ¾.
SIXTH RACE – CRUNCH HANOVER had early positioning, moved 5/16 to the lead into turn two during a speedy half, kept up the quick tempo and had the fastest time of the day in a bottom-level conditioned pace. BULLVILLE TERROR passed a gapping foe to the 3/8, inside then two- and then three-wide on the turn, finished steadily. DON’T JUDGE A BOOK left, yielded, came back out raw into the fast ¾, didn’t do badly at all. STELLAR BB was three-wide to bend one and two-wide 3/16 to get the top in a fast ¼, yielded for the pocket, got a little loose at the 5/8. COCOSFELLA A tucked fourth at the 1/8, no more left to offer 5/8. THE LAST THREE were far away from the main action.
SEVENTH RACE – EL TORO LOCO was forwardly-placed early, moved 5/16 to take the lead under the line the first time, looked to be in control to the wire. BULLY BOY HILL was third-over, three-wide midturn, raced nicely but had too far to come. TORRONE was looped leaving and tucked fourth 3/16, uncovered at the half and challenged hard, held well. AP HALL OF TRIX was second-over, only evenly the last quarter. CRESCENT BEAUTY swung four-wide headstretch and finished alertly. CREATE MYSTIQUE was four-wide to turn one, three-wide to before the 1/8, took back for the pocket 3/16, shuffled inside far turn, but had little once free. TITANS HOPE drove on to the lead and forced a tuck, yielded for the two-hole, struggled from the ¾. K J DIAMOND never gained contention.
EIGHTH RACE – CAVIART MAX was away well for the pocket then quarter-moved, went a big third panel and maintained a safe lead to the finish. YS DO IT RIGHT was looped leaving and settled third at the 3/16, moved uncovered 9/16, not quite in the league of the winner, tucked in the pocket far turn, photoed out KEYSTONE STEAM for second. The latter was wide early, tucked fourth 3/16, then moved with cover, kept going forward. SIMPLE KINDA MAN was inside, didn’t offer much the last 3/8. MEADOWBROOK FLASH never factored. JD’S NOAH was three-wide early, on top to the 1/8, yielded for the two-hole, backed up steadily the last 3/16.
NINTH RACE – SHVAIKO left very hard to defend position from the rail, finally yielded before the 3/8 to sit the pocket trip, outside before late turn, gradually got by HIGH BALLER. The latter was out three-high most of a quick quarter, got the top before the 3/8, went on at a good clip, held stubbornly. BECKHAMS Z TAM stayed in, finally angled clear early stretch and finished very strongly. CALYPSO ROCK N left, was forced to take the pocket before the ¼, stayed third-in until getting the pocket after its former occupant pulled, didn’t have that much in the last 1/16. MAJOR FERNCO N was parked behind cover until dropping in past the ¼, out to follow a two-wider before the ½, three-wide around the parked horse down the back, got new cover midturn, couldn’t offer much more of a forward gear after a hard trip. CAPTAIN COOK was not heard from. NORTHERN REIN was slightly off the gate then broke early. DECOY was very wide early and took back, was still stuck on the outside and coverless before the 3/8, looped down the back and faded.
TENTH RACE – ELWELL moved at the 1/8 to quarter command, slowed the half, then withstood the persistent challenge of INDIGO ART. The latter edged out raw at the half and went 26.4 down the back to pressure the winner, couldn’t go as much as that one but clearly second-best after a good race. MINDTRIP followed lively cover, couldn’t stay with it ¾, held for third. BELLOWS BINGE was buried inside, angled way out to widest headstretch and finished strongly. DARK ENERGY N stayed in, not all that much. ASTON HILL DAVE showed some speed, stayed in until coming out with cover midturn, not a stretch factor. PLAY THE FIELD grabbed the top right away then yielded to the winner, done at the ¾. BIG BOSS HILL was outside early but never reached cover.
ELEVENTH RACE – MIND HUNTER was three-wide to the first bend and on top at the 1/8, rated the half then picked up the pace stringing out pursuers, challenged by PHOENIX OF FLUZZY to his inside in the stretch but proved strongest. The latter went to command nearing turn one and yielded for the pocket, went to the Pocono Pike and loomed, but flattened slightly very late. DRAGON CITY improved position early, looked all-out late backstretch to stay tight, came outside late turn, paced stoutly just to the right of the two battlers. FOUR MORE YEARS was looped, tucked past mid-first turn, up the inside late, did OK+. THE OTHERS did not leave and did not get into the main picture.
TWELFTH RACE – MR DS ROCK kept control from the pole in a fast quarter then rated the half, picked up the pace to keep pressure at bay, won solidly. PRINCE OF TIDES was three-high most of the ¼ before taking a 3-tuck, inside, to the Pocono Pike and finished well. CAVIART LUCA was two-wide most of the ¼ before tucking, evenly late. B STONEY sat in, went to the deep Pike, gained then flattened slightly while possibly approaching tight quarters. RIFLEMAN moved out third-over, gapped letting a horse out, went three-wide ¾ and was four-wide nearing headstretch, beat out the others in the outer tier. TJ’S INDY PACER was uncovered into turn two, went up in 27 to challenge down the back and held well until early stretch, then showed the effects of his trip. SOMETHING BETTOR A sat in then moved out into a blindswitch past the 5/8, not prominent late. WATER SPORTS TEEN went up well second-over, three-wide nearing headstretch, little late.
THIRTEENTH RACE – URBAN RENEWAL had some speed, was third-in and looked hopelessly boxed, came out into a blindswitch headstretch then angled inside of the pacesetter/first-over combo into the Pocono Pike and finished with a rush to get the nod. LOVE THE BLUES N came first-over from the second turn, fought hard with the leader, just got second on the money. THANOS was wide leaving then two-wide to command 5/16, had hard pressure, held nicely. SAMSON BLUE CHIP got towed up nicely second-over, wide late turn, couldn’t quite close enough. DRAGON ROARS AGAIN backed out to third-over, widest headstretch, did well from a tough spot. SNOWBALL’S ROMEO led before the 1/8, yielded 5/16 for the two-hole, not quite enough the last 3/16.
FOURTEENTH RACE – THE WALL was four-wide fully to the 1/8, three-wide most of the ¼, then two-wide to the front to the 5/16, set the pace, got pressure late backstretch, shook that one off, won handily. ARTIST BEST went to the front at the 1/8, yielded past the first turn for the pocket, held second over a fast-closing DO WORK SON. The latter had dull cover third-over, went inside in the stretch and made up good ground. REAGAN BLUE CHIP showed speed, stayed in, angled out headstretch and finally found clearance to midstretch, fair; there was an inquiry as to whether he impeded the breaker, but no placing was made. SPORTY DRAGON stayed in, not prominent in the last ¼. REVELRY was second-over but gapped cover, pushed wide in the stretch. GLOBALDOMINATION N was three-wide to the 1/8, tucked just past the 3/16, was uncovered into turn two, hit a higher gear late backstretch and pressed the leader hard, but then fell back in the last 3/16, got in close quarters and made a break.
Nov 18, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – 60 degrees; a mild stretch headwind that would increase a little as the card progressed… A BETTOR BEACH came out second-over 5/8, three-wide ¾ to two-wide midturn to the lead headstretch, a safe winner. SILENT SPLENDOR went to the front at the 1/8, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, came out behind the winner late turn, held second over ROLLINWITHAMBITION. The latter sat in, took awhile in the stretch to find room, then through a narrow space with pace late. THE THUNDER ROLLS yielded, came at the quarter to the lead past the 3/8, fought off a challenge, tired in the lane. INDIGO ART was fourth-over, four-wide headstretch, had late pace. TONY TOO TALL was fourth-in, evenly. ARTIFACT HANOVER was right behind the winner but couldn’t keep with his wide move. IDEAL WHEEL sat third until the 5/8 then challenged, faded most of the last quarter.
SECOND RACE – SHORE OF HIMSELF made two speed moves to control the lead, got pressure on both sides through the stretch but held on in gutty fashion. COXCOMB came up on the grind 3/8, went 27.1 down the back to gain contention far turn, stayed steady to the line to just miss. BOILER MAKER was three-wide towards the 1/8 then two-wide to the top 3/16, yielded for the pocket, used the Pocono Pike, just shy. THIRD POWER was stuck in far back, angled out late turn and was next in line. MIDNIGHT DAY gapped in front of the stands the first time, then was stuck behind a tired one, to the Pike, evenly. NORTHERN NETWORK had some speed and sat in third, empty at crunch time. CHUCK THE CHEESE gapped cover most of the last half mile. BORN A REBEL was also outside, also was no factor.
THIRD RACE – ANCHORS AWEIGH, up on the bit the whole way, came grinding 5/8 and went in 27.4 down the back, kept right on going to the lead past headstretch and resisted SAY YOU DO late. The latter backed out to second-over ¾, wide in the lane, closing but couldn’t quite make it. GRAPPLE HANOVER showed on top early then yielded, got a clear path from the pocket as the pacesetter bore out headstretch, a step shy. CREWS HILLTOPPER was out down the back but gapped, in on the turn, out again in the lane, OK. CHUCKY DE VIE took the lead just past the 1/8 and set the pace, rated the half, was tiring under pressure near headstretch and bore out a little. BLOGMASTER never entered the picture.
FOURTH RACE – CANDY TRADER went up behind flowing cover, made the lead midstretch, had enough to hold off IDEAL STAR N. The latter was outside towards the second turn, wound up third-over, wide, got in gear a little too late. UNDERTAKER looked to want to come outside early backstretch then stayed in, shuffled far turn then got access to the Pocono Pike, just third. KASEY JOHN A passed tired horses from last. EFFRONTE A went up uncovered to the 5/8, challenged hard and got the lead late on the bend, didn’t have much left late. WON LAST FEELING made two moves to set the tempo, tired from mid-far turn. REYS N A RUCKUS was out to the ¼ to make the front, yielded for the pocket, came out into a blindswitch late turn as the leader gave way, didn’t gain any late.
FIFTH RACE – VIC’S WINNER took the early pocket, was third-in, got directly to the deep Pocono Pike and had the most trot in a slowing last ¼. WORLD AT WAR DEO was underway from midpack 3/16 to the lead 3/8, couldn’t hold off the winner. KINDA LUCKY LINDY was uncovered at the half, went on one-geared despite being asked for more, steadily. LIGHTFOOTEDLEGEND used the rail to control things early, yielded for the two-hole, to the Pocono Pike but had little response. AP HALL OF TRIX was three-wide early, tucked third, stayed in, not clear in the stretch. DAGON HANOVER moved second-over 11/16, couldn’t get into the action. P L KETCHUP couldn’t catch up after early misbehavior.
SIXTH RACE – KINGSTONS BAD BOY joined the outside tier from last as all but the front two moved outside, three-wide from the 11/16, had the most late as the tempo slowed. BABES DIG ME was three-wide early, tucked 3/16, back out second-over then left uncovered past the 5/8, fought with great gameness to take second over PARK OFFICIAL. The latter pushed away hard from the rail, yielded to the 26.3 quarter, came out raw before the half, went to the lead 11/16, was passed by the winner then lost second on the wire. MANNY was in the outer flow then went back inside after circling the pacesetter, not enough late. CLOUSEAU HANOVER was between horses to the ¼, yielded 3/8, shuffled very badly, got into a blindswitch ¾, couldn’t summon much late. AIN’T IT FUN was outside, stayed in a blindswitch, not prominent. DAAMERICANSKY was three-wide almost all of a 26.3 opener and took the lead 3/8, was passed past the 5/8 and faded.
SEVENTH RACE – Wind getting stronger … SPINOUT was three-wide to the first turn and two-wide to the lead 3/16, set the pace, got pressure down the back, handled that, stayed clear near the end. MCNULTY Z TAM left and was looped, settled in third near the ¼, stayed in, came up the Pocono Pike gaining late. TRY LINE sat in then backed out to third-over, four-wide headstretch, closed well but with too far to come. GREYSTONE WATCHMAN was the innermost leaver, yielded 3/16, pocket, no forward motion late. SHANGHAI BOBBY hustled from last to get a good trip second-over, three-wide far turn, couldn’t get all that close. SPORTSMANSHIP was uncovered into the second turn, moved up sharply to challenge while going his third quarter in 27.2, but had little left late. STONEBRIDGE ROCKS gapped at the back.
EIGHTH RACE – STORM IS RAGING needed until the 3/16 to clear, saw two go by in the next 3/16, came out raw 5/8 and grinded, didn’t go by on the turn but drew away in the stretch. MARION GONDOLIER was second-over but couldn’t stay tight on cover, came on to grab second in the last steps from MYSTICAL WYNN. The latter was four-wide fully to the 1/8, then took back to follow cover before going on at the ¼ to the top 3/8, had to fight the winner, did well and lost second only in the shadow of the wire. ONE AFTER NINE was not prominent; nor was MISTER BOINGA. DEE’S RED DELICIOUS was three-wide to the 3/16 then went on to the front just past the ¼, yielded for the pocket, went loose 11/16. HOLTON broke past the start.
NINTH RACE – MINDTRIP started on the grind 3/8, attacked the leader between horses from the 5/8, got to the lead midstretch then held on. THE MOONSHADOW N was third-over, went up in a blindswitch then could go wide out of it early stretch, moving very well late. PLAY THE FIELD was in control early, rated the half, then came under pressure first from two- then from two- and three-wide, held on very gamely. GONNAHAVESOMEMORE was caught in from before the 5/8 the rest of the way without a clear path. BELLOWS BINGE left well and made the pocket before the 3/16, went to the Pocono Pike but didn’t gain in the latter stages. BRAVO TEX N stayed in, also was not clear but was not running over horses (as GONNAHAVESOMEMORE was). IN ROCK WE TRUST was outleft, decided to not look for a hole but went on to challenge, broke at the ¼, caught the field, faded. ROCKIN THE BLAZE was second-over, quickly three-wide 5/8 and was in the heat of the battle until headstretch, then faltered.
TENTH RACE – DA DELIGHTFUL was three-high to the first bend, made the lead 3/16, backed off the half, and then had an easy time of it. CRUNCH HANOVER was second-over in a flow that never got to the winner, wide stretch and did well for second. THE WALL was uncovered from 5/8, not a bad mile at all. BRONX SEELSTER was urged between horses early, got the pocket, urged again ¾ but had no response. FATHER NUNO was last, had some late pace from an impossible spot. HORSE pushed the early pace, stayed in, Pocono Pike, couldn’t gain. PARMESAN N didn’t achieve prominence.
ELEVENTH RACE – TOWN GOSSIP moved coming off the second turn and with a big rush cleared to the lead easily, then saw no one able to come on and make up enough ground. MARK WITHA K followed the winner, left raw late backstretch, to the pocket midturn, out again in the stretch and gained some but was not threatening. CAPTIVATE HANOVER joined a lively flow, was left raw on the far turn, distant third. MACH WEST was first to the outside, wound up third-over, tucked third midturn, couldn’t sustain. MAJOR SHOW gapped most of the first half, did get the last check. RIFLEMAN showed no firepower. IM A GIGOLO N left well to sit the pocket, was empty independently of the fading pacesetter. LYONS PEGASUS zoomed away to immediate command and was loose on the lead to the half, but his early exertions caught up to him when challenged 5/8.
TWELFTH RACE – CERTIFIABLE got carried up beautifully second-over, wide and strong to the wire for a nice triumph. YS DO IT RIGHT came up first-over 5/8 and gradually got closer and closer, briefly had the lead before being passed by the horse on his back. STONEBRIDGE KARIS rode a pocket trip while at times not totally tight on the pacesetter, to the Pocono Pike, evenly. JIM BLUE raced up to be third before the 1/8, stayed in, angled out in a blindswitch headstretch and followed the winner’s path, didn’t quite have that one’s steps but OK. BOARDWALK BET had little chance from last. PHOENIX OF FLUZZY stayed in, fled the rail for a blindswitch but never got close. DALBY HANOVER left intent on having the lead and rolled along, but got tired.
THIRTEENTH RACE – HOT DEUCE left, yielded 3/16, then quarter-moved, sped up in panel three as outside challengers moved up, ding-donged with GET LIT much of the stretch and just kept a desperate nose ahead. The latter was out to near the 3/16 to take the top then yielded for the two-hole, to the Pocono Pike, unlucky to be on the short end of the photo after a good race. BULLVILLE TERROR was underway uncovered on the second turn, went 26.3 down the back as growing ever-closer, held his ground staunchly. REDBANK BLAZE A was third-over, then second-over when his cover ducked in down the back and gapped from that point. BIG BOSS HILL did not have a great flow in front of him. CAVIART ROCKLAND left between horses and tucked third, backed out late backstretch but had little. CAVIART SAGE was behind good cover, tucked back in down the back and faded. A STUD NAMED SAM was always far back.
FOURTEENTH RACE – PATERNITY SUIT A was looped while three-wide leaving, to two-wide to command 3/16, yielded 3/8 to sit in the two-hole, outside headstretch and strode clear. DO WORK SON sat inside and advanced, followed the winner before midstretch and just was along for second over BLACK CHEVRON N. The latter left, yielded, on the move near the 1/4 to take over 3/8, held out the backstretch challenger but then couldn’t deal with the two behind him. VIRGIN STORM had poor over, three-wide ¾ and four-wide late turn, made up ground well. MONTY MONO was last, stayed inside, not much to offer late. BET ON BLAKE left strongly to clear to the first turn, yielded, backed out to second-over late backstretch, had to go three-wide when cover failed but himself had no more gain. OUR MAJORDAN A moved first-over 3/8, put in a big challenge, then made just as big a retreat. BROTHER JAMES, a bit slow to the gate, was the initial second-over but immediately started gapping.
Nov 12, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Atypical stretch tailwind on another warm day … MISTER DAYTONA N was looped early, went on to get the lead 5/16, pushed a little then yielded well before the fast half, gapped some down the back then tighter then outside ¾, went right by, drew clear in an impressive mile. SEE YA WRITE N spotted, then moved second-over, three-wide just past midturn, closed well. LORD OF MISRULE hustled away well to the front, pushed the winner to the 5/16, yielded, came right back to take over again well before the fast half, couldn’t stall the winner on the far turn but went on OK after hard usage. DIVISION BELL was shuffled inside, had some response once clear in the Pocono Pike. JK MUSICMAN was wide early, in fourth 3/16, then uncovered into turn two, never reached the lead but kept at it one-paced. BUTTER UP started to gap not much past the half. LUZIANA was urged leaving but still had no lick, early or late. TRULY SURREAL broke going to the first bend.
SECOND RACE — TRAFFIC JAM was on the move 5/8 and reached the leader towards the ¾, battled head-to-head with that one to the wire before getting the nod. ANOTHER BEACH DAY was outside before a leaver had cleared 3/16, left uncovered and worked to get to the top past the 3/8, didn’t face a fast middle half but then faced the winner, battled that one right to the last steps. RHYME N ROLL left well, was out most of the ¼ before making the top, yielded, OK from the pocket although not quite as good as the top two. GRANT ME THIS had sluggish cover, wide in the stretch and closed nicely. NARINA HANOVER gapped inside. MACH’S DELI was out to try to follow the winner but gapped. ALWAYS CURIOUS never featured. ELEGANT NOELLE grabbed the front early, yielded to the ¼, backed out of third 11/16 to try to follow the winner but could not.
THIRD RACE – PADRE was out before the ¼ but retucked as the leader did not easily surrender the lead, moved after the early battle was settled and went on to the top, clear from the 5/8 and won by a ton in fast time for this class. SMART AS HILL tucked fourth at the 1/8, was out following cover as the pocketsitter gave way, stayed mostly outside on the turn, along for the distant second. GREEK LEGEND was shuffled, three-wide late turn, passed many horses in the lane. HALL IT IN went up to challenge but met resistance, tucked past the ¼, back out again past the 5/8 as the pocket horse backed off, retucked in the two-hole, couldn’t hold second late. PHANTOM RUSTY never entered the main picture. FASHION WINNER was shuffled back but showed no recovery. TRICKY DICK went three-wide at the ¾ from last but didn’t gain. CHOCOTURE made the front, didn’t want to yield early and got a foe seated, yielded to the winner, couldn’t keep up 5/8.
FOURTH RACE – HUNTRESS was outleft and tucked fourth, moved second-over and gradually tightened behind cover, wide into the stretch and drew away. KAY SAGE left, yielded, made a ‘hidden” quarter-move then yielded again, a little loose on the turn, OK in the stretch for second. LETS RYDE GIRL outleft the field, saw two go by in quarter two, came raw at the 5/8 and challenged hard, held pretty well after hard work. ROCKNROLL NELLA was quarter-mover #2 with the wind and took command, under pressure from the first-over, not enough late. CATIE FAYE HANOVER was third-over and three-wide far turn in the winner’s path, didn’t have that one’s steps but had belated good pace. THE OTHER THREE left gaps of varying degrees (paralleling their finishes).
FIFTH RACE – NEXTROUNDSONME took early control from the pole and set a fast pace while under no pressure until the stretch, where SPY BOOTH came on, just resisted that rival. The latter took the early pocket and sat until entering the stretch, moved out and gained smartly late but came up just shy. LOVE THIS BAR sat in, went around a tired one early stretch and held third in a good race. SCIROCCO BIG JOHN gapped early, gapped when moved outside 11/16, then found better steps and closed in the lane while bearing wide. NO NAME YANKEE raced inside, OK along the inside late. BLESSINGSANDFAVOR stayed in contact behind the fast pace until nearing the ¾ then faded. ANDOVERS TOUCH left well, tucked fourth, came out 5/8 but didn’t gain, broke while out of it headstretch. CHOCO CHARLIE miscued soon into the race.
SIXTH RACE – ALWAYS B FIRST moved out nearing the half, briefly got cover, lost it as it cleared to the lead, then herself went on in a fast third quarter to take over into the turn, ran away from these. PHELGON left, got into the pocket near the 3/16, came out off turn two to go to the lead 5/8 then in turn surrendered command to the ¾, tired but held on to the distant second. SUNRISE HANOVER gapped outside against the wind in quarter three, left uncovered, went on OK. A CRAFTY LADY also had cover, fair. ONE HAND KEG STAND did OK late to get the last check. JUXTA COWGIRL defended the pocket before surrendering it 3/16, sat in, shuffled, but not too much once clear. FOXY FIJI streaked to the lead, was challenged past the half, yielded 5/8, tired in the last ¼. EVAS SPORTS CZECH lost contact the second half.
SEVENTH RACE – HAND DOVER DAN was three-wide to turn one then settled fourth at the 1/8, was tight on cover, lost it on the far turn, bore out in the stretch but found a powerful gear late and just did catch A PERFECT HELEN. The latter headed down the road, fought off the first-over, appeared to be in pretty good shape until late stretch, when the winner kicked in, tough loss. GRANDEUR was close-up, came out at the ½ but needed until the 5/8 to find a good forward gear then challenged, couldn’t go by and tucked in the pocket near headstretch, steadily. BEER CHEESE sat in then slide out midturn, kept coming to the wire. TNT BLUE CHIP gapped in last down the back, stayed inside and earned a check. MACKLE MOORE eventually got into the pocket 3/16, stayed close until the ¾. LIVINGONTHERAIL moved two-wide but did not enter contention.
EIGHTH RACE – DILLINGER got good cover at the half, lost it ¾ and challenged the new leader, didn’t get the lead until deep stretch, then withstood LIFETIMEEXPERIENCE. The latter tucked, backed out to third-over, had good cover, went wide headstretch and lost a little ground straightening away, then came on determinedly. CRACK A SMILE took the early pocket, pulled uncovered from third on the second turn, cleared past the ¾, gave way late. CHUCK THE CHEESE was deep in the cover flow, angled inside midstretch and finished willingly. ZEUS HANOVER sat in and was shuffled some, had some pace in tight quarters late. TREY’S CHARLIE was last, went wide but didn’t have enough kick. CURBSIDE PICKUP was innermost as half the field left, yielded 5/16, was shuffled out of it as the pacesetter gave way in the last ¼. LOUKES PERRY was four-wide early, kept on to get the lead 5/16, moderated the second quarter (which had a tailwind), but came under pressure late backstretch and proved to be all done.
NINTH RACE – CRESCENT BEAUTY made two moves and controlled the tempo, was clear early stretch but got a fright from the late-charging JAQEN H’GHAR. The latter raced second-over, didn’t tip three-wide until very late on the turn, then was flying the last 1/8 to just miss. TRANQUILITY K took the top early, yielded for the pocket, stayed close in the pocket until the stretch, clearly third. PHANNYS MATTER took back early, advanced inside, next in line. NORTHERN BLIZZARD gapped at the back. SIMON GOT LUCKY stayed close early, was uncovered on turn two, didn’t reach the wheel of the leader, fell back from past the ¾. THE AMERICAN EAGLE didn’t make his presence felt.
TENTH RACE – FAST MACHINE was carried up second-over, three-wide midturn when it seemed cover would advance no further, didn’t take the lead until very late but held it to the wire. TECHYS ANGEL A went up to challenge at the 1/8, got the pocket at the ¼, stayed in, angled out on the turn and wide headstretch, kicked in just a little too late, good race. KAT quarter-moved, got a second quarter breather and didn’t have the first-over giving serious pressure, but could not withstand the late speed. DBLDELITEBRIGADE N went to the lead, forced a tuck, yielded for the pocket, appeared to get to almost-even terms in the Pocono Pike midstretch, came up a little short late. AMERICAN DELIGHT N stayed in and did not make her presence felt. DRESDEN spotted fifth, uncovered into turn two, never applied serious heat to the leader fell back. TEMPURA HANOVER followed cover two- and three-wide, then four-wide stretch but did not gain.
ELEVENTH RACE – AMERICAN CLASSIC was quarter-mover #2 en route to 3/8 command, a “no-doubter” as Announcer Jim noted. LET’S GOT ROCKED stayed in, searched for room between horses past midstretch, finally found a sliver and had a good response to take the distant deuce in a photo with ONE OF THE GUYS. The latter had the early pocket, was quarter-mover #1 then yielded for the pocket, couldn’t stay with the winner the last ¼ and just lost second late. BULLVILLE FRANK was not well-served by his cover, wide and fair late. GROOVY MAN gapped early, got closer then went uncovered at the half but never got close. KATIES BET went right to the lead, saw two go by in quarter two, struggled to keep up most of the last half.
TWELFTH RACE – GEORGIE MARTIN N was three-wide early to get the lead, put a looped foe in behind her, yielded to the brushing favorite to sit the pocket, outside headstretch, fought gamely to decision MAJOR BATTLE. The latter stayed in, got access to the Pocono Pike and may have had a nose up midstretch, fought to the line. BRILLIANT BEAUTY was second-over and gradually tightened behind cover, three-wide midturn, finished well – beaten by inside trip horses. BETTERB CHEVRON N was underway past the first turn to the lead near the 3/8, turned back the first-over, not enough steps late. APRIL AVA sat in, evenly stretch while not having a totally clear path. CRAZY CUTE was looped, worked up into the pocket before the ¼, came again raw 5/8 but her bid was short-lived. STELLENBOSCH was last and could not work into contention.
Nov 7, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – “Sloppy +1” on a 57-degree day … LATEST ATTRACTION left well, yielded near the ¼ for the pocket, stayed close, to the Pocono Pike and the lead midstretch, held off FERDIEONTHEBEACH to five Kevin Wallis his 10541st driving victory as he announced he is retiring from driving after today. The latter moved second-over 5/8, gapped on the turn, then was gaining late out very wide. MICHAEL’S MONSTER took a tuck, then gapped from before the ¼ to near the 5/8, where he got closer then went uncovered, held OK. BOOZIN N CRUISIN was three-wide to the first turn then out most of the ¼ for control, set the pace, not enough late. BOLTMAN gapped isndie down the back. A SHORE LEGACY was third-over but didn’t get into the main mix. KEYSTONEFIGHTNIGHT gapped down the back, got a little closer late. ROCKIN FIRE gapped down the backstretch and never got any closer.
SECOND RACE – BELIEVEINTHESPIRIT tucked early, moved uncovered at the half and grinded away, bore out in the lane but still had the most late kick. CAVIART CAFÉ left and was in the pocket 3/16, stayed close, to the Pocono Pike and had the lead in the lane, a bit shy. SAMMY THE BULL N was third-over behind a gapper, rallied but couldn’t rally enough. LEGAL POWER set the pace, wilted late. SOMWHERENBROOKLN N started uncovered into turn two and got cover at the half, but then gapped it badly. ER VEGAS offered little. A REAL MIRACLE gapped much of the way.
THIRD RACE – LOOTABLE tucked in fourth to the 1/8, uncovered 5/8 and grinded up, just got the nod in the stretch duel. SLICK FELLA was three-wide to the 1/8 then on top past the 3/16, yielded and waited in the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and appeared to have a nose up midstretch, just came up shy. THE MIGHTY CRACKEN moved behind cover, gapped it a little, then was doing a little better late. TSM TRISTAN T set the pace with two moves, held decently. NOPEWASNTME gapped near the back, swung wide and was gaining early stretch but lugged in and clipped an opponent’s wheel, bounced right back ongait and was moving strongly, unlucky. JERSEY JUSTICE also gapped near the back, made a slight break ¾ then caught, didn’t have clearance late. DARIO HANOVER sat inside, couldn’t get into the main picture. BRYCE broke past the ¼.
FOURTH RACE – ZEBULON was underway before the ¼, was a bit wide coming out of turn one but quickly made the top, under big pressure down the back but didn’t let the challenger get by, trotted out well. CIRCUIT PARTY was behind an early gapper, was uncovered at the 3/8, came his own middle half in 58 uncovered to give the leader all he wanted, couldn’t go by, tried hard to the line. FRANKIE HILL was out on the second turn but immediately was gapping, got a little close to the top two, wound up by himself as a distant third. A ONE A made a brief break early, moved out on the far turn and went by weary foes. PUB HOPPING was in the pocket early, didn’t keep up from the 5/8. MR FIREWORKS was away quickly to take over, yielded, started to let loose before the 5/8, looked hard to steer headstretch and made a break. ZETTE FLAME broke at the start. EMBRACE THE STONE steadily dropped back in the last half.
FIFTH RACE – HOWTOTRAINURDRAGON sat in, found room far turn and quickly went three-wide, quickly left these behind to give Gena Anderson her first training win with her first starter. RIOT was four-wide to the 1/8 and three-wide to the 3/16, needed almost to the 3/8 to clear to the top, held OK in light of the rough early usage. WHATA TREASURE left and yielded, uncovered towards turn two, couldn’t reach the leader, next-best. JAMAICAN COWBOY gapped, then came up the inside and passed a few. BLOW A CLOUD N was three-wide to the 1/8, on top past the 3/16, yielded before the 3/8, yielded, not much left in the last ¼. CLASSIC PRO broke before the start, recovered, but couldn’t recover enough. VILLAGE CHAMP went on top at the 1/8, yielded 3/16, gapped down the back, then moved outside mid-far turn, was blindswitched and appeared to run up on a horse headstretch, little late. CHANCELLORCULLEN N moved outside at the half but had very little to offer.
SIXTH RACE – PRACTICAL CAT defended the pocket leaving then quarter-moved, took off before the ¾ and was never under duress. JUSTIFY was second-over, three-wide before the ¾ and made the pocket midturn, the only one remotely close to the winner. SMART AS HILL took back early, moved outside, three-wide far turn won the photo for the very distant third. CRAZY FOR CJ sat in, gapped, so-so in the Pocono Pike. STEEL SCHOONER, wide leaving, was in front 3/16, yielded for the pocket, backed up from the 5/8. PILGRIMS TIDE took back early, was uncovered off turn two, couldn’t get close then faded significantly. THE OTHER PAIR were always well out of it.
SEVENTH RACE – MG’S BEST ERA EVA got early position, started uncovered at the half, hit a higher gear ¾ and advanced through the turn to the lead, drew away. TRULY got to tuck fourth 3/16, then second-over, steadily behind the winner and second-best. JAGGED LITTLE PILL made the lead right away, then made making the lead tough for a rival until yielding 3/8, shuffled a little headstretch as outside horses went by, rallied back for third in the Pocono Pike. BIRDIE THREE gained up the inside down the backstretch, outside headstretch, fair. ICARUS FALLS N defended the pocket, quarter-moved but was left out to the 3/8 before taking over, subjected to hard pressure on the turn and faded in the last 1/8. SPLIT POT originally moved third-over but didn’t advance and went back inside, not prominent. AMERICAN BEACHBABE was near the rear throughout.
EIGHTH RACE – FREDDIE MAC left, took the early pocket at the 1/8, vacated third 5/8 and went up on a steady move, took over going into the stretch and was the best. MISS MUSCLE used the rail well, yielded to an early mover for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, good but not quite good enough. MUSHANA gapped a little bit at several points including second-over, better steps late. WHAT CHAPTER came out of third before the ¼ and went to the top, got a moderate pace, but still tired. TRAIN was on the move early and wound up third-over, three-wide late turn but couldn’t get close. KEEGAN HO never entered the main picture. PRESIDENTE ZETTE gapped inside. BANZAI AS offered little.
NINTH RACE – I’LL TAKE THE BET was second-over, slightly off cover for some of the backstretch, three-wide past midturn, outkicked the pair that was following him. PBR STREET GANG moved third-over, three-wide with cover then wider in the stretch, just missed in the photo. ALWAYS BETTER backed out to last-over 11/16, widest and with pace. SETONCRUISECONTROL was outside most of the ¼ to get the front, was under pressure from the first-over from very early on with little between those two the rest of the way, held OK. ALLIEVERDREAMOF was hustled uncovered from midpack past the ¼ and had a fierce duel with the leader, held courageously. BARRYWHITE HANOVER had the early lead then yielded for the pocket, had his chance in the Pocono Pike but couldn’t get there. COWBOY COOL stayed in, gapped midrace, tried to find clearance in the stretch but could not.
TENTH RACE – CRESCENT BEAUTY benefited from three breakers and made the lead easily, really slowed the half, then drew away in the slop with 57.3 – 28.3. AWSOME PAUL worked up into the pocket early, kept close until the far turn, retained second over SCOTTISH. The latter gapped inside down the back, was better in the last straightaway. VENDOR BILL moved outside but couldn’t make an impact. PANTHERA AS was always far back, but did stay flat. THESUNRISESAGAIN charged the gate but broke right past the start. HEART MATTERS and BULLY BOY HILL were also victims of early behavioral problems.
ELEVENTH RACE – MAXIMUS MIKI came out from fourth to the 3/16 and brushed to command, held off the first-over bid of C-BET HANOVER with a 27.4 last quarter. The latter left a gap in the pocket from before the 1/8 past the half then tightened in and was raw at the 5/8, came his own last half in 55.4 and held admirably. WARRAWEE XTREME started uncovered into turn two, got cover 5/8, gapped it, finished well on the extreme outside of the track. BOBS REDEMPTION made the front before the 1/8, yielded to the winner, stayed close until the stretch then had only a so-so response. TREVOR’S HUNT was third-over, no threat but got the last payday. IVY STUD was not heard from. CAPTAIN MAP couldn’t keep up at the ¾. NAVIGATOR was off the gate, disconnected the last half.
TWELFTH RACE – MYSTICAL WYNN made the top at the 1/8, got to the half in 1:00 but soon after opened a clear lead, came home in 56.4 – 28.1 all by himself. EXPLOSIVEBREAKWAY yielded for the two-hole, lost ground relative to the leader from the half but stayed clear of the others. SWEET HEART AS tucked fourth past the 1/8, came out behind the parked horse then went three-wide just past the 5/8 to two-wide raw, third-best. MUSCLES JARED couldn’t do much in the quick back half; nor could DYLAN THE GREAT. PRAIRIE VIRTUE was away last from the rail, no factor. BLOGMASTER was three-wide to the 1/8 taking back then spent the rest of the mile two-wide, was looped down the back and faded.
THIRTEENTH RACE – DANCE IT OUT left well to force two tucks in a snappy quarter for the conditions, rated the half then sped it up when challenges came, stayed game to the line when sprinting home in 27.4. NOCH TEN left between horses to get in the pocket at the 1/8, stayed close, to the Pocono Pike, beat out CAVIART EDEN for second. The latter got in gear towards midbackstretch, went second-over then was three-wide before the ¾ to two-wide on the turn, didn’t quite have the necessary late foot. SCOOTNROLL was best of the rest. TAM MAJOR A went out to follow cover but gapped it two- then three-wide. ATTA BOY DAN left well but had to take a tuck third, moved uncovered at the bottom of the lower turn, challenged, but was left behind in the last ¼. THE OTHER TWO gapped near the back.
FOURTEENTH RACE – CAVIART ROCKLAND was quickly on top, backed off the second stanza, then held command with fractions of 55.3 – 27.3. BECKHAMS Z TAM left purposefully for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and raced well but couldn’t find enough sprint. SOME DEAL HANOVER was uncovered off the second turn, briefly had a short advantage over the pocket horse on the turn, OK in the stretch. KEY ADVISOR gapped down the back, fair late. FRISKIE ALL NITE had nongaining cover, three-wide before the ¾ then two-wide on the turn, couldn’t sustain the gain. THE NEXT TWO had no say in this one. FRAZZLEBERRY moved outside but never got to “cover,” then faded significantly.
Nov 6, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – SLY ELEANOR N was not ahead most of the quarter but had the rail and thus track geometry, and forced a rival to tuck off the first turn, slowed the half, had a tough challenger, driven in upper stretch to finally get a sustainable margin. BETTOR WATCH IT went up and tucked fourth at the 1/8, uncovered before turn two and speed-grinded, held very gamely to the line. BRILLIANT BEAUTY was second-over, gapped ¾, did a little better in the stretch to edge ALWAYS B FIRST for third. The latter maintained third, shuffled on the far turn, out for clearance headstretch then ducked back in and was pacing well in recovery late. LIGHTNING LEIA was third-over, evenly. STELLENBOSCH stayed in, came between horses late with some pace. JUXTA COWGIRL couldn’t go by the pole horse and finally had to accept the pocket off turn one, tired ¾. EVAS SPORTS CZECH was last all the way and faded badly late.
SECOND RACE – ALTUS HANOVER was on the move from third before the ¼ to the lead before the 3/8, went along briskly for this type and powered off the last 3/16. GREAT MAGIC made the lead at the 1/8, yielded before the 3/8 for the pocket, gradually lost ground to the winner the last 3/16, did hold on to second. CHOCO CHARLIE followed the cover of SCIROCCO BIG JOHN (who gapped early) past the 5/8, fair to edge that uncovered one for third. TUIS SHADOW left, yielded, sat third, gapped out before the ¾. THE OTHER PAIR did not make their presence felt.
THIRD RACE – TALL POPPY N was wide early to the top just past the 1/8, yielded before the ¼ for the pocket, a bit loose in same late backstretch and early turn, then moved outside headstretch and wore down RIGGINSWIND late. The latter was four-wide to the first turn, went on at the 1/8 and made the top nearing the ¼, set the pace with pressure from midbackstretch through much of the far turn, couldn’t hold the lead to the line. SUNRISE HANOVER gained position to turn one, backed out to second-over 5/8, gapped cover and ducked in on the turn, finished OK. GREENHILL HANOVER gapped midrace inside, evenly late. RHYME N ROLL got the last check with some stretch thrust. DANDY IDEA had some speed, came uncovered at the half and pressured the leader from the 5/8 until fading late on the turn, drifted out a little in the lane. ANOTHER BEACH DAY never gained prominence. ASHLEE’S DELIGHT was always last and fell far back in the last ¼.
FOURTH RACE — Stretch headwind starting … CHUCKY DE VIE left well but was three-wide and tucked third at the 1/8, moved 5/16 to the lead before turn two, opened a good lead in a fast 3/4s, tiring late but enough to hold on. PADRE put two foes in behind early, yielded past the 3/8 for the pocket, was loose in the quickening third quarter, went on steadily along the inside, far ahead of the others. TEDDY BROSEVELT went into the early pocket at the 1/8, stayed connected until the last 1/8, clearly third. HIP HOP GRACIE was inside, gapped before the 5/8. TRICKY DICK didn’t factor. FASHION WINNER moved out at the half but never made the first half of the field. THE OTHER TWO never entered the picture.
FIFTH RACE – BINGE ON YANKEE made the lead then yielded past the 1/8 for the pocket, outside stretch and sprinted by STORM THE COURT. The latter left and got to the top before the 3/16, rated the half and was under no pressure, but couldn’t sprint enough late. CAPTAIN SOLO got a forward post early, sat third, gapped on the turn, just held show over WE SHALL SEA. The latter was second-over behind non-advancing cover, three-wide late turn then ducked inside midstretch and gained well to just miss third. RED HOT REMI offered little. JONES Z TAM moved outside 5/8, made some progress on the far turn but then tired. GAYLE’S ARSENAL lost contact the last half.
SIXTH RACE – JOHNNY TRIX made the front to turn one, yielded 3/16, gapped third-in down the back, outside headstretch then wider, just up as the pace was declining but was rough; there was an inquiry, but that resulted in no placing. CS EXPLOSIVE CHIP was a long way uncovered (in a 1:00.3 last half), made the lead deep stretch only to be overhauled. KOLB HANOVER was three-wide to the first turn then two-high to 3/16 command, yielded 5/16 for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, had a brief short lead midstretch but couldn’t close the deal. WINE BAR left some, then was shuffled far back, found room headstretch and made up ground in the slowing tempo. NO MO FASHION was wide early, then with cover then briefly three-wide 3/16 as his cover tucked, went up to get the lead 5/16 and set the pace, nothing left for the stretch. PAUC HANOVER tucked fourth 3/16, couldn’t keep up in the last ¼. KNUT PALEMA made a break well before the start, caught the field, moved outside but gapped cover ¾. IT IS WELL was well off the gate, never prominent.
SEVENTH RACE – KATIES BET was between horses until taking the pocket 3/16, sat in the two-hole until popping out ¾, grinded at the leader and got past that one late. ONE OF THE GUYS used the rail to full advantage, got a slow second ¼, then was outsprinted late while holding well. DILLINGER stayed inside and took third. CRACK A SMILE swung wide but couldn’t improve enough in the quick back half and quarter. LIFETIMEEXPERIENCE tucked at the 1/8, followed the winner out past the ¾ but couldn’t narrow in. THE NEXT TWO were always far back. PICK A GENRE was three-wide to the 3/16 challenging then made a break.
EIGHTH RACE – MASSIVE OPULENCE was on a line on turn two, moved raw past the 5/8 and trotted right by the leader midturn, drew away. P L OLIVIA was between horses leaving, cleared the pole horse and hung a foe to the ¼, yielded for the pocket, backed out behind the winner midturn, clearly second. IT’S SO FLUFFY moved wide for the drive and made the distant third. ANDOVERS TOUCH was near the back of the pack, went inside in the stretch, got to third but couldn’t hold that position. NO NAME YANKEE got a check closing widest. BLESSINGSANDFAVOR was innermost of three leavers, stayed in, outside in the stretch but with little. SCIROCCO PATRICK didn’t factor. SORTIE was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to the ¼ for the lead, set the pace, folded when challenged on the turn.
NINTH RACE – LETS RYDE GIRL left well, yielded at the ¼, wanted to retake but was kept inside, finally again outside 5/8 and challenged, lead turn but couldn’t clear, kept grinding and did well to get the decision. ROMANTIC EVENING edged outside late backstretch, gained late, couldn’t beat the winner but got second in a photo. ROCKNROLL NELLA tucked 1/8, gapped a bit midrace then closer on the turn, Pocono Pike, got to second very late, just missed for that spot. HIT ME UP was three-wide to the first turn, made the lead off the first bend, under pressure from the winner, didn’t let that one by on the turn and held on well to the wire. DOC’S FAITH gapped down the back, got the last check. THE OTHER DUO were too far back to get really involved late.
TENTH RACE – KAT used the rail intelligently to park her main challenger and then yield for the pocket, stayed connected, went to the Pocono Pike and gradually gained the lead and the win. DRESDEN was the only outside leaver, was hung out in 26.2 before making the top, got a breather then sped up again, not quite as good as the winner late. BETTOR CHEVRON N looked to be all out in third when the pace picked up down the back, came outside late far turn, steadily late. AMERICAN DELIGHT N and FAST MACHINE also finished steadily inside for the last checks. MAJOR BATTLE moved outside at the half but didn’t make up ground in the fast third quarter, not all that much late. TALK SHOW CHICA was outside in a nonflow. CRAZY CUTE gapped in last most of the last half.
ELEVENTH RACE – TILLIO’S ACTION, wide early, made the lead 3/16, really backed off the half, then increased the speed again and had a cakewalk. BEER CHEESE started uncovered before the 5/8 and made a very good showing to be second. NINETEEN CRIMES made the lead at the 1/8 and yielded before the ¼ to sit the two-hole, stayed fairly well-connected until past the 11/16, next in line. PHANNYS MATTER left and yielded, gapped at a couple of points while inside, not prominent late. NORTHERN BLIZZARD had some step away from the gate, stayed in until coming out late far turn but couldn’t get into the major action. FLANAGAN DESTINY started uncovered into turn two but never made much of a dent. THE LAST PAIR made no moves.
TWELFTH RACE – BOTTLE ROCKET was behind a gapper way out of it down the back, hugged the inside and gained late backstretch and around the turn, went around a straggler to early stretch then went back in for clearance and finished best of all to pay the biggest price of the season, $146.00. BULLVILLE FRANK struggled to keep up behind the fast pace, outside on the turn and wide headstretch, gained as the pace slowed to just miss. LOUKES PERRY was three-wide to the first turn then two-wide to the 1/8 for the top, yielded to the looped foe just past the 5/16 but was right back on the retake and had the lead before the 1/2, went a big third quarter under pressure, held quite well. RESTAURANT BULLY briefly had cover then was first-up at the half, challenged hard, held well though looking a bit rough in the last steps. GROOVY MAN got a slow start and gapped much of the way, widest in the stretch and gained in the decelerating tempo. CURBSIDE PICKUP went to second-over late backstretch and three-wide later on the turn but flattened a bit. THRESHOLD was looped early, needed until just past the fast 5/16 to clear, yielded at the half, faded on the turn. BET A BUNDLE was moving out to follow cover when breaking before the half.
THIRTEENTH RACE – “O captains, my captains” … CAPTAIN SLEAZE secured the coveted pocket trip in a lineup, outside to headstretch and outcaptained CAPTAIN ROMANCE. The latter set a straight course from the rail and sailed along at a good clip, not enough to withstand the winner. MISTER DAYTONA N was a bit loose midrace but did better in the last quarter. BUTTER UP gapped. THE OTHERS, whether inside or outside, never had the speed to gain contention.
FOURTEENTH RACE – Finishing up a day when no horse attacking from two-wide in the last half got the job done … PHELGON went on between horses to take over 3/16, got to rate the second quarter even with the parked challenger, was in charge the rest of the way although kept alive late to hold the advantage. A CRAFTY LADY used the rail well to secure the pocket trip, a bit loose in the middle of the back half, then did a little better in the Pocono Pike. KAITLYN N closed a hole 3/16 and sat in, outside before midstretch, OK. SHEZAFREAKLIKEME unwound with good late pace on the far outside. VEL DONNA never was in the main picture. BROOKDALE JESSIE tucked midpack, had the cover of the parked horse until circling it 11/16, didn’t threaten. PLEASURE SEEKER was actually the first to show when the gate sprang but didn’t have the speed to overcome track geometry, had to spend life on the rim, faded. MILLENIUMS GIRL gapped early, then got in gear to follow cover on turn two, tried to follow the sweeper but didn’t have much.
Nov 5, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Right around 60 degrees for this card, with no wind … EFFRONTE A was three-wide early to the lead past the 1/8, rated the half, then came home in 55 – 27.2, putting the first-over in behind him on the turn and staying clear. WON LAST FEELING looked at leaving but took back, uncovered off the second turn, got to the winner’s flank, dropped into the pocket, the only foe to be remotely close. AIN’T IN FUN was caught behind a tired one late backstretch and through the turn, so-so to be a distant third once clear. R MADDY BLUE CHIP was third-over behind gapping cover, three-wide early far turn, fair. JUST N ACE had progressing cover but didn’t stay with it. KINGSTONS BAD BOY and RYCROFT N never entered the main picture. SPINOUT left enough to protect the pocket, couldn’t produce any more speed when the pace picked up down the backstretch.
SECOND RACE – BB LUCKY BOY left between horses, was looped, proceeded up to the lead at the ¼, never let up in a very fast mile – promising horse. YS DO IT RIGHT stayed inside and took an inner path to the no-factor second. BIG CHIC MAGNET gapped in last, but avoided tired traffic and was third. JIM BLUE was three-wide early to the top, yielded for the two-hole, kept close to the fast fractions until late backstretch. UNSUNG HERO gapped early, moved with cover, then to three-wide but didn’t gain. CODYS KNAPSACK had speed, moved uncovered 5/8 but his bid stalled before the ¾.
THIRD RACE – A BETTOR BEACH moved with cover at the half but soon lost it, continued grinding and got the lead late. IDEAL STAR N came with a rush uncovered before the half, cleared to the lead past the 5/8, hung in there right to the wire. PLAY THE FIELD was involved in an early 26 duel, let the outside foe go before the 3/8 but came right back, yielded to the winner late backstretch but stayed close, Pocono Pike, not quite enough left late. BROTHER JAMES gapped in the outside flow, OK. GONNAHAVESOMEMORE didn’t show all that much. TONY TOO TALL left and tucked in at the 1/8, was caught behind a tired one late backstretch and shuffled out of contention. BELLOWS BINGE was never prominent. HOT DEUCE was three-wide early then continued on to try to get the lead, paid a very high price for doing so to the 3/8 and then yielded for the pocket, was backing up from down the backstretch.
FOURTH RACE – BRONX SEELSTER left, tucked, took off raw at the half and quickly moved to challenge, wouldn’t go away in a fast mile and proved very game to overhaul VETTEL N. The latter was away swiftly and established command at the 1/8, continued to go fast especially with the big challenge from the raw horse, just couldn’t last in the final steps. BULLVILLE TERROR was second-over, gapped a bit in the fast third quarter and on the turn, gained in the lane but bore out very wide. CAPTAIN CASH left and pushed the leader to the 1/8 then was content to sit the pocket, got a bit loose in the two-hole in the fast third panel, not much thrust late. BAY MEADOWS left a small gap at a couple of points, not a late threat. BIG BOSS HILL couldn’t do much from third-over. ACTOR HANOVER did not factor.
FIFTH RACE – SHORE OF HIMSELF used the rail well, yielded for the pocket, edged out entering the stretch and went right on by. MAJOR BEAN was on top at the 1/8, set the fractions of his choosing, held OK but was second-best today. MY WISH CAME TRUE was pinned in by the outer tier, found room inside in the stretch and caught NO BETTER JOY for third. The latter swung wide from third headstretch, so-so. GREYSTONE WATCHMAN looked at leaving but took back to last, then was third-over in a nonproductive flow, ducked inside and got the last check. LATEST ERA also took back early, gapped second-over, three-wide past midturn but didn’t factor. INCREDIBLE BADGER was not heard from. THIRD POWER went raw at the half but never found a very high gear.
SIXTH RACE – DELAYED HANOVER left and yielded, moved at the ¼ and went on to take the top in front of the stands, not pressured on the lead, then sprinted home in 28 to take the measure of B A SUPERHERO. The latter was outleft, worked up to the lead at the ¼, yielded to the winner for the pocket, came out for the drive and was trying very hard but just couldn’t make up enough ground in the dash home. AP HALL OF TRIX stayed in and left a gap at a couple of points, clearly third. DAGON HANOVER stayed in, not that much but edged SHIKANSEN for fourth. The latter was away nicely to be on top entering turn one, saw two go by, came back out late backstretch but did not gain before retreating. WHAT SHOULD I GOO gained raw down the backstretch, then got nonproductive cover, three-wide late turn, not prominent. IN A TINY WAY did not factor.
SEVENTH RACE – IDEAL WHEEL, under a hold to the half, came out first-over and commenced a good gain 5/8 that brought him head-to-head with the leader ¾ then carried him right by, pacing his last half in 55.1 easily. THE THUNDER ROLLS left well and yielded for the pocket, shuffled significantly n the far turn behind the tired pacesetter, gamely late to hold off ROLLINWITHAMBITION for second. The latter gained up the inside, far inside stretch and was good. HUNDIE N backed out behind the winner in front of a gapper past the 5/8 but never got going. BRAVO TEX N was inside, blocked most of the stretch, looked to have pace on the end. BLACK CHEVRON N had dull cover, some pace widest late. CLOUSEAU HANOVER pulled out behind the winner but soon was not keeping up. THE DARK SHADOW showed good speed to make the lead past the 1/8, had the winner charge at him late backstretch, faded steadily once passed on the turn.
EIGHTH RACE – MARION GONDOLIER made the lead 3/16 then rated the half, went on nicely to defeat a stretch challenger to each side. KINDA LUCKY LINDY grinded first-over from the 5/8, kept on coming through the lane in a big showing. THE LAST CHAPTER yielded for the pocket and had a great trip, to the Pocono Pike, loomed midstretch but then flattened a little very late. CREEMORE sat in, not clear on the turn, but then not too much once clear. MEMO struggled second-over. CHIPLOSIVE sat in, evenly late without full clearance. ANCHORS AWAY was off the gate and trailed throughout.
NINTH RACE – NEWBIE left dynamically, forced one tuck then yielded to sit in the pocket, outside in the stretch and gradually worked by SOUTHPORT BEACH. The latter was three-wide early, dropped behind cover then briefly three-wide again 3/16 as his cover elected to tuck, wheeled up to take the lead 5/16, set the pace at a good clip, held stubbornly. COXCOMB had nonmoving cover and was three-wide from the 11/16, gradually along for the distant third. MANNY left between horses, took back to tuck 3/16, faded in the stretch. UNDERTAKER was underway early backstretch, got cover 5/8 but was not helped by it, blindswitched, then swung wide behind that sweeper, some late. LITTLEBITASWAGGER was not prominent here. AMERICA’S GUEST came uncovered 5/8 but had nothing to offer.
TENTH RACE – PARMESAN N left, couldn’t clear and did get into the pocket 3/16, waited, to the Pocono Pike, got the lead midstretch, held off BETTOR MEMORIES. The latter stayed third-in, appeared to be clear deep in the Pike, gained but couldn’t make it by the winner. MARK WITHA K wouldn’t let anybody go by early, set the pace, overhauled by the two to his left. CONTROL HEAVEN was wide then took back behind cover, then took back further and got in fifth off the first turn, uncovered again on turn two, one-geared it and didn’t threaten but held admirably considering the rough trip. IM A GIGOLO N was third-over, widest in the stretch and closed rapidly. CAPTAIN FANCY was second-over, three-wide past midturn, evenly. Neither THE WALL nor TOWN GOSSIP saw any full stretch clearance.
ELEVENTH RACE – SILENT SPLENDOR stayed third-in, got room in the Pocono Pike and nicely outclosed the two in front of him. RICKYBOBBYNTHEHAUS left intimidatingly, did yield 5/16 for the pocket, outside in the stretch, eventually got by the pacesetter but not before the winner scooted by. TUXEDO BAY left, didn’t want to tuck so went on and got the front 5/16, set the pace without pressure, came up a bit shy. INDIGO ART had dull cover twice, three-wide far turn and closed well. ARTIFACT HANOVER came out second-over down the back but gapped. MINDTRIP pulled approaching the half but didn’t gain and ducked back inside. DONE WELL was uncovered 5/8 but made little progress before dropping back.
TWELFTH RACE – HARD ROCK HULK left hard and took over, got a breather in quarter two then sped up, turned away the first-over and drew away late. MACH WEST stayed in before the half as he was going to be fourth-over if outside, gained inside, clear early stretch and kicked in late to just get the distant second. CAVIART SAGE left, took the pocket well ahead of the others early, couldn’t hold on to second late. RIFLEMAN started outside to the second turn and soon had cover, went three-wide just after the ¾, couldn’t close enough. DO WORK SON was third-over, three-wide with cover far turn, not too much. STAR ISLAND gapped at the back. SPRINGBRIDGE DUEL went up to tuck third in a big hole past the 1/8, went raw at the half, gained during the third quarter, but his progress stopped there.
THIRTEENTH RACE – BABES DIG ME left wide, made the lead, yielded at the ¼ but came back to take command just past the 3/8, drew clear of his opponents in the last ¼. SPORTSMANSHIP took back early, uncovered at the half, got to go into the pocket later on the turn, a clear second. SAFENSOUND HANOVER left well from the rail and yielded, stayed in third and was badly shuffled from before the ¾, not fully clear most of the stretch while having pace. IC A FREE SPIRIT was outermost of the leavers, went on to get the lead near the ¼, yielded past the 3/8, not much left the last ¼. SHANGHAI BOBBY was second-over, evenly. PRINCE ASTON had little to offer from third-over. THE LAST TWO were the last two throughout.
FOURTEENTH RACE – The finale scratches down to four … STELLAR YANKEE left but was put in the pocket in a 26.2 opener, followed further hot numbers, then to the Pocono Pike and went to the front. SAYING GRACE N moved out second-over past the 5/8, wide, was gaining late but couldn’t quite reach. TRACEUR HANOVER left a bit of a gap the first half, underway uncovered past the 5/8, challenged at the ¾ through the turn, then tired. LYONS PEGASUS insisted on the lead and went a big quarter and half, was challenged on the far turn, tired.
