Aug 10, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Mid-80s … MINDSET was very wide early, took back behind cover and tucked in, then was underway 3/8 just as the early brusher was clearing, was engaged with that one in a protracted duel, proved the best late in a gritty performance. UNDERTAKER used his speed and the rail to great advantage, let one go 5/16 then was quick on the retake, met by the winner soon after that half and argued with that one the rest of the way, did hold second. PARK OFFICIAL defended the pocket early, came out behind the winner at the half, wasn’t especially tight behind that dueler but was well-placed, better in the straightaway. STAR MESSENGER was outside until the 5/16 to get the lead, yielded for the pocket, a trifle loose during the quick third quarter, Pocono Pike stretch, came up a little shy. CURIOUS CORTEZ was wide early, took back and tucked fourth before the ¼, stayed in, gained some behind horses while perhaps not having a clear path. GONNAHAVEONEMORE was third-over, three-wide late turn, couldn’t gain meaningfully. WHAT’S GOIN ON gapped, last.
SECOND RACE – CAVIART SAGE was buried inside, backed outside past the ¾ and soon got to four-wide headstretch as the only challenger to CERTIFIABLE, and wore that one down. The latter went up early looping a rival and was on top 3/16, yielded to the 3/8, made a quick move back to command early in the backstretch, drew clear on the far turn, but got a bit tired after hard usage. BABES DIG ME was uncovered early on turn two, got cover but then lost it, went on OK. HIGH ST CORRIDOR followed the cover of the show horse, three-wide just past midturn but not enough kick. STATEMENT MADE A was close-up early, gapped, out in a blindswitch headstretch to avoid a further shuffle, got the last check between horses. MACH WEST never was a major player. BIG BOSS HILL was far back in the outer flow, not prominent. ITSMYCHECK GB was content to be looped early, worked up to command 3/8, yielded 5/8 and started to fall back.
THIRD RACE – BUTTER UP got to the lead then kept rivals two- and three-wide to the 3/8, kept tight in the pocket, outside ¾ after the top two had drawn clear and fought, looked shaken off in the lane but tried hard to the wire and won by a whisker. HURRIKANE GEORGIE was between horses well past a fast quarter and finally took over 3/8, had the winner come out ¾, looked to have dealt with that one towards midstretch but faltered slightly. COXCOMB got into a three-wide flow and remained three-wide, narrowed in steadily late as the pace slackened. BARRYWHITE HANOVER was trapped inside until mid-far turn, then quickly angled to wide clearance and was narrowing in well late. MY BOY JACK moved outside off the second turn, went three-wide to clear the sweeper but couldn’t reach getting into major contention. WESTERN WALTZ was wide early then filled the early pocket, gapped ¾. SEXY BLUE CHIP never factored. MAJOR BEAN was extremely wide early, out three-wide well past the quarter then two-wide to challenge for the lead but was left out in the air, faded from midbackstretch.
FOURTH RACE – COVERED BRIDGE was three-wide early, didn’t want the pocket being offered so pressed on to ¼ command, went 27 down the back to tire rivals, stayed safely clear. CAVIART ROCKLAND made the top, tried to entice the winner to get in behind him early but when he couldn’t yielded for the pocket, stayed reasonably close in a fast mile. CAPTIVATE HANOVER had some early foot, stayed third-in, start to gap ¾, a little better late. PRAIRIE PANTHER was uncovered at the half, one-geared it steadily. MAXIMUS RED A sat in, not a major danger. STRAIGHT UP COOL was second-over in a nonflow, wide, fair late. CAVIART MAX was gapping in last.
FIFTH RACE – BELLOWS BINGE made his brief stay with these connections a profitable one by dominating wire-to-wire. HUNDIE N was three-wide to almost the 1/8 then backed off to tuck, uncovered at the half and one-geared his way home, not enough for the winner but better than the others in a good showing. LITTLEBITASWAGGER used the rail to defend the pocket, got a little tired chasing quick fractions. AMERICA’S GUEST was second-over, not quite enough here. IDEAL WHEEL had ideas of leaving, took back and needed until the ¼ to fully settle in, faded. DARTH FADER was third-over when breaking before the ¾.
SIXTH RACE – LUISELLA moved from third before the ¼ and methodically went to the lead 3/8, got a rest to the half then stayed in dominant position all the way to the wire. UPFRONT STONE was looped and wound up in the early pocket, outside past the 5/8 and retucked in the “pocket” headstretch, far ahead of the others. RIPPLE OF HOPE was third-over in a non-advancing flow, some late to just get third in the last step. SOREE stayed in, Pocono Pike, so-so. MOON BRIDGE started uncovered off turn two, got cover past the 5/8 but couldn’t go with it. RED REDEMPTION left well and was clear before the first turn, let the winner go 3/8 to sit the pocket, was keeping up OK until the last 3/16. THE OTHER TWO were well behind the entire last half.
SEVENTH RACE – PURPLE POET was three-deep before turn one, stayed close in the two-hole, went to the Pocono Pike, had a burst to get the lead midstretch, but had to keep working to defeat the stubborn pacesetter. SADIQ HANOVER was away with speed and hit the ¼ in 26, got a rest to the half then picked up the pace, withstood a long assault from the first-over, was passed to his inside midstretch but seemed to dig back down in a very commendable effort. INDIGO ART was third-over, three-wide late turn, closed well. THE MOONSHADOW N didn’t have too much after an inner trip. BROTHER JAMES moved quickly at the half, went 26.2 down the back to get to the leader’s wheel and got even closer on the turn, didn’t fade very badly. DRAGON STRIKES gapped second-over.
EIGHTH RACE – MISTER BOINGA went into the pocket 3/16, waited, then went to the Pocono Pike and was along in time over HALL IT OFF. The latter used the rail well and put everybody in behind, rated the half then got going more quickly, just caught. CHAPOLIER was second-over, three-wide 11/16 when cover stopped advancing to two-wide midturn, just could not summon quite enough to keep his gain going. DAGON HANOVER stayed connected, couldn’t trot with the top ones late. AP HALL OF TRIX was three-wide early then settled into fourth, backed out to third-over off the second turn but couldn’t get into the main action. BLACK HAWK DOWN was uncovered into turn two, never was right on the leader before fading. THE LAST TWO were the last two throughout.
NINTH RACE – PREMIER ROCKSTAR was in front at the 1/8, slowed the half then took off down the backstretch, extended some to withstand AIN’T IT FUN. The latter sat third into late on the turn, then closed well but had to settle for second. JONAH enjoyed a pocket trip, Pocono Pike, did what he could late. ZOEEZ BOY HENRY took back early, then went uncovered at the half, paced his own third quarter in 26.3 but couldn’t make much impact, inside late turn, next. ROCK KING DEO was second-over but gapped out on the turn. IT’SGOODTOBEDAKING had a hard task third-over from behind nongaining cover. RAPTORS FLIGHT N gapped ¾.
TENTH RACE – MISS MCKEE led every step of the mile, going fast to the ¼ to retain control and then just overpowering these. BALDAQUIN was content to sit third, in the Pocono Pike and up for second over RICH AND MISERABLE. The latter was three-wide past the 1/8, made the pocket at the ¼, didn’t have enough late to hold second. SORTIE was second-over, wide stretch, OK. BLENHEIM was looped and had a hard time settling inside, evenly late. ONE AFTER NINE was not a factor. MARION GONDOLIER was first-over second turn, got closer in the third split but then fell back.
ELEVENTH RACE – ARTACHE HANOVER moved second-over, went three-wide late turn, quickly assumed a clear lead, then dug down gamely to resist the surge of BIZYS BEATLE. The latter had poor luck – he didn’t leave and was last, then had the four horses directly in front of him pull out into the second turn, gained some along the inside, moved out into a blindswitch near headstretch, followed the path of the winner early stretch, then went outside him and finished with a furious burst. NEWBIE was fourth-over, widest and did well late. OWEN was third-over, followed cover three-wide but could offer little late. WINNING IS SWEET led the two-wide tier, had an advantage on the pacesetter late backstretch but never could clear, tired in the stretch. BNGS EXPRESS left sharply to get the lead, yielded to a looped foe then regained and slowed the second quarter, then came under great pressure, couldn’t sustain. IDEAL COWBOY was looped, pressed on to the lead before the 5/16, yielded to the retaker, started gapping past the ¾.
TWELFTH RACE – TONY TOO TALL made the top 3/16, let a foe go 3/8 to sit in the two-hole, roused before the 11/16, moved right away to the lead and drew clear in a romp. BRAVO TEX N was second-over, blindswitched 5/8 then backed out behind the sweeper, had to go four-wide midturn as that one stalled, clear for second in a very good race despite the large margin of victory. HORSE yielded, kept a hole shut, stayed in, was shuffled on the far turn, came clear headstretch and was along for third. MISSILE SEELSTER also was locked in, a mild response once free. BETTOR MEMORIES was three-wide before the 3/16 then left two-wide, eyed the pocket past the ¼ but saw that hole shut so drove on to 3/8 command, could do nothing about the winner and tired. IDEAL FEELING had traffic issues from last. WESTERN TYRANT was third-over, three-wide 5/8 but flattened out nearing midturn. MAJOR DESIRE was uncovered going to turn two, couldn’t muster enough to gain contention, then faded.
THIRTEENTH RACE – KINGSTONS BAD BOY had a fine trip in the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and an easy winner. PUZZLING was second-over and hit a higher gear near the ¾ to get tight on cover, three-wide late turn, steadily to get second late. MY WISH CAME TRUE sat third until almost the 11/16 then moved raw, never gained nor lost much ground. ROLLINWITHAMBITION looked to want to leave but took a bad step just before the start, recovered but was gapped off the main pack at the back, stayed inside in the stretch and had good late foot. A STUD NAMED SAM set the pace of his choosing, not enough late. POSH ONTHE BEACH A gapped at a couple of points.
FOURTEENTH RACE – SPRINGBRIDGE DUEL was second-over, three-wide late on the turn, just up in a blanket finish. GOOD DEAL was very wide early and three-wide to the 3/16, dropped behind cover and did get into the 3-hole 5/16, inside, went to the deep Pocono Pike and was just outkicked. JIM BLUE refused to yield at the 25.4 quarter or at any other point, just missed. FRAZZLEBERRY kept the pocket shut, inside of the pacesetter in the lane, just a bit shy. CAPTAIN SLEAZE tried for the lead but couldn’t get there so had to go the raw route, held very gamely. RIFLEMAN had cover, finished gaining on the far outside. THE OTHER PAIR were not major contenders.
Aug 9, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Mid 80s … “Fast +0” for the first five; then rain and “sloppy,” with “+2” for race six and “+1” thereafter … Stretch headwind … KEEGAN HO went right to the top, pushed then yielded 3/8 to sit the pocket, shuffled a little late turn then got to the Pocono Pike and finished strongest of all. JUSTIFY went uncovered 5/8 and got cover a 1/16 later, finished steadily. WHAT A DAME was forwardly-placed, uncovered 11/16, got the lead but not to the inside on the turn, gave way. SUM FOR ALL wound up third-over, came on decently between horses late. GLIDE IN THE WIND was looped, three-wide past the 1/8, onward after a quick quarter to command 3/8, held a brusher out midturn before giving way. BRIGITTE BI never was in the picture. CHOCOTURE was looped and took back to tuck, gapped, faded.
SECOND RACE – SPORTSMANSHIP went to command then yielded towards the 3/16 to sit in the two-holer, backed out behind the first-over past midturn, swing wide and just caught that one late. BEVANS CULLEN N came out of third 11/16 to challenge, went by headstretch, almost held the advantage to the wire. HOPETOBEFIRST sat in, moved out and wide in the stretch, finished ahead of the others. LUZIANA gapped in fourth late backstretch. REYS N A RUCKUS was in front to the 3/16, set the pace, no response when challenged. DARK HORSE was wide early, decided to take back, then was hampered by dull cover, never got rolling. ALWAYS THE SUN gapped near the back. SOCIAL THEORIES moved outside but never made progress.
THIRD RACE – LIFE ITSELF went to the lead and forced tucks, got away with a 1:01.4 middle half, then accelerated on the turn and finished in 28.3 by herself. OLD MAGIC took the early pocket, stayed close until past midturn, still was clearly the best of the others. GUIDING STAR got a tuck 3/16, stayed in, very distant third. MOMMAS A DIVA moved out of third 11/16, a bit rough, challenged on the turn then fell back. TIPSY MONI broke early, caught the field by the half, recovered for the last check. HALEY HILL moved 5/8 and soon got cover but couldn’t go enough. CHEROKEE JOY was off the gate, moved outside but broke far turn.
FOURTH RACE – TAKE MY NAME was content to sit third to midturn, then edged out and wide, didn’t kick in until midstretch but proved to have enough. DINKY WINKY left and got a two-hole ride, outside early on the far turn, got the lead early stretch, not that far off the winner. ONE HUNDRED POOF came off the rail to the ¾ but didn’t get close enough to keep two pylonsitters inside on the turn, finished with trot. CIVIL UNION set all the pace, lost the lead headstretch, returned back with “b.e.” LOOKINTOGETLUCKY left a small gap midfield much of the way. JD MAGIC MOON didn’t enter the picture; also came back with “b.e.” F SCOTT’S MUSE looked to leave but broke early.
FIFTH RACE – A downpour before the race, which gradually lightened during the contest … BET EIGHTTHIRTYONE tucked third and stayed in, to the deep Pocono Pike and closed strongly. RIPPLESONTHEBEACH had a fine trip second-over, wide and steadily. STORMY BEACH was a bit loose in the pocket most of the way, inside the pacesetter stretch, took third. LETMECALLYOUBACK tucked fourth at the 1/8, started uncovered to the half, put in a good challenge, held well. MISTER DAVID C was a fast quarter and had an open-length lead almost to the ¾, then got pressure, couldn’t hold on. CARRYTHETORCHMAN was near the back throughout. RENO DINERO moved outside but couldn’t get involved.
SIXTH RACE – The rain resulted in the “sloppy” condition of the track … SAINT TRIXIE went out for the pocket, on her own behind the pacesetter, then in gear midturn and worked by fairly easily late. ANDOVER JESS got a slow pace even in the glop, second-best. FAWN DE DON’T tucked third at the 1/8, stayed pretty well connected. IN YOUR DREAMS DEO disconnected in the last quarter. ARDELLA stayed flat and got the last check. LOHAN’S LINDY wanted to go outside at the half but quickly changed that decision, broke far turn. DON’T CRY DENA was off the gate and then broke upon reaching the START point. WILDER DAYS broke just before the start.
SEVENTH RACE – THEWINNERTAKEITALL was looped and briefly three-wide, then went on two-wide to command 5/16, let a foe go before the second turn to sit in the two-hole, outside headstretch and finished very strongly. RED LIGHT LADY was four-wide early, dropped down behind cover to the 3/16, left uncovered 5/16 and was used to clear to the lead going into the second curve, set the pace, couldn’t handle the pocket rocket but well ahead of the others. ZAPPA moved out 11/16, along for third. TELENOVELA followed the late-developing cover, evenly. STORYBOOK ENDING had belated finishing trot. SOUTHERN AUTUMN left to the top, saw two go by in quarter two, empty in the last 1/8. MIDNIGHT ICE went outside but gapped.
EIGHTH RACE – SNOWMAN HANOVER was left alone on the lead and won as he pleased. FOX HOLE had the pocket, stayed pretty close most of the way, second. WARRAWEE YIMA looked to leave but broke, caught quickly, moved on the second turn, retucked third and made up ground down the back, OK recovery. CHEVAL NOIR was never close. HESPOOKSHESCORES was away last from the rail, never in it. FULL SCALE tucked fourth past the 1/8, fell back. ANDOVERTHEWINNER was third early, left an ever-widening gap the second quarter before running.
NINTH RACE – BANUS HILL was wide then went behind cover early, tucked fifth 3/16, second-over then three-wide not much past the 5/8 to two-wide on the turn, challenged then paced away. MADELYNN SOPHIA was kept outside in a 26.3 opener in the slop before getting the lead, set the pace, just lasted for second over KILEE ROCKS. The latter pushed the ¼ then sat in the two-hole, backed out behind the winner headstretch, almost reached second. PRINCESS DAYNA was three-wide past midbackstretch, couldn’t stay with the winner but continued on very nicely. PJS FANCY DANCER was shuffled some on the far turn, but not too much once clear late. JAGGED LITTLE PILL was in a two-wide blindswitch, wasn’t a factor. AMERICAN BEACHBABE was very wide early, tucked third, gapped most of the second quarter, came out into the backstretch, couldn’t sustain the move to the ¾. LET ME BE ME fell way back.
TENTH RACE – NO DRAMA PLEASE left and yielded, quarter-moved and made the lead before the second turn, won easily. WILLIE B WORTHY made a big uncovered move down the back and raced into the pocket ¾, clearly second-best. MUSCLES JARED got to the lead at the 1/8, kept a foe out to the 3/8, came out of third 11/16 forcing SMART AS HILL wide, photoed out that one but then after an inquiry placed behind that one for interference when coming out. SMART AS HILL backed out, pushed three-wide 11/16 and stayed wide much of the far turn, edged for third but placed up to that spot. NICE STUFF gapped early, in, shuffled, some recovery in the Pocono Pike. SWEET HEART AS took a long time settling back, finished well on the extreme outside. LADY’S IMAGE was wide then behind cover, was kept out until near the 3/8 before getting the front then yielded to the winner, unplugged 5/8. WHAT THAT IS showed very little.
ELEVENTH RACE – HEZA REAL DIAMOND was three-wide early and took the pocket, then moved in front of the stands to the lead, drew more and more clear from the 5/8 on, going in 1:50.3 in the bottom class, noteworthy over a “fast” track much less this sloppy one. MCNEIL Z TAM was underway from last, three-wide far turn to circle the rest. AMAZON took back at the 1/8, was stuck inside on the far turn, found an escape hatch and got third. LEAVE AND ROLL passed tired horses. CLASSY HILL moved outside to try to gain but couldn’t make a dent. MISSISSIPPI RABBIT was four-wide to the first turn, made the lead 3/16 before a 26.2 opener, yielded to the winner and steadily fell back the last 3/8. CAVIART STETSON stayed in, gapped behind the struggling pocket horse.
TWELFTH RACE – SYLVESTERAMERICAIT sat second behind a sprightly clip, to the Pocono Pike and overpowered DYLAN THE GREAT. The latter set all the pace while stringing out the field, tired late and just did hold second over CUPID HANOVER. The latter gapped early, was closer by the half, moved out ¾, steadily. SUNDANCEDIAMOND gapped throughout, whether inside or outside. CHOCOLATE MATTERS struggled. SVF CASH DEPOSIT took back to last, moved outside but never improved position.
THIRTEENTH RACE – MUFASA AS was away between horses, took back, started uncovered soon off the second turn, speed-grinded up to challenge, had a very tough foe to conquer in PAPI HANOVER but did work by late. The latter made two speed moves, fought very hard against the winner and held admirably. LIVING PROOF I AM gapped outside, pushed wide by a breaker late turn, salvaged the distant third. CELEBRITY ROLEX went to the front 3/16, yielded, began gapping in the pocket down the back, not affected by the breaker but still couldn’t hold on to third. SPIT AND VINEGAR sat in and gapped, went to the infield to avoid the trouble. PRIMO PADRE couldn’t keep up second-over, then was knocked offstride by GIVEM THE GOO. The latter was gapping when making a break far turn, scattering many horses.
Aug 7, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Mid to high 70s; stretch headwind … ROCK THREE TIMES yielded then saw a pair exchange the lead, went to the Pocono Pike and gradually made his way to the top. HEARTBEAT HILL was out second-over, gapped ¾, then three-wide headstretch, narrowed in as the pace slowed. TRAY SURREAL was kept outside much of a fast ¼, yielded, retook the lead early in the backstretch, held on pretty well. DIVISION BELL came uncovered 5/8, grinded steadily. FROMASHESTOASHES N had an excess of cover, four-wide headstretch, finished well. STARVIN MARVIN didn’t appear to have stretch clearance. FIXED IDEA was five-wide into the stretch, little chance from that spot. JAHAN HANOVER was three-wide to the 3/16, went behind cover then uncovered until getting the lead 3/8, yielded early backstretch, couldn’t go forward in the lane.
SECOND RACE – SCIROCCO PATRICK moved uncovered off turn two and grinded up, proved the strongest horse late. AWSOME PAUL went to the lead, yielded 5/16, thought about retaking but changed his mind and stayed in the two-hole, Pocono Pike, OK to hold the deuce. BILLY RAY HANOVER left between horses and tucked, outside far turn, fair late. CATELLO TOO was three-wide towards the first turn, two-wide for the top 5/16, set the pace, didn’t have the steps late. CRITICAL MASS went second-over but gapped, ducked in far turn, no factor. NO NAME YANKEE and SLEW FOOT never entered contention. KEYSTONE SERGEANT was midpack when he misstepped 5/16.
THIRD RACE – MAYWEATHER HANOVER set all the pace, was far clear when the pocket horse broke on the turn, won in hand. BULLVILLE STEPHANO picked his way around three separate gappers and breakers to be second in a good performance. CLEARCHOICE DE VIE was already gapping at the 1/8, no-factor third. GLAZOG was always far back. BET THE BULL gapped out at the half. EASY AS THAT tried to move up outside but it wasn’t as easy as that. CAPTAIN UP sat a tight pocket as the only horse remotely close to the winner, then broke midturn and went to the infield.
FOURTH RACE – WEATHER VANES cut a not-especially-fast pace but still ran off. JOHNNY TRIX backed out behind cover midturn and was along for second. IT IS WELL was uncovered from last of the main bunch towards the 11/16, made it to second early stretch but couldn’t hold that spot late. STRONG BREW sat in the two-hole, struggled the last half. COMELETUSADOREHIM gapped much of the way, fell way back. GRIZZ WYLLIE was looped early, was trying to move frontward when making the first break 3/16, caught the field but broke again.
FIFTH RACE – ALEXA’S FANTASY was wide leaving, dropped behind cover to the ¼, went on to command 3/8, yielded for the pocket, edged out early stretch and got to DUCHESS HILL late. The latter gained control early, yielded at the ¼, came again 3/8 to the lead towards turn two, set the pace, caught late. TWIN B HIGH TECH was three-wide a ways early, on to command past the ¼, saw two go by in quarter two, backed out to second-over late backstretch but went back in when the cover tired midturn, out again before midstretch and narrowed in well. STAR SO BRIGHT was a distant next. BULLVILLE HILDA was outside behind a dull one whom she circled, but never could reach contention. SLIM FAST made a good move from near the half to reach contention, then ran out of steam midturn. JUST SHOCKING had some early speed, then never surfaced again. C DIDDY’S GAL was outside but gapped.
SIXTH RACE – EBBIES LADY was three-wide past the 3/16 then onward to the top 3/8, opened a bigger lead with every stride the last 3/8. RHEIA ROSE left and tucked, sat third until past midturn, then outside and easily a distant second. ALDEBARAN ACRUX came through to maintain the lead before finally yielding to the winner, unplugged from the 5/8. ROMANTIC TILE S went evenly. KELLY’S BABY was four-wide almost to the 3/16, backed off to tuck but broke, caught the field and salvaged a check up the inside late. QUINNPATRICKSHEA moved outside but made very little headway. ILUVMYMIUMIU’S broke off the turn before the start. GHIBLI was gapping from the half, dropped far back.
SEVENTH RACE – THE AMERICAN EAGLE was third nearing the ¼ when deciding to take the 3-spot, was behind the two breakers before the half and briefly made an “ix” but in the “exchange” found himself on the lead, a lead he never relinquished. SOUTH FOR WINNER found himself in the pocket before the half, stayed fairly close most of the way home. ROJO MAN moved out midturn and was along for a no-factor third. FINEFEATHRDFRIEND gapped at the ¼, narrowed in a bit, then gapped again. FRANKIE HILL broke just past the start, passed the two other breakers. KING TUT HANOVER filled the pocket, was right behind the leader into turn two when suffering an “ix” after that one broke. SUNBERRY HANOVER used the rail to advantage to keep the early lead, but then misbehaved entering turn two.
EIGHTH RACE – BUTTERFINGERS left alertly to take over at the 1/8, slowed the second quarter, had to survive a tough fight with FRONDEUR in the last 1/8. The latter came out of third 5/8, retucked in the pocket before the ¾, then moved out again for the drive, just missed. UTE BLUE CHIP left well to land in the early pocket, was loose by a widening margin from the ¼, just got the DH3 with ANNA’S WISH, who went evenly and reached for the tie. CHERISHED MEMORY had some pace on the end after being far back. UBIQUITOUS HANOVER went nowhere. BULLVILLE DEBBIE moved out towards the second turn but didn’t advance.
NINTH RACE – SCOTTISH sat in then backed out third-over, four-wide to headstretch and trotted over these as if they were standing still. PRIMO VOMO came a long way uncovered from sixth, challenged, made a brief lead midstretch, passed but good for second. PINE ROCKET hustled to stay with good cover as second-over, eased three-wide to headstretch, outtrotted, just got third over MONI’S HEAVEN CENT. The latter yielded towards the ¼, retook in front of the stands, had a 59.4 middle half, still gave way. U BAKE THE CAKE spotted, then was shuffled, not too much late. NORTHERN BLIZZARD sat in and also was shuffled, also didn’t show much in the latter stages. TNT BLUE CHIP was three-wide early, took over at the ¼ but soon yielded for the two-hole, gave way. MATS PALEMA jumped near the start.
TENTH RACE – “Sounds like an argument at my greatgrandmother’s over Sunday dinner” – great line … AGGIORNAMENTO came out of third 5/8 to argue the pace, mildly urged to go by the pacesetting ABRUZZO. The latter yielded for the pocket but reclaimed command in front of the stands after some work, set a fast pace and got pressure late backstretch to the wire, almost held. IN A TINY WAY was looped and three-wide to the 1/8 before settling in fourth, moved outside midturn and gained some ground. BY THE BOOK was fastest away, pushed a brusher in Q2 before yielding for the pocket, had no gain late. ARGENTO gapped down the backstretch, did a little better late. PADRE was well off the gate and far back throughout. AMBERS CHAMPION also fell way behind.
ELEVENTH RACE – STONEBRIDGE KARIS left between horses, yielded for the pocket, shuffled as the first-over went by the pacesetter, finally got to the Pocono Pike and had a sharp last 1/16 to get the decision on the line. PINK FLOYD HANOVER had speed, moved uncovered just past the half, cleared at the ¾, opened a good margin into the stretch, didn’t exactly hit the wall but failed to last right on the money. HANDSOFFMYTITOS was three-wide to the 1/8, worked on to set the pace after a fast quarter, was passed past the ¾, did hold for the distant third. LATEST ATTRACTION was three-wide with cover early, ducked in fourth, inside, didn’t have much of a late response. GUSSY’S TRUMP CARD and BLUE LABEL were in the two-wide tier, had to swing wide and wider in the lane, fair. JAM THAT GUITAR was not heard from. HURRIKANE JUNIOR moved uncovered then soon got cover, couldn’t stay with it 11/16, left uncovered and had little (almost fatally pinning in the winner).
TWELFTH RACE – MAGICAL JOURNEY had one in the eyes of his backers – in defending early positioning he broke 3/16, had caught the back of the field 5/16, then got a good trip second-over, wide in the stretch and won under his own courage; an inquiry into the early break gave no reason for a placing. HURRIKANE WILLIE G took control from the pole, turned back the first-over, just failed to hold off the winner, who was well outside him. CHARMING BANK got the pocket when the winner broke, stayed connected, to the Pocono Pike, not quite enough. LAZER JET moved uncovered at the half, had steady midbackstretch speed, flattened just a little. SPRING IN PARIS sat in, gained enough for the last payday. MATTER OF TRUST stayed in third, gapped on the turn, no factor. ANDOVERS TOUCH did not reach contention.
THIRTEENTH RACE – The four horses behind the pacesetter nearing the ¼ were all on the outside … FLIGHT ONEFORTYSIX never saw the rail, wound up parked with cover then without from the 3/8 on, challenged and cleared at the ¾, opened up enough of a lead to be safely ahead of BULLVILLE FRANK. The latter was the last of the four “outsiders” at the ¼ and tucked, then moved to follow the winner, gapped that cover and was left uncovered past the ¾, finished steadily for second. BLOW ME DOWN remained outside after being looped, got the lead at the ¼ then yielded 3/8, was loose in the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and took the distant third. LENDA HAND MAN was fourth-over, three-wide ¾, circled the rest. DS IT’SNOWORNEVER moved outside before the ¼, left uncovered just past that spot to the lead 3/8, dueled with the winner ahead of the field until the ¾, surrendered the lad, faded. TRUTHBTOLDBLUECHIP didn’t keep up. BUD TRUCK moved out but gapped. DANCE PARTNER cleared everybody early then saw a host of lead changes, gapped out.
FOURTEENTH RACE – GRAPPLE HANOVER was four-wide early but had cleared everybody by just past the 1/8 in a fast quarter, always in control of this fast mile for its class. BEYOND ORDINARY was away well for the pocket, could make no stretch inroads. TRAIN sat third, was in a fast mile but never gained. TUIS SHADOW was outleft and took back to tuck, moved outside 5/8 and just grabbed fourth over TEDDY BROSEVELT, who was no factor. KEYSTONE THUNDER did not enter contention. PHANTOM RUSTY moved outside but couldn’t summon much and retucked around the gapping ZSA ZSA DABOR.
Aug 6, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Around 80 degrees all night; no wind at the start … BAY CITY was away third then quarter-moved, had a challenger come at him before the 5/8 and was extended to keep that one out while pacing his own third quarter in 26.3 while second for a good stretch of it, kept the foe outside on the turn, stayed game to the wire to hold off his persistent challenge. DIVINE RIGHT was on the move uncovered to the second turn, paced his own third quarter in 25.4 trying to clear, got a lead but never the inside, kept going strongly right to the finish. YS DO IT RIGHT was wide early but took back, kept picking his way around struggling foes to be up for third over MCDREAMER. The latter left, forced a tuck, yielded to the winner, was loose in the brutal last-half duel, just missed third. THIRD POWER got the last check. PARKLANE TERROR left very wide and circled up, took the pocket 3/16, struggled the last 3/8. THE OTHER PAIR were never prominent.
SECOND RACE – NARINA HANOVER moved and got second-over cover, tipped three-wide late turn and swept to the lead entering the stretch, ran away and hid. BROOKDALE JESSIE protected the pocket, was jammed up inside headstretch then got to the Pocono Pike, along for the distant second. SWEET PINK left, backed up to tuck third past the 1/8, also blocked far turn, angled wide the first half of the stretch and had late pace. ELLEOFADELI was third-over, wide, OK on the end of it. RELLA TIVITY never contended. NORA TOVA was uncovered into turn two, challenged though not in a fast third quarter, then along with the leader faded through the stretch. REALLY A VIRGIN went out to establish command, got a 59 middle half despite a first-over challenge, then had nothing the last 1/8.
THIRD RACE – SPREE left a big gap behind an early runaway and eventually gave the pocket, moved as the tempo moderated and went to the lead ¾, won handily. POSSESS THE STONE moved out behind the winner late backstretch but couldn’t stay with that one, chugged home for second. MY BIG KADILLAC was at the back of the main field, three-wide and was along in a photo for the distant third over CRAZY ABOUT PAT. The latter left, couldn’t reach the gaping pocket behind the fast leader until the 5/16, shuffled ¾, got out to two-wide, but didn’t have too much. WORLDSSTONECOLD AS galloped early. TAKE SHAPE had a huge lead at the 1/8 and cut wild fractions, tired before the ¾.
FOURTH RACE – EAGER TO PLEASE was between horses to the ¼, then went on two-wide to the lead 5/16, did get a rest to the half before being attacked by the first-over, held off that one and the rest of the opposition. LIGHTNING LEIA was three-wide fully to the ¼, then dropped to two-wide covered, inside 3/8, stayed in, angled sharply wide headstretch and finished very well in a big race. SUGAR BOWL pushed well past the ¼ from the rail then yielded for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, OK but not quite enough. REENACTMENT made her way first-over nearing the half and pressed the leader the rest of the way, held well. DRAGON STRIKES stayed in, went to the deep Pike, not quite enough. SHE’S MAGICAL went third-over but was behind a gapper, not three-wide until nearing headstretch, not prominent. CATIE FAYE HANOVER gapped at the back. BARDMIRY moved second-over but didn’t keep up the last half.
FIFTH RACE – RIVER OTTER stepped around the pole horse, then kept up a sharp pace parking a challenger, drew a bit clear on the far turn, then was urged to hold the lead over NATURAL KEMP. The latter left, yielded, defended the pocket, a bit loose much of the last half, then narrowed in as the pace slowed, photoed out. TIDQUIST moved outside down the backstretch but couldn’t get close enough to pose a major threat. JOEY PRO went evenly. SILVERMASS VOLO took awhile to settle inside before the ¼, then was second-over but gapping by the 5/8. CHIEF JUSTICE was not a major player. DIMANTE VIC gapped early, had very little to offer. WALKINGINTHERAIN was very wide going to the first turn, circled up to two-wide but then didn’t have the speed to get around resistance, did tuck in 5/8 but was done at that point.
SIXTH RACE – ANDRA DAY yielded for the pocket past the 1/8, considered the inside-outside option on the turn, committed to “out” then swung wide off cover midstretch and finished well. THEREWASTHISGIRL made a delayed early move and got in third 3/16, moved uncovered 5/8 and pressured the leader, went to the stretch lead but couldn’t outkick a fresher horse. FREE FLYIN TICKET was three-wide early then two-wide to command 3/16, set a quick pace, tired, just holding third over NIMAH FRANCO N. The latter was outside but gapped, widest stretch and had better steps finishing. TRAFFIC JAM sat midpack, had no impact. THE LAST THREE couldn’t go with the hot pace.
SEVENTH RACE – DEE’S RED DELICIOUS quarter-moved to the lead past the 3/8, had to hustle home to withstand the closers. MYSTICAL WYNN was out to the quarter for the top, yielded for the pocket, kicked the plugs 11/16 and urged to stay close to the winner, gathered more speed in the Pocono Pike and didn’t miss by much. SORTIE came first-over at the 5/8, challenged, didn’t back off to the wire. MISTER BOINGA was second-over but not a major danger. BEERTHIRTY K went to the lead, yielded at the ¼, stayed in, boxed headstretch, but not that much with room late.
EIGHTH RACE – MILIEU HANOVER got a great trip second-over, wide late turn, came a fast last quarter to reach the wire first. PLZDONTLIETOME N was first-up at the half, speed-grinded, didn’t appear to ever have the lead but proceeded on sturdily. DRESDEN gradually worked her way to the front at the ¼, yielded for the two-hole, Pocono Pike, not quite enough. TALK SHOW CHICA stayed third-in, edged out in the stretch, finished mildly. NUTTINBUTHEBEST made two speed moves and set the pace, was under siege, very tired nearing the wire. THE STUNNING NUN N was never close. TALL POPPY N gapped at a couple of points, including when third-over. BEACH CRAZY broke just before the start.
NINTH RACE – SHECANDANCE N sat third-in, angled out late turn and wide for the stretch, finished strongly to be along just in time. FAST MACHINE went to the lead 3/16, then yielded for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, had the lead just past midstretch but couldn’t hold on to it at the wire. APRIL AVA made two speed moves and went at a good clip, held the lead until midstretch. SHEZAFREAKLIKEME came speed-grinding before the half, challenged hard, just a bit shy. DELISHKA N was well off the gate, best of the rest. PRAIRIE SWEETNESS never surfaced. FANCY AND FAST was behind SOME KINDA ANGEL, who was the first one outside before turn two, got cover but could never get tight on it.
TENTH RACE – DRAMA ACT left strongly between horses, yielded, retook in front of the stands and got a breather, then turned on the jets again and was clear the last 3/8. EASY TO PLEASE came first-up off the second turn, didn’t pose a big threat to the winner, tucked behind her on the far turn, all-out to retain second over MAJORCA N. The latter was third-over behind gapping cover, closed well late. WESTBEACH was the innermost leaver and pushed in the 26 opener, yielded, inside, to the Pocono Pike, next. SHES PUKKA N was three-wide most of a hot quarter, finally took the top, yielded, gradually unplugged from the 5/8. KATIE’S GIGI was four-wide going forward towards turn one before losing gait. CRAZY CUTE gapped second-over.
ELEVENTH RACE – MAJOR BATTLE got early position, uncovered 5/8, made a strong move midturn and swept past the leader into the stretch, drew away (although the pace was decelerating). NEED UR OPINION was between horses early and looped, finally made the top 3/8, couldn’t handle the winner but won second in a multi-horse photo. SLICK ARTIST stayed in, had room in the Pocono Pike and had some finishing pace. JUXTA COWGIRL moved out 11/16 behind dull cover, three-wide past midturn, moving well late. BETALADY was inside, gained the upper half of the stretch, may have been blocked approaching the wire. A CRAFTY LADY had some late pace from way back. ANOTHER BEACH DAY gapped, then moved outside but gapped some more. SHES A SASSY BEACH hummed away strongly to get the lead, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, came up empty at crunch time.
TWELFTH RACE – BELL FAMILY gradually worked his way to the lead before the 3/8, got a bit of a breather in the middle, then kept command the rest of the way. MAJOR SHOW was three-wide to the first turn, looping the winner and getting the lead, yielded to the 3/8 for the pocket, held second well. CANDY TRADER sat third, outside midturn, did OK in a quick last quarter. DILLINGER moved outside far turn while well off the top three, had late pace. PLAY THE ACE didn’t have enough response in the last ¼. THE REMAINING THREE got away in the back and never factored.
THIRTEENTH RACE – INDIGO ART was away well, yielded 3/16 for the pocket, on the move again before the half and used what used to be his “last quarter brush” in the third quarter to clear while going :26.3, withstood a resurgent MACHDAVID. The latter was out 3/16 before making the front, rated Q2 then picked it up dramatically but still didn’t hold out the favorite later backstretch, but stayed close and came back on late. CAPTIVATE HANOVER was forwardly-placed, got to the pocket at the half, was not shuffled in the lead change, left a slight gap on the turn, then angled wide nearing the stretch and finished well. I’VE GOT HOOTSPA stayed in, gained while for the last half of the stretch Buter kept looking down to make sure he had wheel clearance to come between horses. DEETZY found no hole early, was uncovered, covered, then uncovered again, held gamely. VIRGIN STORM gapped cover. THE REMAINING PAIR were near the back throughout.
Aug 4, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Warm; stretch tailwind at the start … FRAZZLEBERRY left well to take over early, then pushed a brusher the length of the frontstretch in a quick Q2 (with the wind) before yielding for the pocket, waited until the lane then moved out and worked on by. MY WISH CAME TRUE left, briefly tucked third 3/16, soon back out on a quarter move but had to work to clear before the second turn, continued on quickly, went a big mile while well ahead of the rest. BARRYWHITE HANOVER had the early pocket then sat third much of the rest of the way, tiring nearing the ¾. COXCOMB stayed in, evenly. MY BOY JACK spotted, moved at the half, tried to circle dull cover 11/16 but didn’t make much forward progress. BETTORS AUTHORITY started slowly and was always out of the main picture. JET ACE came uncovered off turn two, gained little before fading a lot. WESTERN WALTZ fell far back.
SECOND RACE – THE WALL pushed an opponent well past a hot opener before yielding for the pocket, content to sit behind the fast pace until approaching the stretch, then outside and finished strongly. ROGERTHAT BLUECHIP paced a stiff early price for getting the lead, continued on at a good clip, finished very well but beaten by the pocket rocket. STRAIGHT UP COOL started uncovered on turn two, got cover off that bend, gapped it then tightened behind it late backstretch, three-wide far turn, found better strides a little too late. STELLAR YANKEE went raw entering the backstretch, grinded, not a win factor but kept to task gamely. TONY TOO TALL sat third-in, Pocono Pike, evenly. FRISKIE ALL NIGHT looked at leaving but looked a bit rough and took back; he and THE OTHER PAIR were far removed late from the others.
THIRD RACE – UNDERTAKER took over 3/16 and rolled along, won nicely. PREMIER ROCKSTAR was third-over in a semiadvancing flow, four-wide late turn, had to steady upper stretch then regathered and passed a lot of horses late. AIN’T IT FUN stayed inside and gained a little late. LITTLEBITASWAGGER yielded for the pocket, eased out early stretch, lost a bit of ground. HUNDIE N gapped in quarter two, then moved uncovered and one-geared up, had to feather a little wide when the pocketsitter came out, OK. CONCUR stayed in, to the Pocono Pike and gained a bit late. ZOEES BOY HENRY was second-over, three-wide midturn, in tight quarters twice in the stretch (first from the outside, then from the inside), continued to pace steadily despite the road trouble. KILLER MARTINI was off the gate and always last.
FOURTH RACE – PURPLE POET was able to secure the pocket after the trouble past mid-first turn, waited, then outside to headstretch and paced his own last quarter in 27.1 to win with surprising ease. CURIOUS CORTEZ looked ready to surrender the lead and the inside when the outer foe broke and bothered another, so he set the pace, asked for more on the turn, could do nothing about the winner but stayed clear of the rest. PUZZLING stayed in, behind a gapper on the turn, beat that one out for the distant third. FRANCO TOTEM N spotted and avoided the early trouble, couldn’t keep up the last 3/16. WHAT’S GOIN ON moved out but went back in when the outer tiers clogged. PLAY THE FIELD was wide leaving, pushed very wide when a horse made a break before the 3/16, took back to fourth off the first turn, moved out raw 11/16 but had no more in the tank. STELLAR BB moved out 5/8 then got cover, went three-wide when that one went nowhere, but himself had little to offer. SADIQ HANOVER left well, was getting close to be clearing to the lead inside when equipment failed, made a break and was pulled up with the marshal aiding.
FIFTH RACE – GOOD DEAL backed out to third-over at the half, swung three-wide early on the far turn and gained through that bend, stayed game and won in a blanket finish. HIGH BALLER left, a mite steppy and tucked fourth, uncovered down the backstretch and advanced rapidly (27.1 vs. the wind) to make a big challenge on the leader, looked shaken off headstretch but went on with great courage. RIFLEMAN was second-over, gapped 5/8, then found more, was blindswitched then backed out behind the winner and was four-wide in the lane, finished well. BETTOR NOT TALK was between horses much of the ¼, went to the lead past that point, had pressure most of the last half mile, gave way only a little bit. COPPER TEEN was three-wide 3/16 before backing off to tuck third, inside, was behind a wall of horses late. CERTIFIABLE stayed in, then backed out to fourth-over, three-wide far turn, came between horses, clear midstretch and gained. ELLIOT MOOSE pushed the ¼ and yielded for the pocket, had a good trip but didn’t have much late. DONTPASSME HANOVER gapped at a couple of points, picked up some ground widest late.
SIXTH RACE – DANDY moved second-over, gapped early backstretch but drew tighter, three-wide late turn, showed his late kick and determination again in defeating older foes. ONE AFTER NINE was out most of the ¼ to get control, yielded it for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, steadily but outkicked. RED REDEMPTION pushed the ¼, yielded but was quick to retake, couldn’t sustain his advantage. NIGHT FLYER K was uncovered into turn two, moved quickly to battle the leader early in the backstretch, kept up the attack, held OK. WORTHY OF HONOR sat in, not keeping tight ¾. EPOS OSTERVANG DK stayed in when the outer tier formed, never made a move. BEABOB’S BOSS broke approaching the start, recovered to catch the field, went outside but didn’t factor.
SEVENTH RACE – PARK OFFICIAL was three-wide to the first turn, hit the front just past the ¼ but soon released the brusher, vacated the pocket 11/16 and steamed right by, very impressive. SHNITZLEDOSOMETHIN stayed on the rail, went to the Pocono Pike and had some late speed for the very distant second. BELLOWS BINGE pushed the winner early, yielded but immediately retook, left behind by the winner ¾ and fell back. IC A FREE SPIRIT sat in, gapped the loose pocketsitter on the turn, no factor. IDEAL COWBOY had traffic woes from last. WINNING IS SWEET went in fourth 3/16, came out 5/8 and would have had cover 11/16 if he could have reached it, left raw, very little. RAPTORS FLASH N was away last from the rail, outside, three-wide turn, didn’t gain.
EIGHTH RACE – CHATELROLL was uncovered at the half and in high gear quickly, went 26.3 the third split to battle the leader from the 5/8 all the way around the turn, after which he took the lead and drew off impressively. SHNITZLEDOSOMETHIN kept a hole closed early, got to the Pocono Pike and had late foot to catch NUTCRACKER SWEET for second. The latter was out to the ¼ to gain control but surrendered it quickly, outside behind the winner late turn, not quite enough for the deuce. PRAIRIE PANTHER left a big gap second-over, OK late. VETTEL N made two moves to control the pace, empty when called upon 3/16 out. ROCKIE GOT FRAMED was behind dull cover, inside, never prominent. JK MUSICMAN gapped at the back. CAVIART ROCKLAND was not a factor when breaking midturn.
NINTH RACE – ROLLINWITHAMBITION was four-wide to the first turn and three-wide to the 3/16, then two-wide to the lead 5/16, was under direct attack by three different horses at various points but held with great braveness. ROUGH ODDS followed the early backstretch sweeper wide, was left out three-wide 5/8 until past midturn, kept gaining in the lane in a dead-game performance of his own. BRAVO TEX N was away sharply from the rail and protected the pocket until late on the turn, won a photo over THE MOONSHADOW N for third. The latter took back early, sat in, got to the Pocono Pike, OK. CAVIART MAX was three-wide early then two-wide taking back much of the ¼, not long inside before again going two-wide, three-wide not far off turn two and challenged two-wide from the 5/8 to past midturn, then backed off. MAJOR DESIRE was not heard from. RICKYBOBBYNTHEHAUS was three-wide early and looped, lost cover 5/16 and went up to challenge but was left out in the breeze, looped 5/8 and gradually faded.
TENTH RACE – RUTHLESS HANOVER lived up to his name – three-wide to the first turn then two-wide to go up and wrest the lead, kept up a demanding tempo and equaled the 1:47.4 fastest mile of the local year. CASUAL COOL was the innermost of leavers, pushed the winner a ways before yielding, couldn’t keep up at the ¾ but held for second over J M MANDAMIN. The latter spotted early, went first-up (26.3 against the wind in Q3) without getting close to the winner, but kept to task doggedly. BEE TWO BEE passed laboring horses. HELLABALOU stayed close until mid-far turn. SOUTHWIND OZZI gapped in quarter two, was never a factor. THE OTHER TWO were well back.
ELEVENTH RACE – DICENTRA moved with cover on the second turn, gapped it, was left uncovered just past the 5/8, got inside just past the ¾, went to the Pocono Pike and won a blanket finish. AP HALL OF TRIX went right to the lead, resisted the backstretch brusher a bit then had him go by but stayed up on the bit, outside late turn, steadily to the wire to just miss. HALL IT OFF was on the move early on the second turn and made a big rush off the bend to challenge for the lead, worked by past the 5/8, but then just failed to maintain the advantage to the line. DAGON HANOVER backed out to the two-wide tier, gained in the slowing late tempo. MOON BRIDGE gapped much of the last half, then gained behind a wall of horses in the decelerating late tempo. UPFRONT STONE never factored. FASHION ON A STAR accepted the pocket past the 1/8, couldn’t keep pace from the 5/8.
TWELFTH RACE – MINDTRIP was three-wide past the 1/8 then two-wide to the lead 5/16, set the pace, drew clear early stretch, confidently handled to the wire. REGAL SON went a weird mile — he left, was looped, dangled outside midpack or further back, finally ducked in late backstretch, came up the rail and got the Pocono Pike when the pocketsitter moved out, paced steadily late. BROTHER JAMES moved out into a blindswitch later on the backstretch, cleared headstretch and had finishing pace. STAR MESSENGER shut a hole late first turn, moved uncovered at the half, challenged, fell back. UNICO LEGEND N was in front early, then yielded 5/16 for the pocket, outside for the drive but went backwards. KINGSTONS BAD BOY was always at or near the back. MAJOR BEAN was second-over, three-wide 11/16 but never got close.
THIRTEEN RACE – BIZYS BEATLE made the top, yielded for the pocket, used the Pocono Pike and drew away. A STUD NAMED SAM was last much of the way, moved out, three-wide midturn and four-wide headstretch, passed everyone else late. ROCK KING DEO went uncovered at the half, pressed the leader hard, a bit shy in the latter stages. IT’SGOODTOBEDAKING went up wide and crossed over to the lead 3/16, had pressure from the first-over, couldn’t last. OWEN was inside, had clearance when the pocketsitter went to the Pike, not too much. ARTACHE HANOVER sat in, found a sliver of room early stretch and gained then was shut off near the wire. YANKEE OSBORNE was three-wide leaving, looked like he jumped over the shadow of a light pole before the 1/8, recovered and was outside, got cover, three-wide late turn but no more left to give. ROSE EXPRESS backed out to third-over, gapped, was blindswitched far turn, then had no room late.
FOURTEENTH RACE – Wind had calmed … INDICTABLE HANOVER moved uncovered at the half, speed-grinded his last half in 55 and just beat out the railshooting REDBANK BLAZE A. The latter left strongly from the inside, yielded to a brusher to sit in the pocket, urged to stay close on the turn, to the Pocono Pike and raced very well but was just edged out. GUINNESS PANIC was out just before the ¼ and went to the lead, went his middle half in 54.4, was passed to both sides midstretch. SHANE ADAM retained the early pocket, stayed in, nowhere to go on the turn, outside in the stretch and gained some late. LYONS NIGHT HAWK was second-over but gapped out; THE OTHER TWO also did not feature late.
Aug 1, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – High 70s; intermittent stretch headwind … KASEVILLE made two speed moves, slowed the half, then remained in control the rest of the way. CHUCKY DE VIE was briefly three-wide early then went on two-wide to the lead at the ¼, yielded for the pocket, held second while not threatening the winner. DYLAN THE GREAT showed some early foot, moved out from third nearing the ¾, didn’t have enough late. CELEBRITY ROLEX slipped out to the ¾, evenly. ZLATAN stayed inside and got the last check. HOT SUMMER KNIGHT was stuck behind nonadvancing cover. PRIMO PADRE moved out into turn two, got an excess of cover and went back in, no factor. PREACHER MAN went uncovered down the back but didn’t make a dent.
SECOND RACE – TIN ROOF RAIDER A went to the lead 3/16, would not let a challenger go in fast fractions, drew off late. BIG BAD BILL moved out at the half, reached the parked horse 5/8 and soon afterwards went three-wide, was three-deep the rest of the way, steadily for the distant second. HEARTBEAT HILL took back to tuck fourth 3/16, sat in, blocked on the far turn, got access to the Pocono Pike and was making up ground late. CLASSY HILL pushed the winner early, yielded and kept the pocket closed, faded in the lane. MISSISSIPPI RABBIT slipped in third past the 1/8, came uncovered early trying to make the lead but was left out to dry, didn’t fade too badly. LEAVE AND ROLL gapped cover. THE OTHER DUO did not enter the main picture.
THIRD RACE – OLD MAGIC was briefly wide then went on to 3/16 command, yielded just past the 3/8 to sit in the two-hole, tightened in down the back, outside headstretch, trotted right on by late. PLANTER’S PUNCH was underway just as the winner was clearing, made the lead 3/8, opened a big lead off turn two then saw the others narrow in, couldn’t handle the late burst of the winner. MOMMAS A DIVA left and got a good forward spot, gapped far turn but still a clear third. CHEROKEE JOY moved outside, three-wide far turn as cover faltered, next in line. ANDOVER JESS tucked early, to the Pocono Pike but couldn’t summon much. EXCUSE MY BEAUTY moved out 5/8 but didn’t gain much before flattening. DON’T CRY DENA lost contact in the third quarter. FAWN DE DON’T broke past the start.
FOURTH RACE – FULSOME made the lead 3/16, had a parked foe just outside him from the 3/8 on, finally got rid of that pesky one and withstood pocketsitting STORMY BEACH. The latter went to the lead to the first turn then yielded for the pocket and stayed close the rest of the way. FRANK DEFORD was outside with cover to the ¼, then was out without cover, pressed the leader from the 3/8, held remarkably well. RIPPLESONTHEBEACH joined the two-wide tier on the first turn, fell back in the lane. AMAZON angled into the 3-hole past the 1/8, inside, was going to the Pocono Pike but broke, quickly caught on, placed behind the two lapped-on horses for a violation of the breaking rules. WIN PLACE’N SHOW wound up seventh early, gapped cover third-over. LATEST ATTRACTION did not enter contention. ALL CHEDDAR started slowly and was already disconnected by the 3/8.
FIFTH RACE – AVA MARIE moved uncovered 5/8 and gradually gained, proved the best in the stretch. TIPSY MONI was three-wide into the first turn, two-wide to the lead 3/16, slowed quarter two, still couldn’t ward off the winner. KEYSTONE SWEETPEA got the front into turn one then yielded 3/16, sat in the two-hole, Pocono Pike, evenly. SWEET TACTICS came outside at the half, reached the cover of the winner, didn’t have much to offer late. HALEY HILL was out with cover early, tucked third after a foe broke 3/16, not too much late. GUIDING STAR was going evenly when making a break nearing the wire. LOHAN’S LINDY was sitting third when going offstride 3/16, to the inside to get out of the way.
SIXTH RACE — A horse fell going to the first turn, losing his driver and causing another horse to do the same; the race was declared no contest. Both loose horses were caught and walked off under their own power.
SEVENTH RACE – SNOWMAN HANOVER moved outside late backstretch, left raw midturn, outfooted F SCOTT’S MUSE in the war of attrition. The latter went into the pocket 3/16, saw the two horses in front of him midturn make a break and go to either side, held second. FULL SCALE looked a bit green but at least stayed flat. TACTICAL FLAME broke before the ¼, caught the back of the field but then fell well back; was not placed after an inquiry. BULLSEYE HANOVER showed good early step for the top, set a slow pace, was passed just past the ¾ and made a break, going to the infield. KINGPIN HANOVER sat third, outside past the 5/8 and swept right by near the ¾, had a couple of lengths when making a break past midturn and going wide. PRAIRIE FAMOUS broke w-a-y before the start.
EIGHTH RACE – ONION GUM was looped leaving, methodically made his way to the lead 3/8, opened up a big lead before the ¾ and won all by himself. HOW DOO YOO GOO was third-over behind very dull cover, got into a better gear when that one finally tucked back inside, wide off the turn and well belatedly for second. FOX HOLE was forwardly-placed, boxed as the winner got away, to the Pocono Pike and had some finishing kick. CIVIL UNION was uncovered into the second turn, never headed the pocket horse until that one tired far turn. WARRAWEE YIMA got the last check. KNUT PALEMA was three-wide to the 1/8 then behind cover until tucking near the ¼, pulled second-over at the half but had nothing and went back in down the back. ANDOVERTHEWINNER went on to the top before the 3/16, yielded to the winner, gradually unplugged from just before the 5/8. PRAIRIE NUGGET showed very little.
NINTH RACE – NEWBIE was on the move early, was able to quickly work up to second-over and then the three-hole as the pocketsitter faded, inside in the stretch and paced away. DARK HORSE left well, tucked third at the 3/16, moved out going to the 5/8 and was able to tuck back into the pocket, outside late turn, good mile for second. REYS N A RUCKUS made the front 3/16 and put on a speed show, couldn’t quite carry it to the wire. LUZIANA stayed in, was shuffled then got out only to retuck in front of the fader, evenly along the inside late. HOPETOBEFIRST joined the outer tier, left uncovered at a distance before mid-far turn, OK. BEVANS CULLEN N stayed in, gained as the pace slowed late. TOWNLINE FLIGHT folded badly. SKYWAY BILLY pushed most of a good opening quarter before yielding, unplugged from the pocket from the half.
TENTH RACE – MISSION VOYAGE used the rail to maximum advantage and set wind-appropriate fractions, much the best. MEADOWBRANCH RICKY had to come a long way uncovered, wrested second late from BEYOND ORDINARY. The latter took the pocket, didn’t stay tight on the winner ¾, just missed for second. CREDIT CON went evenly inside. SMART AS HILL got the final payday. SVF CASH DEPOSIT came up second-over but gapped on the turn. NICE STUFF tucked fourth past the 1/8, started gapping off the second turn. PAPI HANOVER never featured.
ELEVENTH RACE – CAPTAIN’S STAR made the lead at the 1/8, looked in charge throughout. ONE EYED WANDA made the lead briefly then yielded, sat in the two-hole, couldn’t stay tight the last ¼ but held off the rest. I FORBID YOU came uncovered past the half, went up and got to the flank of the winner, but was tired in the stretch. PRINCESS DAYNA was way back with stragglers 5/8, made up good ground. PJS FANCY DANCER never factored. LADY ELECTRA started outside towards turn two, got cover, gapped it ¾. MADELYNN SOPHIA was always far back. LET ME BE ME gapped throughout.
TWELFTH RACE – QUICK BET got to the top in good order, really slowed the half, then remained in control of the situation. CHAMPAGNE HANOVER backed out to second-over 5/8, three-wide midturn, made up good ground. STORYBOOK FEELING closed a gap after the first turn breaker, inside, to the Pocono Pike and just missed second. SOUTHERN AUTUMN left and yielded for the pocket, couldn’t keep up the last ¼. RHEIA ROSE was three-wide early, got a tuck when a foe broke, not a factor afterwards. QUINNPATRICKSHEA came uncovered on the second turn, didn’t reach the leader before giving way. YOU’RE DEAD TO ME was third to the 3/16 when breaking. COOL MISS WENDY was near the back of the pack, returned with “b.e.”
THIRTEENTH RACE – DRAGON ROARS AGAIN roared four-wide to the first turn to the lead 3/16, yielded 5/16 but quick on the retake, went a fast third quarter to open some distance, then had enough to the last to the line. A STUD NAMED SAM was forwardly-placed, outside stretch and was making up ground on the winner. FROMASHESTOASHES N was three-wide and looped to the 1/8, soon two-wide and worked on to the top 5/16, yielded to sit in the two-hole, couldn’t stay tight but didn’t fade badly. MCNEIL Z TAM sat in, angled out early stretch and gained. SEE YA WRITE N was third-over behind bad cover, finally could swing wide far turn, made up some ground. BASS PLAYER was too far back. BELIEVEINTHESPIRIT moved out raw soon after the retake and was first-over, couldn’t gain not much past the 5/16. BARNABAS was second-over, moved three-wide but went backwards.
FOURTEENTH RACE – THE LAST CHAPTER left and was three-wide, backed off to third at the 1/8, came out raw ¾ and advanced to challenge, proved the strongest from midstretch. GRAPPLE HANOVER had to work to clear the pole horse to the 3/16, slowed the half then accelerated, not enough at the end but well ahead of the rest. LIVING PROOF I AM went away strongly, yielded to sit in the two-hole, a bit loose from down the back, then faded the last 1/8, still third. KEEGAN HO went evenly. JUSTIFY passed WHAT A DAME for the last check. SPRING IN PARIS trailed throughout.
