Sep 1, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Temperatures in the low 80s … Slight stretch tailwind at the start … BULLVILLE TERROR got a fine trip second-over, went wide late turn and was able to pace to the front. AFLAME HANOVER quarter-moved and set the pace, had pressure on him from the 5/8, dispensed with that one but couldn’t hold off the wide closer. TRAY SURREAL was uncovered on the second turn and went 27.2 against a breeze to challenge, held OK. FRISKIE ALL NITE sat in, spent most of the stretch angling wide and gaining. MCMIKE was wide early, took a 4-tuck, backed out to third-over but wasn’t a major factor. ACTOR HANOVER took the pocket 3/16, sat in, gapped far turn. CAVIART SAGE pushed away from the rail and forced tucks, yielded for the two-hole, but was loose in it from the 5/8. ROCK THREE TIMES gapped at the back.
SECOND RACE – The fractions posted during the race were amended to 26.4, 55.2, 1:25, 1:53.3 … BLENHEIM was out on the second turn and got good cover 5/8, wide late on the turn and trotted to the fore. RICH AND MISERABLE got to third-over, gapped cover a bit, never tipped wide in the lane but followed the winner home well. TIMESTORM left well, was forwardly-placed, moved uncovered 5/8 and challenged, just got edged for second. SORELLA was on the move just before the ¼, needed the length of the frontstretch to clear in a fast half, couldn’t maintain her lead. MISS MCKEE had early position, was not keeping up far turn. TOKYO SEELSTER busted away in 26.4 for the top, pushed the favorite most of the second quarter before yielding, then was unplugging 11/16. MUSHANA trailed throughout.
THIRD RACE – ROLLINWITHAMBITION mad the lead then yielded at the ¼ for the two-hole, shuffled then gapped 5/8, slid all the way up the inside to the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, and to victory. BLACKLIGHT was uncovered from before turn two, speed-grinded raw in challenging, held a long way very gamely at 40-1. JIMS PERFECT TEN was third-over, was behind a bad gapper so looped that one down the back, continued three-wide on the turn, good on a day where it was hard for wide closers to be along in time. MY WISH CAME TRUE was hustled away but was only midpack, very slow to clear between horses in midstretch and in tight quarters, had good pace. BRAVO TEX N had cover most of the ¼ then went up to take over 3/8, had a hard first-over challenger to deal with, succumbed. KINGSTONS BAD BOY got to the front at the ¼, yielded for the pocket, backed out late backstretch, was blindswitched, not too much late. WHAT’S GOIN ON moved second-over but immediately was gapping, ducked back in.
FOURTH RACE – KINDA LUCKY LINDY was gapping the first half as were several of these, moved 5/8 and had his cover retuck 11/16, went up raw, wrested command headstretch and opened up a clear margin upper stretch, easily. CHAPOLIER moved early in the backstretch, was eased out to the three-wide path before the 11/16 and remained three-wide the duration, saw the winner slip away early stretch but still went on determinedly. SAY YOU DO followed the place horse’s cover and was next in line. MUSCLES JARED made his way off the rail before the 11/16 and was blindswitched, gapped two-wide, evenly late. THE LIONKING AS roared away to a big lead he kept to the 3/8, then had pressure on the lead the rest of the way, got the earlier challenge to retuck but then faced new pressure, tired in the last 1/8. GRAPPLE HANOVER never factored. FIX-IT-UP got the early pocket by rail default, closed the gap approaching the 3/8 then went right on to challenge but was left outside, tucked late backstretch and faded. LEVITATION couldn’t stay connected.
FIFTH RACE – IDEAL WHEEL left well and was content in the pocket until the 11/16, when he pulled and went right to the lead, opened up an insurmountable advantage. CURIOUS CORTEZ tucked third, followed the winner out then retucked second on the turn, had little late response, just holding onto second. OWEN gapped midrace, sat in, weaved through traffic in the lane to wind up on the inside and gaining well. AIN’T IT FUN went evenly. AMAZON moved with cover, wide, didn’t gain enough. HEARTLANDBANYSBRO took over early, set a reasonable tempo for these, but had nothing when challenged late backstretch. SPORTY DRAGON gapped midrace and never tightened in.
SIXTH RACE – LUISELLA rushed up into the first turn and took over control off the first turn, turned back the stern challenge of SPEED AWAY and drew off in an impressive mile. The latter moved from fifth going to turn two, made a big burst off the second turn and pushed the winner hard raw into the wind, backed off midturn and retucked, far ahead of the rest. HURRIKANE WILLIE G went to the top, yielded off the first bend for the pocket, struggled to keep close to the third quarter duelers, went inside a pylon on the far turn, won a photo for third but was placed fourth for the violation. DICENTRA came on from last to beat tired horses. FASHION ON A STAR gapped inside; RIPPLE OF HOPE gapped outside.
SEVENTH RACE – PREMIER ROCKSTAR got away third, sat in to the second turn and remained third-in, got to the pocket and then the Pocono Pike as the pocketsitter pulled late turn, had the pace to win and did so. STAR MESSENGER was in front at the ¼, went a fast second panel on his own then had a big fight with the first-over down the back, retained the lead a long way and retained second. SADIQ HANOVER pushed the ¼ and yielded to sit the two-hole, came out late turn, OK. INDIGO ART had good cover until it tired ¾ then had to go wide, came on steadily. THE MOONSHADOW N stayed in then backed outside, ducked in far turn and was behind the winner, but didn’t have those kind of steps late. NEWBIE went to the outer flow, three-wide with cover on the far turn, not enough. PURPLE POET was uncovered from sixth 3/8 and then went a big 3/8 to be head-to-head challenging for the lead down the back to the ¾, but at that point backed off suddenly.
EIGHTH RACE – CARLISIMO got towed up second-over from last behind a grinder, three-wide late turn and finished with high energy to catch VETTEL N on the line. The latter was three-wide just past the 1/8 and onward to the lead at the ¼, got a breather in turn two then picked it up, came home in 55 – 27.1 and still got caught. DA DELIGHTFUL left between horses to the lead before the 3/16, relinquished for the two-hole, moved out, neither gained nor lost stretch ground. CHATELROLL sat in and was shuffled, angled wide late on the turn and came home well between horses. HORSE made the lead, pushed and yielded, not enough in the last 3/16. DEALER’S TABLE started raw into turn one and grinded up, couldn’t continue his gain. BRONX SEELSTER was not a contender.
NINTH RACE – BELLOWS BINGE made the lead at the ¼, rebuffed an early move and then benefited later as the outer tiers all clogged, drew off. DRAGON STRIKES left and yielded for the two-hole, second-best. BROTHER JAMES and A STUD NAMED SAM parlayed inside trips into good checks. PUZZLING was shuffled to last and out in a blindswitch near headstretch, got the last check coming between horses after finding some room. REGAL SON left some, came at the quarter but did not find the speed to go by despite urging, stuck first-over, fell back. ROUGH ODDS was behind clogged two- and three-wide tiers, four-wide headstretch, no shot. MINDTRIP raced into fourth 3/16, then moved second-over, three-wide early in the backstretch but never gained outside the parked horse.
TENTH RACE – BACKSTREET SHADOW started uncovered towards turn two, hit a higher gear early in the backstretch and paced his own third split in 26.1 to clear to the lead before the ¾, then ran away the rest of the way. PRICELESS BEACH was behind the winner nearing the half but could not match his third quarter move and was left raw, did go on to take second. JACK’S LEGEND N went up on a slightly-delayed basis and tucked third at the ¼, sat in, was shuffled and came back out on the turn, still could not reach second. J M MANDAMIN made the front 3/16 and set an appropriate pace for this class, then got steamrollered down the back. PYRO was shuffled, a bit late on the far outside. MARK WITHA K pushed the pacesetter some before yielding, no response in the stretch.
ELEVENTH RACE – PARMESAN N took back early, was third-over but saw each of the two two-wides in front of him retreat to the rail, went onward and finished strongly to be up right on the money. WHITECOOKIE was in front to the first turn, set the pace, strung the field out, got pressure 11/16 but forced that one back in behind, seemed to waver just a little and only just in the shadow of the wire. TOWN GOSSIP sat the pocket, challenged 11/16 but was back in the pocket just past midturn, to the Pocono Pike, a step shy and well ahead of the rest. TAM MAJOR A came out off the second turn, went past a gapper, got cover 11/16 then ducked in, not that much late. THE NEXT THREE were well off the main action. LYONS KING was third early, couldn’t keep up most of the last half.
TWELFTH RACE – SOUTHWIND SANDOR was revved up early today and pulled everybody in behind him by just past the ¼, sailed along without a challenge on the lead. BETTOR NOT TALK was outside but shuffled to last 5/8, had to be ten lengths back when he commenced a giant three-wide brush to clear the dead wood and get to third by the turn and second by headstretch, stayed on, very good race with very poor luck. CERTIFIABLE angled out headstretch and was up for the distant third. JIM BLUE was four-wide early then went behind the two outside leavers, angled to the pocket while they were three-across fighting before the ¼, stayed reasonably close to the leader until late backstretch. MAJOR SHOW couldn’t gain. FRAZZLEBERRY was between horses arguing for the lead until finally retreating to third at the ¼, was tired at the half. HIGH BALLER came out at the half behind a sluggish horse, was blindswitched by the place horse, no factor. CARLAS MACH A was three-wide to the ¼ before tucking, came out again uncovered but did not gain, had “b.e.”
THIRTEENTH RACE – THE DARK SHADOW took control easily and kept it easily while being rocked home. BIG BOSS HILL advanced up the inside around the moribund outside horses, moved out late turn then ducked back to the Pocono Pike and continued to gain. I’VE GOT HOOTSPA stayed in until late turn, caught up the inside in the battle for second. SHANE ADAM left for the pocket, left behind midturn. CAPTAIN MULZAC came out at the half but had no forward gear. The other “CAPTAINS,” CASH and MALICIOUS, were gapped way off the action. LITERL LAD HANOVER had cover, tried to go around it 5/8 but just hung while three-deep.
Aug 29, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – “Fast +0” until rain came after the ninth race, at which time the surface was rerated to “sloppy +1” … Mid-70s … Stretch headwind for the first part of the card … CAPTAIN COOK got a fine ride second-over, three-wide late turn, went to the lead past midstretch and got the job done. WARRAWEE XTREME was third-over, four-wide headstretch, took a little while for him to find high gear but gained as he did. MCDREAMER was out to the 3/8 before taking over, rested to the half, had a horse grind to him, couldn’t hold off the closers. LATEST ATTRACTION tucked, stuck third-in, got to the Pocono Pike, fair. WIN PLACE’N SHOW tucked fourth, in, out in a blindswitch headstretch, found the path behind the winner and had some foot on the end. DOCTOR BB gradually advanced raw from going into the second turn, tired. CURRENT YANKEE went to the lead, pushed a foe to the 3/8 before yielding, empty in the stretch. KEYSTONEFIGHTNIGHT could not get into the fight from fourth-over.
SECOND RACE – FOUR UNDER PAR was very wide leaving, three-wide to the 1/8, and two-wide to the front at the ¼, but from there he was strong, drawing clear from before the 5/8. MATTER OF TRUST yielded for the pocket, unplugged early backstretch but still managed to keep going and win a three-horse photo for second. THE IRISHMAN was second-over, three-wide ¾, steady though without enough speed. LAZER JET got in third, to the Pocono Pike, not quite enough. GREEK LEGEND closed a frontstretch gap and went uncovered into turn two, grinded off the leader, gave way some late in the battle for major minor honors. ZSA ZSA DABOR never factored. FRENCH MONI had little inside; CRITICAL MASS had little outside.
THIRD RACE – PACINO HANOVER settled in fourth at the 1/8, took the length of the frontstretch to brush up to the lead, but then came home in 55.2 as fully in control of these. DOUBLE DOUBLE yielded, raced closely-placed, outside late turn with some pace. MY FIRST TIME was in front past the 1/8, pushed the winner a bit before yielding, tired in the last 1/8. JERSEY JUSTICE was far back but did circle the rest. LEROY GIBBS and JUDICIAL couldn’t go this much; nor could CREME DE LOU CREME, who then made a bad break early far turn. BADLANDS SUN jumped at the half.
FOURTH RACE – Drizzle during the race … CURADH left with good speed, got his own way on the lead, drew clear ¾ but started to tire late and just did hold off WARINER. The latter also was away well to get the early pocket easily, wasn’t tight from the ¾ to midstretch, then narrowed the margin steadily. LIKE A WARRIOR sat third the entire way. PRAIRIE NUGGET stayed flat and went around the gapping VENDETTA KEMP. ROSE RUN YANKEE came outside ¾ but broke midturn. SWAN MASSIVE HALL jumped at the 3/16. ANDOVERTHEWINNER was double-looped early and broke taking back from a wide position past the 1/8.
FIFTH RACE – TUGGIN ON MY HEART left and took over the racetrack at the ¼, had only SHORE OF HIMSELF stay close in the 55.1 back half, and held that one at bay under confident handling. SHORE OF HIMSELF enjoyed a great two-hole trip, moved out to challenge and raced very nicely but had to settle for second. VEGAS ROCKS sat third and gapped at points, looked a clear third midstretch but tired and just did hold that spot. ROCKS FANTASY sat in, evenly. Neither LEAVE AND ROLL nor AN THE THUNDEROLLS rolled into a contending position. BARNARD HANOVER moved outside ¾ but was empty. STARK HANOVER broke w-a-y before the start.
SIXTH RACE – FAMOUS DAN was looped, went on to get command 3/16, yielded 5/16 for the pocket, moved out to late turn, lost a little ground straightening away but regathered and trotted by nearing the wire. FRANKIE HILL followed the winner then went on when he cleared 3/16 and himself made the top 5/16, set the pace as he pleased, couldn’t quite hold up. U BAKE THE CAKE had good gate speed, saw two go by, gapped a little down the back, had the chance to go to the pocket and then the Pocono Pike when the winner moved out late turn, flattened a little bit. MOJAVE HANOVER came outside 5/8, steadily. ROJO MAN couldn’t offer much. ROSE ABOVE IT moved two-wide but never moved up. EMBRACE THE STONE broke 11/16. PRIMO VOMO miscued an 1/8 before the start.
SEVENTH RACE – More drizzle … AMAZON (already in-to-go for $20,000 on Saturday) made the lead then yielded to his main rival to sit the two-hole, moved outside and easily powered by. REYS N A RUCKUS was away second, outside before the ¼ to the lead before the 3/8, went a big third quarter which bottomed all the opposition – but one. MCKEE CREEK was away third and stayed there, to the Pocono Pike but had no gain late. LEAR SEELSTER also stayed in and was shuffled to last, clear late as the outer tiers collapsed and finished strongly. SAFENSOUND HANOVER sat in then backed out to second-over 5/8 in front of a gapper, had that cover fail on him so went three-wide, evenly. ZOEES BOY HENRY was uncovered from past the 3/8, held his ground in the fast third quarter then backed off in the fourth. SPINOUT was off the gate and never in the main picture. MONEYORROSES moved second-over but gapped out before the 5/8.
EIGHTH RACE – Wind shifting to a stretch tailwind … MIRASOL S moved with cover at the half, got to retuck in the pocket behind a battle, took the short way home and own nicely in fast time for these. SAINT TRIXIE tucked, moved with cover then lost it, went on to the lead into the backstretch, had immediate pressure in fast fractions, held well but was second-best. HALEY HILL went to the top early, saw two lead changes and then was shuffled as an opponent tired 5/8, backed out to two-wide then tucked back in, OK for third. THE EMPRESS ICE was far back most of the way, finished alertly. NETWORK EXTENDER tucked in fourth past the 1/8, moved with cover and was left raw early backstretch, challenged hard in a fast ¾, gave way in the stretch. THE NEXT PAIR were not heard from. SPARKLING TILE S defended the pocket, moved to the lead 3/8 and came under immediate attack, yielded into the backstretch and soon was steadily falling back.
NINTH RACE – CANDY TRADER came out at the ¼ and had cover following him as advancing raw, mildly urged to get by going into turn two, fended off the first-over and was clear late. MY BOY JACK left and took command early, strung the winner out through the frontstretch before yielding, held his ground well. BET EIGHTTHIRTYONE was in the early pocket, stayed in, even response late. ALWAYS BETTER followed the winner out and was left raw on the clubhouse turn, battled, held pretty well. MISTER DAVID C sat in, made a break 5/8 and went off the course, recovered, made a big three-wide move far turn and continued through the stretch, but placed for the trouble associated with the break. I’LL TAKE THE BET was not a factor. BETTER WAY TO ROCK was very wide early, three-wide to the 1/8, then got in at the ¼, was shuffled and had to get out of the way of the 5/8 breaker, couldn’t renter the main contest. SUCRETARIAT joined the early outer flow from last, wound up second-over but gapped.
TENTH RACE – Rain (which had almost ended by the time the race started) came in and changed the track over to “sloppy +1”; no wind … SWEET HEART AS wound up second-over, three-wide before the ¾ around failing cover, kept on going and was along as the late pace slowed. KEEGAN HO was innermost of the leaders, encouraged several to tuck and finally yielded after a brisk 5/16, popped out of the pocket ¾, held for second in a photo with NICE STUFF. The latter was away last and buried inside, got access to the deep Pocono Pike and was moving very quickly at the end. SUNDANCEDIAMOND stayed in, angled out early stretch and had some late foot. TRUEMASS VOLO stayed in third, went to the pocket on the turn, not too much late. CREDIT CON was four-wide to the first turn, three-wide to the 3/16 then two-wide to the 5/16 to get the lead, tired after the hard early exertion. CIRCLE OF LIFE AS tried to follow the winner’s sweep move but couldn’t stay with him. TRAIN edged out at the half but didn’t advance much before fading.
ELEVENTH RACE – MADELYNN SOPHIA left for the lead, yielded at the ¼ to sit in the two-hole, to the Pocono Pike and quickly to a lead she would maintain to the wire. JAGGED LITTLE PILL wound up third-in, started to edge out headstretch but with traffic looming went back all the way down to the deep Pike and finished well. DOC’S FAITH, wide early before tucking, was in good position second-over, looked to run in early stretch and had to be straightened, then moving well once resettled. AMERICAN BEACHBABE was used to the 26.4 quarter to get the lead, slowed the half then had a very serious backstretch challenger, tired. PJS FANCY DANCER didn’t enter the main picture from third-over. PRINCESS DAYNA pulled out off turn two, took a couple of strides to get in gear then came with a big challenging burst and actually did get a brief short lead, but couldn’t sustain the move. SWEET GADGETS broke 3/16.
TWELFTH RACE – SORTIE came uncovered 3/8, moved steadily up and went past to the lead ¾, won by a country mile. MISS MUSCLE sat in, gapped down the back, got a little closer inside on the turn and was the distant second. KASEVILLE wanted to go by early but took back when an inside horse was insistent, had the lead anyway at the ¼ when that one broke, pressured down the back and yielded ¾, went on evenly thereafter. AMADOR was far back with cover, swung wide and had belated trot. MUFASA AS had cover, didn’t enter the hunt. SYLVESTERAMERICAIT never got into the mainstream of the race. CHUCKY DE VIE was wide early then tucked third at the 1/8, backed out behind the winner but was just left raw and clogging a tier. WILLIE B WORTHY came through at the start and wanted to have the lead, then broke near the ¼.
THIRTEENTH RACE – NOME HANOVER moved out behind the parked horse and was three-wide before the 5/8 to be two-wide raw after that spot, grinded, proved to have the most. MCNEIL Z TAM followed the winner from the 5/8 to the 7/8, tipped wide, couldn’t quite get there. JK MUSICMAN was outstepped early, went to the lead at the ¼ and hurried on as a foe was parked, couldn’t last late. ATTA BOY DAN outleft everybody, yielded for the pocket and stayed close, Pocono Pike but not enough. LORD OF MISRULE stayed close but didn’t have much late. WINDSONG JACK was looped, had cover to the ¼, then was left raw, looped 5/8 and fell back.
FOURTEENTH RACE – HOT SUMMER KNIGHT made the top 3/16, held off the first-over challenge of MOON BRIDGE and drew clear at the end. The latter went up to tuck third 3/16, uncovered before the ½ and argued in a fast third quarter with the winner, was turned back but fought on gamely for second. SWIZZLE HANOVER was second-over at the ½, ducked in to the pocket far turn, Pocono Pike, just missed place. ROUNDTOWN ROCKER defended the pocket until the ¾ then unplugged, still a distant best of the rest. WHAT A DAME could not gain significantly. SPIT AND VINEGAR sat in, shuffled some far turn but not too much once free. FRAC broke before the start. WORLDSSTONECOLD AS moved outside third-over, still far back when breaking 11/16.
Aug 28, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Precipitation, and a rating of the track that was “good +1” for the first four races and “sloppy +1” thereafter … Stretch tailwind to start … EFFRONTE A went right to the lead and set the pace, came home in 27.2 to hold off the game A BETTOR BEACH. The latter tucked fifth at the 1/8, moved out 5/8 and was soon three-wide to circle the parked horse, two-wide on the turn, didn’t give an inch in a good battle home. HURRIKANEKINGJAMES defended the pocket, a little shy in the Pocono Pike. STARVIN MARVIN kept plugged in, outside in the stretch but didn’t make up any ground. JACKAMINO couldn’t go with late backstretch cover and was three-wide on the urn, got the final payday. LUZIANA and PARKLANE TERROR never factored. GRIFFON HANOVER was looped and three-wide to the 1/8, could find no hole so spent life on the rim, left behind in the last ¼.
SECOND RACE – DAGON HANOVER was on top at the 1/8, didn’t get much pressure on the lead, drew away in the last 1/8. KEYSTONE THUNDER left and yielded to sit in the pocket, kept up well until late turn, still second. SMART AS HILL raced inside and went OK. JUSTIFY had a bit of pace up the inside to decision CREEMORE for fourth. The latter looked to be wanting to get away quickly but broke right after the start, recovered and made second-over behind the parked horse but gapped that cover, three-wide far turn, in all not a bad recovery. BRIGITTE BI started uncovered 3/8, got as close as even with the pocketsitter but no closer before backing off. CELEBRITY SERENA took back to tuck fifth before the ¼, not heard from again. O JONNIE didn’t show much.
THIRD RACE – FULL SUPPORT was outside to the ¼, soon left raw and to the lead 5/16, got relatively soft middle fractions, then threw a 27 kicker (wind-aided) to leave these well behind. LITE N SWEET outleft everybody, saw two brush by early, stayed in, to the Pocono Pike and edged BARBOSSA HANOVER for second. The latter was looped and three-wide to turn one, went up to take control at the ¼, quick to yield for the pocket, couldn’t sprint enough late. MORE THAN YA KNOW backed out behind stale cover but went back in, next. I’M TALKIN HUNGRY went to second-over to the 5/8, gapped ¾. EXCURSION gained solidly from last in the third split, but was tired soon after passing that station.
FOURTH RACE – DISTANCE LEARNING moved out 3/16 to get the top off the first turn, yielded, inherited the lead at the half, had a stern challenge from DIG THAT CURVE after a slow third quarter, held him off impressively by kicking home in 28 (wind-aided). The later picked his way through trouble, moved outside towards the ¾, may have had a nose up midturn, trotted hard under cautious handling through the lane, just missed. UNRESOLVED DEBT broke an 1/8 before the start, gradually mounted a big recovery until he was a tight second-over late backstretch, tired a little (understandably). KOLB HANOVER was on top to the 1/8, saw two others go by, fell back in the last 3/16. WALDO FASHION was out before the ¼ to the lead past same, lost his composure while on top going to the half. STANDTHEPAIN AS jumped going to the first turn. STRONG BREW first broke off the turn going to the start.
FIFTH RACE – Track now rated “sloppy +1” after some more precipitation … CHARLESTON was unhurried to the 5/8, where he moved outside and rapidly made up ground, challenged pacesetter SWEET HOME, didn’t power away but got the better of that rival. SWEET HOME made two moves before the ¼ to control the throttle, held her ground very staunchly. QUEEN SUN RYSER was loose in the 3-spot, backed out behind the winner far turn, came on late to be third. NO GEL NIKKI went on to take the top at the 1/8, yielded for the pocket, not enough in the last 1/8. BULLVILLE HILDA never surfaced. ADULT SWIM gapped second-over.
SIXTH RACE – Wind has calmed … CHARMING SPIRIT was away second, sat in, backed out to follow cover 11/16, briefly in midturn as the first-over broke then outside in the stretch, along. SVF CASH DEPOSIT was on the move 3/16 from fourth, got the lead 5/16 and set the pace, resisted the first-over but couldn’t quite deal with the winner. NO NAME YANKEE gapped on the turn, moved outside headstretch and made up ground in the lane. ANDOVERS TOUCH was three-leaving, took a tuck, made a good uncovered move from early backstretch and was challenging the leader when breaking midturn, ran home, placed to last. TRICKY DICK avoided trouble. KEYSTONE ORION came through at the start to get the lead, yielded for the pocket, empty at the ¾. PRINCESS ALLIE was two-wide but gapped, broke. SCIROCCO BIG JOHN jumped early.
SEVENTH RACE – Sunshine on a cloudy day … CODYS KNAPSACK was away second then got going 3/16 to take over 5/16, drew off in the last 3/16. BUILDING BOOST stayed in, outside late turn and was able to take second. DIVINE RIGHT backed out third-over behind dull foes, swung four-wide late turn and had a huge late kick. YS DO IT RIGHT was inside in last, found room midstretch and had a good late burst. LATEST ERA was second but gapped most of the backstretch, then tighter, then three-wide when the raw horse tired but not all that much. ADDISON HANOVER cleared to the lead early, yielded past the ¼, kept the pocket tight until midturn, then fell back. BEACH CHIEF moved 3/8 but couldn’t summon the speed necessary to clear to the lead, tired at the ¾.
EIGHTH RACE – Stretch tailwind again picked up … LETSDOIT S was a little off the gate but still went up early and tucked fourth, moved raw 3/8 and grinded, by the leader before a quick ¾, stayed clear. PADRE left some, kept in good contact, outside as the winenr was clearing 11/16 and came home steadily for second. SHARE THE WEALTH got the lead into turn one, yielded, stayed in, came out in the stretch, angled inside the place horse midstretch and finished steadily. BY A HOFF HANOVER was three-wide leaving, to the top past the 1/8 in a fast opener, rated the half then stepped it up but couldn’t keep the winner out, tired. MONEY MATTERS couldn’t go enough to stay with cover. MATS PALEMA picked his way through simultaneous breakers late backstretch but never got close. Both NORTHERN BLIZZARD and DIMANTE VIC broke while far back late backstretch.
NINTH RACE – GINO SNIPER was quarter-mover #2, strung the field out down the backstretch, really wasn’t threatened late. BULLVILLE STEPHANO started uncovered 5/8 and put in a good grind to be second. AJAYI left and quickly had the pocket, not enough late. GABE HANOVER outleft everybody, had two go by in quarter two, sat in, had to angle past midstretch as he was in tight quarters as the pocket horse tired. GOOD WILL LINDY improved position early, backed out midturn, evenly. THE OTHER THREE all lost contact nearing or in the third quarter.
TENTH RACE – THERESNOLIMIT S spotted fourth, led the outer charge on turn two, speed-grinded up and went by before the ¾, was given a good test by ABRUZZO late but passed it. The latter followed the winner’s cover, gapped it slightly late backstretch but kept advancing, ducked in briefly on the turn then out again in the stretch, came home in 56 – 27.3 over off conditions in a very big mile. JOYGO was third-over and stayed with the flow, best of the others. THEWINNERTAKEITALL went to the lead, yielded to a brusher for the pocket, shuffled when that one was passed then moved outside midturn, fair. ARGENTO was away slowly, got in the outside flow, earned the last paycheck. CHAKE left well and took the early pocket, inside, shuffled considerably far turn, but little once free in the Pocono Pike. FRANK THE ELDER tucked third at the 1/8, then quarter-moved, was under intense pressure from the winner and gave way to the ¾. SCOTTISH was disconnected from early on.
ELEVENTH RACE – Shifting mild breeze … CAPTAIN ROMANCE took control from the pole and set the pace, came home 55.2 – 27.3 and needed every bit of it to defeat MAXIMUS RED A. The latter squeezed in fifth to the 3/16, moved uncovered 11/16 and gained with every step thereafter, finishing in 26.3 and just missing. BETTOR MEMORIES was away well to maintain the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, didn’t miss by much. GONNAHAVEONEMORE sat third, angled out between horses for the drive but never found clearance. WESTERN TYRANT got the final check. AIR GUITAR gapped much of the way. PASSPORT TO ART moved outside but didn’t gain. DO WORK SON was last at every call; finished with “b.e.”
TWELFTH RACE – Wind calm again … ZAPPA went to the top 3/16 in a quick quarter, got his own way on the front end, held off the late rush of PRECISE FASHION for fans of Edgar(d) Varèse. The latter horse pushed early then sat in the two-hole, came on well but also came on just shy. BRAVO ROMEO had some finishing speed to be the distant third. WEATHER VANES was in traffic headstretch, could angle inside and finished gaining. TNT BLUE CHIP was not on the main radar. BEER CHEESE tucked fourth, briefly moved out down the back but soon was back in, couldn’t keep up. MONI’S HEAVEN CENT sat third, was stopping to a walk near the wire. FIGHT SONG was in the back throughout.
THIRTEENTH RACE – Threatening skies … ODDS ON GAMMA, connected early, quarter-moved to the lead 3/8, went on at a good clip, just had enough to defeat I FORBID YOU. The latter showed speed and made the front, yielded for the two-hole, moved out early stretch but temporarily lost her action, regathered and was narrowing in well late. CATIE FAYE HANOVER was uncovered from the 3/8, never closer to the winner than at the finish. CAVIART CARMEL got an early spot, stayed in and gapped some, outside stretch then ducked to an inner path with some pace. BETTE TINA was behind dull cover and went three-wide 11/16, put in a couple of shaky steps just past the ¾, finished steadily. SHE’S MAGICAL went up to the early pocket, not much thereafter. RAVISHIN RUBY was always far back. SHES A BULLVILLE got cover but gapped it throughout the second half.
FOURTEENTH RACE – CHING CHING LUCKY was third-over behind cover that was soon gapping, three-wide 5/8, briefly to two-wide midturn then right back out three-deep, kept coming and went past everybody. DEWTIFUL’S GRACE made the lead just off the first turn, set the pace, fought and regain second over ARCH CREDIT late. The latter went quickly to the front, yielded for the pocket and stayed tight, to the Pocono Pike, may have had a nose up midstretch, just failed in the picture for second. SPRING IN PARIS came out raw 5/8, evenly. AMBERS CHAMPION took third early, inside, to the deep Pocono Pike, evenly. PHANTOM RUSTY was never prominent. BOSCH came outside off the second turn but immediately was leaving a gap. GIVEM THE GOO broke w-a-y before the start.
Aug 27, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – A hot day on Sun Stakes Saturday, with a noticeable stretch headwind throughout the card … LOU’S PEARLMAN got away second then quarter-moved into the wind to the lead 3/8, rolled off to a very solid victory. CHATELROLL hustled to get a second-over trip, closed well although no threat to the winner. ROCKIN THE ACES gapped a good part of the first half, then was underway uncovered, never reached the leader until well into the far turn, held well. IM A GIGOLO N initially sat in then backed out to third-over, late pace. SPEEDY DOMINIC A was shown the whip behind the gate and flew away to immediate command, yielded for the two-hole, couldn’t respond further. PRINCE OF TIDES had too far to come. PRAIRIE PANTHER was last-in, clear along the inside late but not enough. HICKFROMFRENCHLICK got third getting away, but gave way in the last ¼.
SECOND RACE – FREE TO BE ME took the pocket 3/16, sat in third-over, out in a blindswitch later on the turn, got to the path behind MISS HELEN HANOVER and outkicked that rival late as the pace was slowing (not an unusual occurrence against the wind this day). The latter went up tight second-over, three-wide late turn and marched right to the lead early stretch, held very gamely. EAGER TO PLEASE and NITE TIME DEAL were far back, fanned extremely wide and picked up the tired horses inside them. ONECROOKEDLEG was third-over, followed the winner on the turn, not enough. TWO PROUD went out for the early lead in 26, yielded for the pocket, trapped in on the far turn, but didn’t have much response when finally getting to the Pocono Pike. SMUGGLE TINA went sent up three-wide at the 1/8 then accepted a four-tuck at the 3/16, went first-over at the half, pressed the pace in fast fractions, gave way. YES AND YES was outside before the ¼ and went up to the lead, battled in fast numbers, all done an 1/8 out.
THIRD RACE – STRIDE THE HILL left alertly to get the lead, pushed a foe to the 3/8, stayed tight in the pocket, aided when the new leader broke headstretch, to the Pocono Pike and along for the decision. NICE GUY EDDIE was three-wide to the 1/8 going around his stablemate, gradually worked his way to the lead 3/8, was challenged late backstretch, saw a rival get the advantage but not the inside then break headstretch, thus reclaiming the lead, held well. FAMOUS FATHER gapped when moved outside late backstretch, then was doing better late. GINGER TREE BRAD gapped midpack the last half but did stay flat. SAVERIO HANOVER miscued approaching the start, recovered for the last payday. TACHYON took back early, broke before the ¼. ROBERTSIN was forwardly-placed, came out late backstretch and quickly got the lead but couldn’t cross over, then broke headstretch. DRIBBLING BI wasn’t in the picture when misbehaving before the stretch.
FOURTH RACE – JM’S FINALTREASURE was outside at the ¼, cover almost to the 3/8 then uncovered and on to the lead, had constant pressure and everybody coming at him for all directions in the stretch, but held together. BIRTHDAY was last, still last midstretch but had a big last 1/16 in him into the wind and just missed. JO PA’S WARRIOR started uncovered at the half, challenged, went inside the winner in the lane, battled on. BAY CITY started quickly and got the lead, yielded, moved out second-over 5/8, tried hard but came up a bit shy. HECANDANCENCRUISE was third-over, OK but outkicked. LOUKES PERRY was in a very difficult spot. QUICK SNAP was three-wide to the first turn, then two-wide, needed until past the 5/16 to get on top then yielded, evenly in the stretch.
FIFTH RACE – MISSWALNER FASHION was looped early but maintained her two-wide position, methodically went up to take over the racetrack 5/16 in a quick half. retained control the rest of the way (again, in a race with a slower last half). DESIGN FASHION was uncovered from fifth 5/8 and grinded, still scrapping at the wire. EBBIES LADY circled wide early to be on top at the 1/8, yielded to the winner and stayed tight, Pocono Pike, kept battling. MEDLEY had speed, raced close to the action, may have been blocked early stretch but not tight on that wall late. A PERFECT HELEN gapped, advanced some in second-over but couldn’t go with the top ones. PURE COUNTESS was very wide early, three-wide then settled in fourth, inside, gapped far turn before breaking. BLUE SKIES SHINING offered little. GRACELYN HANOVER misstepped before the start.
SIXTH RACE – BALANCE stayed in, moved out in a blindswitch late turn, wide and proved to have the most in the 29 kicker. JUST DIVINE stayed in, found a seam between horses early stretch and gained rapidly to come up just shy. SWEET TREASURE was underway before the 1/4, left coverless and pressed on to the lead 3/8, went a big third quarter, bore in to the Pocono Pike early stretch taking away opportunity for its immediate usage, rebounded and was right there at the finish, but placed fourth for the passing lane violation. GALLERIA HANOVER was three-wide leaving, then two-wide to the lead off turn one, yielded for the pocket, had the Pocono Pike taken away by the bearing-in pacesetter early stretch, then regathered and was gaining late. LYONS SERENITY started uncovered off the second turn, went 26.4 raw down the back, didn’t take backward step. LYDEO outleft everybody, yielded, was going to go to the Pocono Pike but found tight quarters there, not a late factor. SOUTHWIND JAVA gapped second-over. MADEIRA HANOVER was last at every call.
SEVENTH RACE – The first two lived up to their names here … GREATEST ENDING also had early speed and maintained the pocket behind fast fractions, but then went to the Pocono Pike and got by EARLY ACTION for the greatest ending. The latter was boiling early and was on top past the 1/8 in 25.4 early action, slowed quarter two then picked it up with the aid of the wind, couldn’t maintain his lead to the wire. NAUTICAL HANOVER was out wide then settled down to a 4-tuck, uncovered 9/16 and put in a good challenge, melted a bit late after a good race. PJ LOU was never far off the pace but didn’t have finishing speed. ATLAS HANOVER was second-over, gapped most of the last ¼. THE LONGEST YARD was third-over, didn’t get close. MARKET BASED was never a big factor. ARIO HANOVER lost contact in the last half.
EIGHTH RACE – MOLOTOV COCKTAIL gapped behind the front-end war among three, closer early backstretch and three-wide 5/8, kept out three-wide by a pulling pocketsitter then dropped down to follow that one’s cover, went on nicely in the lane for the decision. B A SUPERHERO gained inside down the back and on the turn, angled wide and finished willingly (again a moderating last ¼). EL TORO LOCO had the rail and kept the pocket tight behind the battle for the lead, moved out uncovered to the ¾ keeping the winner three-wide for a spell, took the lead nearing headstretch, couldn’t quite carry the advantage to the wire. WORLD AT WAR DEO was three-wide to the 3/16 and on to the point at the ¼, would not yield to an early challenger in fast numbers, saw that one fall back but then couldn’t handle the next wave. TORRONE never factored. KING OF THE NORTH went up behind cover early, was third when making an early frontward move but was rejected, tired 11/16. TESTING TESTING broke just before the start. FINN PALEMA was between horses in the early battle when breaking 3/16.
NINTH RACE – JOVIALITY S maintained the pocket early, content to sit third until starting the outer flow 9/16, grinded, went right by her stablemate late turn, solid as a rock. DELILAH HANOVER was in the backstretch flow, got to tuck in, then back outside behind the winner late turn, distant but clear second. MANON joined the outer flow, tucked in, distant third. MON CHEVAL stayed in and was briefly shuffled to the 11/16 then moved outside, next in line. BAPTISM stayed in and was badly shuffled when the pocketsitter gave way, made a decent recovery for a check. DREAMONHIGH never contended. JIGGY JOG S was looped leaving, pressed on and went to the front 3/8, continued on quickly, had already been passed by her stablemate when going to a break at headstretch. PINK COCO CHANEL left well, was in front at the 1/8, yielded 3/8, all done 5/8.
TENTH RACE – SWEET KISSES had a picture-perfect second-over trip behind a fight for the lead, wide and worked to the front late. SEA SILK was very wide early, ducked into the early pocket then was third, pulled uncovered from there at the half and grinded in fast numbers, held gamely. MAX CONTRACT left nicely to the front, yielded but was quick on the retake, got determined pressure, bore out a path headstretch, couldn’t make her lead last. WICKEDLY INNOCENT was fourth-over, wide in the stretch and good. TRICK OF THE LIGHT was third-over but struggled to keep up far turn. TREACHEROUS DRAGON had room to advance up the inside down the back, inside stretch, not too much. CAPE COD HANOVER attracted an excess of cover, little chance. CAPTAIN COWGIRL was looped then rushed up to take over just past a fast ¼, yielded, started going loose 11/16.
ELEVENTH RACE – Track geometry – another textbook example … BEACH GLASS had the rail and used it to keep the lead in a 25.2 ¼ when his opponent finally tucked, really slowed quarter two then picked it up again when the favorite mounted a second bid (note the two odd-numbered quarters, with the wind, combined to 52.1), hard-urged in the lane, deserved the victory. BYTHEMISSAL tried to take control early but couldn’t go by in 25.2 so took the pocket, out of same 5/8 to mount another big challenge, held resolutely. LAYTON HANOVER held early position, gapped behind the titanic early duel, then tightened in, got the pocket when the chalk vacated same 5/8, Pocono Pike, only a half-length back of taking it all at 84-1. FOUREVER BOY was first-over into turn two, got cover 5/8 but gapped it in the fast third stanza, tried hard late. CAPTAIN COWBOY stayed in, found a seam and squeezed through moving well at the wire. JK VICTORY stayed in, inside stretch, evenly to be not far off. ENERGETIC HANOVER had no shot from his positioning. MAD MAX HANOVER gapped third-over.
TWELFTH RACE – TEMPORAL HANOVER was three-wide to the 1/8 to the lead at the ¼, backed off quarter two then accelerated when a challenger came on, mild tapping late to hold safe PRETENDER. The latter was fastest away, relinquished at the ¼ for the pocket and stayed close, outside stretch, did very well but second. POUR MEA DOUBLE backed out to third-over 11/16, four-wide into the stretch and closed very well. COOL PAPA BELL broke early, caught the field and got in the outside flow second-over, three-wide headstretch, had his kick blunted by the earlier damage. JUSTICE was uncovered on the second turn and continued raw a long way, held decently. KOSHER MAHONEY improved position early, sat in, had room inside in the stretch but didn’t have any kick. PERICULUM was inside, gapped far turn then broke in the stretch. THAT OLE BAR STOOL was offstride well before the start.
THIRTEENTH RACE – CUATRO DE JULIO was outleft but gained early to third, on the move at the quarter to the lead, in control throughout in the fastest trot mile of the year locally and in as impressive a performance as any during Sun Stakes Saturday. HILLEXOTIC left well, forced a tuck, yielded to the winner for the pocket, not in his league but game to retain second. BELLA BELLINI tucked fourth 3/16, briefly uncovered 11/16 then got cover, ducked in nearing headstretch, just third over SOUTHWIND TYRION. The latter left and dropped in second early, moved out towards the ¾, did well. FLEMSTEEN had trouble keeping tight a good part of the way. LOVEDBYTHEMASSES was far back, never entering the main action. DEWEY ARNOLD moved out down the back but could make up no ground. WHEN DOVESCRY broke an 1/8 before the start.
FOURTEENTH RACE – ALLYWAG HANOVER cleared inside at the 1/8 and yielded at the 25.2 ¼, got to sit in the two-hole, outside headstretch and grittily gained in a 27 kicker against the wind to take the decision over a very good AMERICAN COURAGE. The latter was between horses to command at the hot ¼, had a foe pecking away at him throughout, shook that one off and went on gamely to the wire. CASUAL COOL maintained close contact inside until nearing headstretch, still far ahead of the rest. BILLY CLYDE was second-over behind the parked horse to the second turn, three-wide ¾ but was left behind in the last 1/8. THIS IS THE PLAN circled four-wide in the lane and did get a check. DRAGON SAID was third-over, blindswitched late turn, may not have cleared. WILD WILD WESTERN did not contend. RUTHLESS HANOVER was very wide leaving and three-wide to the 1/8, briefly had cover then left raw at the ¼ and couldn’t go by, tired throughout the last ¼.
Aug 27, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Drizzling at the start of the card, but “fast +0” throughout the evening … No wind early … TALK SHOW CHICA was quickly to the top, commanded the pace with the parked horse not threatening, withstood BRING ME DIAMONDS. The latter maintained the pocket, took her shot in the Pocono Pike, came up a bit shy. RABLE tucked at the 1/8, stayed in, came on some late. SHEZAFREAKLIKEME was outside from last before the half, reached the parked horse then swung three-wide 11/16, down to two-wide on the turn, raced evenly but could progress no further. FLOSSIE N went evenly. SUNRISE HANOVER struggled inside. GABBY’S GIRL was behind cover early then lost it, advanced a bit raw until the ¾, then faded back.
SECOND RACE – JIM BLUE took control from the pole and slowed the half, came home in 54.2 – 26.4 without a problem. SOUTHWIND SANDOR went 27.1 uncovered down the back to reach contention, paced gamely to the wire to wrest second from GOOD DEAL. The latter got in the pocket at the 1/8, stayed close, couldn’t sprint enough late to keep the deuce. MAJOR SHOW left a slight gap much of the first half, then more of one the last 3/16. BOARDWALK BET was second-over but gapped; LOUIE THE LOOPER was behind that one’s non-progressing cover.
THIRD RACE – LINDYS IRISHCREAM raced second-over, had enough late trot to just reach in time. BROADWAY SENSATION was first-over into the backstretch and grinded up, took the lead midstretch while bearing out slightly, just missed on the money. WIND N WATER made the lead to the first turn, yielded after a fast ¼ and sat the pocket, Pocono Pike, a step shy. PLANTER’S PUNCH got forward positioning, third-in, looked for inside room early stretch but found none, then found a slight gap between horses late and gained. RHIANNON HANOVER was outside in a fast ¼ before making the front, slowed quarter two then had to pick it up, couldn’t hold on. LOCKDOWN LADY struggled at the back. GINGER TREE CARLY broke past the ¼.
FOURTH RACE – JAMESON N LIME was three-wide to the first turn, made the front 3/16 then yielded to the favored retaker to sit right behind, outside headstretch, steadily wore down that one. OLD MAGIC made the lead at the 1/8, yielded 3/16 but came back past the ¼ to take over again, slowed the half, didn’t have much backstretch pressure, tried hard in the lane but was caught by the pocket rocket. WISTERIA HANOVER moved uncovered just before the half, got to the wheel of the leader but no closer, a clear if distant third. JULIETTE went evenly. COCKTAILS TO GO couldn’t regain ground after the 11/16 breaker. SISTER SOLANGE was uncovered 3/8, got cover, but gapped it soon into the backstretch. ANDOVER JESS was the first to show, let the outside leavers go, was in decent position third-in 11/16 but broke and went to the infield.
FIFTH RACE – Slight stretch headiwnd picking up … PREMIER ROCKSTAR left well, was three-wide to the first bend then onward to the lead, slowed the half to a crawl, then sprinted home in 54.3 – 27, which was much too much for these. IDEAL WHEEL got early forward position, third-in, outside stretch and could get past IT’SGOODTOBEDAKING for second. The latter was away between horses for the pocket, had insufficient response in the sprint home. ROCK KING DEO struggled at the back of the inner tier – which was better than being in the outer tiers. CONCUR was second-over, three-wide towards midturn as his cover faltered, but himself never gained. HOPETOBEFIRST had little hope following moribund cover. UNDERTAKER took the first-over duty at the half, never really got close enough to threaten then started to back up early n the turn.
SIXTH RACE – Intermittent drizzle / light rain … LIE IN WAIT inherited the pocket at the 3/16 and just lived up to her name until headstretch, came outside, won confidently. FORTUNE FORECAST went right down the road, held on to the lead a long way in a very commendable second. KT DOUBLE DEUCE wound up third, struggled a little in the third quarter and then more in the fourth panel but held third over CHEROKEE JOY. The latter was at the back of the main group, had some trot on the end. STICK WITH ME came out ¾ but could offer little. MISSISSIPPI GALE left and made the pocket 3/16, but soon thereafter went on the run. LILLEHAMMER HALL broke an 1/8 before the start.
SEVENTH RACE – HEAVEN HANOVER was three-wide to the first turn then two-wide well past a 27.3 opener to get the lead ¾, but was able to get a 1:00 middle half, bore out a little in the stretch but still much the best here. ULURU advanced up the inside down the backstretch, Pocono Pike and good late speed for second. QUARANTINA was innermost of the leavers, pushed the winner to nearing the 3/8 then yielded for the two-hole, couldn’t keep close late. PERFECT PASSION gapped almost the entire first half, then got in gear and trotted up uncovered making a big gain, to the wheel of the winner but no closer before fading in the last 1/8. RISK ON moved up, temporarily three-deep when a two-wide horse gapped, got the last check. MISCHIEVOUS G left and took third, backed out 11/16 but had no more forward gear. PASSPORT MONI left a big gap in last early then broke before the ¼.
EIGHTH RACE – WHAT THE LUCK was back off the cutthroat half, moved third-over then three-wide past the 11/16 to circle to two-wide past midturn, held off other closers and pay $50.40, for Tim Tetrick of all people paying that price. JIMS PERFECT TEN got a great cover trip from last, left three-wide midturn, finished steadily to just miss. REGAL SON was uncovered to the half, didn’t go up, then gapped cover and was double-blindswitched, ducked between horses and again found good late speed a trifle too late. BROTHER JAMES wound up in the pocket 5/8, Pocono Pike, not quite enough steps. CURIOUS CORTEZ defended the pocket, then moved at the ¼ to control the pace, got a challenger down the back in the fast 3/4s, gave way but far ahead of the rest. STATEMENT MADE A left but was taken back to get in a hole, not heard from thereafter. PLAY THE FIELD was three-wide to the 1/8 then was left two-wide, took back and got in 3/8, not a late factor. I’M BURLINGTON N was sent out early and hit the ¼ in 25.4, yielded to a frontstretch challenger for the pocket, came back for more 5/8 and challenged to the hot ¾, then had no more to give.
NINTH RACE – VANESSA J secured the pocket then was loose in it to the 5/8, to the Pocono Pike and dug up gamely late for the win. FLARES DIVA moved out with cover midturn and wide early stretch, finished solidly. LADY LIRA vacated fourth to go up uncovered 11/16, raced well. GINA’S ON FIRE was in front of the 1/8 in a quick quarter, was on an open lead to the 5/8, got a bit tired late. ANGELPEDIA broke an 1/8 before the start, made up a lot of ground to get the last payday over WILD JIGGY S, who miscued at the start.
TENTH RACE – BOND secured the pocket leaving, then quarter-moved and slowed the midfractions, had a serious challenger in FASHION ANNIE but sped away late with a 27.4 last ¼ for Svanstedt – Sarah Svanstedt. FASHION ANNIE tucked third, tightened in by the 3/8, uncovered before the 5/8 and put in a big challenge, did well but could not summon enough to win late. PORTULACA gapped a bit the first half, then moved second-over, went inside on the turn after a breaker, steadily late. TIPSY MOM gapped inside, seemed to avoid the breaker in good order, next. SHOW ME DA MONI never entered prime contention. CAN DO VOLO went in front towards turn one, yielded for the pocket, well-placed ¾ when making a break and going inside. UNO MAS BLUE CHIP broke going to the first turn then suffered ‘b.e.”
ELEVENTH RACE – LOUIE THE HORSE N was out 3/16 to take over in a fast opener, yielded to the chalk to sit a good two-hole trip, then to the Pocono Pike and along smartly late. WES DELIGHT was first on top, yielded then quarter-moved, rolled on, raced well but was outsprinted by the pocket rocket. TAM MAJOR A gapped inside much of the way, then had pace along the inside to take third over ROGERTHAT BLUECHIP. The latter was well-placed but couldn’t summon enough late. REDBANK BLAZE A was first-up at the half, paced in 27 down the back to move up, but flattened in the last ¼. AFLAME HANOVER was second-over, wide late turn but never reached. TONY TOO TALL had an excess of non-helpful cover. INDICTABLE HANOVER gapped in last, broke early stretch.
TWELFTH RACE – SWEET ON HER avoided trouble and cut the pace, got a slow second quarter, which enabled her to repel all challengers. ATOVERA sat in, up the inside to the pocket to the 3/4 while loose, outside to midstretch and narrowed in but couldn’t get there. TOTALLY RELENTLESS broke 3/16 trying to narrow into a tighter pocket and two outside leavers had trouble, to the infield and recovered, went out with cover, tipped wide headstretch then ducked way inside through the latter part of the stretch and gained. A SLICE OF GRACE avoided trouble but gapped. KEYSTONE SWEETPEA was going up past the 1/8 to try to get into the pocket but broke, bothering a foe, recovered and did work into the pocket, pulled out 11/16 but couldn’t gain, then placed for the early interference. FOOLISH MONI was looped and looking to take a tuck when running up on the breaking KEYSTONE SWEETPEA and suffering an “ix.” UNDER THE ROBE broke an 1/8 before the start; GUCCI GIRL broke just after the start.
THIRTEENTH RACE – STELLAR YANKEE was looped early, three-wide a short time then in gear two-wide to the lead 3/8, no anxious moments in a stellar performance. CAVIART SAGE outrushed everybody away, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, couldn’t go with the winner but did hold second. SHANE ADAM was third-in down the back, Pocono Pike, so-so. ACTOR HANOVER was third-over, wide in the stretch and gained late. FATHER NUNO was last, angled widest headstretch and had some pace on the end. ROCK THREE TIMES never emerged as a factor. BELL FAMILY was between horses early, took back past the 1/8, out first-over before the 5/8, nothing left for the stretch. HIGH ST CORRIDOR didn’t have much from second-over.
FOURTEENTH RACE – BALENCIAGA pushed as the innermost of three leavers, emerged with the pocket then quarter-moved, came home in 27.4 in firm control. LUISELLA was three-wide almost to the 3/16 then got command, yielded for the two-hole, stayed in the hunt all the way to the wire in a big mile. CREATARMA was uncovered into turn two, did get inside third on the far turn, just held third over UPFRONT STONE. The latter followed the former’s cover then was uncovered on the turn, evenly. DELGADO made a break going to bend one, recovered enough to get a check. BEABOB’S BOSS was never in the main picture. BEYOND THE LENS left between horses and took third in a quick quarter, tired badly.
Aug 22, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – 83 degrees; stretch tailwind … ABRUZZO was on the move past the 1/8 and reached the lead just past the ¼, set the pace, a handy win. BILL BAUER tucked fourth 3/16, started uncovered at the half and speed-grinded home in 57.2, still trying hard at the wire. TRANQUILITY K outleft everybody for the lead, yielded for the pocket, a bit loose most of the way home from the 5/8. BJORNSSON stayed fairly close; THE NEXT TWO did not in the last quarter. CHASE MY LINDY jumped just before the start.
SECOND RACE – I’LL TAKE THE BET was third-over, went up in a blindswitch on the far turn, cleared between horses early stretch and had the most finishing in a non-fast last quarter with the wind. ALWAYS A LOOK yielded for the pocket, stayed close, to the Pocono Pike, may have had a short brief advantage, almost. MISTER DAVID C tucked fourth to the 3/16, then came raw past the 3/8, reached the leader by the 5/8 and battled with that one, held well. TEAM MAC tucked third, sat in, behind a wall early stretch then went into the path behind the winner and did gain although never clear. KEYSTONEFIGHTNIGHT was fourth-over, three-wide with cover on the turn, evenly. WARRAWEE XTREME was second-over, three-wide far turn, didn’t gain. LATEST ATTRACTION was last, to the deep Pike but couldn’t make up much ground. JET ACE got the lead at the 1/8, got his own half, had a challenger from the 5/8, went from first to last in the stretch in a not-quick mile for these.
THIRD RACE – CURADH moved approaching the ¼ and was able to get the pocket 5/16, pulled 5/8 and sailed right by, won for fun. IRISH COFFEE stayed in until the stretch, then trotted on to the distant second. CIVIL UNION was parked to the ¼ for the lead, had a slow middle half but still was passed easily when challenged later down the backstretch, tired. COOL TRIXTER broke just after the horse to his right broke early, recovered, stayed inside, was moving well at the end. JD MAGIC MOON moved outside but went nowhere, then had better trot late. PRAIRIE NUGGET made the lead before the 1/8 but had some problems steering, gave up first the lead and then the pocket, back outside ¾ but had little more to offer, placed for the pylon violation. SOUTHWIND FIREBALL broke early. HALLPIN broke near the ¼.
FOURTH RACE – PRIMO VOMO moved from second at the ¼ to quickly get the lead, didn’t go especially fast on the engine, extended to withstand SOUTHERN AUTUMN. The latter went right to the lead, yielded for the pocket, came out in the stretch, gained but came up just shy. FAMOUS DAN broke past the start, recovered, followed cover, made a big move around horses on the turn, continued to narrow the margin in a fine comeback. TNT BLUE CHIP had excess cover, ducked in for the stretch, next. FIGHT SONG moved first-over, urged past the 5/8, didn’t respond, tucked in third, left behind. ROSE ABOVE IT was with cover, lost it late backstretch, wasn’t a major danger. U BAKE THE CAKE had little. A MILLION CHUCKLES started gapping at the 3/16, finished with “b.e.”
FIFTH RACE – RHIANNON HANOVER was in front 3/16, saw two go by, came out raw ¾, very game to the wire to catch OLD MAGIC. The latter was on the move towards the ¼, uncovered 5/16 to the top just past the 3/8, had a clear lead at the ¾, fought hard to maintain the advantage but just missed. HIGHEST MONEY was three-wide past the 1/8, made the front 5/16, yielded for the pocket, faded badly in the last quarter. ANDOVER JESS made the early lead then saw three go by in the next quarter mile, gapped 11/16, evenly in the Pocono Pike. KHALEESIES GIRL and FAWN DE DON’T couldn’t keep up down the back. MISCHIEVOUS G began to lose contact at the 5/8.
SIXTH RACE – TEDDY BROSEVELT sat third once the order was resolved, outside ¾, went to the lead early in the stretch and held off the late-charging TRENTS A LOCK. The latter left a slight gap throughout, then outside past midturn and doing well late. SPRING IN PARIS gapped a bit off the three who had been on the lead, mildly late. LAZER JET moved 3/16 to the top past the 5/16, strung the field out until the ¾, tired. BAZAAR BAZAAR never factored. THE IRISHMAN made the front just before the 1/8, yielded for the pocket, backed out behind the winner midturn, was just swinging three-wide when breaking nearing headstretch. RED HOT TORCH ruined his chances an 1/8 before the start.
SEVENTH RACE – UNIQUE STYLE had cover early, went up at the ¼ and cleared 3/8, was in full control of these proceedings from there. WARINER moved with cover past the 5/8, uncovered far turn, coaxed to hold onto second. HESPOOKSHESCORES went outside to avoid the shuffle ¾, doing better late. SWAN JOVI came uncovered from third 5/8 and retucked in the two-hole, but then had little left. HARDROCKCAFE broke early on the far turn. SWAN MASSIVE HALL was out to a fast ¼ to make the front, yielded, started to gap early in the backstretch, fell way back, returned with “b.e.” PRAIRIE FAMOUS broke an 1/8 before the start. FAWN DE SIGN ran just past the start.
EIGHTH RACE – BULLVILLE TERROR moved 3/16 to the lead 5/16, was never threatened all the way to the wire. I’VE GOT HOOTSPA went 27 against the wind down the back uncovered to get close to the leader, lost some ground in the lane but still good for second. WESTERN TYRANT was three-wide early, on top 3/16, yielded for the pocket, was loose 5/8, tightened back in, then went loose again in the last quarter. NOME HANOVER was second-over but gapped in the fast back half. STARVIN MARVIN was third-over, had no rally. RIVER DELI never was heard from. SPORTY DRAGON went to the lead to the first turn, yielded, in, unplugging from the 5/8. HOLY GRAIL N was away last and lost touch at the half.
NINTH RACE – BEVANS CULLEN N was in front going into turn one, yielded 3/16 but was quick on the retake, saw off the threat of first the first-over and then the late-closing AMAZON. The latter stayed in until moving behind cover on the turn, wide and narrowed in well late. SPORTSMANSHIP was three-deep headed towards curve one, out 3/16 for command, yielded, had trouble keeping up from before the ¾. ROCKS FANTASY went to the Pocono Pike from last, evenly. LOVE YOURSELF gapped the early battlers in the fast first quarter, went uncovered at the half, got to the flank of the winner but no closer before tiring. PAPIAMENTO gapped second-over.
TENTH RACE – BLENHEIM held his ground early as they went the ¼ in 27, moved off the second turn and brushed right by 11/16, notched his second double-digit victory margin of the meet. MYSTICAL JOURNEY made two speed moves, couldn’t do anything about the winner, tired late but did last for the very distant second over THE LIONKING AS. The latter showed good speed to get in front, yielded, gapped the gapping pocketsitter on the turn, made up ground (on the place horse) but couldn’t reach second. GRAPPLE HANOVER went three-wide around a nonflowing flow, only beaten a length for second. MUFASA AS was out behind a moribund one, was blindswitched then went three-wide with cover, wider headstretch, fair. LADY’S IMAGE never got a call. CHUCKY DE VIE was off the gate, still went out and got a 5-tuck, tired. SORTIE tucked fourth before the ¼, was outside “behind the winner,” then raw and did not gain.
ELEVENTH RACE – FASHION CANTAB went right to the lead, won comfortably. NORTHERN BLIZZARD went into the two-hole before the 3/16, a bit loose from late backstretch, held second. FRANKIE HILL was well-placed, moved uncovered before the half and challenged, couldn’t sustain in the last 3/16. MALONE was second-over but gapped 11/16. MOJAVE HANOVER had little to offer. JAKARTA PARTYGIRL started to struggle at the half. DIMANTE VIC was far back; another returning with “b.e.” OSVALDO HANOVER broke just before coming out of the turn before the start.
TWELFTH RACE – TIMESTORM stepped around his main foe early and was in control throughout. CREDIT LIST maintained the pocket, couldn’t go enough to stay with the winner. WILLIE B WORTHY moved outside 11/16, went on well to be third. DYLAN THE GREAT was third-in, Pocono Pike, not much late. SYLVESTERAMERICAIT moved outside midturn, ducked back in, got the last check. VIC’S WINNER was three-wide early, took back nearing the first turn but couldn’t find a hole, got tangled up with SWEET HEART AS near the ¼, recovered but gapped, then placed for interference. WORTHY OF HONOR was last in back of the tangled horses past the ¼, came through, then made a break entering turn two and went to the infield. SWEET HEART AS was tangled up at the ¼ and made an “ix” untangling.
THIRTEENTH RACE – THIRD POWER gapped in the pocket until past the 3/8, got even closer down the back, moved out ¾ and went right by, tapped to stay to business to the wire. ALWAYS BETTER left a big gap in third, outside on the turn, clearly second. BET EIGHTTHIRTYONE got a little closer then fell back in the lane. LEAVE AND ROLL stayed flat. SVENGALI moved out down the back but did not gain, broke near headstretch. RIPPLESONTHEBEACH broke well before the start. LETMECALLYOUBACK opened up a big lead in a 26.4 opener, kept the field strung out until the backstretch, passed ¾, tired and went inside the pylons as very hard to steer.
FOURTEENTH RACE – HURRIKANE WILLIE G went to the front, faced an early challenger but refused to yield in fast fractions, still had enough to nicely hold off two-holer MUSCLES JARED. The latter went in to the pocket 3/16, kept the hole closed tight behind the winner, moved out midturn, didn’t gain but well ahead of the rest. TRUEMASS VOLO and CIRCLE OF LIFE AS both stayed in and got a decent piece of this. TRAIN gapped in the second quarter, got closer down the back, went three-wide around the parked horse but couldn’t sustain his move. NICE STUFF was off the gate a little, quarter-moved but was left out in the air in a fast tempo, left behind past the 5/8. CHOCO CHARLIE broke approaching the first turn and went inside the pylons for safety.
