Jun 18, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – 80 degrees; stretch tailwind … ARTACHE HANOVER left alertly for command, kept up a torrid pace without great pressure, in control to the line although DARTH FADER gained some late. The latter was hustled away to maintain the pocket and stayed tight behind the fast numbers, outside headstretch, gained only after the winner was gone. GO SUE ME left but was looped and tucked third 3/16, stayed close until mid-far turn, just did preserve third over AIN’T IT FUN. The latter retucked around a backstretch gapper, moved out two- and three-wide with cover far turn and then four-wide for the stretch, closed OK. WHATA TREASURE was second-over, three-wide midturn, never menaced. ROCK IDOL gapped throughout. SPORTSMANSHIP started uncovered at the half, almost got to the winner’s wheel nearing the ¾, then dropped back in the last stanza.
SECOND RACE – SPIT AND VINEGAR circled right up to the lead, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, stayed behind the pacesetter until midstretch, then came out and just had enough on the rail end of it to nip TUIS SHADOW. The latter defended the pocket then moved out 5/16 to take over 3/8, set the pace with some far turn pressure, shook that off, held gamely but came up shy in the picture. SCIROCCO PATRICK was second-over, gapped a bit, just caught BILLY RAY HANOVER for third. The latter started uncovered just before the ½, gradually advanced and fought with the leader on the far turn, gave some ground grudgingly. FRAC was looped, tucked in third at the ¼, gapped down the back. WILLIAM STAR was always at the rear of the main group. PONDA’S MUSCLE MAN broke 3/16.
THIRD RACE – DARK HORSE was three-wide briefly early but took back and was well-placed behind the breakneck duel, moved with cover into the backstretch and then three-wide to the 5/8, swept right to the lead late backstretch and drew away. SOMWHERENBROOKLN N was in between horses for 3/8 of a mile in a very rapid tempo before making the lead, could do nothing about the winner’s move, actually had pretty well after all the early hardship. ART ALLSTAR left very strongly from the pole and kept challengers three-deep until the 3/8, thereafter yielded and sat the pocket, distant third. CODE MEISTER was away slowly, passed tired horses. BAKLOUVA could offer very little. CHANCELLORCULLEN N was out in the three-path 11/16, to two-wide and then to the rail, little late. REYS N A RUCKUS was left out three-wide past the 3/8 in thunderous fractions, then two-wide raw, was understandably left behind past the 5/8.
FOURTH RACE – BY THE BOOK was out to the fast ¼ then took the pocket, stayed third-in before the 5/8, moved outside midturn and stacked wide, just up for The Trot Man. CLASSIC HILL was three-wide to the first turn, tucked, wound up in fourth from which he came raw 5/8, grinded up to the leader, took over into the stretch, just failed to sustain. MATS PALEMA moved second-over, steadily and not far off. THE BOSS MAN was innermost of the leavers, forced tucks then yielded 3/8 for the two-hole, shuffled when the pacesetter gave way late far turn, not too much once free. PATRICK PALEMA had cover to the ¼, then went up to take over the racetrack just past the 3/8, had hard pressure on the turn and succumbed. MOJAVE HANOVER gapped at the back. CHELIOS broke at the start, caught the field but didn’t enter contention. CHROME PACKAGE moved outside but never gained.
FIFTH RACE –MG’S BEST ERA EVA made early on the turn two and got cover at the half, moved three-wide far turn and showed sharp pace but bore out badly near headstretch, regathered and marched home strongly. CLEAR THE WAY raced on to command 3/16, rated the half, had to settle for second. LIZZIANA went in fourth to turn one, uncovered at the half and kept to a steady grind to the finish. JAGGED LITTLE PILL left, yielded 3/16 for the pocket, couldn’t mount a stretch offensive. CHANCES ARE IDEAL broke just past the start, recovered and was third-over, pretty good in recovery. KILEE ROCKS was inside, evenly late. SWEET GADGETS was gapping inside by the 9/16. TEEN DREAM was always near the back.
SIXTH RACE – ZAPPA was away enough to maintain the pocket, waited for the Pocono Pike then had an immediate response when shown open racetrack, not too much speed late but enough for this crew. MONI’S HEAVEN CENT got in third 3/16, was again on the move uncovered 5/8, gradually advanced, never had the lead but stayed going forward to the wire. TSM PRINCE TRISTAN was uncovered at the half then picked up cover, so-so in the slowing last fraction. U BAKE THE CAKE put up a rapid quarter setting the pace, came under advancing pressure from before the ¾, not enough to the wire. ANOTHER LONG SONG was third-over, three-wide late turn, OK late. ROJO MAN was gapping at the half, caught up and was three-wide early on the turn then picked up cover, gained while widest of all late. WINE BAR was never a major presence. IT IS WELL was gapping 3/8, fell way back, returned with “b.e.”
SEVENTH RACE – MATTER OF TRUST was quickly in front, yielded in front of the stands for the pocket, stayed there until early stretch, then moved out and just caught A PERFECT HELEN very late. The latter wavered whether to tuck third past the 1/8, did so 3/16 then decided to move to the top off the first turn, lead 3/8, had the advantage most of the way in pretty quick fractions, but just failed to sustain her lead. CARAMEL MACCHIATO was second-over, ducked in far turn, a clear third. HEART MATTERS gapped midbackstretch then got closer, wide and made up a lot of ground in the last 1/16. SOUTHERN AUTUMN maintained the early pocket, raced forwardly-placed, gapped early on the far turn. RHEIA ROSE didn’t enter the picture. QUICK BET moved raw off turn two, came up in 28 to get near the lead, but that drained her energy. COOL MISS WENDY got a slow start and was disconnected the last half.
EIGHTH RACE — TSM BATMAN yielded later on the first turn for the pocket, stayed tight, came out early stretch, paced away with a 27.3 last quarter, and wasn’t that easy to pull up – not what you’d expected from a $99.40 winner. LENDA HAND MAN got a forward spot, gapped slightly from past midbackstretch through the turn, then was better inside and up for second. DROPTHERAKEFREDDY was parked much of turn one for the lead, got a soft second quarter and then not much of a third split, still didn’t have enough. IVY STUD was uncovered going to the half, made progress into the backstretch wind, then couldn’t sustain it. PLAY THE ACE was third-over, a bit late to get the last check. WARRAWEE EXTREME was uncovered to turn two then got cover at the half, slightly off of it down the back, three-wide approaching headstretch, not too much. BOOGIEWOOGIEBEAVIS never surfaced. MELANIE’S NICK jumped before the start.
NINTH RACE – TEDDY BROSEVELT tried the front end this week and liked it – on top at the 1/8, he put down a wicked quarter and half, was clear through the last ¼ then slowing a bit. MATT’S MUSCLES briefly checked behind the breakers towards the 11/16 then went between them, continued up uncovered, along for second. J-S JASPER yielded at the 1/8 and wasn’t able to stay tight the rest of the way. SUNDANCEDIAMOND avoided trouble. CHOCO CHARLIE had just moved outside 5/8 when cover broke in front of him, sending him into an “ix.” GOES DOWN SMOOTH tucked, out raw to the 5/8 but soon offstride.
TENTH RACE – TACHYON didn’t leave but was on the move 3/16 and made the top before the 3/8, fought off third quarter pressure and drew clear. BEYOND THE LENS left, wound up third-in behind a gapping pocket horse, moved outside late turn with room, closed strongly. THERESNOLIMIT S was uncovered at the half, gave the winner a good fight while trotting his third split in 27.3 into the wind, couldn’t hold second late. BY A HOFF HANOVER made the lead just past the 1/8, yielded, was not tight in the pocket from early backstretch, evenly late. MUSCLE DYNASTY got the last check. AMBERS CHAMPION wasn’t in contention. PADRE was second-over, started gapping 11/16 and was fading when breaking to headstretch. PHANNYS MATTER broke early, caught the field then gapped and broke again.
ELEVENTH RACE – COVENANT WOMAN got a fine trip staying tight second-over, three-wide to headstretch, closed steadily and caught IMAREALROCKINLADY late. The latter went right to the top in a 26.1 starting fraction, set a fast pace with only two horses keeping up, drew off from the first-over but couldn’t hold off the late charger. IRISH SONG started uncovered into turn two, made a good advance down the backstretch and held her ground well late. TARGARYEN EMPRESS shut a hole before the 3/16 and soon wound up inheriting the pocket, from which she was slightly loose of the leader much of the rest of the way. BETTOR STRAIT N UP was left outside early, got in third just off the first turn, gapped down the back. RAINBOW RISING, a bit off the gate, gapped at the back; HELLRUNNER HANOVER gapped before breaking on the turn. MADELYNN SOPHIA made the pocket, appeared to be moving a little wide towards the ¼ then made a break, recovered and was taken back to last, made another break.
TWELFTH RACE – SORTIE was underway from third before the ¼ and quickly made the lead, went a fast second quarter with the wind, looked to be in control the last half. KEYSTONE THUNDER was way sharply to the top, yielded for the pocket, stayed tight, Pocono Pike, won a photo for second over KEYSTONE SERGEANT. The latter was looped early and went into the two-hole at the 1/8, came back out just past the 5/8, didn’t reach the winner but fought hard for the place to the line. O JONNIE went around a gapper then stayed in, fair late. ZSA ZSA DABOR was uncovered 9/16 and got cover just after the 5/8, tight on it and looked up on the bit through the turn, but put in rough steps and looked to bolt wide headstretch, losing all chance. CRITICAL MASS gapped in the second half. JUSTIFY broke near the back at the half. CHOCOLATE MATTERS was already disconnected by the half.
THIRTEENTH RACE – WOLFTRAX sat third-in, moved outside headstretch then came between horses as the pacesetter bore out and finished briskly to take the photo from MIKI MINAJ. The latter was way nicely to 1/8 command, yielded and sat the two-hole, Pocono Pike, had the lead midstretch but was just caught on the end of it. DINNER PARTY made two speed moves, left the outer tiers behind coming off the turn but bore out in the stretch and was caught. PROSPECTORS GOLD, showing no quickstep, was out most of the ¼ before tucking, third-over then three-wide 11/16 but never got up a good head of steam. FRAZZLEBERRY went around a gapper, was buried inside on the turn, but then had little once clear. CAPTAIN COOK was second-over, blindswitched before the ¾, little late. MCDREAMER was raw into the second bend, gained a little down the back but then backed off. CAPTAIN EMOTION was gapping by the half, fell far back.
Jun 18, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Mid 70s; late rain forced the change from “fast +0” to “good +1” for the last three changes … Stretch headwind … DC BATGIRL was looped leaving and made the front at the ¼, got a breather at the half, then demonstrated her superiority by coming home in 55 without threat. BRONZE OVER N was three-wide to the lead at the 1/8, yielded for the pocket, stayed close to the stretch, clearly second-best. DELIGHTFUL SUMMER was out for position, stayed in, did what she could as a safe third. CHEEKIE BABE sat in, struggled to keep semi-close the last half. PRAY THE ROSARY had dull cover second-over, three-wide midturn, got the last payday. DRAGON SPARKS never sparked. DONEGALARTCHOKIN N was wide early and took back into her own hole, went uncovered on turn two, never advanced beyond midpack then backed off some. DIRTYLITTLELIES was always last.
SECOND RACE – KAUAI KING landed on top at the 1/8, yielded to the favorite to sit the pocket, outside early stretch and “slowly but surely” (he paced his last quarter in 27.3) wore down the leader. JOHNNY ROCKETTE was away second then improved that position by one past the quarter and got a breather to the half, reignited the speed without backstretch pressure, held well but couldn’t keep the winner from going by. TOLLY-HO was uncovered from next-to-last and impressively made a steady gain to the lane, held on to third (own last half 54.4 raw). PARKLANE TERROR sat in, outside stretch and gained a little. BLACKLIGHT sat third-in, not much in the latter stages. PETER DALT was wide early and was under a hold to take a tuck, no factor thereafter. KEYSTONE STEAM gapped inside; LOVE THE ACTION gapped outside.
THIRD RACE – MAJOR DESIRE took some sting out of an early challenger before yielding, content to sit in the two-hole, outside past midturn, proved the best of these. SHOREVIEW was forwardly-placed, to the Pocono Pike, did well but had to settle for second. MY WISH CAME TRUE started raw on turn two, didn’t get close in the fast third quarter, got some cover past midturn, steadily. CONCUR was stuck inside, had some pace along the inside late. IDEAL WHEEL was three-wide to the first turn then on top 3/16 in a fast fraction, rated the half then went a big third quarter, but couldn’t maintain his advantage. PLAY THE FIELD was a bit hard to take back, then second-over, wide stretch, couldn’t get closer.
FOURTH RACE – TSM WESTERN SOUL was quickly on top, slowed the half, sprinted with the wind down the back to avoid the inevitable confrontation with FAST MACHINE to the ¾, then held that one at bay gamely to the wire. The latter was uncovered in turn two, one-geared up in the fast backstretch, reached the leader ¾, fought with that one the rest of the way, good but just shy. CAVIART CARMEL sat in the two-hole, a bit loose in the quick third panel then closer, Pocono Pike, OK. CATIE FAYE HANOVER advanced inside, not tight on the top few, then had better pace from midstretch. SOME KINDA ANGEL had good cover second-over but couldn’t quite go enough. BYGONE HANOVER moved out, was briefly three-wide on the second turn then settled to third-over at the half, didn’t make an impact. THE LAST TWO gapped through the last half.
FIFTH RACE – LADY WARRIOR went right to the top, yielded to the early brusher and stayed behind her in the quick pace, Pocono Pike, made it a bit of heavy work going by the leader in a 29.3 last quarter, but did get the job done. IN LOU OF MONEY was on the move from third before the quarter and took over, continued on quickly, paid the price midstretch although hanging on gamely. LOVELY LADY MAY was gapping at the ¼ but was tighter by the ½, uncovered without reaching the leaders, in third ¾, evenly late. TSM ARTEMIS T had nonflowing cover, lost it, never got close. RELLA TIVITY struggled in the last half. GODIVA MACKIAVELYC made the pocket 3/16, gapped out the last 3/8.
SIXTH RACE – BIGLY wound up second after an early breaker and moved at the ¼ to the lead, slowed quarter two, opened a big lead ¾ which he held to midstretch, then saw the margin shrinking late but withstood CRAZY SUPERSPORT. The latter was uncovered on turn two, got to retuck third after a breaker, then outside and got to tuck in a distant pocket, advanced through the wire to make it interesting late. DOUBLE VODKA DON gapped early, moved outside 11/16, passed a tired horse. GINGER TREE BRAD left and had the lead going to turn one when going offstride, caught field, inside far turn, made another break headstretch, recovered with some Pocono Pike trot; an inquiry gave no reason for placing. MR CRIMSON was wide leaving, went to the top after a rival broke, yielded for the pocket, empty at the ¾. BAR COINS was behind dull cover, broke ¾ while appearing to be in tight quarters. OH BOY was away third, was asked for speed nearing the half but instead galloped.
SEVENTH RACE – DRESDEN took a tuck at the 1/8, waited in third until the 11/16 then moved outside, went right up to battle the leader, showed her quality late. ALWAYS B LAUGHIN was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide most of the ¼ for the lead, didn’t get pressure until nearing the ¾, just couldn’t handle the winner today. WHO’S SMOKIN N was innermost of the leavers, got one to tuck and pushed the other to almost the quarter before taking the pocket, a bit loose midbackstretch, held OK. FANCY AND FAST couldn’t keep up inside at the ¾; SHADOW ONE was outside her and had the same problem. THE REMAINING THREE never were in the main hunt.
EIGHTH RACE – ANDOVERTHEWINNINGS refused a yawning three-hole first turn and went on to secure the lead 3/8, was having a hard time with the first-over around the turn and into the stretch but then saw that one break midstretch, just held against the inside charger MRMAYOR HANOVER. The latter was second-over, couldn’t quite stay with his cover as that one fought with the leader, ducked inside for the stretch and surged late to just miss (he was ahead a couple of steps past the wire). CAPRICIOUS ONE left a big gap early, narrowed in, uncovered 5/8, had the lead a good part of the turn, was fighting with the pacesetter when breaking headstretch, galloped home; an inquiry showed no rule violation leading to a placing. SOUTHWIND CAINE gapped in last ¾, advanced inside early on the turn then had to wait to clear in the Pocono Pike, trotted well late. MR ZUANETTI moved out but couldn’t go with cover. BIG BEN HANOVER left, yielded and was well off the leader early, stayed in, gapping again by the half. COCKTAIL FASHION went to the top and opened a big early lead, yielded 3/8 and sat the two-hole, kept close until the big fight on the turn, started to fade then broke and went to the centerfield.
NINTH RACE – EMBLAZE HANOVER had cover almost to the ¼, went on to command just past the 5/16, went quickly down the back, had the pocketsitter pop out to the ¾, but handled him and the others nicely. CAPTAIN KEEN left well, yielded at the ¼, third-in tight, got to the pocket ¾, Pocono Pike, won the battle for second. TRAY SURREAL was out most of a quick opener to take over, yielded for the pocket, came outside to the ¾ but never got to the winner, then lost place late. ALWAYS BETTER gapped much of the first half inside, then gapped outside, but still was best of the rest. THANOS made a brief ruffle before the start but quickly caught back, inside, evenly late. MOVE THE LINE was out raw off turn two but never got close, never got close to cover when it formed, ducked in far turn, faded. THE OTHER PAIR gapped at the back.
TENTH RACE – DOUBLE DECEIVER was content to wait fourth until nearing the 5/8, then went his third quarter in 27 (not much wind) to challenge, had a short lead at times on the turn, couldn’t put away the pacesetter until deep stretch but did so determinedly. KOSHER MAHONEY soon made the front, had the pace his way until nearing the 5/8 when the winner came, fought long and hard with that one, weakening a little only very late in a quality mile. DUCASSE stayed in, outside early stretch and closed for third. THAT OLE BAR STOOL tucked in the pocket, was found wanting in the last 1/8. PAROLA HANOVER gapped second-over. OUTSIDE THE FIRE was outside the main picture here. TORRONE was gapping off turn two. MISSILE was well back when miscuing ¾.
ELEVENTH RACE – GEORGIE MARTIN N came out of fourth at the ¼ and went 27 in Q2 to get the lead then 27.1 to open a big advantage, saw the lead shrinking rapidly near the end (30.1 last quarter) but had enough to prevail. ANNE BONNEY N moved with cover past the 5/8, wide off the far turn, narrowed in best as the pace slowed. CHIPPER DAISY came out raw 5/8 and paced steadily after chasing the hot fractions. SUNRISE HANOVER had the pocket as there was only one leaver, in, shuffled from late backstretch to the Pocono Pike, made up a little ground. JERICHO DIVA stacked widest off cover and narrowed in. GREENHILL HANOVER sat in, no room with horse through the lane, shut off just before the wire. CASIE’S BELIEVER was last, weaved between horses in the lane as the winner was coming back to the field. QUEEN LOSTRIS N was the only leaver and made the top, pushed the winner to a fast half then soon thereafter unplugged gradually.
TWELFTH RACE – Rain before this race, changing the track to “good +1” the rest of the way … DANDY moved uncovered towards turn two, got cover 5/8 and gapped slightly in the fast third split, closer and three-wide headstretch, showed his usual grit and got by S I P. The latter was forwardly-placed, moved 5/8 and went up in 27.1 raw, challenged, took over early stretch and kept the advantage almost to the wire. POUR MEA DOUBLE found a 4-tuck at the 1/8, was caught in from past the 5/8, out in a blindswitch headstretch, first probed going inside S I P but found no room so angled between the 1-2 horses late and exploded with trot. FAMOUS FATHER went into the pocket at the 1/8, Pocono Pike stretch, a couple of steps shy. FIFTYFOUR K was last in the main pack, widest in the lane and finished well. DONZEL HANOVER was quick to establish command, got a rest to the half, was challenged hard late backstretch through the turn, didn’t lose by all that much. DRIBBLING BI was third-over, so-so late. NICE GUY EDDIE made a break 3/16 while appearing to be in tight quarters.
THIRTEENTH RACE – TALL POPPY N came through at the start to exert control from the pole, slowed the half then sprinted home in 55 – 27.2, under a hold nearing the wire. TRAFFIC JAM stayed in, got right to the Pocono Pike, came her own last quarter in 26.4 in passing the two right in front of her. PRAIRIE WESTERNGAL was ahead of the winner early but couldn’t clear her so took back for the pocket, loose from the 5/8, pacing OK late. SHECANDANCE N moved out from third midturn but didn’t gain. YES DOUBLE DOWN was gapping in last when making a break far turn.
FOURTEENTH RACE – WESTERN TYRANT held a loose pocket closed until nearing the ¼, sat third until moving raw at the half, in speed-grind mode the third quarter and got the lead headstretch, enough to retain the advantage to the wire. DO WORK SON was second-over, three-wide, kept coming and was good to grab second over INDICTABLE HANOVER. The latter was looped, pressed on to get in the pocket before the ¼, shuffled mid-far turn as the leader tired, out into a blindswitch then shifted inside, to second towards midstretch but just outkicked for place. ROCK THREE TIMES was last, five-wide in the lane and good. DECLAN SEELSTER was fourth-over, three-wide at the ¾, four-wide nearing the stretch, OK. MUSCLE MACH A was third-over, blindswitched, not that much late. AWESOMENESS was gapping inside much of the last half. HE’S ELECTRIC bolted away to a three-length lead at the 1/8, continued on a roll, had no more left to give in the last 1/8.
Jun 16, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Mid 70s; stretch headwind … ROUGH ODDS looked to leave but took back, moved at the ¼ with the favorite outside and brushed to the lead 3/8, saw the chalk move up to stalk him, but maintained a safe margin late. KILLER MARTINI moved three-wide behind the parked horse, had great second-over cover, three-wide into the stretch, just second in the shadow of the wire. BROTHER JAMES had a four-wide wall in front of him into turn one, waited with cover and then they all tucked, so he was left raw most of the mile, gradually moved up, held with great gameness, still second two steps from the wire. LITTLEBITASWAGGER took advantage of the rail to seat a host of early challengers, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, had his chance in the Pocono Pike but came up a bit shy. ROLLINWITHAMBITION was four-wide leaving, took back and got inside at the ¼, gapped a bit down the back, out in a blindswitch on the turn, eased wide early stretch, not quite enough. BOBBY K HILL left but took back, then was caught in, not much late. HOPETOBEFIRST had excess cover, three- and four-wide on the far turn, couldn’t reach. SEAL O’NEILL didn’t keep up third-over.
SECOND RACE – HURRIKANE EMPEROR, after the speed show last week, yielded 3/16 and sat nicely in the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and was full of late pace. DOUBLE METAL backed out ¾, gapped a bit on the turn, better in the stretch to just nose PAT MCGARRY A for the deuce. The latter was on top 3/16, cut a wind-sensible pace, shook off a far turn challenger, but then did not have enough late. CERTIFIABLE was four-wide early, took back to last, behind a gapper ¾, around him on the turn, ducked inside in the lane and finished strongly – the race was better than the line may suggest. CLOSING STATEMENT moved uncovered 5/8, advanced to battle on the turn, fell back. CAVIART ROCKLAND needed until the ¼ to tuck midpack, gapped down the back, not a major danger. HORSE was always far back. MACH WEST was uncovered 3/8 but did not get close.
THIRD RACE – STORM IS RAGING drifted out to a 3-tuck 3/16, moved not long off the first turn to the lead approaching the second curve, went on quickly and drew away from these. QUEEN OF ALL came through at the start and went by near the 1/8, pushed the winner a little then settled for the pocket, stayed close most of the way, fought to save second over PRACTICAL CAT. The latter moved uncovered 5/8 and gradually progressed, held well though just short of the deuce. ONE AFTER NINE gapped cover down the back, then had some late trot. RED REDEMPTION was first to show, yielded, third-in, gapped 5/8. SPREE was not prominent. TRAIN was fourth-in, didn’t keep up from the 11/16.
FOURTH RACE – CAVIART MAX moved into turn two, brushed in 26.2 down the back to clear 11/16 and left these far behind. INDIGO ART was last-over, three-wide with then four-wide without cover late turn, steadily for the distant deuce. PUZZLING sat in then backed out to follow cover at the half but gapped it, kept going at one good gear and almost second. GO WEST GO FAST was very wide leaving and three-wide to the 1/8, got the top just after a fast ¼, yielded to the retaker, backed out 5/8 when the pocketsitter faltered and was soon left raw, battled the rest hard and was still second nearing deep stretch. SADIQ HANOVER was outside, blindswitched, not enough late kick for a major minor award. DRAGON STRIKES left and yielded, gapped inside. ROGERTHAT BLUECHIP made two speed moves, was challenged by the winner down the back and faded once passed 11/16. CLASSIFIEDMATERIAL dropped far back.
FIFTH RACE – SEXY BLUE CHIP went right to the lead, set the pace as he wanted including a 27 third quarter to leave these behind, won as he pleased. BARRYWHITE HANOVER settled for third early past the 1/8, uncovered 11/16, did well for second. COXCOMB was away enough to defend the pocket, under a hold early, started going loose in the pocket before the 5/8. OCTAVE gapped inside. THE LAST TWO remained the last two throughout.
SIXTH RACE – DAAMERICANSKY took the lead at the 1/8, was clear almost all the way, saw PREMIER ROCKSTAR coming late but the driver handled the winner as if comfortable that he would last. The latter went into third at the 1/8, moved out 9/16 to go around the gapping two-holer and did so past the 5/8, steadily made up ground in the last quarter in a good showing but had to settle for place. OWEN didn’t have good cover and was three-wide from the 11/16 onward, clearly next. DREAM OF LUCK was shuffled some behind the tired horse, out in a blindswitch on the turn then back inside, got past tired foes. WELL DONE SON moved behind cover then was left raw past the 5/8, inside far turn, little left late. AMERICA’S GUEST was always far back. PIRATES ALLEY went through at the start, yielded at the 1/8 and soon had trouble staying with the leader, faded very badly.
SEVENTH RACE – CHING CHING LUCKY started raw towards turn two, got cover at the half, was blindswitched then backed out to three-wide with cover, widest in the lane, gained as the pace slowed and was just up on the money. THE IRISHMAN set the pace with two moves, just missed lasting. CREDIT CON was three-wide 3/16 to the lead, yielded for the pocket, had a chance upon the Pocono Pike but couldn’t quite make it. NEWSBOY sat in, then backed out in a blindswitch, ducked in headstretch and finished alertly after the traffic difficulty. TRICKY DICK gapped trying to tail the first sweeper. WHAT A DAME was third-over, out three-wide 5/8 and was left out there the duration, faded. BRIGITTE BI was inside, not that much late. CAPITAL T STORM was uncovered past the half, battled the leader, but was done on the far turn.
EIGHTH RACE – ANap tactical repeat … RIFLEMAN was third-over, was blindswitched then backed out behind the wide cover, four-wide headstretch, powered by. STRETCH THE LINE sat in, wound up third-inside, got a clear early path deep in the Pocono Pike and gained, momentarily had the lead, outkicked but still a good second. BEACH FORECAST was far back, three-wide before the ¾ through the turn, tried hard to the line. IMOUTTHEDOOR had a short lead early but couldn’t clear and went to the pocket near the ¼, got a good trip, into the Pike but didn’t gain. TERRY A HANOVER kept foes three-wide to a fast quarter while insisting on setting the pace, couldn’t quite make the lead hold up. TUGGIN ON MY HEART was off the gate, in a tough spot. SOME DEAL HANOVER was three-wide to the fast opener then took back to third, out uncovered towards turn two, put in a good challenge but couldn’t sustain in the last 1/8. CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN tucked, came out into turn two and got cover, was blindswitched, didn’t have much late.
NINTH RACE – MACMORRIS HANOVER was looped, refused a 3-tuck and was left out past the 3/8 in getting the lead, had to increase the speed in a fierce duel with the first-over that lasted most of the last half until that one broke early stretch, stayed clear although the last quarter wasn’t much. BUZZ dashed right to the lead, kept the winner strung out past the 3/8 before yielding, tight until nearing the ¾ then unplugged, reclaimed second with the stretch breaker. DYLAN THE GREAT sat in, was blocked on the far turn, then went to the Pocono Pike and made up some ground. INNISFALLEN yielded, inside, gapped down the backstretch. CUPID HANOVER was last, circled wide and had trot on the end. SPIRIT OF DEO moved out but couldn’t stay anywhere close to his cover. NICE STUFF was never prominent. SHADRACK HANOVER moved boldly at the half and went 27 outside the winner, getting a slight advantage at times until headstretch, when he began to fade and bear out before breaking.
TENTH RACE – DRAGON SAID left hard but gave up the lead to ALLUNEEDISFAITH N and sat the pocket, outside early stretch and came home in 54.3 – 26.4 to just wear down his game rival. The latter left strongly to get command, had a relatively mild half, picked it up down the back and then came home even more quickly, very good but outsprinted. WESTERN JOE settled for a 4-tuck near the ¼, uncovered 5/8, retucked third after a horse broke, far ahead of the others. MYSWEETBOYMAX was gapping second-over, got around the breaker without incident, next. THE NEXT THREE were all outside and were cautious going a little wide around the breaker, never got into it. STRAIGHT UP COOL maintained position behind the two strong early fighters, started to gap late backstretch then broke ¾.
ELEVENTH RACE – IC A FREE SPIRIT was hustled up early to get the pocket trip, to the Pocono Pike and full of pace when shown racetrack, easily. ARCHANGEL THREE initially gapped third-over then caught up to the gapping second-over, three-wide midturn, steadily to just grab second. WINNING IS SWEET left sharply, cut a pretty good pace, under pressure around the far turn, just missed in a picture for second. RYCROFT N tucked third, moved uncovered into the backstretch and grinded up, flattened a bit in the lane. BLOW A CLOUD N gapped inside down the backstretch, not prominent. SPORTY DRAGON had some pace finishing after being way back. TRENTE DEO was in good position second-over but had little from the 5/8. LEGAL POWER broke w-a-y before the start.
TWELFTH RACE – RICH AND MISERABLE went up wide then fell behind cover, lost that and refused a tuck to proceed up to the lead in front of the stands, got a reasonable pace and went on to a nice victory. MARION GONDOLIER was three-leaving, then two-wide to take over the racetrack to the ¼, yielded to the winner, had a clear shot up the Pocono Pike but couldn’t get there. LADY’S IMAGE left and yielded, third-in, had room to move outside to midstretch and finished well. ROBBIE PEV followed cover two-and three-wide, four-wide headstretch, best of the others. ALTUS HANOVER was second-over towards turn two, three-wide midturn but didn’t gain. BEERTHIRTY K sat in, didn’t enter the picture. MISS MCKEE went to fourth-over but couldn’t stay with cover. STRIKING GENSON was uncovered from midpack nearing turn two, advanced well down the back, then faded in the last quarter.
THIRTEENTH RACE – THE DARK SHADOW took control in a 26.3 opener, rated the half, then went another sub-27 split fighting with the first-over, left everyone behind from midturn. “A big logjam” (J.B.) for second: CAPTAIN ROMANCE took back to tuck third at the 1/8, gapped in the big third split, Pocono Pike and just up for place. GET LIT defended the pocket, couldn’t stay tight on the winner from midturn. PRINCE OF TIDES was three-wide to the 1/8, took back to fourth 3/16, then underway raw early second turn, went up in 26.2 to press the issue, couldn’t sustain his move though holding OK late. LETS ROLL was second-over, rolled three-wide late turn, not far off second. AFLAME HANOVER was last, had pace late while in heavy traffic. REBELLIOUS was third-over, fell back.
FOURTEENTH RACE – TOWN GOSSIP was looped early and proceeded forward to the lead past the ¼, rated the half, then sprinted home in 54.3 as much the best of these. GUINNESS PANIC was forwardly-placed, came off the rail from third headstretch and was up for second over CONBOYVILLE. The latter left very nicely to circle foes and get the early lead, yielded past the ¼ for the two-hole, stayed close, couldn’t quite hold on to the deuce late. BULLVILLE TERROR gapped cover early backstretch then gradually got closer, three-wide early turn, best of the others. PARMESAN N saved ground, not too much. FRISKIE ALL NITE started raw to turn two, rapidly went up to challenge the winner, but had his bid stop nearing the ¾. THE OTHERS were always the last two.
Jun 12, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Low 70s; stretch headwind … ROCK KING DEO was looped and tucked third to the first turn, then quarter-moved and was extended past the 3/8 in a fast half, rolled on in the third panel, then just held off the stretchlong charge of GOLDEN GESTURE. The latter was quickly on top, hit the quarter in 26.2, pushed the winner a ways before yielding, stayed tight then tipped out nearing the lane, just came up short in a good race. DOJEA SOLO left, too the early pocket at the 1/8, sat in, kept up until nearing headstretch, won third in a three-way photo. SPINOUT briefly moved out then went back in when cover was no good, a bit late. CODE MEISTER sat in, finished with some energy. NIHILATED TRUTH was outside raw off turn two, gained very little before fading. BETTOREVER was last by an increasing margin.
SECOND RACE – DAGON HANOVER came out at the ¼ and had the lead by the 3/8, left these well in the red dust with a fast 3/4s, easy winner. GOES DOWN SMOOTH fell in behind cover early then tucked fourth, moved out past the 5/8 and retucked in a yawning pocket ¾, clearly second-best. PHANTOM RUSTY left for the top, yielded at the ¼, moved out behind the cover of the place horse and was left raw ¾, beat out the rest. NIGHT FLYER K was parked to a quick quarter, yielded, unplugged from off the second turn. ANDOVERS TOUCH never got close. ROSE RUN WILDCAT left a gap for much of midrace, got closer to stragglers but couldn’t go by them; same story for BUTTER TOFFEE. GREEK LEGEND had rough steps just past the start and got away last, never improved on that position.
THIRD RACE – ABRUZZO came out uncovered 5/8, grinded a bit closer then got into a better gear far turn, by before midstretch and strode clear. MONI’S HEAVEN CENT was three-wide to the 3/16 then to the pocket at the ¼ after the horse to his left broke, got to the Pocono Pike, not in a league with the winner but enough for second. TSM PRINCE TRISTAN refused to yield, rated the half, had the winner come to him on the turn, tired. ANOTHER LONG SONG moved off turn two and got cover 5/8, couldn’t stay with it ¾, evenly late. ROJO MAN gapped outside, wide stretch, a bit late. CREDARENA spotted fifth, was shuffled far turn, went out between horses headstretch, then ducked in midstretch, fair late. U BAKE THE CAKE sat in, struggled to keep close the last 3/8. SUNBERRY HANOVER left, was between horses contending for the lead when breaking 3/8.
FOURTH RACE – An intermittent light rain/mist began to fall; the track was never reclassified from “fast” … ARTACHE HANOVER wanted the early lead and got it at the 1/8, yielded to the 3/8 for the pocket and was the only one who kept up with the leader the third quarter, outside midturn, stepped away through the lane. SPORTSMANSHIP went around two gappers to retuck third past the 5/8, outside on the turn, just did save second from AIN’T IT FUN. The latter was on the place horse’s back then was left raw 11/16, got cover again late turn, found his best strides a bit too late for second. ROYAL HEART pushed to the 1/8 then yielded, moved to the lead in front of the stands, couldn’t shake the winner with a big third quarter, then himself tired the last 1/8. WHAT’S GOIN ON needed until the ¼ to make the 3-hole, started to disconnect at the 3/8. SAMMY THE BULL N developed a problem before the 3/8 and was pulled up.
FIFTH RACE – LUISELLA went around a gapper midbackstretch and continued on raw, hit a better gear on the turn while still well off the leader in the fast pace, but trotted on determinedly and was along on the money. WILLTOWIN HANOVER was looped early, refused the two-hole 3/16 and went on to command past the fast ¼, rated the half then opened a clear margin down the back as the pocketsitter stopped, hit the ¾ in fast time with a big lead, but saw that lead eaten into by the winner the last 3/16, just failed to hold. NIKKI THE NUN was forwardly-placed, went around the gapper to the pocket 5/8, tightened in, Pocono Pike, step-and-a-half short. PURE WOW lost contact with the top three before the ¾. CARAMEL MACCHIATO did get the last check. HONORABLE LADY was always far back. PRAIRIE GINGER gapped early, also never a major factor. IVORY ROAD looped everybody for the early lead, yielded past the ¼, started falling back coming off the second turn.
SIXTH RACE – JITTERBUG FLIP was on a front-end mission, hitting the ¼ in 26.2, not backing off the pace, was clear into the stretch, but PROSPECTORS GOLD was coming up determinedly late, just did hold on. The latter came uncovered 5/8 and retucked third, up the Pocono Pike and gained well late in the fast mile. BOBS REDEMPTION sat in the pocket behind the wicked fractions, held pretty well though falling back in the last 3/16. QUARANTINI was third at the 1/8, gapping by the ¼, far back. GOD WILLING moved outside behind the place horse but couldn’t keep up. MR UNTITLED got away at the back and lost further ground. DARIO HANOVER was well off the gate and lost contact.
SEVENTH RACE – MATTER OF TRUST went to the lead, had a loose pocket horse behind her until the turn, then had TELENOVELA move up sharply on that turn, then drew away again. The latter moved out from third and was gaining when circling the trouble mid-far turn, got close nearing headstretch then backed off a little but still far ahead of anyone else. RAVIOLI was on the move off the top two far turn and avoided the trouble, distant third. TURN THE TAB at first got around the far turn trouble but then lost composure and went offstride. ALDEBARAN ACRUX looked to leave but broke early, then circled many troubled horses near headstretch and got a payday. DELAVIOUS never got close. MRS TAYLOR made the pocket but struggled to keep close, backing up far turn when offstride, placed. PRAIRIE TRINKET spotted fourth, was advancing right behind the fading pocket horse mid-far turn, was in close quarters and suffered an “ix.”
EIGHTH RACE – FLIP THE SWITCH headed to the top and rolled right along, had a challenger get closer ¾ but then drew clear. EASY RIDER avoided early trouble and tucked fourth, uncovered going to the half, got to just shy of the leader’s wheel ¾, gave some ground then but clearly second. STRICT was wide early waiting on a breaker to clear, outside down the back but gapped, up for a distant third. CHAPERIDGE never attained prominence. CRAFT BREW LINDY made the pocket but was already going loose at the half. FAMOUS DAN broke shortly into the race, did catch the back of the field but could get no close. MR ZUANETTI broke at the start. TAKE SHAPE broke w-a-y before the start.
NINTH RACE – STYLE FOR A MILE was wide early, tucked fourth 3/16, on the move again 5/16 and made the lead easily in the slow second quarter, had plenty in reserve for the stretch. KILEE ROCKS refused to yield in a fast ¼, did yield 3/8 to sit the two-hole, gradually gave ground the last 3/16 but could retain second. LIZZIANA spotted third before the 1/8 off the top two, moved raw 5/8, hit a better gear at the ¾ but then couldn’t sustain the gain. JAGGED LITTLE PILL raced with cover, came on a bit late. CHANCES ARE IDEAL did not have ideal chances from last and third-over; not bad at the wire. SWEET GADGETS gapped inside, blocked past midturn as a rival faded, Pocono Pike but little to offer. SWEET KATIE BUG wanted the lead but submitted to track geometry and took the pocket 3/16 in the quick opener, little left in the last stanza.
TENTH RACE – KASEVILLE tucked third, moved off the first bend to get the lead, sped things up significantly to deal with the incessant challenge from CASH MACHINE GIRL from just past the 5/8, headbobbing with that one from there to the wire, where she got the decision. The latter gapped off the top three first turn then got closer, moved raw at the half and reached the leader to the 5/8 (own third split 27.2), was head-to-head with that one to the line, just missed. SEVENSHOTSOBOURBON went straight to the top, yielded to the winner and stayed close, to the Pocono Pike, just a bit behind the top pair. CHARMING BANK left and took the pocket past the 1/8, next in line. FLANAGAN DESTINY circled gappers and got the last check. GIVEM THE GOO moved second-over but couldn’t stay with the fast cover. SLEW FOOT and SUPER MAGIC POTION gapped at the back.
ELEVENTH RACE – Wind is diminished … GRAPPLE HANOVER was between horses to the pocket at the 1/8, up on the bit and moved off the first turn, took over and put up quick numbers, had many challenges in the last ¼ but withstood them all. PAPI HANOVER was three-wide to the lead at the 1/8, yielded for the two-hole, tight, Pocono Pike, bad luck in losing by a headbob. LEVITATION stayed connected, backed out second-over, three-wide late turn, came on steadily but was just shy. BLUFFINNER spotted fourth going to turn one, came out raw 9/16 and grinded up in a big challenge, tired some late but clear of the rest. CAN’T SAY NO moved outside at the ½ but couldn’t go with the top four. VOLARE could offer little. HOT SUMMER KNIGHT never factored. SORTIE was behind dull cover, went three-wide ¾ but broke late turn.
TWELFTH RACE – AMERICAN CLASSIC was on top 3/16 and just kept rolling at a fast clip, too much for one horse and much too much for the others. SILVERSTONE was quickly in front, yielded and stayed connected to the heavily-favored winner throughout, with the others far off the top two from before the ¼. STEWARDOFTHELAND and IVY STUD were fourth and fifth most of the way, got by RACING LIBERTY, who was gapping from the 3/16, and who reported back with “b.e.” THE OTHERS could make no impression here.
THIRTEENTH RACE – Wind picked up again for the last race … NO DRAMA PLEASE went to the front at the 1/8, yielded past the ¼ but was immediately on the move again beating a rival to that punch, got the top and rated the half, saw an advancing rival break 9/16, in control the last 3/8. KNIGHT ANGEL had cover early, then went on to go to the front just past the ¼, yielded for the two-hole, a bit loose the last 3/8 but clearly second. MATT’S MUSCLES was third-over then second-over after a breaker, three-wide headstretch and gained in the lane while very wide. LIVING PROOF I AM couldn’t offer too much. PRAIRIE VIRTUE was inside, struggled to stay close through the last half. CAMPBELLINI had cover then lost it to a break past the 9/16, went 27.3 down the back with the wind to make a good raw challenge, but couldn’t sustain the move. SUM FOR ALL was never close. WHATS THE WORD was way off the gate but came charging through, yielded, wanted to move at the ¼ but was beaten outside by the winner, moved with a rush off turn two but quickly lost gait.
Jun 11, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Near 80 degrees all day … Stretch headwind … JAMAICAN COWBOY was fourth-over, three-wide from the 11/16 and kept gaining, went on by everybody late. DARK HORSE was four-deep to turn one, three-wide to the 1/8, then two-wide to the top off the first turn, set the pace without pressure, no match for the winner but held off the rest. DJ’S BIG ELVIS sat in and was far back, moved out into the path behind the long-gone winner and passed quite a few horses late. CHANCELLORCULLEN N went first-up before the 5/8, one-geared, and not a fast enough one. MR MCDREAMY spotted then was second-over, gapped and was blindswitched past the ¾. THEFREEDOMFIGHTERN backed out, wide, didn’t gain. SHARK FANTASY tucked, then lost all chance when stuck behind a tiring pocketsitter from the 5/8 to the Pocono Pike. SPIDER MAN HANOVER was three-wide most of the 1/8, got the lead then yielded for the pocket, started unplugging 5/8.
SECOND RACE – SWEET HEART AS worked her way into command, pushed back on the first-over challenger, then went clear in the stretch. KEYSTONE THUNDER worked to the front, yielded to the winner and stayed connected in the pocket, Pocono Pike, second-best. FOXY TROTTIN STICK got in gear and moved outside 5/8, challenged but couldn’t sustain the move. O JONNIE sat in, gapped from past the 5/8. CRAZYCAT tried to get into contention three-wide ¾, did get the last check. SUNDANCEDIAMOND never sparkled. BLENHEIM yielded for the early pocket, broke at the ¼ and ran most of the next quarter mile, got back on gait and caught the field, three-wide with cover far turn and wider headstretch, broke again, placed. TEDDY BROSEVELT was underway into turn two but never got close.
THIRD RACE – SPEAK YOUR MIND was slightly off the gate, wound up second-over from seventh, three-wide 11/16 and swept around the field far turn, drew away. BETTE TINA went right to the top, yielded, stayed in, shuffled some late turn, gained with a good burst when shown the Pocono Pike, then flattened slightly very late but still got second over COVENANT WOMAN. The latter moved uncovered 3/8, hot a higher gear when the winner came sweeping, was looped but fought on, almost got second. SHES A BULLVILLE was looped and between horses, made the lead at the ¼, yielded for the pocket, backed out far turn and went wide in the stretch but didn’t gain much. ONE EYED WANDA quickly pulled out from sixth at the ¼ and rushed up to clear to the lead 3/8, couldn’t fight off the sweeper far turn, but was holding her own with the others until midstretch. BETTOR STRAIT N UP was out for early position, stayed in, backed out down the backstretch but didn’t gain. RAINBOW RISING, off the gate, never got close. MADELYNN SOPHIA was three-wide early, tucked fourth 3/16, was under a hold in tight quarters at the ¼, fell back.
FOURTH RACE — I HAVE A DREAM yielded near the 3/16, pocket, remained in the pocket after the leader broke and the first-over went by 11/16, outside late turn then wide in the lane, had the most to the wire. JUSTIFY was outside early backstretch, narrowed in, left raw 11/16 and went up to contest the lead, got in front early stretch but was caught. SPIT AND VINEGAR tucked, moved quickly off turn two and was coming up to fight the leader when that one broke 11/16, took over while going the third split in 27.3, paying the price late. GREAT GAZOO was three-wide to the 1/8 then backed off into third, kept connected but didn’t threaten. SCIROCCO PATRICK got past stragglers down the back, not bad from where he was. NO NAME YANKEE gapped early, never was close. ALL RISE was between horses early, on top 3/16, rated the half then took off as the challenger came, lost gait 11/16 and went to the infield. LAKEVIEW TAMMY, rough-gaited at times, never entered the picture.
FIFTH RACE – ROCK THREE TIMES was fastest away, kept a midrace challenger outside while going a 27.2 third quarter, drew away in the last quarter. MCNEIL Z TAM stayed connected, outside late turn, up for second over NIKI MINAJ. The latter was tight in the pocket until the ¾, couldn’t save second late. GETYOURLICENSELIAM gapped, next in line. ARTISTS RUFFLES tried to rush to the lead starting at the 3/8 but was turned away in the fast third split, tired. LUZIANA gapped in last of the main pack. BEACHESBECKONME broke off the turn before the start.
SIXTH RACE – EXTRORDINARYLADY S was content to ride in the pocket until headstretch, moved out and asserted her dominance. HEART MATTERS went to the top, rated quarter two then went faster with the wind to lose the field except one during the third panel, no match for that foe but miles ahead of the rest. ROMANTIC TILE S passed tired foes for third. WILD KAT G took back to drop in third, relatively close until the 5/8, then began fading. RELENTLESS JACKIE offered little. AULTER EGO came outside 9/16 but failed to menace. PLUM WINE was leaving between horses when breaking.
SEVENTH RACE – KINGSTONS BAD BOY, liking his new surroundings, was uncovered at the 3/8, reached the leader early backstretch and dueled with him, went 26.4 to clear at the ¾, was kept to active encouragement to maintain a healthy lead. DARTH FADER was looped early, needed until almost the ¼ to get in the early pocket, came out 11/16 off the duelers and was left raw ¾, steadily for second. WHATA TREASURE moved out in the late backstretch flow, closed well. GO SUE ME quarter-moved, had a very severe challenge from the winner and yielded ¾, held decently. MY FRISKIE BOY retucked around an early gapper, outside far turn then between horses in the lane, fair. RACINWITHEWIND lived up to his name early, yielded for the pocket, unplugged the last 5/16. LEGAL POWER went uncovered 5/16, got cover 3/8, couldn’t go with it. BETTOR’S WESTERN was last at every call.
EIGHTH RACE – VILLAIN was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to the ¼, rated the half, had severe pressure from the 5/8 until midturn when his opponent broke, drew clear in the stretch. BY THE BOOK was four-wide to turn one, took back to tuck fourth, right behind good cover late backstretch, gapped a bit upper turn then left raw after a breaker, still went on for the distant second. BACKSTREET PLAYER went in front at the 1/8 and yielded at the ¼, gradually gave ground in the last quarter. THE BOSS MAN got a good early spot, stayed in, not enough late. MUSCLE HALL passed gappers and a breaker. CHELIOS got a slow start and didn’t keep up. CHROME PACKAGE struggled from the 5/8. MALONE was underway raw into turn two, fought hard with the leader from midbackstretch and was still head-to-head with him when breaking midturn.
NINTH RACE – ZEUS HANOVER was second-over, three-wide late turn, came on steadily and got the nod over DROPTHERAKEFREDDY. The latter was quarter-mover #2 to the top before the 3/8 in a fast second split, went clear far turn and had a good advantage until late, but could not finish the assignment. WARRAWEE XTREME tailed the winner, kicked in with good strides a little too late. LENDA HAND MAN briefly took a pocket tuck 3/16 then was quarter-mover #1, yielded 3/8, fought on to the wire inside. FRAZZLEBERRY took over to the first turn, saw two go by in quarter two, inside, not too much late. TSM BATMAN was uncovered off turn two, couldn’t reach despite urging. THE OTHER PAIR were gapped off the field before the half.
TENTH RACE – BEYOND THE LENS set sail, rated the half then went quicker with the wind the third quarter, clear early stretch but had to have his mind kept to his task as he tired late, had enough to hold. MUSCLE DYNASTY was second-over, narrowed in as the late paced decelerated. BY A HOFF HANOVER spotted third, moved uncovered 5/8, one-geared. AMBERS CHAMPION gapped down the back but was better in the last ¼. FASHION ON A STAR went into the early pocket, loose much of the way, faded. BILLY RAY HANOVER was gapping by the ¼, never entered the picture.
ELEVENTH RACE – UCANTTOUCHTHIS was parked past the 1/4 in pursuit of the lead, went 27 down the back to open a big margin and won handily. KAUAI KING tucked early, blocked late turn as the winner got away, to the Pocono Pike, fair but several on the outside flattened some so he was along for second. AMAZON had cover which got better on the far turn, wide and just missed for second. RIPPLESONTHEBEACH didn’t make much progress uncovered in the fast third quarter, did better far turn, held OK. ARCHANGEL THREE hung the winner past the ¼, yielded for the two-hole, couldn’t keep tight most of the last half. TOLLY-HO never got into the picture; nor did ARTIST BEST. FROMASHESTOASHES N was inside, started gapping past the half.
TWELFTH RACE – POSSESS THE STONE yielded early then moved 3/16 to the front after the ¼, had an outside foe come after him from the 9/16 and another in the Pocono Pike in the lane, but kept at it gamely to get the nod. BANZAI AS went in third past the 1/8, came out on turn two and was fighting with the leader most of the last half, held his ground staunchly. CHUCKY DE VIE made the top early, yielded for the pocket, outside behind cover late turn then back to the Pocono Pike, may’ve had a head up past midstretch, close but not enough. ZSA ZSA DABOR was in the outer flow, blindswitched, shifted down to the deep Pike and gained. DUDELOOKSLIKELINDY went out 5/8, gapped then closer, three-wide midturn, not enough. KEYSTONE SERGEANT was three-wide at the ¾ but couldn’t gain the needed ground. CHOCO CHARLIE gapped at the back. CHOCOLATE MATTERS stayed in, gapped, broke and went inside the pylons.
Jun 11, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Mid 70s … PURE COTTON left well to defend the two-hole, came out headstretch and sailed right on by WHO’S SMOKIN N. The latter was out most of the fast quarter to get the lead, slowed the half then took off again, powerless to stall the winner but did hold second. DELIGHTFUL SUMMER was three-wide to turn one then backed off to tuck third near the 1/8, outside behind the winner, couldn’t quite reach place. SHADOW ONE stayed in, Pocono Pike, evenly. CRUISIN THRU TIME did not have lively cover, three-wide far turn, did get the last check. TSM PRINCESS TEDDI gapped much of the way. VEL DONNA spotted midpack, uncovered early on turn two but never got close before fading.
SECOND RACE – WINNING IS SWEET used the rail to perfection, forcing tucks then hanging a foe who never got close, drew clear to the ¾, had only one foe get near, and he was handled easily. OWEN moved out from last, had stalled tiers two- and three-wide in front of him so four-wide 11/16 to two-wide ¾ to the pocket on the turn, tried hard, far ahead of the others. PREMIER ROCKSTAR was three- then two-wide with cover to the ¼, then left out in the air, didn’t get close, but one-geared it steadily to take the distant third in a photo. ROLLINWITHAMBITION took back early, shuffled in the second quarter, outside, blindswitched by the sweeper but couldn’t follow him upon backing out, three-wide late turn, fair. DREAM OF LUCK was last and behind a wall until the top two were long gone, finished with pace. AMERICA’S GUEST moved out at the ¼, followed the parked horse, tried going three-wide 5/8 but just stalled movement in that lane, dropped back. WELL DONE SUN went away to defend the two-hole, unplugged before the ¾. HOPETOBEFIRST left but then decided to go in third at the ¼, gapped midbackstretch then was stuck behind the tired pocketsitter, broke in the lane.
THIRD RACE – MON CHEVAL yielded for the pocket, came out 11/16 and battled the pacesetter from that point, took the lead for good early stretch. EBBIES LADY was on top before the 1/8, cut her own pace until challenged by the winner, clearly second-best. HODA HANOVER started gapping in third off the second turn but still hung on for show. SILENT NIGHT went evenly. WOMAN OF POWER was away last and never entered the big picture.
FOURTH RACE – SUNRISE HANOVER left well and settled in the pocket, enjoyed a good trip until going to the Pocono Pike, collared LA ALWAYS AMARTINI midstretch. The latter was quickest away and had command into turn one, rated the second split then soon got hard pressure, shook that one off, fought hard with the winner. UPTOWN LADY N got in fifth 3/16, then moved second-over, went three-wide midturn when cover faltered, finished well. RIGGINSWIND was uncovered into turn two and was hounding the leader soon into the backstretch, fell back some on the turn but continued on nicely. SWEET ROCKIN GIA moved wide from last and gained in the lane. SHELLIE DE VIE was initially fourth-over but ducked back in, not a late presence. ELLEOFADELI gapped third-over down the back. SPEAKING OF COFFEE was three-wide to turn one, settled third at the 1/8, went to the deep Pocono Pike but had little to give.
FIFTH RACE – TSM WESTERN SOUL was second-over, three-wide late turn to two-wide headstretch, broke early stretch, regained stride and got the advantage late, but was placed for two violations: of the breaking rule, and of causing interference. LIGHTNING LEIA was outside early, went in third 3/16, first-over at the half, challenged hard but couldn’t clear until late on the turn, paced on pretty well, placed first. CAVIART CARMEL left and took until near the 3/16 to clear, yielded to a brusher just past the 3/8 and went to the pocket, shuffled a little midturn then outside in a blindswitch late turn, had to hesitate when a foe broke, then regathered midstretch and did well. BROOKDALE JESSIE gapped third-over on the turn. GRAY SKIES was far back, gained some as the late pace slowed. BYGONE HANOVER sat in, had traffic issues in the stretch. LOVELY LADY MAY pushed to the 3/16 and yielded, came back out 5/16 and went on to the lead just past the 3/8, under heavy pressure, tired in the last 1/8.
SIXTH RACE – PLAY THE ACE was between horses to the lead 3/16, relinquished, sat third-in until the 11/16 then went up to challenge, had solid late pace for the victory. ARMED BANDIT was three-wide 3/16 then two-wide until taking over at the ¼, yielded for the pocket, Pocono Pike, good but second-best. BEST BETTOR went in front early, pushed the early action, yielded, quarter-moved to 3/8 command, didn’t get pressure until nearing the ¾, faded a little late. BUCHANNON HANOVER moved uncovered early backstretch, slowly made progress then got cover late backstretch, not as much as the top three but next in line. BACK IN MY DAY had early speed, sat in, evenly. BRYCE gapped cover. THE OTHER TWO didn’t have a major say in this one.
SEVENTH RACE – BAPTISM was fastest away, yielded just past the ¼, pulled from third 5/8 and went right up to challenge, went by midturn, much the best of these in 1:52.2, only a fifth off the 2022 Pocono record (with Svanstedt in Diamond Creek’s colors). SAMOSA made a briefly-delayed rush up to the 1/8, followed cover until off the first turn, went on to lead 3/8, pressured by the winner and couldn’t answer that one, held OK. ADORE ME was third-over, shoved wide around the midturn breaker, had a good recovery. VOGUE sat in, was not prominent. MONEY MATTERS was far back, also pushed wide by the midturn breaker. DREAMONHIGH was looped, used in a 26.3 quarter to make the lead, yielded, had no more left midturn. DANZNQUEEN HANOVER was second-over, trying to keep up when making a break mid-far turn.
EIGHTH RACE – JOSSIE JAMES showed good speed in the odd-numbered quarters to control the throttle, tiring late but had enough to last to the line. DC BATGIRL left between horses and got to the pocket 3/16, stayed close, to the Pocono Pike, almost. DONEGALARTCHOKIN N was second-over, gapped in the fast third split then got closer, three-wide midturn, made up late ground as the pace slowed. BRONZE OVER N was last, five-wide in the stretch and went a huge last 1/16 to be right there. CASIE’S BELIEVER stayed in, weaved between horses upper stretch and was gaining at the end. CHIPPER DAISY was third-over, four-wide late turn but couldn’t reach. JERICHO DIVA gapped the early three-way fight, then was first-up towards turn two, never threatened but didn’t fade too badly. BEACH BOUTIQUE showed early speed, sat third, came up empty past the ¾.
NINTH RACE—NARINA HANOVER got an early spot, moved out and soon thereafter three-wide 5/8 to loop the parked horse, got to two-wide 11/16 and challenged, took the lead late on the turn and drew away. LADY WARRIOR kept the pocket shut late on the first turn, was stuck behind the tired pacesetter as the winner circled by, came clear in the Pocono Pike and recovered for second. GODIVA MACKIAVELYC stayed in, OK inside late. TSM ARTEMIS T wanted control from the pole, didn’t get a breather, left behind in the last 1/8. DW’SBLISSFULTHINKN tried to follow the path of the winner but could not keep up. RELLA TIVITY left, had to spend life on the rim, looped late backstretch. WHERE ANGELS FLY lost contact past the half.
TENTH RACE – MANON was three-wide to the first turn and two-wide just past a fast ¼, slowed the half, had the first-over get only to her rump ¾ then took into the pocket, drew clear easily. ETERNAL LEE got a good trip second-over, left uncovered mid-far turn, finished steadily to catch DESIGN FASHION for second. The latter was first-over nearing the half, aflank of the leader down the back, went into the pocket midturn, just got caught for the deuce late. VIRGIN MARY S left to command past the 1/8, pushed the leader past the ¼ and yielded, couldn’t keep the two-hole closed ¾. PALERMO HANOVER was third-over, did not show much spark. GUMDROP HANOVER gapped early, fell way back late.TIE ONE ON pushed the early pace and yielded, gapped from third from the 5/8.
ELEVENTH RACE – MAJOR SHOW sat fourth-in, had room to move out late turn, wide and exploded in the stretch to be along at a $93 mutuel. GONE BEFORE DAWN sat in until moving raw just past midturn, took a slight lead before midstretch, outblasted late but good for the deuce. EMBLAZE HANOVER sat in like most of the field, out in a blindswitch late turn, ducked between horses and closed well. GROOVY MAN kept a hole closed early and sat in the pocket, empty in the Pocono Pike. LETMECALLYOUBACK never factored. LOUIE THE LOOPER set a fairly quick pace, had little left for the stretch. DIVINE RIGHT was last, tried to gain three-wide around the parked horse but flattened. CAPTAIN KEEN was three-wide to the 1/8, then was left out two-wide the rest of the way, backed off.
TWELFTH RACE – STELLENBOSCH got a dream trip second-over, left uncovered midturn, methodically wore down TALL POPPY N. The latter tucked third, narrowed the gap to the two early battlers then was raw on turn two, applied pressure, went by and to the rail midturn, just missed in a good outing. SHECANDANCE N was third-over, not quite in the league of the top two but a clear third. TRAFFIC JAM gapped cover, finished strongly from way back. GEORGIE MARTIN N sat in and was shuffled, up for the last payday. WESTBEACH gapped down the back. PRAIRIE WESTERNGAL pushed a foe, yielded, thought about retaking but changed her mind, sat in the pocket, shuffled badly on the far turn, but no recovery once in the Pocono Pike. ANNE BONNEY N fought to get the lead in a 26.3 opener, made a rival rethink an early move, rated the half, came under pressure, tired.
THIRTEENTH RACE – TRAY SURREAL led from the first step to the last, rated quarter two then met the serious challenge over FLIP MY CHIP and held him at bay. The latter accelerated quickly when moved outside into the backstretch and went up in 27.1 to contest the leader, dropped back into the pocket on the far turn then took another shot late, good but second-best. THANOS struggled to stay close most of the last half, just up for third in the shadow of the wire. AQUAMAN HANOVER left and went into the pocket past the 1/8, had trouble keeping up starting near the ¾. MOVE THE LINE had poor cover, ducked in, got the last check. PHILOSOPHIZER was the first to move outside, but never could come closer to being tight on cover. GOTAFOOLISHDESIRE was outside with little to offer. FESTIVE JOE was already starting to gap out by the ¼.
FOURTEENTH RACE – DOUBLE METAL was looped early, finally cleared 3/16, let a foe go 3/8 but came right back to reclaim the top, won easily. RISKY MILLION was uncovered nearing the half, advanced, dropped in the pocket far turn, out again in the stretch but couldn’t make any progress. BAY MEADOWS raced with cover, lost cover far turn, steadily for third. REDBANK BLAZE A was underway from fourth before the ¼, went to the lead 3/8 then yielded near the half, was loose in the pocket from before the 5/8. STARVIN MARVIN was quickest of all away, shuffled a bit with lead changes then behind the fading pocketsitter, didn’t recover any ground. SCOTT ONTHE ROCKS backed out to third-over 11/16 but couldn’t offer much. LOVE THE ACTION was always far off the action. KEYSTONE STEAM ran out of steam off the second turn.
