Oct 15, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Around 60 … Stretch headwind … PRO BEACH fought for the lead, was pushed by the pole horse who didn’t want a quarter-mover and thus winding up third, made the top at the ¼, rated the half, then reignited the jets quickly when the first-over came very fast down the back, could keep that rival outside, able to draw clear late after being used very hard in two separate spots. CAVIART SAGE wouldn’t yield easily when the above-described scenario looked to be coming, sat close in the pocket, perhaps bottomed a little as involved in the two sub-27 fractions, still enough inside to grab second over CAPTAIN ROMANCE. The latter moved out towards the ¼ but then retucked when the early lead did not change hands very quickly, came out on fire on the second turn and was at the leader coming off that bend, went his own third split in 25.4 while ahead most of the way but was just kept from crossing over, finally gave way a little late after bad luck. YUPPER stayed inside, wasn’t clear at the wire but not running over the ones in front of him. HARD ROCK HULK was third-over behind a bad gapper, three-wide far turn, gained as the pace slowed. SAMSON BLUE CHIP was no factor. JK MUSICMAN was second-over before the half but then gapped the entire last half.
SECOND RACE – CLOUSEAU HANOVER came out third-over to the half, quickly three-wide early on the backstretch to two-wide past the 5/8 to challenge and then clear early far turn, drew away. TRAY SURREAL had the pole inside three leavers, saw one break and one take cover, let the third one go and sat tight in the pocket, outside far turn behind the winner and a clear second. MISSILE SEELSTER was committed between horses to the lead, got there 3/16, had to deal with a parked horse, then had the winner come up to challenge, saw that one go by past the ¾, faded but still ahead of the rest. ROCK THREE TIMES moved out behind the parked horse before the half, was soon blindswitched then backed out to go three-wide around the two-wide fader, but not nearly with the speed of the winner. FOUR-STAR FLASH had to check 3/16 as the horse in front of him broke, inside, not a factor. CAPTAIN MALICIOUS was four-wide fully to the 1/8, took back to tuck but broke settling in 3/16. STELLA’S PHELLA was never prominent. STELLAR BB, not looking easy to steer, was three-wide to the 1/8, briefly behind cover then left out in the air 3/16, couldn’t clear, decelerated from the 5/8.
THIRD RACE – CANADIAN BALLET gapped much of the first half, sent up uncovered 5/8 to challenge, was clear of the far turn incident but looked rebuffed, ducked in then came out again in the stretch, gained enough to be along in time. HALLELUJAH HANOVER was immediately on top and operated on a clear lead much of the way including from mid-far turn to midstretch, but then got weary and was caught. RAVENOUS gapped second-over, pushed wide to be clear of the breaker far turn, OK for third. BLANK CHEEK was pushed very wide by the breaker. ILUVLOUCY was loose in the pocket at several points, made a break far turn scattering 60% of her opponents, placed. TALLCHIEF HANOVER spotted third, right behind the breaker and suffered an “ix,” going to the infield.
FOURTH RACE – STORM THE COURT left in tandem with MELANIE’S NICK then let that one go to sit in the two-hole, stayed close, pulled ¾ and went right by, won in fast time for maidens. BET ON ZETTE gapped much of the first half then got in gear into the backstretch, accelerated 5/8 to be just off the top two, tucked third midturn but back out again in the stretch, withstood STOMP for second. The latter sat in, backed outside ¾, came on well late. MELANIE’S NICK went to the lead and cut a fast quarter, rated quarter two then went fast again quarter three, was passed past that station, tired significantly midstretch. BEACH VIBES tucked, moved out turn two but went nowhere and went back in, not heard from again. KICK LIKE A MULE didn’t keep up the last half. TSM TRISTAN T ran up on a slow-moving horse near the half and broke. SMOKIN JOE HANOVER was last, checked slightly when a horse made a break at the half, rough while gapping.
FIFTH RACE – Slowing last quarters often lead to blanket finishes … SHANGHAI BOBBY was fourth-in, gained upper stretch while blocked then found a seam midstretch and gained “rapidly” (30 last quarter) to take it all. JUST N ACE gapped a little most of the first half then got in gear and went uncovered, applied constant pressure, held gamely as usual for the DH2 with SAFENSOUND HANOVER. The latter was third-over, stacked four-wide headstretch and narrowed in steadily. SPINOUT was wide early, took the pocket 3/16, to the Pocono Pike and appeared to have a short brief lead just past midstretch, was not far off. ARTACHE HANOVER was second-over, three-wide far turn, not quite enough to get the big prize. BNGS EXPRESS was last fourth-over, five-wide in the stretch, finished going forwardly. CASINO BAGS ANSO went away with purpose and forced a tuck in the 26.4 opener, backed it off a bit then had to regear upward when the first-over came, tired in the stretch. SPORTSMANSHIP was third-in, not much at crunch time.
SIXTH RACE – Official fractions not displayed during race; they were 28, 58.2, 1:25.4, 1:53.2 … CRAZY CUTE left strongly, crossed over at the 1/8, got a cheap half, then looked much better sprinting home in 55 in control. HEAVENISSOFARAWAY left between horses for the pocket, vacated same midturn and did draw closer, but then couldn’t match the winner’s strides, did outfoot SUMMER RAE for second. The latter showed some speed, sat third-in, OK late. DANDY IDEA was best of the distant rest. TURNTHEFROWNAROUND sat in and was last then backed out to follow cover which proved useless, never a factor. RAISE THE ANTE was first-over from last into turn two, did pace a 26.4 third quarter but it never got her close, fell back.
SEVENTH RACE – BULLVILLEKARLA was innermost of three strong leavers, pushed a foe to the ¼ and yielded, backed out again to the 5/8 and paced right on by ¾, won in a romp. NARINA HANOVER angled clear early stretch, was still sixth deep stretch but had a good rush to take the deuce in a photo. GREENHILL HANOVER did not have good cover, finished OK wide. SHELLIE DE VIE was three-deep early, refused a 3-tuck and pressed on, onward to the lead 3/8 and had a clear advantage to the 5/8 during a hot tempo, then the winner came calling, tired. RHYME N ROLL was between horses early, in front at the ¼, yielded 3/8, not much. EDEN PAIGE N gapped much of the first half, couldn’t go with the winner’s cover past the 5/8. GLORY GHOST trailed.
EIGHTH RACE – Again, the posted fractions during the race were revised, to 29, 1:00.2, 1:29.4, 1:59.4 … ZETTE FLAME was able to sit until the 5/8 and then move outside, grinded up to the leader, on even terms through the turn into the stretch, got the outright lead midstretch, and then just held it over CS EXPLOSIVE CHIP. The latter, looking rank and a handful to drive throughout the mile, finally got in late on the first turn, came out second-over, crucially couldn’t stay with the winner upper stretch, then showed speed when finally straightened away midstretch. WINE BAR maintained the pocket, stayed close behind the leader from past the 3/8 until late on the far turn, went to the Pocono Pike and made some late progress in the slow mile. KOLB HANOVER went to the front, walked the half, still tired late even though this wasn’t a quick mile. COOL TRIXTER gapped inside late backstretch, deep Pike, so-so. INVISIBLE TOUCH never factored. ROJO MAN gapped third-over. DRINK UP DRINK UP broke nearing the backstretch before the start.
NINTH RACE – TALK SHOW CHICA left, took back to tuck as the innermost leaver was insistent on having the top early, then quarter-moved to the lead 3/8, just had too much for this collection. BROOKDALE JESSIE used her inside starting slot well to force wholesale tucks, yielded to follow the winner, all-out to hold second over A CRAFTY LADY. The latter was uncovered 9/16, got to retuck third on the turn, continued up the inside and almost made second. ANNE BONNEY N was third-over behind a dull one, three-wide far turn, some. ONE HAND KEG STAND showed some late speed. DELISHKA N was three-wide early, got in the pocket 3/16, inside, started gapping 11/16. HURRIKANEMYSHANNON was four-wide early and three-wide past the 1/8, took back to get in fourth, little in the stretch. SO SUPREME gapped out second-over.
TENTH RACE – VILLAGE JADE made the top, yielded, retook before the 1/8-mover reached her, yielded again for the pocket, came out for the stretch and just did run down BETTOR WATCH IT. The latter did not leave but moved at the 1/8, waited on the winner’s regaining move then herself went up to take over at the 3/8, went a big third quarter, almost lasted in a good showing. LIGHTNING LEIA stuck to the inside and narrowed in. SHEZAFREAKLIKEME was a bit off the gate, had to circle laboring foes far turn, finished with speed. NITE TIME DEAL was not much of a factor. BYGONE HANOVER gapped second-over. ALWAYS B FIRST was three-wide early and was first by the 3/16, saw two foes go by shortly thereafter, back out again down the backstretch but could not threaten.
ELEVENTH RACE – NINETEEN CRIMES was parked to the ¼ for the lead, got the next challenger to tuck in behind him, then battled another until yielding early backstretch, waited then into the Pocono Pike, just up in a 30.4 last quarter. SCOTTISH was buried last inside, but found room in the deep Pike and made up a lot of ground (again, in a slow kicker). HIGHGATE remained outside in the early flow like a European horse, left uncovered nearing the 3/8 and pressed on past a fast half to get the lead, was under pressure to a quick ¾, held well while caught only by the two inside him. FRANK THE ELDER had cover to the ¼, then was left raw, got into the pocket before the 3/8, inside, evenly late. AWSOME PAUL worked to the early lead, yielded, gave the pocket before the 3/8, moved out into turn two then lost his cover soon out of that bend, challenged in fast time, understandably tired after hard usage. DOWN THE PIKE MIKE made the top at the 1/8, yielded, came back out second-over down the backstretch, three-wide far turn but couldn’t gain. BY A HOFF HANOVER was fourth-over and four-wide in the stretch, no real shot. SLAVE LABOUR was not prominent from third-over.
TWELFTH RACE – MIKI MINAJ used the rail well, yielded 5/16 for the pocket and stayed right up on the leader, outside midstretch and finished sharply going right by. UNSUNG HERO was four-wide early then went on as rivals took back, took over the engine 5/16 and continued at a fast clip, had no answer for the winner. AMP IT UP N finally settled in at the ¼, gapped throughout the last ¼ but still held third. CHUCK THE CHEESE was out second-over but didn’t reach his cover, wide stretch and next. CRACK A SMILE never surfaced. PICK A GENRE took back early, moved uncovered at the half, gained while going a 26.4 third quarter, but then could offer no more. MASK ON MASK OFF stayed in, blocked on the turn but little once free. ZEUS HANOVER gapped in last, then was blocked at the wire behind tired rivals.
THIRTEENTH RACE – CALYPSO ROCK N got a great trip up second-over although slightly off his cover late backstretch, in gear three-wide mid-far turn, along to overhaul CAVIART MAX. The latter was three-wide to the first bend and then on top 3/16, cut a good pace without much pressure, just failed to hold off the winner. BUTTER UP was quickly in front, yielded for the pocket, loomed in the Pocono Pike, not far off. I’VE GOT HOOTSPA went uncovered from sixth towards turn two, kept grinding and held with great courage. DANCE IT OUT gained some late on the far outside. STARVIN MARVIN sat in third, blocked through the stretch. FRISKIE ALL NITE also sat in, to the deep Pike, couldn’t gain enough. HEARTBEAT HILL struggled to keep up from the 3/8.
FOURTEENTH RACE – ROCKNROLL NELLA came out at the half and was quickly three-wide to challenge first-over, remained limbed while pacing her own third quarter in 27 and continued parked and challenging the rest of the way, but was up to the assignment. CATIE FAYE HANOVER followed the winner’s path while slightly off of it, kicked in late. BETTE TINA made the front before the ¼, got a breather to the half but then had a rival coming at her, faded late. CAPTAIN’S STAR cleared at the 1/8, yielded and sat the pocket, had a clear shot up the Pocono Pike but came up shy. BLAZING RAMONA came on a little late. TWENTY GRAND was looped, had cover then was left raw to the ¼, challenged but couldn’t go by, was looped early in the backstretch and fell way back.
Oct 10, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Mid 50s; stretch tailwind … WAIMAC ATTACK N was four-wide to the first turn then fell in behind cover, left uncovered off the first turn to the lead 3/8, set the pace and dug in gamely late. MANNY pushed the ¼ and yielded, sat third-in, up the Pocono Pike and gained well. YUPPER moved outside early in the backstretch and grinded up vs. the wind, held decently. CLOUSEAU HANOVER was out behind some trouble at the half, three-wide early backstretch to get to second-over, good race from a disadvantageous spot. TRAY SURREAL was three-wide early then two-wide to command off turn one, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, tried to gain in the lane but could not. HOW ARE YEE JOHN had some difficulty between horses at the bottom of the second turn, not heard from again. SOMBODYITREASURE moved outside into turn two but had very little. CAVIART MAX rushed up to follow cover past the 3/8, ran up on that cover as it went nowhere before the half and broke amidst confusion, tried to recover but could not.
SECOND RACE – GEORGIE MARTIN N was out most of the ¼ until backing off to take the pocket, waited, then to the Pocono Pike and got to the front. QUEEN LOSTRIS N had a good journey second-over, three-wide midturn, was moving nicely late to grab second at the end. ANOTHER BEACH DAY wanted the lead and from the rail got it in 26.4, didn’t have midrace challengers, not quite enough to the wire. STELLENBOSCH tucked third, sat in, was all over the racetrack looking for room in the last 1/8 but didn’t find it. ASHLEE’S DELIGHT gapped early, stayed in, not prominent. JB’S STAR DANCER went uncovered at the ½, advanced but never got into the leader’s face, tired in the stretch. SUNRISE HANOVER moved outside but had little to offer.
THIRD RACE – RUMORED was three-high to turn one to the lead 3/16, yielded to the retaker to sit a two-hole trip, out before headstretch, inched by the pacesetter. FASHIONATTIFFANYS was on top towards turn one, yielded but was quick on the retake, rolled on in front of a three-horse breakaway, fought gamely but surrendered the lead past midstretch. LADY’S CHOICE K left, stayed connected, not enough in the last 1/16. SWEET GADGETS was far back, three-wide early final turn to two-wide, made up decent ground though the last quarter was slow. SOMEWHERE DANCIN gapped most of the last half. GINGER TREE LESLIE never moved. CHERRY VALLEY pulled out at the half but never got remotely close to the action. SILLY STRIDE was sitting fourth when breaking at the half.
FOURTH RACE – DELILAH DE VIE never tucked early, powered up past the 1/8 to take over past the ¼, yielded to sit the pocket, went to the Pocono Pike, and slowly got by EDEN PAIGE N. The latter came out at the ¼, then went on after the winner cleared, made the top and moderated the mid-tempo, not enough sprint late. GREENHILL HANOVER came uncovered 5/8, pressured the leader, fell back a little but still ahead of the others. JEANNIES TERROR stayed in and was a no-factor next. BEACH PASSAGE left well to 1/8 command, saw two go by, gapped on the turn, outside in the lane, little. ALLMYLOVIN HANOVER never factored. NARINA HANOVER was uncovered before the 5/8 then soon got cover, but then soon after that gapped it.
FIFTH RACE – LET’S GET ROCKED was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to the lead just past the quarter, got a cheap middle half, then came home in 28 to keep clear of BINGE ON YANKEE. The latter left well, finally yielded just off the first turn to sit second, had her chance in the Pocono Pike but not enough quickstep, easily ahead of the others. MAXIMUS MIKI was last third-over, moved wide around gapping cover far turn and was along for a decent third. TSM TRISTAN T was between horses leaving, tucked third past the 1/8, came out to the 11/16, challenged, got to the winner’s wheel then flattened. SMOKIN JOE HANOVER found an early spot, evenly thereafter. DARIO HANOVER was never prominent. BRYCE moved uncovered before the 5/8 then soon got cover, not too much.
SIXTH RACE – HIT ME UP was looped and three-wide early, to the five-hole, then second-over, gapped that cover, was briefly blindswitched, then could ease out a path headstretch and proved to have enough to get to the wire first. STARZZNSTRIPES followed third-over, three-wide past midturn then four-wide headstretch, narrowed in nicely. CATIE FAYE HANOVER was backed up to last, five-wide in the stretch and finished well. BETTE TINA came with a rush uncovered at the half, couldn’t get by and continued to duel with the leader, held on well. ROCKNROLL NELLA dashed to the top and yielded, third-in, behind a wall of horses in the stretch. WINDY MICKI also had no clear path in the stretch. BLUEBERRY SHAKE circled everybody early and got the top at the 1/8, yielded 5/16 for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, outfinished the leader but nobody else. BLAZING RAMONA was double-looped early, pressed on to the lead 5/16, had a big challenge down the backstretch, and then a wall behind her on the turn, gave way.
SEVENTH RACE – PERFECT BLOOM stayed third-in, burst out ¾ and made the lead around the turn, drew away. BIRDIE THREE yielded then kept the pocket shut, backed out behind the winner late turn, took second. RAVENOUS also moved two-wide on the far turn and had enough to be third. HONEYMOON TRAIL came up the inside late. BLANK CHEEK was sent down the road parking a foe, was tired when challenge midturn. SOUTHWIND COCKTAIL left, could find no hole so pressed on but had to stay two-wide, started to fall back before the 5/8.
EIGHTH RACE – BULLVILLE FRANK moved out from third 5/8 and grinded up, proved to have the most late in a quick last quarter. JK STANDINGOVATION left and soon had the pocket, looked a bit hard to steer late turn and committed a pylon violation, to the Pocono Pike and tried hard; he was subsequently placed fourth for the violation. ONE OF THE GUYS moved out second-cover, gapped it somewhat then found a much better gear a bit belatedly. CRACK A SMILE showed good speed to get the lead quickly, didn’t have the necessary punch coming home. ZEUS HANOVER moved third-over bur gapped. MASK ON MASK OFF was never prominent. THANOS gapped in the back early, swung wide late turn but didn’t gain.
NINTH RACE – SIMPLY FAST moved out second-over, got in gear 5/8 and then three-wide midturn, swept right on by the arguers. UNDENIABLEBLUECHIP was out at the ¼, uncovered 5/16 and on the lead past the 3/8 with tap urging, set the fractions, repulsed a big challenge at the ¾ and beyond, held for a clear second. BULLVILLESPANDEMIC rushed out of fourth 5/8 and made a big move to take a short lead before the ¾ but could not clear, flattened out. WATCH U R BACK was looped and pressed on to go in front 5/16, yielded for the pocket past the 3/8, went to the Pocono Pike but had no late gain. GAYLE’S ARSENAL was railbound until the stretch, then moved out and showed some finishing pace in between rivals. KICKS LIKE A MULE got away well to take over before turn one, yielded, moved out on the far turn, evenly. MAKE ME AN OFFER got a slow start, could not make his presence felt. ALWAYS B NICKY broke way before the start.
TENTH RACE – MISS HELEN HANOVER was between horses then took back, kept what turned out to be the pocket closed as the pacesetter parked the other outside rival, backed out 5/8 when the outer fighter got a short lead then went three-wide, grinded three-wide before and beyond the fast 3/4s, finally got the lead then held off VILLAGE JADE. The latter tucked, gapped then tightened up, followed the winner two- and three-wide then swung four-wide for the stretch, closed well (as the tempo slowed) and was clear in second. FAST MACHINE left hard from the rail and decided to park a contending rival, saw that one take a short lead at a couple of points but kept digging in a fast pace, outfinished only by the closers. BYGONE HANOVER was inside, went up to the pocket down the back (yes, she was in the pocket and sixth at the ¾), to the Pocono Pike but could gain no further. LIGHTNING LEIA was far back, swung widest in the stretch, evenly. SHEZAFREAKLIKEME was parked midpack the duration, advanced in a blindswitch late backstretch, nothing left the last 1/8. ABBY ROSE was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide, tried very hard to make the top but was not able to cross over, held well until the stretch. GEORGIE had a slow start and lost contact.
ELEVENTH RACE – ARGENTO gapped most of the fast first half, stayed in, went up the deep Pocono Pike and had the necessary finish. HOOVER gapped three-wide cover far turn, then found a better gear and narrowed in. BY A HOFF HANOVER left and yielded, came out past the 5/8 so as not to be caught in by a sweeper, challenged, held OK. LIVINGONTHERAIL did no such thing as the name suggests, coming out before the 5/8 and quickly swinging three-wide, three-wide the rest of the way, fair. THESUNRISESAGAIN took over at the 1/8, pushed a foe to the 3/8 in a fast half, went inside in the stretch but didn’t have enough left. EBBIES LADY was out with cover until past the 1/8, then was raw and made the top 3/8, passed the half in fast time, with the early exertion causing her to tire in the stretch. PADRE was outside off the second turn, blindswitched just past the 5/8 and remained without a clear path to the wire. DOWN THE PIKE MIKE was last most of the way, had no clear lane to gain as the pace slowed down.
TWELFTH RACE – STONEBRIDGE KARIS refused to yield, set the pace, then came home in 55.2- 27.2 and needed all of it to withstand CODYS KNAPSACK. The latter left, took the pocket, thought about quarter-moving then reconsidered and stayed in the pocket, came out in the stretch, bore very wide but still gained, with perhaps the unstraight course being the difference. CHUCK THE CHEESE lost cover to a break at the half, continued up, then didn’t have the needed quickstep late, a distant third over WOLFTRAX. The latter followed cover that never reached the pacesetter, couldn’t outkick that one for third. LENDA HAND MAN was way behind the seventh horse not much into the race, gradually tightened in, outside far turn and came back for a check. LIFETIMEEXPERIENCE was shuffled inside, outside late far turn, didn’t enter the main radar. GREYSTONE WATCHMAN tucked third, faded at the 5/8. BET A BUNDLE had just started advancing uncovered when breaking at the half.
THIRTEENTH RACE – Wind decreased … The correct fractions were announced after the race as 27, 56.3, 1:25.2, and 1:53.2 … J B MAUNEY N left well to protect the pocket, stayed tight, went to the Pocono Pike and went by nicely in a fast last quarter. PRO BEACH was first-over and made a spirited challenge, gamely onward to take second over CAVIART SAGE. The latter got the lead fairly easily, met resistance at the 11/16, gave way a little late and lost second. JK MUSICMAN tucked third past the 1/8, next in line. HIGH BALLER gapped early, stayed in, a bit of pace finishing. ROGERTHAT BLUECHIP would have gotten a good second-over trip if he had been able to stay with cover. I’VE GOT HOOTSPA was far back throughout. DIVISION BELL never featured.
FOURTEENTH RACE – BETTER WATCH IT lagged the gate most of the way to the start, quarter-moved and just kept on rolling, had gotten a decisive advantage before the ¾. SHES A SASSY BEACH left well, cleared a rival three-wide and made the top, yielded to the winner, sat the pocket, unplugged towards the ¾, tired late but did hold onto second over HURRIKANEMYSHANNON. The latter protected the two-hole early, stayed in, came on a little late. SO SUPREME swung wide in the stretch and defeated the other two while way off the top three. DELISHKA N left, was looped, took the 3-hole 3/16, fell back 5/8. BROOKDALE JESSIE moved uncovered early on the backstretch but never got close to the front, then faded.
Oct 8, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Atypical stretch tailwind … MY WISH CAME TRUE showed some speed, yielded and gapped the next ¼ then closer, uncovered at the half, one-geared into the wind as the leader got away, but stayed to task and got to that one in the stretch. SILENT SPLENDOR was three-high early to the lead at the 1/8, went 27.2 down the back to open a big lead, but bore out badly while tiring in the stretch and was caught. ROPE THE MOON stayed in, gapped, went to the Pocono Pike and was along for the distant third. TEAM MAC moved second-over but couldn’t go enough. MIDNIGHT DAY took the early lead between horses then yielded for the pocket, unplugged from before the 5/8. CANDY TRADER was out at a distance down the backstretch, made up some ground. THE OTHER PAIR were at or near the rear throughout.
SECOND RACE – HORSE left sharply to the top, under pressure from both an early mover and the first-over, but withstood them both gamely. STELLAR YANKEE quarter-moved from third but was given the cold shoulder, squeezed into the pocket 3/8 and waited, up the Pocono Pike and just missed; an inquiry into this horse possibly causing interference when getting the pocket 3/8 revealed no reason for placing. ACTOR HANOVER was first-over at the half and put in a good challenge, held well. MISTER DAYTONA N left well from the rail, tried to defend the pocket but yielded it 3/8, stayed in, fair. BETTOR MEMORIES was not in a dynamic outer flow, moved three-wide then was pushed ay wide by a headstretch breaker, recovered sharply. PASSA-GRILLE BEACH couldn’t do much from third-over. KEY ADVISOR gapped inside. STRAIGHT UP COOL was second-over, struggled to stay with cover then got closer late backstretch, broke when tipping off cover headstretch.
THIRD RACE – PLAY THE FIELD was three-wide to the first turn then went on to secure the lead in a 26.3 opener, set the pace with pressure, proved equal to all challenges. SNOWBALL’S ROMEO used the rail very well and wound up in the pocket, took to the Pocono Pike but couldn’t reach. THE MOONSHADOW N took back early, then was first-over towards turn two, grinded, held decently. SHORE OF HIMSELF was between horses early then tucked third, stayed in and was surrounded by horses most of the last half, did not have stretch clearance. STAR MESSENGER raced in a blindswitch far turn, found room to move wide early stretch but didn’t gain much. ARTIFACT HANOVER spotted, then was second-over, blindswitched from late backstretch to early stretch, not too much once clear. BROTHER JAMES followed the sweeper’s move but didn’t get into the main action. ATOMIC BLAST N was third-over, started three-wide 11/16 and had a brief burst then was hanging and clogging that lane.
FOURTH RACE – ABRUZZO was three-wide nearing the 1/8 and looped, got the lead to the 5/16 then yielded early on turn two, waited in the pocket then moved out early stretch, by confidently midstretch. WHAT SHOULD I GOO moved at the ¼ behind the winner, uncovered 5/16 to the lead early on the clubhouse turn in a fast half, set the pace, bore out a little early stretch, clearly second. DAGON HANOVER stayed in far turn then came out late on the bend and was along for third; AP HALL OF TRIX followed the show horse and finished steadily. WORTHY OF HONOR rode the rail, Pocono Pike but not much. PRACTICAL CAT left four-wide and crossed over at the 1/8, yielded, unplugged in the 3-hole just past the 5/8. SPEED AWAY was behind dull cover, was circling it far turn then got in close quarters with RIPPLE OF HOPE, who was that dull cover, and caused interference, for which he was placed.
FIFTH RACE – EFFRONTE A left enough for the pocket, was content to sit in the two-hole, then outside headstretch and paced by confidently late. RYCROFT N left very strongly to take over early, rated the half, couldn’t handle the winner but was far clear of the others. SOUTHPORT BEACH came all the way up the inside, used the Pocono Pike to photo out CONCUR for third. The latter stayed in, empty midturn. KINGSTONS BAD BOY was second-over, badly blindswitched from past the 11/16 until midstretch, had pace late, unlucky. FRAZZLEBERRY tried going three-wide from fourth-over past the 5/8 but never got into it. NEWBIE went uncovered towards the half but didn’t make much of a dent. BOBBY K HILL gapped third-over.
SIXTH RACE – DEES RED DELICIOUS was three-wide to the 1/8 then outside past the fast quarter and worked to the lead 5/16, yielded into the second turn in a fast half, awaited the Pocono Pike keeping tight then got room and outtrotted P L NOTSONICE. The latter spotted, moved to the 3/8 and went with the wind to the lead into turn two in a quick half, raced gamely through the lane but could not stall the winner. GRAPPLE HANOVER left hard and pushed the winner a long way in quick time before yielding, wound up third-in, backed off slightly in the last ¼ but still held third. BANK BOX TREASURE was out second-over, gapped a bit, evenly late. SHIKANSEN started uncovered before the half, gained into the wind to challenge, but gave way the last 1/8. FOUR UNDER PAR stayed in and gapped. SILVERMASS VOLO could not stay with cover from third-over. MARION GONDOLIER trailed.
SEVENTH RACE – Five within a length at the wire … JIMS PERFECT TEN was last at the half then moved fourth-over, three-wide 5/8 the duration, gained steadily, got the lead only very late then held off INDIGO ART. The latter took a while to settle inside, was second-over, was blindswitched 11/16 until getting to the lane behind the winner headstretch, came on well late. HOT DEUCE was 4-wide early, took the pocket 3/16, went to the Pocono Pike and may have gotten a small lead midstretch, outkicked by the closers. MINDTRIP started grinding at the 3/8, challenged, held his ground very nicely. BRAVO TEX N stayed in, blocked through the stretch with pace. MAJOR BEAN went down the road at a hot clip, couldn’t sustain in the lane. LITTLEBITASWAGGER was third-over, was blindswitched, went wide but couldn’t enter the main picture. REGAL SUN took a tuck, stayed in and was shuffled back, not much.
EIGHTH RACE – SAYING GRACE N took the early lead then was content to follow in the pocket, used the Pocono Pike to overhaul THE WALL while going her own last half in 55. The latter blasted away to command, slowed the second ¼ with the wind then sped up against it, couldn’t hang on to the lead late but a good race. CAPTAIN ROMANCE gapped slightly second-over, three-wide to headstretch and next in line. GUINESS PANIC was uncovered from seventh before the 3/8, made a long, steady grind, understandably backed off some in the latter stages. DOUBLEORNOTHING N stayed in, not tight on the far turn’ same story with TAM MAJOR A. DO WORK SON moved out third-over far turn but never entered the picture. KING JAMES EXPRESS developed a problem after the ¼ and was pulled up.
NINTH RACE – AIN’T IT FUN was third-over, gained in a blindswitch on the turn then was able to slide wide early stretch, had the most late. BIZYS BEATLE was looped early and spent the mile on the rim, challenged a very long way, held with fine courage. UNDERTAKER circled four-wide headstretch and had a big last 1/8. REYS N A RUCKUS left between horses to take the lead early, yielded for the pocket, slightly shuffled headstretch but had chance to rally in the Pocono Pike out didn’t have much more to give. HEARTBEAT HILL sat in, found stretch clearance and gained some; returned with “b.e.” DREAM OF LUCK was second-over at the half, three-wide headstretch but flagging his tail and did not gain late. TUXEDO BAY was three-wide to the first curve and on top 3/16, was under pressure from the tough parked challenger, backed off. SOUTHWIND DREDGE had “b.e.” early and was far back.
TENTH RACE – RUTHLESS HANOVER made the lead 3/16, got a cakewalk to the half, then came home in 54.4-26.4 as far the best of these. CARLISIMO was up raw in a grind 5/8, did very well to take second over CASUAL COOL. The latter yielded for the pocket, started to gap to the ¾, just failed to hold the deuce. BETTORS DONTTELL went in third past the 1/8, Pocono Pike, not quite enough for a major minor honor. CALIBER was second-over, wide but couldn’t gain in the rapid last quarter. PARMESAN N had a headpole dangling from past the half, fair from far back. IMAGINARY LINE never got into the race from last.
ELEVENTH RACE – IDEAL WHEEL left but took back, went from fourth into the pocket down the backstretch, continued inside in the Pocono Pike and got the decision. PURPLE POET was last and wheeling three-wide at the ¾, ducked between horses in the stretch and closed furiously. IDEAL STAR N was wide early then between horses to 3/16 command, yielded 5/16, back out to challenge early backstretch but could not clear the leader, raced on gamely. LYONS NIGHT HAWK was in the early mix, moved out as the pocket horse challenged from early backstretch, wide, not enough late. ROLLINWITHAMBITION was briefly four-wide early, hard-used to get in front 5/16, would soon have pressure the rest of the way, held well. MONTY MONO moved outside but was gapping not long thereafter. DONE WELL was behind dull cover but didn’t show much late. BLACKLIGHT was never prominent.
TWELFTH RACE – Rain started during this race … ILIKEMEBETTOR A left between horses with cover, tucked in past the ¼, stayed in, angled out two- and three-wide near headstretch and finished with strong strides in an impressive debut. ONE EIGHT HUNDRED was parked to the ¼ for the lead, yielded for the pocket, outside late turn, steadily to be a good second. MARK WITHA K pushed the ¼ and yielded, made a quick move 3/8 to regain the lead, didn’t have pressure, still didn’t have enough sprint late. STONE HANOVER sat in, blocked far turn, to the Pocono Pike and best of the others. THE DARK SHADOW fell back in the latter stages. CHATELROLL never entered the main picture. WALKNAFTER MIDNITE was three-wide early, tucked fifth 3/16, uncovered past the 3/8, never reached the leader then fell back. PRAIRIE PANTHER had cover but never made a threatening move.
THIRTEENTH RACE – SPINOUT left well to the front at the 1/8, yielded 3/16 to sit the pocket, outside early stretch and ground down SAFENSOUND HANOVER. The latter was three-deep to turn one, got command 3/16, didn’t have a horse breathing down his neck until the winner emerged, game but couldn’t quite hold the lead. SHANGHAI BOBBY left, sat third, gained some late. BNGS EXPRESS moved out second-over 11/16, three-wide headstretch, found his best strides belatedly. CASINO BAGS ANSO gapped inside, got the final payday. SPORTSMANSHIP started the outer tier towards the half but never got very close. ARTACHE HANOVER was behind gapping cover, went three-wide around it but then gapped himself. HOPETOBEFIRST moved second-over but had nothing to offer.
FOURTEENTH RACE – Track downgraded to “good +1”; virtually no wind … LITERL LAD HANOVER pushed then yielded at the ¼ for the pocket, used the Pocono Pike and was along. YS DO IT RIGHT was second-over, gapped his cover slightly on the turn, then finished very well to just make second. JIM BLUE was out most of the ¼ to take control of the pace, got a big rest in quarter two then picked it up, couldn’t sustain to the finish. SOUTHWIND SANDOR began uncovered before the half, advanced well down the back, held right in there in the battle to the line. CERTIFIABLE had to come from third-over, which proved to be a little too much. CAVIART EDEN was under a hold through the stretch with nowhere to go for clearance. BEACH TOWN BOY was not a factor. SIX DEGREES gapped to a degree through much of the race.
Oct 4, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Cool; stretch headwind … STICK WITH ME KID took back early, moved uncovered before the 5/8 and challenged, had a small lead midturn when the pacesetter broke, went clear for a bit, then tired but did hold on. ARCHIBALD moved second-over behind the winner, not tight on him on the turn, then better late to just miss. HOT SUMMER KNIGHT raced inside, advanced up the inside late. KEYSTONE THUNDER was out to the front before the 1/8, yielded for the pocket, didn’t seem bothered by the breaker, so-so late. PRAIRIE VIRTUE backed out to third-over but did not factor. SMART AS HILL gapped in last, wide on the far turn but didn’t make up ground. SPREE quarter-moved, set the pace, got pressure late backstretch, had been headed on the far turn when going to a break and taken inside the pylons.
SECOND RACE – AMP IT UP was underway before the ¼ and was on the point just past the 3/8, got a big challenge from the first-over but held him out, drew away. MIND HUNTER left, put a rival in behind, then yielded 3/8 for the pocket, couldn’t gain late but well ahead of the rest. PINK FLOYD HANOVER left and settled in the early pocket, stayed inside, next in line. CAPTAIN MAP was outside with cover early backstretch, couldn’t go with the first-over during the big backstretch fight, so-so. ANGLER HANOVER got a check. HANDSOFFMYTITOS was a bit hard to handle starting to move uncovered before the half and ran up on the horse in front of him, quickly settled and came his third quarter in 27, getting a short lead, but faded in the last 3/16. THE OTHER TWO gapped at the back.
THIRD RACE – BRACE FOR LANDING went out from the rail for the lead, not bothered by outside challengers, but kept to task to withstand YOUCOMEHEREOFTEN. The latter tucked in the pocket, a bit loose down the back, but stayed steady to the line. PRAIRIE NUGGET gapped most of the race but was still a clear third. FAWN DE SIGN had little to offer. ONE HUNDRED POOF miscued 3/16. TAKE MY NAME was wide leaving then tucked third, made a break 9/16.
FOURTH RACE – SAMMY THE BULL N was the innermost of a cadre of leavers, forced a fast quarter then sat the pocket, outside early stretch and just nipped BELIEVEINTHESPIRIT on the money. The latter was three-wide to the 3/16 and onward to the lead near the 26.4 quarter, rated the half and didn’t have backstretch heat, just failed to withstand the winner and far ahead of the rest. HOT ROD DYLAN was out behind sluggish cover, ducked inside on the far turn and was along for a distant third. CHANCELLORCULLEN N was between horses until tucking 3/16, had little in the last ¼. ALL ABOUT RUSTY never factored. SARATOGA BLUE CHIP was very wide early, rode outside midpack until fading in the last stanza. ELRAMA N moved out behind the parked horse before the half, went three-wide 11/16 but did not gain. BEACHESBECKONME moved outside and wide but had little to offer.
FIFTH RACE – CANTERBURY HANOVER moved out 5/8 and quickly got in high gear, ate up the big advantage of the leader then drew away. LADY LIRA was parked with cover to the 3/16, went on as her cover tucked and made the lead 3/8, opened a big lead down the back, easily overhauled by the winner but far clear in second. NINA HANOVER was between horses and tucked in 3/16, left a gap down the back, then outside late on the turn, wide in the stretch and defeated the others for the distant show. ANDOVER JESS had the early pocket, stayed in, not very much in the lane. ANGELINA HANOVER had cover but couldn’t go with it. FAWN DE DON’T left well to get the lead before the first turn, yielded 3/8, unplugged from the 5/8. BROADWAY SENSATION made a brief break before the start but caught the field, no factor thereafter.
SIXTH RACE – VILLAGE CHAMP kept the pocket closed, outside towards headstretch and drew clear after the fast fractions. BETTOR’S WESTERN took back, tightened in before the half, went to the Pocono Pike but in doing so went inside the last pylon before the Pike, edged FEHERTY for second but was placed behind that rival for the pylon infraction. FEHERTY went to the lead in the 26.3 opener, set the pace, tired some. ALL IT TAKES followed three-wide cover then went three-wide uncovered the last ¼ and gained. LATE NIGHT JOKE was outside on turn two, three-wide 5/8 to two-wide but didn’t get in the main picture. WOODMERE ROLLEX was not a contender. GIVEN UP TERROR was looped and three-wide early, then left out two-wide, pressed the leader but couldn’t clear, tried 5/8.
SEVENTH RACE – SECRET RULE was looped between horses early, briefly tucked then quarter-moved, didn’t have anybody reach him then drew off in the last quarter. KILGORE S got forward positioning, stayed in until coming out and on in the stretch for the distant second. CS EXPLOSIVE CHIP was quickly to the lead at 105-1, yielded for the two-hole, got looser and looser from before the ¾. DOYLE HANOVER passed the rest. FEAST DAY was out most of the ¼ before tucking, moved out before the 5/8 but never moved up. ROJO MAN moved behind cover down the back, tried to go around it but never did. PRETTY DAME SPEEDY wasn’t keeping up on the far turn when making a break, ran home along the inside, placed. KOLB HANOVER was always far back.
EIGHTH RACE – CAPTAIN COOK rushed right to the top and strung out the field, ceding ground some late but had too big a lead to be caught. PLAY THE ACE was the only horse to make a significant outside move the last half, came coming on for a good second. GRATEFUL KISS kept the pocket, then was loose in it most of the way, evenly late. I’LL TAKE THE BET was looped early and tucked third, tried to gain late in the Pocono Pike but could not. LETMECALLYOUBACK got the last check. THE OTHER THREE were far detached, A SHORE LEGACY after a brief early break.
NINTH RACE – U BAKE THE CAKE left wide, to two-wide to the pocket past the 1/8, started gapping before the half, then inherited the lead when the pacesetter ran past mid-far turn, had enough to maintain the advantage in a 31.4 last quarter. PUB HOPPING stayed in in the strung-out field, came up the inside but couldn’t reach the winner. HECKRAISER HANOVER left and tucked early, got closer 5/8 and moved outside on the turn, but had been bottomed out chasing the fast numbers. THE NEXT TWO were always far behind. BRIGHT SIDE UP made the lead, was under a big hold yet still opened up a large advantage down the back, but couldn’t hold it together again mid-far turn.
TENTH RACE – BET EIGHTTHIRTYONE left enough to push a foe a ways while protecting the pocket, waited in the two-hole until the stretch, wore down GREYSTONE WATCHMAN late. The latter started quickly, was on top 3/16, set the pace, held very well until very late. INCREDIBLE BADGER sat in, never made any kind of threatening move. BRAZOS went evenly along the inside. MY BOY JACK was uncovered 3/8, gained some, got cover 11/16, couldn’t keep gaining. BIONIC was between horses early, tucked third, moved outside 11/16 but lost ground. BARRYWHITE HANOVER backed out to third-over, three-wide on the turn, no factor. MISTER DAVID C was trying to gain between horses when breaking while far back past early stretch.
ELEVENTH RACE – BEYOND ORDINARY yielded, stayed third-in until angling out then wide late turn, proved the wrong horse was named ESPLOSIONE this day by showing a big burst nearing the wire to win. The latter was looped, proceeded up methodically to command 3/8, set the pace, looked like he was going to make the lead last even in deep stretch but just got nipped. MISS MCKEE left well from PP8 to make the top at the 1/8, yielded for the pocket, loomed in the Pocono Pike but couldn’t make it. BELIEVER came uncovered 5/8, held decently. BAUTISTA moved second-over 5/8 but couldn’t keep up. MUSHANA had cover but did not enter the picture. KEEGAN HO and SUPER BETCHA both gapped in a fast race.
TWELFTH RACE – STAR TRACK HANOVER pulled before the outside horse had cleared to the lead late first turn, went on to the top, opened up in the third quarter and won by himself. GREAT MAGIC took the early lead, saw two go by, pulled from third 11/16, not a bad mile and far ahead of the others. AMBERS CHAMPION came out with cover late in the backstretch, won a photo for the distant third over TEDDY BROSEVELT. The latter went on to take over 3/16, soon yielded, pocket, couldn’t keep up at the 5/8. SPRING IN PARIS and ARCH CREDIT were both outside down the back but never got close. FRAC showed little.
THIRTEENTH RACE – ROSE RUN URIAH left inside of a wall and refused to give up the lead under pressure, rated some down the backstretch as the outer tiers weren’t menacing, game late to defeat STARVIN MARVIN. The latter left, took the pocket and stayed close as an outside foe challenged, had his shot in the Pocono Pike but couldn’t go by. WHATA TREASURE was underway two-wide to turn two, three-wide 5/8 to two-wide raw before the ¾, next-best. STELLAR BB was three-wide early, challenged but couldn’t get the lead or a tuck, went inside ¾ as a gap developed, held OK until early stretch. LORD OF MISRULE had an excess of cover, made up some ground for the last check. CANT KNOCK ME sat in, was shuffled, but then had little response along the inside late. IYQ YQR moved third-over but gapped. CAPTAIN MALICIOUS was out with cover before getting inside 5/16, backed up to the ¾.
FOURTEENTH RACE – SUNDANCEDIAMOND left, got into the pocket before the ¼, backed out to follow PUBLICITY SEEKER as that one cleared past the 5/8, went on to tuck in the pocket on the turn, up the inside late and went by the leader. The latter couldn’t quite keep the pocket closed nearing the ¼, moved out as the parked horse was clearing 3/8, got in gear down the backstretch to take over command and went a fast 3/4s, tired late and was caught. WILLIE B WORTHY was on top going to turn one, yielded to the 3/8, backed out behind the winner, was left raw on the turn, gained as the pace slowed late. FLANAGAN DESTINY left and had cover almost to the ¼, pressed on to the lead near the 3/8, was passed towards late backstretch and faded. THE OTHER FOUR were well off the back four early in the backstretch and never got close.
Oct 2, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Mid to upper 60s; stretch headwind … TONY TOO TALL made two speed moves in controlling the pace, drew away in the last 1/8 looking sharp. BIG BOSS HILL was between horses leaving and tucked third past the 1/8, shuffled some later on the turn and had to await the Pocono Pike, good once clear along the inside for place. JK MUSICMAN moved outside 11/16 but didn’t gain. CAVIART MAX moved out on the turn and went wide early stretch, finished with speed. TRAY SURREAL went uncovered at the half, finally got cover 11/16, couldn’t rally. SOMEBODYITREASURE was three-high past the 1/8, then two-wide to the lead 3/16, yielded and sat in the two-hole, unplugged far turn. CLOUSEAU HANOVER never entered the main picture. LUZIANA was inside, gapped from the ¾.
SECOND RACE – SLY ELEANOR N backed off early, kept a hole closed in the frontstretch to keep a horse parked, slipped out far turn and went right on to the lead and the victory. SHADOW ONE had the rail against two leavers, yielded to one then kept the pocket tight to keep the other parked, did not pull out far turn, took the Pocono Pike and was a clear second. HEAVENISSOFARAWAY stayed inside, moved out into a blindswitch approaching headstretch, was searching for room and had to check in close quarters midstretch, then gained once fully clear. ABBY ROSE was underway two-wide before the half, three-wide just before the ¾ through the turn, steadily. BROOKDALE JESSIE was far back along the inside, gained then seemed to take a bad step going to the deep Pike and never regained any momentum. SUMMER RAE was between horses just beyond the 3/16 to get the lead in a fast ¼, had to keep up the fast pace with an outside challenger, tired. TALL POPPY N was three-wide just past the 3/16 then to two-wide uncovered, had to spend life on the rim, fell back some nearing the ¾ but stayed on one-geared and was actually blocked at the wire. RIGGINSWIND gapped at the end.
THIRD RACE – LENDA HAND MAN went away for the pocket, was able to back out behind the new leader far turn, wide and enough to get the decision. STATE SENATOR tucked in third just past the 1/8, came uncovered 5/8, got the lead but not the inside far turn, caught after a good mile. FLIGHT ONEFORTYSIX hugged the inside and was gaining in the Pocono Pike. BULLVILLE FRANK never got going until too late. ZEUS HANOVER moved outside but gapped, on the far turn just enough to let the winner get out. HUNTED HOUSE showed good speed from the rail, picked up a pesky challenge late backstretch, came up empty in the stretch.
FOURTH RACE – SO SUPREME took back early and stayed in third, could have gone up to the pocket as the two-holer pulled late turn but elected to swing out and wide, went to the lead late. QUEEN LOSTRIS N was three-wide to turn one then two-wide to 3/16 command, yielded to a brusher for the pocket, moved outside late turn, took over early stretch and had the stretch lead a long way. CULINARY ARTIST sat in, had room to gain along the inside in the last 1/8 and did so to be third. GREENHILL HANOVER was first to move out on turn two but soon got cover, wide on the far turn, evenly as the pace slowed. SO DELIGHTFUL was wide early then tucked fourth past the 1/8, started raw at the half, one-geared along not threatening the top ones but also holding on fairly well. BEACH PASSAGE left, yielded, quarter-moved to take over 3/8, set the pace, gave way. ALLMYLOVIN HANOVER never factored. ALWAYS CURIOUS lost contact the last half.
FIFTH RACE – FRESHGROUNDPEPPER was three-deep to turn one then on top past the 1/8, slowed the half then turned up the speed, drew away from these nicely. P L PANDORA sat third-in until the ¾, was just up for second in the closing steps over HONORABLE LADY. The latter left then yielded to sit the two-hole, not enough late sprint and just nabbed for the deuce. SANTA MONICA AS came outside with cover to the far turn, found her best steps a mite too late. SOUTHWIND DESI stayed in, Pocono Pike, got the last check. TSM LOYAL T never factored. COWBOY CRUISIN moved out from last early backstretch, gained, got cover ¾, gapped it late far turn then miscued.
SIXTH RACE – IMPRINCESSGEMMA A was three-deep to turn one then took over past the 1/8 in a quick opening number, withstood the first-over, was tired late but so was the rest of her opposition. SHES A SASSY BEACH secured the pocket early, gapped a bit far turn, OK along the inside late to get second. JB’S STAR DANCER moved behind cover but gapped it, evenly late. HURRIKANEMYSHANNON left a gap the first half, then found a better gear and went up to challenge, couldn’t sustain the move. ANOTHER BEACH DAY sat in, spent most of the stretch angling wide to find a path, some response once clear. GRANT ME THIS gapped a gapper as third-over, widest in the stretch, so-so. NARINA HANOVER gapped at the back.
SEVENTH RACE – NO NAME YANKEE left well to the top, yielded to the brushing favorite to sit in the two-hole, left a gap on the turn then did better and gradually wore the leader down. CIRCLE OF LIFE AS was away second then improved that position by one with an early move, had a clear lead on the turn but tired gradually and was caught. CARAMEL MACCHIATO tucked fourth at the 1/8, moved uncovered past the 5/8, next in line. SCIROCCO BIG JOHN moved outside early backstretch then got cover but gapped it, finished with a good surge on the extreme outside. FASHION WINNER sat third, started unplugging 5/8. PHANTOM RUSTY never factored; nor did BAZAAR BAZAAR. GREEK LEGEND moved outside before the half but never got close.
EIGHTH RACE – PAULAS BET HANOVER was away second, moved 3/16 to take over just past the ¼, yielded and sat in the two-hole, outside late turn and just got by BETTE TINA late. The latter moved behind the winner then went on to take command before the 3/8, set the pace, just failed to last to the wire. ROCKNROLL NELLA outleft everybody, saw two go by, went evenly late. TWENTY GRAND stayed in, went to the Pocono Pike but did not gain. HIT ME UP made a break early, recovered and sat last, came outside towards turn two then got cover 5/8, three-wide ¾, made up some territory in the 30 kicker. SHE’S MAGICAL and STARZZNSTRIPES didn’t do much here. ASHLEE’S DELIGHT moved raw 5/8, didn’t advance very much, then retreated.
NINTH RACE – CAPTAIN SOLO was on top at the 1/8, yielded for the pocket and stayed close, to the Pocono Pike, got the lead midstretch and hung on to it tenaciously in a blanket finish. LET’S GOT ROCKED sat in then backed out to third-over past the 5/8, swung wide, looked a little steppy but made up a lot of ground late. BET ON ZETTE stayed third-in, went to the deep Pike and was right there at the finish. STORM THE COURT was three-wide to the 1/8 then went on to take over just past the ¼, got a slow second quarter then had to really step it up to meet the huge charge of the first-over, kept that one outside, stayed fighting right to the end. JERSEY JUSTICE was near the back, had some room along the inside and did OK. EXCURSION went uncovered before the half, hit a very high gear in going 26.4 down the back to challenge for the lead, did have a small advantage but couldn’t cross over, tired midstretch. TSM TRISTAN T was second-over, gapped, then didn’t have a clear path late. DEL MAR DOUG gapped early and lost contact down the back.
TENTH RACE – Stretch headiwnd / backstretch tailwind is very strong now, helping to explain the fast third quarters in this race and the one previous … STONEBRIDGE KARIS went right to the lead, slowed the half then had to rev up quickly in the face of a serious first-over challenge, kept that one out and drew clear in the stretch. COWBOY COOL came out 5/8 and hustled to get close to cover, three-wide late turn, finished solidly. LIFETIME EXPERIENCE had the pocket before the 1/8, gapped in it during the 26.4 third quarter and beyond, just enough to get third over CODYS KNAPSACK. The latter vacated third at the half and went his own third quarter in 26.2 to fight hard with the leader, but was rebuffed. COUNTER OFFER was last at every call.
ELEVENTH RACE – UPTOWN HANOVER went up behind great cover, gapped it slightly far turn, but then picked up the pace and drew clear of the two battlers. ALWAYS B FIRST was uncovered from the 3/8, one-geared up raw to reach the leader before the ¾, fought with that one the rest of the way, did get the better of her late but the winner outpaced both. JIVE DANCING A was three-wide to the 1/8 and out to a 26.3 opener, didn’t have a challenger until nearing the ¾ but still went on very quickly, gave ground only grudgingly and almost held for second. THE STUNNING NUN N was in the lively outer flow, stayed in the path behind the winner in the stretch. MAJOR BATTLE sat in, then backed out to follow good cover, wide, OK. APRIL AVA made the lead at the 1/8, yielded at the ¼, started to gap when the pace picked up down the backstretch. JUXTA COWGIRL made the lead and yielded, gapped. HP XANADU was not in the main picture.
TWELFTH RACE – TORRONE was in front at the 1/8, set the pace, kept to urging late. BY A HOFF HANOVER tucked early, vacated third 11/16 and kept coming on in a good race. CHAMPAGNE HANOVER had the pocket, started to gap off the second turn but popped the earplugs 9/16 and narrowed back in, then couldn’t keep pace from before the ¾, just held third. ARGENTO was inside the stretch breaker and gained some at the end. MATTER OF TRUST never featured. SCOTTISH gapped during the third quarter then was a bit closer and outside on the turn, searching for more trot when offstride midstretch. MEDLEY looked rank going to the start, wide leaving and broke at the 1/8.
THIRTEENTH RACE — MIKI MINAJ started raw into the second bend, hit a high gear 5/8 and went up to battle the leader, had a short advantage around the turn, then went on to defeat the railshooting ROGERTHAT BLUECHIP. The latter took over 3/16, yielded to a brusher for the pocket, was stuck behind the tiring leader at a very crucial juncture headstretch until getting to the Pocono Pike, then was eating up the ground late in an unlucky loss. DIVISION BELL left, yielded, backed out 11/16, tightened in on his cover on the turn, fair late. FRONTIER ROLLO couldn’t go with the winner’s brush down the back and let a foe out, so-so. HOW ARE YEE JOHN left some, inside, gapped. ROCK THREE TIMES never entered the picture. AMERICA’S GUEST came hustling out of fourth 3/16 and went to the lead 5/16, got pressure from the winner, tired through the stretch.
FOURTEENTH RACE – OAKWOODNITOWNIT IT was three-wide leaving to take over early, relinquished command to sit the pocket, had room in the Pocono Pike and was along easily. HEZA REAL DIAMOND was wide three-wide to the 1/8 then backed off to tuck fourth, uncovered into turn two, grinded, was outsped to his left but very game to hold second. CAPTAIN CASH was looped between horses early, pressed on to the lead past the ¼, slowed the half then sped up, not quite enough at crunch time. VANILLA MALTED was third-over, made a big three-wide move 11/16 to loom midturn, flattened a bit. PALOMAR was second-over, blindswitched, fair between horses. I’VE GOT HOOTSPA stayed in, had pace in tight quarters late. GET LIT left some, stayed in, not that much late. DIVINE RIGHT was out behind the sweeper far turn but never was onto the main radar.
Oct 2, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Coolish, and with a stretch headwind almost all the day, which explains where a lot of the winners came from (front and inside) except for the first race … COXCOMB was away seventh as many left, last at the half, was fourth-over down the back, then three-wide towards the ¾ and practically circled the field on the far turn, drew clear. CANDY TRADER was wide early, then had cover to the ¼, to the lead at the 3/8, had pressure almost immediately, held on very well. NO BETTER JOY sat in, came up the Pocono Pike to be a distant third. MONEYORROSES dropped in before the 3/16, inside, angled outside in the stretch and had some pace. MIDNIGHT DAY paced on to take over at the ¼, yielded, struggled a bit in the third quarter and then couldn’t gain in the lane. FRAZZLEBERRY gapped third-over, was blindswitched, didn’t enter the picture. THIRD POWER was second-over, gapped much of the backstretch then narrowed in, then was blindswitched through the turn, not much late. BUTTER UP dashed to the lead and yielded at the ¼, came again raw on the second turn but couldn’t go by, faded.
SECOND RACE – CRYSTAL FASHION went to the top going to curve one, yielded 3/16 and sat a great trip until midturn, moved out and went by easily. ONE AFTER NINE stayed connected in third, outside in the lane and along for second over P L NOTSONICE. The latter went to the lead 3/16 and rolled on, no match for the winner and then was caught for second late. DEE’S RED DELICIOUS came out late backstretch but never was a major player. CHAPOLIER moved outside at a distance on the far turn, OK. NO DRAMA PLEASE and MARION GONDOLIER gapped at the back; SWEET HEART AS gapped even more.
THIRD RACE – BELLOWS BINGE raced up into the pocket behind an insistent leader and got a great trip behind a big duel, outside before late turn and went to the lead, went clear. HUNDIE N quarter-moved but was given the brotherly cold shoulder, persevered with outstanding courage and somehow retained second. MINDTRIP was third-over, gapped then got closer in a blindswitch, could swing wide late turn and finished steadily. EDDARD HANOVER was well-positioned inside, not too much late. BROTHER JAMES stayed inside, gained some in the deep Pocono Pike. DONE WELL struck the top early and refused to yield in a fast pace, paid the price in the stretch. BLACKLIGHT didn’t offer too much. IDEAL WHEEL wheeled out behind the parked horse, sent three-wide 5/8 but couldn’t go by the parked horse and in fact backed through the field on the far turn.
FOURTH RACE – EFFRONTE A was three-wide early then two-wide on to the lead at the 3/16, had challengers tuck in behind him as he went on and the pocket horse backed up, stayed safely clear. OWEN got a forward spot, then was horribly shuffled behind the tiring two-holer, not clear from the 5/8 to headstretch, then wide, still sixth midstretch, flying late to photo out NEWBIE. The latter tucked, then was uncovered towards turn two, went into the pocket 5/8, couldn’t go with the winner, went on well but caught for second on the money. REYS N A RUCKUS took until the 3/16 to settle in sixth, then second-over, left uncovered 5/8, into a three-tuck far turn, outside stretch, OK. UNDERTAKER was in the good outer flow, uncovered far turn, fair late. MANNY was shuffled then moved out, didn’t make the main picture. CONCUR gapped at the back. SHANGHAI BOBBY left between horses, raced in the pocket until falling back from the 5/8 onward.
FIFTH RACE – EUROBOND was three-wide to the 1/8 then settled behind cover to the 3/8, left raw and didn’t get the lead into early in the backstretch, but then just drew away effortless in a quite superior mile. GRAPPLE HANOVER got the top 3/16, yielded 3/8, inherited the pocket 5/8 when its former occupant broke, did well. MYSTICAL WYNN came through at the start, pushed a foe early then yielded, went what he could and got third. THE LIONKING AS moved outside from far back down the back, steadily late. TOKYO SEELSTER never featured. SORTIE was outside with little. ALL RISE didn’t factor. RICH AND MISERABLE chose to remain two-wide early, needed to the 3/8 and make the lead and then pushed the winner well past a fast half, had already begun to gap when breaking 5/8.
SIXTH RACE – PURPLE POET left hard but reluctantly took the pocket as the leader went in 26, waited for the Pocono Pike, then closed enough for the victory. THE MOONSHADOW N did not want to surrender the lead, kept it, backed off the half, met the challenge of the first-over, but then could not withstand the winner late. PREMIER ROCKSTAR took back, might’ve pulled if the four horses directly in front of him going into turn two hadn’t also gone outside, decided to take his chances improving inside, didn’t clear until approaching midstretch, hit a high gear but not a supersonic one. JIMS PERFECT TEN lagged off the first quarter fight, then led the two-wide tier, grinded, couldn’t sustain his bid. ATOMIC BLAST pulled but was fourth-over, went back inside nearing the half, angled out early stretch but didn’t gain. ROLLINWITHAMBITION was behind dull cover, three-wide ¾ but didn’t advance. KINGSTONS BAD BOY was second-over, struggled to stay semi-close to cover down the back then faded on the turn.
SEVENTH RACE – MONTY MONO sat a very good pocket trip, then used the Pocono Pike as his path to victory. PARK OFFICIAL started on the grind approaching turn two, tried very hard in a big mile. DRAGON STRIKES sat in and was shuffled badly, spent most of the stretch weaving between horses for clearance and finished strongly. MY WISH CAME TRUE was third-over, three-wide late turn, one-geared late. LYONS NIGHT HAWK was on top at the 1/8, rated the half, didn’t get pressure until nearing the far turn, still not enough in the lane. SNOWBALL’S ROMEO tucked third past the 1/8, sat in, Pocono Pike, not a threat. GONNAHAVEONEMORE wasn’t well-served by his cover. SOUTHPORT BEACH was second-over, looked to be all-out staying close down the back, then blindswitched far turn and fell back.
EIGHTH RACE – LEXUS KODY didn’t leave but was on the move not far past the 1/8 to the lead not far past the ¼, appeared to have an easy time of it. AP HALL OF TRIX left quickly for the top then yielded to trail the chalk, did well to stay as close as he did and finished well ahead of the rest. DAGON HANOVER backed out into second-over entering the backstretch, best of the distant rest. JOYGO stayed in, came out behind cover on the turn, never prominent. PRACTICAL CAT had to go up uncovered from far back, gained then saw his bid stall in the latter stages. HIP HOP GRACIE and SPIT AND VINEGAR were always near the rear. HURRIKANE WILLIE G had the early pocket, started to gap midturn.
NINTH RACE – Wind had gone down almost to nothing for this race … SPINOUT left well and was encouraged to push a challenger a long way before yielding for the pocket, came out into the stretch and just wore down SAFENSOUND HANOVER late. The latter was parked almost to the 5/16 to make the top, rated the half then had to pick it up to meet a lively first-over challenge, turned for home still in control, just caught at the end by the pocket rocket. BEVANS CULLEN N closed a hole early, sat in then backed out to third-over 11/16, four-wide late on the final bend and closed well. AIN’T IT FUN was out before the half but ducked back in, angled wide the first part of the stretch and was closing well. SPORTS HERO stayed in, didn’t show much. BASS PLAYER was towed up second-over, three-wide midturn but couldn’t mount a late charge. ROCK KING DEO was in a very tough spot. SPORTSMANSHIP tucked fourth past the 1/8, moved out before the half and quickly got into gear, throwing a 26.4 third quarter fighting the leader, but tired with 3/16 to go.
TENTH RACE – PARMESAN N used the rail to secure the early pocket, then sat third-in until late turn, wide past early stretch and found enough late to just be the big cheese in here. CARLISIMO left but took back, then was out most of the frontstretch to take over the stick, fought with CHATELROLL gamely from past midbackstretch to the wire, very brave and perhaps unlucky to be caught. The latter started uncovered approaching bend two, went his own third quarter in 26.4 to fight with the leader and held bravely to the line. BETTERROCK was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to the 3/16 to get the lead, yielded in front of the stands, couldn’t keep pace late. STONE HANOVER sat in and was shuffled to last, angled out to find clearance headstretch and finished with solid pace. HORSE was never prominent. LOUIE THE HORSE N gapped second-over; BULLVILLE TERROR gapped that gapper.
ELEVENTH RACE – Wind back up … JIM BLUE left and had early control then yielded for the pocket, had a notion to retake at the ¼ but was put back in, got a clear path headstretch as the pacesetter bore out and went right to the lead. BIG CHIC MAGNET was outside early, had the winner pull in front of him 3/16 then was left raw when that one cleared, battled on uncovered gaining in the third quarter, carried wide headstretch, gamely after covering a lot of ground. MAJOR SHOW sat in third, got direct access to the Pocono Pike, so-so. CAPTAIN SLEAZE sat in and was shuffled to last, gained through a narrow hole late while not appearing fully clear. CAVIART EDEN hustled up down the back to get to a tight second-over, three- then pushed four-wide late turn, flattened a little. FORREST BLU backed outside on the turn, found himself five-wide headstretch, no chance. LOUIE THE LOOPER yielded but moved to retake 3/16, set the pace with second-half pressure, tired headstretch and bore out.
TWELFTH RACE – HOT DEUCE left in tandem with PLAY THE FIELD then let that one go to sit behind him, to the Pocono Pike and found a better gear midstretch to garner the victory. The latter made the top in good order, slowed the half, fought off the outer horses but couldn’t handle the one to his inside. STAR MESSENGER was third-over, four-wide in the stretch and just up for third over a bunch of others. REGAL SON sat in, had access to the Pike but did not stay tight on the winner. SHORE OF HIMSELF stayed in, came out into a blindswitch headstretch, OK between horses late. BRAVO TEX N started uncovered on the second turn, took a long time to get in highest gear, then couldn’t sustain that move. INDIGO ART was second-over from last, three-wide to midturn, flattened.
THIRTEENTH RACE – MARK WITHA K left some, moved 5/16 to the lead past the 3/8, paced in 27.1 down the back to try to get away from the field, but found IM A GIGOLO N a plucky grinder, did hold in a 55.2 back half. The latter moved raw at the half from next-to-last in the short field, was a speed-grindmaster-deluxe by going in 26.3 to edge up on the backstretch then continued gaining into the wind, just missed. BETTOR MEMORIES gapped cover slightly, steadily for third. DEALER’S TABLE made the lead at the ¼, yielded, to the Pocono Pike, OK. MISTER DAYTONA N stayed in and was backed up to last, circled wide, couldn’t make up the ground. CAVIART ROCKLAND was three-deep early, on top 3/16, yielded just past the 3/8, a bit loose in the two-hole much of the last half before fading more.
FOURTEENTH RACE – SPEEDY DOMINIC A made the lead past the 1/8, didn’t get any pressure on the lead until past the 5/8, held off the first-over, clear in the lane after identical 55.4 halves. ACTOR HANOVER was between horses early to get the pocket, outside early stretch, didn’t gain but did hold second. LITERL LAD HANOVER pushed early then sat third-in, to the Pocono Pike, not enough for place. CYCLONE BANNER was locked in far turn, angled wide early stretch and was going well late. CAPTAIN ROMANCE got in fifth before the 3/16, came raw on turn two, went up in 27 to put some heat on the winner, but tired. BELL FAMILY never factored. PATERNITY SUIT A was second-over from next-to-last but couldn’t go with cover. THE WALL gapped the outside gapper.
