Mar 23, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – From the upper to the lower part of the 40s temperature-wise … JUXTA COWGIRL was three-wide to the 1/8, pressed on and made the lead past the 5/16, didn’t really have anybody come close to her thereafter. MOSSDALE LOTTEE N gapped fourth the first half, then was uncovered early in the backstretch, got to tuck in the pocket midturn, tried the Pocono Pike but could make little headway. JERICHO DIVA was second-over, left raw midturn, went on well. DELILAH DE VIE was behind a laggard, hustled up to get in the cover flow late backstretch, not bad late. NARINA HANOVER got a slow start, and then got the last check. MORROCKIN K couldn’t keep up. RHYTHM N ROLL pushed the early action, yielded, behind a tired one on the turn but showed little herself late. CLASSY CHAPEL N was between horses to 1/8 command, pushed then yielded past the 5/16, unplugged ¾.
SECOND RACE – WILLIE B WORTHY headed straight to the lead, yielded 3/8 but was immediately on the retake, dealt with the first-over, then stayed game to hold off BANZAI AS. The latter was three-wide to the first turn, then grinded up until taking over 3/8, relinquished for the two-hole, stayed close and tested the winner in the lane only to come up short. LIONBACKER KIDD gapped at a couple of different points but saved ground and was along for third. MASTER CLASS left and tucked, went first-over at the half, challenged, tired. DAYTONA DREAMIN was second-over, offered little. PUERTO RICO looked at leaving but took back, little thereafter. NOTMEITSYOU never surfaced. SCIROCCO PATRICK was tipping third-over just before the ½ when going to a gallop.
THIRD RACE – ALL OR NOTHING got forward position, then was on the move off the first turn to the lead 3/8, went 28 down the back to meet a hard challenge, then had another 28 coming home while looking to have more in the tank. BEST BETTOR left, forced a tuck, yielded 3/8, was loose in the pocket from nearing the 5/8, fought along the inside to wrest second late from CAPTAIN COOK. The latter tucked fourth just past the 1/8, moved uncovered off turn two and went 27.1 down the back to challenge the leader, a little tired late and could not retain second. MELANIE’S NICK caught up to cover second-over, didn’t menace. BUCHANNON HANOVER was outside much of the ¼ before getting in second, stayed in, evenly. HUNTSVILLE PLACE didn’t have much. SMOKESTACK and TREVOR’S HUNT were both off the gate and far back throughout.
FOURTH RACE – B YOYO was four-deep to turn one, went on to clear 3/16, yielded for the pocket, loose in the fast third quarter then closer, outside headstretch and went by easily. HORNS FOR THREE, three-wide early, made two speed moves, strung the field out in a good third quarter, but could not resist the winner. NICE STUFF was away well, tagged along third. POWERFUL YIELD never left the rail. JOE JOE JOE was off the gate, uncovered before turn two, never got close. PIERCEWAVE HANOVER backed outside then went three-wide 11/16 but couldn’t get in the main picture. SIR CROMWELL was outleft while two-wide, broke 3/16, caught the field and was second-over before miscuing again before the ¾.
FIFTH RACE – ELEGANT BLUE had an open-length lead on these from the 1/8 pole, never in doubt. LOVELY LADY MAY raced up into the pocket early then gapped the entire rest of the way, did hold on for a no-factor second. MILLENIUMS GIRL was second-over, three-wide headstretch and a little better approaching the wire. BROOKDALE JESSIE moved uncovered 5/8, headed the pocket horse most of the turn, but then backed off some. TSM PRINCESS TEDDI and MAKE A SCENE never got a call. CATIE FAYE HANOVER needed until the ¼ to find a tuck, gapped down the back. GEORGIE was three-wide to the 1/8, took back, was outside near the rear throughout, fell far back in the lane.
SIXTH RACE – VOSS VOLO was away alertly and made the pocket at the 1/8, waited, then came outside nearing headstretch and went to the fore easily. BUZZ buzzed down the road, couldn’t handle the winner but was well ahead of the rest. SUNDANCEDIAMOND was three-wide to the first turn, got in third 3/16, out uncovered past the 9/16 but never reached the leader, just held third. MAYDAY VOLO finished with some trot. MOSCONI HANOVER was second-over, went back inside far turn, not too much late. RENTIER gapped. PRESCOTT was last when breaking 11/16.
SEVENTH RACE – SWEET ROCKIN GIA was wide early and went on to grab fourth into turn one, came uncovered into the lower turn and grinded up to the leader, took over early stretch and went on well to keep SILVERHILL MISTY at bay. The latter had a fine trip second-over, just came up a mite short. YES DOUBLE DOWN was third-over, swung wide and finished steadily to edge TINKER TAXI. The latter took over early, yielded towards the ¼, stayed third-in and was boxed, out in a blindswitch to headstretch, got outside tiring horses and wasn’t bad at all. BULLVILLEKARLA got the last payday. KCK GIRLIES was fourth-over, three-wide ¾ but didn’t gain. DOUBLEOFFTHEWALL moved soon off the first turn to take over soon past the 3/8, was challenged, empty the last 1/8. SWEET SALLY SUE was parked most of the ¼ before taking the top, yielded, gapped in the pocket down the back but tightened in, had just swung into the Pocono Pike looking a contender but lapsed from gait.
EIGHTH RACE – R HERBIE BLUE CHIP yielded for the pocket, had to check midturn when the leader broke, but back in gear quickly and easily caught LADY’S IMAGE. The latter got a forward early spot, uncovered before the 5/8 and challenged, opened a couple of lengths when the leader broke, powerless to stall the winner but an acre ahead of the rest. LIBERO HANOVER moved uncovered just before the ½, got cover before the 5/8, stalled on the far turn and went back inside, held third. PRIME POWER N looked at leaving but took back to last, not heard from again. TIDQUIST was gapping inside before the ½. VANISHING ACT was never prominent. HALL IT OFF easily made the top, was trying to find more to meet the challenge of the first-up and not finding more when breaking midturn, taken to the infield.
NINTH RACE – PREMIER DELANEY had to work hard to get past a stubborn inside foe, then backed off the half, picked up the pace and held off a wall of horses with a nice last ¼. SHADOW ONE was second-over behind good cover, three-wide late turn, couldn’t quite sprint enough. WHO’S SMOKIN N left, reluctantly took third past the 1/8, moved raw 9/16 and grinded, held her ground well. MEAN IRENE thought about hanging the winner then yielded to sit in the two-hole, Pocono Pike, had her chance but couldn’t get there. JACANA sat in, OK. TSM WESTERN SOUL made a break headstretch. SOME KINDA ANGEL struggled to keep up. CATHY HANOVER took the inner route, was looking for a clear path when taking a bad step and then going into a gallop.
TENTH RACE – STONEBRIDGE ARMOUR used track geometry to maximum advantage and set the pace, had two 28.2 quarters in him for the back half and left these well behind. RED REDEMPTION settled into the pocket, stayed close until nearing headstretch, then gave ground but did hold second. SPUNKIN’SROCKETMAN was not well-served by cover and had to go three-wide before the ¾, steadily. HIP HOP GRACIE gapped early, finished with trot on the far outside. REAL MCCOY settled in third early, gapped down the back, not prominent late. BOASTER COASTER had little to offer. DAGON HANOVER was near the back throughout. NIGHT FLYER K tucked fourth at the 1/8, pulled out entering the second turn, didn’t gain too much in the fast third quarter and then tired.
ELEVENTH RACE – CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN disdained an early tuck and took over just past the ¼, had no worries in here. THIRD POWER came off the rail ¾, was still sixth midstretch but closed nicely to be up for second. WESTERN WALTZ left well to take the early lead, pushed the winner a bit then yielded for the two-hole, a bit loose 11/16, just failed to hold place. MOVE THE LINE got an early spot, was a handful near the ¼, backed out to follow the first-over down the back, three-wide late turn but did not have a sharp late response. BETTORS AUTHORITY was never a presence. SOLID ALIBI was underway raw from far back past the 3/8, paced a 26.4 quarter to get closest to the winner ¾, but tired. SEAL O’NEILL broke just after the start.
TWELFTH RACE – BANG BANG BOINGA was innermost of the hard leavers and controlled the throttle, had a tough foe in FOCUS POCUS through the lane but got to the line first ahead of him. The latter was between horses early, went into the pocket nearing the ¼, outside for the drive, tried very hard but had to settle for second. DIVINE SPIRIT was far back when he got into gear ¾, made up a great deal of ground. MOON BRIDGE was uncovered 5/8, tucked in third on the far turn, just lost that position late. TRICKY DICK was never a factor; nor was CASTYOURCROWN. CUPID HANOVER was three-wide leaving, behind cover at the 1/8 and got in third as a foe broke before the quarter, did not keep from shortly at the half. WORTHY OF HONOR had speed, ran 3/16, was stubborn and could not be taken back enough to move from the infield onto the main oval until the half.
THIRTEENTH RACE – FILLY SPEAKS got the point into turn one, yielded 3/16 for the pocket, had a fine trip then used the Pocono Pike to get the decision. BRONZE OVER N was three-wide leaving, then two-wide before getting the lead 3/16, set the pace, settled for second. SHECANDANCE N was second-over, wide midturn and finished very steadily. BRING ME DIAMONDS was four-wide early and three-wide to the 1/8, backed off to a four-tuck 3/16, couldn’t threaten but kept up well. CHEEKIE BABE gapped inside down the back, fair between horses in the stretch. GREENHILLDEBATABLE sat in, evenly among the inside. NEW NUMBER WHO DIS came uncovered off the second turn, didn’t gain until late backstretch and then just a bit, then tired. SHECOULDBEGOOD N was in a very difficult spot.
FOURTEENTH RACE – MACMORRIS HANOVER used the rail to advantage, yielded to the early mover and stayed connected in the pocket while the others struggled, outside late turn and went by easily. KINDA LUCKY LINDY was away third then quarter-moved, kept rolling at a good clip string out the others, overpowered by the winner. WINGS UP moved outside on the turn, won a three-way photo for third. DOT DOT DOT DASH was never a major danger. CAN’T SAY NO was three-wide to turn one, took back to tuck fourth just past the 3/16, couldn’t muster much late. ANDOVERS TOUCH and CHOCO CHARLIE never featured. CAVIART EMMA left, went into the early pocket 3/16, left some gap the last half until the far turn where she broke, was able to be taken to the outside without bothering anybody.
FIFTEENTH RACE – MYKINDACHIP made the top at the 1/8, yielded, quarter-moved in front of a parked horse, kept up a quick clip with the parked opponent pressing a long way, drew clear easily. WAR-N-MUNN gapped inside at the ½ then moved out down the back and got closer by the ¾, three-wide midturn, did enough to take second. JAHAN HANOVER was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide much of the 26.3 opener before taking over, yielded for the two-hole, a bit tired late. STATEMENT MADE A looked to be taken back at the start but wouldn’t go inside, remaining outside for the duration, raw and pressing the pace from the 3/8 on, faded but only after much energy expenditure. FULL MOON BEACH followed cover but couldn’t make his presence felt. BELLOWS BINGE sat inside, little late. SOUTHWIND DRUDGE was already disconnecting not much past the half.
Mar 21, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Upper 60s to low 70s … Not a good day in general for horses racing on the front end … End-to-end action for the fastest local mile of the year in the opener (1:50.4) … IM A GIGOLO N was third-over, gapped down the backstretch and on the turn, but put together better strides late and was up in the shadow of the wire. EAST BEACH had a good second-over journey, three-wide late on the turn, lead just past midstretch, just missed. CURIOUS CORTEZ was three-wide to the 3/16,then behind cover to the 5/16, lead 3/8, yielded at the half for the pocket, Pocono Pike, got to almost even terms past midstretch, flattened fractionally. PARMESAN N was buried inside, had willing kick once angling clear wide. OUR MAX PHACTOR N left from the rail, on the move into turn two, lost cover into the backstretch and challenged hard, not bad. DOUBLEORNOTHING N was looped between horses early, up to take the lead 5/16, yielded, came again to retake control just past the ½, under pressure, not quite enough. HOT DEUCE circled up three-wide to be the first on the point, yielded and was shuffled, couldn’t gain along the far inside late. CAPTAIN ROMANCE did not contend.
SECOND RACE – P L NOTSONICE pushed the early action, yielded, retook the front nearing the half, then just had too much for this crew. KENOGAMI COCO was looped between horses, carried on to the top 5/16, yielded before the half, a bit loose much of the last half, held second. BLENHEIM was left uncovered near the ½, didn’t threaten the winner, not quite second. MARION GONDOLIER was second-over, tipped three-wide, fair. BELIEVER was shuffled, outside past midturn, finished willingly. KING ALPHONSO was way wide early, used hard to get the front 3/16, yielded, inside, faded. THE OTHER PAIR gapped.
THIRD RACE – NEEDLESS TO SAY was first on top then forced a fast quarter before yielding for the two-hole, stayed tight behind the pacesetter, to the Pocono Pike and took the advantage midstretch, all-out to hold off HOPETOBEFIRST in a decelerating tempo. The latter gapped second-over in the third quarter fight, wide before headstretch, cutting into the winner’s margin late. SPORTY DRAGON moved out ¾, went wide and narrowed in. LITTLEBITASWAGGER was out to the 3/16 in a 26.3 opener before taking the top, under hard pressure down the back, couldn’t keep it going in the lane. FATHER SARDUCCI took back into a 4-tuck 3/16, moved raw past the 3/8, in gear down the back and fought with the leader, held OK after using much energy. VAGANOVA kept a hole closed early, no factor thereafter. DENALI SEELSTER couldn’t keep up in the second quarter and was pulled up.
FOURTH RACE – SHAMMA LAMMA was uncovered into turn two, was asked for and gave a 27 third quarter to get the lead ¾ and cross over on the turn, easy winner. AMERICA’S GUEST couldn’t go with the winner’s cover, enough for second. KEYSTONE TENACIOUS was in the pocket, shuffled midturn and waited for the Pocono Pike, couldn’t quite get to second. LORD OF MISRULE stayed in third until past midturn, evenly late. JUST A WRANGLER left well to force a lineup, really slowed down the half, then couldn’t summon enough second half sprint to stay in contention. ARTISTS RUFFLES disconnected in the second half.
FIFTH RACE – Stretch headwind picked up … CASINO BAGS ANSO gradually advanced a long way first-over, had a slight lead midturn to the finish as five were within a length to the wire. SOCIAL THEORIES had a fine journey second-over, wide headstretch, just missed in a clocking not fast for this class. HES GONE BADDER pushed much of a good quarter then yielded for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, didn’t hit top stride until a bit too late. PREMIER ROCKSTAR had some speed, sat in, gradually angled wide before headstretch, gained ground, finished with “b.e.” NIALL HANOVER was no factor. MY FRISKIE BOY was wide early and pressed on to the lead before a 26.4 opener, slowed the half, had pressure come to him later on the backstretch, not much left in the last 3/16.
SIXTH RACE – WON LAST FEELING was looped early, proceeded up before the 3/16 to gain control 5/16, rolled his last half in 55.4 and needed to to withstand the persistent SULLIVAN. The latter showed gate speed, then moved raw off the second turn, never head-to-head with the winner but always a looming presence in a sharp grind. SO SO DE VIE sat in, blocked just before to just into the stretch, had a response for third. A BETTOR BEACH had fine cover, evenly. THISJETSABOOKIN closed OK from last. BLOW A CLOUD N went right to the top, yielded to the winner to sit the two-hole, not much response in the lane.
SEVENTH RACE – CLASSIFIEDMATERIAL was fastest away, yielded for the two-hole and stayed tight, backed outside ¾ and went three-wide late on the turn, ran away from these. ALL CHEDDAR stayed in, advanced up the rail the last 5/16 to get second. BASS PLAYER was parked just past the 1/8 to get the top in a very fast opener, slowed the half then had to pick it up again as a challenger came, not enough. URBAN RENEWAL gapped inside at a couple of points, next in line. RYCROFT N gapped second-over. WINNING IS SWEET was never close. PARKLANE JET was outleft and behind cover early, tucked third, went raw at the half and paced his third split in 27.2 to challenge, but that deprived him of further forward progress.
EIGHTH RACE – WESTERN TYRANT came raw early in the backstretch and went 55 the last half grinding, somehow got a nose up right on the money. CYRUS PEAK was between horses to the first turn, took the pocket at the 1/8, moved to the Pocono Pike, made the lead midstretch and only gave up the advantage at the death. THE BUS A rushed through at the start to take control from the pole, went slow-fast in the middle, passed midstretch but stayed battling. BROTHER JAMES gapped second-over. TREASURE MACH gapped much of the last half. DREAM OF LUCK never factored. SUPER PAC HANOVER was three-wide to the 1/8, was pressing on when breaking to the 3/16.
NINTH RACE – LEGAL POWER left, yielded, quarter-moved, was in charge of this race the last half in fast time. DREAMS ARE TRUE left between horses to take the lead and induce a tuck, yielded to sit the pocket behind the winner, held second. SPANISH ART spotted early then gapped most of the rest of the race, had improved pace finishing. HEARTLANDBANYSBRO was three-wide to the first turn, went in second 3/16, back uncovered down the backstretch, made a decent challenge, but tired past midturn. THE OTHER FOUR had little say at any point in this quick contest.
TENTH RACE – GO WEST GO FAST just kept on rolling past the 26.2 quarter, was not threatened at all. FRONTIER ROLLO sat in, moved out 11/16 and moved closer to the winner, clearly second-best. LEAR SEELSTER was far back, gained inside on the turn, outside in the lane and was the distant third. LYONS AMUSEMENTS yielded for the pocket, gradually unplugged in the last ¼. CAVIART MAX offered little. BOBBY K HILL tried to move frontward before the ¼, was under urging but looked hard to steer and just dangled on the outside, nothing left 5/8 and went back inside.
ELEVENTH RACE – KILLER MARTINI quickly circled dull cover early backstretch and went up raw, got cover ¾, three-wide headstretch and drew away from these. HASH-TAG SWAG had speed, sat in, to the pocket, angled behind the winner early stretch and was along for a no-factor second. JUMPIN JAKE FLASH yielded 3/16 to sit in the two-hole, popped out of same midturn, outpaced late. BEACH FIRE K was three-deep to turn one, in front 3/16, didn’t get pressure, still had very little at crunch time. IDEAL STAR N and SKYWAY BILLY were always far back. SPORTSKEEPER came out uncovered near the half, immediately stated to retreat despite encouragement.
TWELFTH RACE – LINCOLNJAMES saw outside horses leaving and let them go, stepped out raw off the second turn and went up to challenge, finally wore down the leader midstretch and held off the closers. TULLOW N had a great second-over trip, good but had to settle for place. CAPTAIN DISOMMA was third-over, struggled to keep with cover, finished steadily. CLASSIC PRO was inside the other two main leavers and was determined to have the lead, paid a 26.1 price for it, continued on the throttle, tired midstretch. MARCO BEACH was three-wide most of the ¼ before tucking third, sat in, shuffled far turn, threaded through traffic in the lane, perhaps never fully clear. ROLLIN IN NEW YORK went out between horses, finally settled for the two-hole near the ¼, struggled to stay close from the 5/8. ST LADS NEPTUNE trailed.
THIRTEENTH RACE – BAMSKI was three-wide leaving, on to command past the 3/16, had CAPTAIN MULZAC come to him 3/8, was urged to keep that foe out at that point, and ding-donged with that one the rest of the contest in fast fractions, gamely to hold on. The latter got a forward position then got underway just before the ¼, reached the leader at the 3/8 and went at it with him uncovered, terrific stretch resilience. BRANDON HANOVER got tighter on cover late backstretch, three-wide into the lane, not far off. MAJOR DESIRE went out enough to force a couple to retreat in behind, yielded before the ¼, tightened in after gapping early backstretch, Pocono Pike, not quite enough. THE OTHERS had little say in the outcome of this one.
FOURTEENTH RACE – VETTEL N put a foe in behind on the first turn, came home in 54.1 – 26.3, and no foe could do anything against that. AFLAME HANOVER moved uncovered from fourth 5/8, never got close to the winner but was game to hold off closers for second. GUMPTION gapped in the second quarter, then tighter and second-over, paced well late. BILL HALEY N was third-over from far behind, finished sharply. TITO ROCKS wanted the lead but eventually settled for the pocket, not too much in the last ¼. FRISKIE ALL NITE was never prominent. SOUTHWIND OZZI tucked third at the 1/8, not heard from thereafter. HIGHRTHANANEAGLE A gapped the last half.
FIFTEENTH RACE – VIRGIN STORM left enough to secure the pocket, stayed tight behind backstretch duelers as the others didn’t keep up, angled outside late turn and wide into the stretch, paced steadily to catch CIGAR SMOKING TONY late as Matt Kakaley rolled a seven-bagger on his birthday. The latter left and took a spot, uncovered off turn two and went a big third panel challenging the leader, had a small advantage late on the turn and early stretch, continued on for second. GUINNESS PANIC was three-wide leaving then two-wide to the 1/8 to the lead in a 26.1 opener, had hard pressure most of the last half, held well. HUNDIE N gapped the last half. JK WILL POWER sat in and gapped gapping cover. BULLVILLE TERROR was third-over behind a dull one, three-wide midturn, too far to come. JK MUSICMAN was off the gate, gapped early, then started raw 3/8, would have had cover from early backstretch if he could have reached it. CAVIART ROCKLAND never entered the picture.
Mar 17, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Mid to high 40s; usual stretch headwind … OWEN came out at the 5/8, was full of pace and quickly went three-wide 11/16 to uncovered before the turn and by past midturn, stormed home in 55 very impressively. POINTSMAN worked his way to the top at the 1/8, strung out the field much of the way, clearly second-best. OHOKA JOHNNY N was out behind the winner but couldn’t go with him, three-wide far turn, along for third. IYQ YQR stayed in, not able to reach. ROCKIN PANDA left and yielded, little left in the last quarter. OUR REGAL IDEAL N and READY TO RUMBLE N were always far back. BADIX HANOVER was urged leaving, tucked third, was urged when pulled outside 5/8 but didn’t go forward.
SECOND RACE – DOWNTHEROAD Z TAM left strongly and took over early, pushed a foe past the ¼ then sat the pocket, outside in the stretch and had an easy time getting by. MASK ON MASK OFF was looped early, made the lead past the ¼, went along nicely, proved no match for the pocket rocket. ALWAYS BETTER left well, was well-placed, Pocono Pike, not quite enough. CAPTAIN EMOTION stayed in, avoided trouble, fair late. SWEET SUCCESS was second-over, had already started three-wide around faltering cover before midturn before being bothered. IVY STUD gapped a little to the half, went in 27.2 down the back to challenge, tired ¾ and was backing off when making a break causing difficulties, placed. ETBAUER was third-over, was shoved way wide mid-far turn and suffered an “ix.” PERFECTLY SAID wasn’t close, couldn’t avoid the trouble late turn.
THIRD RACE – WHAT’S GOIN ON moved uncovered from last entering the backstretch, got cover 5/8 and advanced, had a dislodged left headpole headstretch, looked to have to be steered carefully in the lane but finished with the most pace. SPIDER MAN HANOVER left for the early pocket, came out of third 5/8 raw, challenged hard, held well. SPORTS HERO showed good early foot to clear by the 1/8, yielded for the two-hole, had to wait for the Pocono Pike, then had a respectable response. PETER PUMPKINEATER backed out into the flow, a bit better in the lane. SPINOUT made a quarter-moved from third, set the pace, wilted late. CLASS HERO couldn’t keep up.
FOURTH RACE – JAMAICAN COWBOY took a midpack tuck, moved uncovered 9/16 and dashed right on past to the lead to the ¾, all alone at the wire. JAMES RIVERSIDE sat in, gapped, advanced inside on the turn, outside before midstretch and just second. BRADY TO GRONK briefly tucked third then quarter-moved, set the pace, had no answer for the winner and lost second at the wire. WHATA TWIST gapped cover, OK late. VILLAGE CHAMP didn’t offer too much. MT ADAMS was always well off the pace. MCLEISH was parked to the 1/8 for the lead, yielded to the early brusher, threatened to try to retake to the second turn but rethought that move, came back out to the ¾ after the winner rushed by but had no more left to give.
FIFTH RACE – SANATTLE SLEW got second-over cover just past the half, gapped it, left uncovered ¾, had the most of these closing into a 30.1 last quarter. BEST SHOT N, looked rough-gaited, followed the winner, three-wide midturn, couldn’t get the job done. CONSTNTLYSIDEWYS A took the early pocket then was on the move before the quick ¼ to set the pace, couldn’t last to the wire. CAVIART SAGE was wide going to the first turn and dropped in fourth, came uncovered just past the ½, got to retuck in the pocket ¾, Pocono Pike, couldn’t muster enough. HAPPY CAMPER was shuffled to last, had some on the end of it. MORE DRAGON was never a factor. SKYWAY BILLY was three-wide to turn one, soon thereafter made the top, yielded for the pocket, couldn’t keep up near the ¾.
SIXTH RACE – MIMI OCEAN HANOVER went a fast 3/8 to get to the lead, but didn’t have to come home very fast to maintain solid command. BLING I’M A WINNER started uncovered early on the backstretch and went up making a bid, couldn’t get to the pocket until late on the turn, then clearly second-best. HOT CHOCO LATTE retucked down the back, outside on the turn, along for third. MYREANNA backed out to follow cover, did not threaten. SHALL I FEAR ALL was outside 3/16 until grabbing command, yielded a like distance later to sit second after a quick early pace, kept close to almost the ¾, then was all done. BUCKET HEAD left and yielded, unplugged before the 5/8. GHIBLI broke coming off the second turn. BLUE TESLA broke not too long after the start.
SEVENTH RACE – SAMMY THE BULL N was on the go on the second bend, brushed quickly to the lead, was in control to the finish. MONEYORROSES followed the winner but couldn’t match his early backstretch move, grinded up, decided to move inside past midturn, had enough to retain second over SOMWHERENBROOKLN N. The latter couldn’t keep up in the fast third split, briefly went in midturn but then back out when the place inside moved to the pylons, finished steadily. AN THE THUNDEROLLS made the front to the 3/16 in a fast opener, yielded to a brusher nearing turn two then was stuck behind that one, some recovery. BJ’S GUY left, pushed, yielded, shuffled, backed out, couldn’t keep up. LIMA SPARTAN moved out towards the 3/8 and went up to the lead, but couldn’t even retain that lead much past early backstretch and gradually faded.
EIGHTH RACE –AIN’T IT FUN got POLAK A to take back twice before the 3/8, continued to be the one in charge, stayed solid to the wire. ARTACHE HANOVER tucked third, moved before turn two and went up to challenge, got into the pocket 5/8, moved outside late turn, finished steadily. GOLDEN GESTURE went into the outer flow before the half, left raw 5/8, went inside ¾, couldn’t quite get to second. DARK HORSE looked at leaving but took back as several others showed quick step, tucked sixth at the ¼, in the outside tier, kept on coming. MR BIG LOAD got the last check. HEREHECOMESAROCKIN sat in and was badly shuffled as the pocket horse backed up, moved out belatedly but had little. POLAK A wanted the lead but couldn’t go by early and tucked before the ¼, out again soon off the first bend but again forced to go back in the pocket, started backing up early backstretch. JANAID was always far behind.
NINTH RACE – KEYSTONE SERGEANT had cover to before the 3/16, then flicked at to go on to the lead nearing the 3/8, dealt well with a challenger to both sides in the stretch. PHANTOM RUSTY went by before the 3/16, yielded in front of the stands for the pocket, went to the Pocono Pike, just missed getting there. O JONNIE was uncovered near the 5/8, held his ground stoutly. CARAMEL MACCHIATO sat in, had no room in the later stages. ARCH CREDIT yielded, stayed in, moved outside midturn and wide headstretch, couldn’t quite reach. GINGER TREE KNOX flushed cover but was gapping before the ¾. ADELANTE S was looking to leave when breaking, got close to catching the field by the half but broke again down the backstretch.
TENTH RACE – WHATA TREASURE was in a great backstretch flow, left uncovered ¾ and quickly moved to the lead, drew off in a big performance. PIRATES ALLEY was able to get out into the flow, couldn’t go with the winner late but well ahead of the others. P L LEEROY was three-wide to turn one, made the lead just past the 26.4 ¼ then yielded, shuffled, didn’t get outside until past midturn, closed well in a better mile than it may look. ROGUE CHEDDAR went to command, yielded, caught in, shuffled then outside ¾, fair late. NIHILATED TRUTH stayed in, gapped down the back, not all that much. SPORTSMANSHIP was outside midpack through much of the first half, then made his move and gained through the backstretch, got the lead ¾ but had little left late. TODDLER TANTRUM spotted, then quarter-moved, came under pressure down the back, yielded and fell way back. QUEEN KENDALL never featured.
ELEVENTH RACE – SIR GENE G HANOVER was near the back, angled widest entering the stretch and outkicked these in the 30.3 last quarter. HYPOTHETICAL was uncovered at the half, briefly had cover then saw it bear wide so went on uncovered, not fast but steady. LUZIANA sat in, along for third deep in the Pocono Pike. BAYONET was three-wide to the first turn, went on to set the pace from 3/16, came up empty in the stretch. IMIDEAL HANOVER protected the pocket, could offer little late. TOWNLINE JATED was looped early and settled third at the 1/8, went raw to the 5/8 but quickly bore out, no factor. LAREDO TORPEDO N was way off the gate and never entered the picture.
TWELFTH RACE – IC A FREE SPIRIT had good early jet, in front just past the 1/8, slowed quarter two then sped up quarter three not allowing the first-over any closer than his rump, drew clear. NATHAN FEELSGOOD rode in the pocket virtually the entire way, outpaced SKYWAY FIREBALL for second. The latter had some speed, moved uncovered early on turn two, made mild progress in the fast third panel, held OK. MACHING TIME flushed cover, gapped it and ducked in ¾, best of the rest. NEWBIE never entered the picture; nor did INFORCE. AMERICAN COLT N gapped out starting at the 5/8.
THIRTEENTH RACE – APRIL ANGEL was underway before the ¼ to grab the lead, faced hard pressure on the far turn, then saw that foe bear out, looked in control to the wire. JAGGED LITTLE PILL forced an early tuck from the rail, yielded to the winner, stayed close, moved outside with stretch clearance, made up a little bit of ground. FAST MACHINE came uncovered 5/8 and fought hard with the winner around the far turn, but then bore out through the stretch though not ceding much ground. MIKI ROSE took the early pocket, sat in, outside on the turn then inside a drifting opponent in the lane, fair. BYGONE HANOVER gapped second-over, went inside far turn, evenly late. SWEET AND FEISTY didn’t have good cover, then was a bit rough and bore out late far turn. HELLRUNNER HANOVER gapped from the 5/8. CAVEN POINT trailed at every call.
FOURTEENTH RACE – TRENTE DEO rushed out to the lead, didn’t have much relief on the front end against a pair of challengers, held together nicely. STATEMENT MADE A was outside 3/8, briefly three-wide 5/8 then to two-wide to challenge, took a vacant pocket midturn, came back out early stretch and pursued very gamely to the line. YUPPER was looped, shut out of holes, finally got into the pocket 5/8 as that spot’s former occupant faded, held well considering the trip. DEETZY backed out to follow good cover but could not offer much. HEARTBREAK HILL made up a good deal of ground. WILSONS VINNER never featured. BLACKLIGHT made a break coming off turn two. LITTLE POWER left, raced into the pocket 3/16, kept the hole closed until the 5/8, then faded well back.
FIFTEENTH RACE – HORSE left briskly and took over at the 1/8, went a big third quarter with only two able to stay close down the back, got the job done here. ONE OFF DELIGHT A went in third at the 1/8, uncovered before the 5/8, didn’t gain in the fast third split but kept coming doggedly late. MR CENSI left and quickly yielded, stayed connected, Pocono Pike, not quite enough. STENDAHL HANOVER didn’t keep up down the back but got much closer on the turn, wide headstretch, OK. INDIGO ART had poor cover, had to make a big sweeping move just to clear dead wood and get to the rail fifth, not much chance today. BILBAO HANOVER came out past the 3/8 but never went anywhere. CANT KNOCK ME was off the gate, drifted outside until getting in fifth 5/16, not heard from thereafter. BOYS IN THE BAND offered very little.
Mar 11, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – About 60 degrees all day … “Fast +0” for races 1-3, then “sloppy +1” thereafter in drizzle … Not much wind at start … BAYONET left, made the pocket 3/16, edged out late on the turn and drew off. IMIDEAL HANOVER tucked early, evenly to hold second. BJ’S GUY took control from the pole, set a pretty good pace for this type, had no late response. Both PETER PUMPKINEATER and NAKED CITY went around a gapper in front of the stands; the former had pace finishing, while the latter never factored. SHARKNADO was way behind. FRANKIE ROCKS A was already leaving a big gap late on the first turn, finally broke due to an equipment failure and was pulled up.
SECOND RACE – IVY STUD left and went into the two-hole at the 1/8, was locked in by a gapper until midturn then could get two-wide, came a good piece to take the decision. CAPTAIN COOK tucked, started uncovered 9/16, brushed up into the fast 3/4s, grabbed the lead at headstretch but couldn’t make it last to the wire. HUNT FOR CASH put several foes in behind early, let one go at the 3/8 but came back out to get the lead approaching the half, had to keep up the hot pace with a backstretch challenger, didn’t fade too badly after doing quick early work. HUNTSVILLE PLACE didn’t have great cover, three-wide far turn, finished well. MELANIE’S NICK couldn’t find an early tuck so had to press on to get the lead in a fast 3/8, yielded before the half, tired late. JO PA’S TURN spotted midpack, then came again second-over but couldn’t go enough. THE OTHER DUO were always far back.
THIRD RACE – As the drizzle starts … POLAK A put ‘em all in behind early, slowed the half, then strung ‘em out with a 27.3 third quarter, had built too big a lead to be caught. DARK HORSE moved raw 3/8 and advanced, retucked third to the 11/16, back out again before the stretch, kept on coming in a good race. ROGUE CHEDDAR was shuffled to last, made up a lot of ground. GOLDEN GESTURE was third-over, evenly. SANATTLE SLEW was second-over 3/8, left raw 11/16, couldn’t gain and went back inside on the turn. YS SUNSHINE left between horses for the pocket, started gapping to the 5/8. HEREHECOMESAROCKIN was three-wide to turn one, went into third 3/16, no more to give fairly early on the backstretch.
FOURTH RACE – Now “sloppy” … EPOS OSTERVANG DK was three-wide towards turn one to 3/16 command, went fast odd quarters, was under pressure 5/8 through the turn, but proved strongest. SORTIE was behind dull cover, finally saw that one tuck in, didn’t reach his new cover though gradually making up ground, then closed well belatedly. VOLARE had the lead into the first curve then yielded for the pocket, vacated same 5/8 and battled vs. the winner, not quite enough though good. CHUCKY DE VIE gapped early, got closer, saw the pocketsitter vacate 5/8, couldn’t get into major contention. KARETS went uncovered towards turn two but had little and went back to the rail. DAYTONA DREAMIN gapped after getting away slowly. PRAYERS DO MATTER was not in the hunt when breaking on the far turn.
FIFTH RACE – WHATA TWIST initially stayed in, backed out to third-over from last, three-wide with cover midturn to four-wide headstretch, worked his way by. SOMWHERENBROOKLN N moved at the ¼ and with urging cleared 3/8, got a slow second quarter, couldn’t quite make his advantage stand up. BEACHMASTER TWO was second-over, three-wide through the far turn, OK but outkicked. BADIX HANOVER left enough to take the early lead then yielded 3/8 for the pocket, gapped a little down the back then tighter on the turn, to the Pocono Pike, came up short. LIMA SPARTAN left, settled in the pocket 3/16, was shuffled inside, not clear in the lane. LAREDO TORPEDO N launched an uncovered move 3/8, never was head-to-head with the leader, faded in the last quarter.
SIXTH RACE – SHEZABARHOPPINCHIC finally yielded off turn one to sit in the two-hole, snapped out at the ¾ and trotted right by the leader, won for fun. SHALL I FEAR ALL was for all intents coverless from seventh from the 3/8, continued on gamely and did get the place honors. BLING IM A WINNER sat in, outside midturn after a slight shuffle, steadily to hold third over RAVIOLI. The latter was shuffled back, stacked widest and finished well. MYREANNA made the lead just past the ¼ (by far the fastest fraction in the race), got a slow second quarter, but still was powerless when challenged far turn. BUCKET HEAD settled in third at the 1/8, then was caught behind the tiring pacesetter on the turn. AMBERS CHAMPION had dull cover. BALLERINI, off the gate, moved second-over but then gapped most of the last half-mile.
SEVENTH RACE – QUEEN KENDALL got the three-spot, had the inside open up when the pocketsitter came out nearing headstretch, and was the easiest $135.60 winner you’ll see for a while. P L LEEROY bypassed a pocket opportunity and got the lead in a 27.2 quarter, stole clear down the back, held off all but one. CONSTNTLYSIDEWYS A left, tried to force a tuck but then yielded, loose in the pocket much of the way, outside stretch, wasn’t gaining. LOVE YOURSELF sat in, evenly. SPORTS HERO was behind nonadvancing cover, three-wide far turn, had some pace at the end. SPIDER MAN HANOVER never factored. MACHING TIME was uncovered into turn two but never advanced beyond midpack.
EIGHTH RACE – HEARTBEAT HILL was parked to the ¼ for the lead, yielded and sat a tight pocket, Pocono Pike and along in a slowing last quarter. REYS N A RUCKUS wound up third-over, three-wide past the 5/8 for the duration, kept at it through the stretch. SIX DAY WARS was a gapping last except going around a recalcitrant horse, moved three-wide mid-far turn then four-wide, made up a lot of ground in a decelerating pace. BILBO HANOVER was parked with cover to the ¼, on top 5/16, had constant intense pressure in a fast pace over the off going, tired. WHAT THE LUCK yielded at the ¼, sat in, so-so late. CANT KNOCK ME stayed behind outside leavers early, was left raw 5/16 and challenged in solid numbers, held to the stretch in a pretty good race. ALL CHEDDAR was outside the duration, blindswitched towards the 11/16, wasn’t keeping up on the turn. HULOU moved out fourth-over near the half but had no forward motion and then broke.
NINTH RACE – MCLEISH got to the lead, rated the half into what was by now a strong stretch headiwnd, sped up to meet a stern challenge, held on in a blanket finish. AN THE THUNDEROLLS was uncovered to the second turn, was a grindmaster deluxe, fought very hard through the stretch. WHAT’S GOIN ON was third-over, didn’t fancy his chances going four-wide late turn so waited to find a seam between horses, closed well in very tight quarters. BRADY TO GRONK had a very good second-over trip behind a contested pace, wide, not enough. LUZIANA stayed in, not prominent. CLASS HERO sat in the two-hole, came up empty ¾. JAMES RIVERSIDE gapped at the back down the backstretch.
TENTH RACE – CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN, unhurried early, moved out before the ¼ and was in front just before the 3/8, was under no pressure here. MASK ON MASK OFF pressed on rather than take an early pocket tuck, went to the top at the ¼, yielded for the two-hole, held that position late over CAPTAIN EMOTION. The latter improved position early, sat in then backed out to follow cover 5/8, inside again on the turn, held pace in the Pocono Pike; an inquiry into his move down the back showed no reason for placing. YER SO BAD came uncovered into the backstretch, grinded but didn’t get to the winner, tired. I DUNNO was outside, gapped, briefly three-wide towards the 11/16, had nothing to offer late. PERFECTLY SAID pushed a fast quarter and yielded, empty ¾. DOWNTHEROAD Z TAM made a nasty break 3/16, the made another due to broken equipment past the ¾.
ELEVENTH RACE – SKYWAY FIREBALL was urged to get in gear to the 5/8, was able to retuck in the pocket, outside headstretch and proved to have the most. OHOKA JOHNNY N backed into fourth 3/16, outside before the 5/8, had cover, retucked third, came up the Pocono Pike, just got by SPORTSMANSHIP for second. The latter dashed through the muck in a speed show, opening a big lead early in the backstretch, came back to the top two in the last 1/8 but held on pretty well given the fast fractions. OWEN didn’t come off the rail until the far turn, finished well. TOWNLINE JATED gapped throughout. PIRATES ALLEY sat in the two-hole, came up empty going to the 5/8.
TWELFTH RACE – FAST MACHINE came out with cover near the half, slightly off that cover down the back, wide in the stretch, barely able to get past BYGONE HANOVER. The latter grinded up first-over, took over approaching midstretch and almost lasted to the line. JAGGED LITTLE PILL was wide early and took back, then backed out to third-over, didn’t go wide in the stretch but gained behind the top two. HELLRUNNER HANOVER gapped badly in the middle of the race, but found her pacing shoes on the far turn, stacked widest and was moving well. SOME LUCKY MAGIC was three-wide early, got on top 3/16 and yielded a like distance later for the pocket, went to the Pocono Pike but did not gain. GENESIS didn’t have much when called upon. BOTTOM BLUES was looped between horses early, pressed on to take over 3/8, still in the fight to early stretch then gave way.
THIRTEENTH RACE – Precipitation stopped, wind gone down … TODDLER TANTRUM insisted on the lead on the first turn, rated the half, stepped it up when WHATA TREASURE came to challenge, held very gamely to get the decision. The latter was uncovered near the half, paced a 26.4 third quarter raw to fight hard with the leader, continued that fight right to the wire, very good. CAVIART SAGE had gapping cover, saw it tuck in on the turn and gained two-wide, then continued that gain to the finish. ROCKIN PANDA actually outleft the winner but because of track geometry took back for the pocket, didn’t quite have enough at the end. SAMMY THE BULL N was second-over, couldn’t keep up, went back in on the far bend. MR MCDREAMY gapped most of the way.
FOURTEENTH RACE – JK WILL POWER was quarter-mover #1 from the pocket and never had QM#2 reach him, probably because he paced two back quarters in 28 while easily winning. STATEMENT MADE A left sharply for the lead, yielded for the pocket, held his ground OK. INDIGO ART sat third, stayed in and maintained that position. KEYSTONE STEAM was on the move at the ¼ but never showed enough steam to go up to challenge, did grind pretty well in the fast back half. BLACKLIGHT sat in, got the last check. HE’S ELECTRIC was third-over in the nonflow, three-wide far turn, too tough a spot. NOTYOURTYPICALMAN was second-over behind dull cover, blindswitched far turn, never a factor.
FIFTEENTH RACE – Raining again … CONSUS VICTORY refused to yield early, walked to the half, then was tons the best in here. CAJOLE HANOVER left and pressed the winner but finally accepted the pocket, held second over SWEET HEART AS. The latter came out third-over at the half in a not-great flow, three- and four-wide far turn and came home in 57 with very good stretch speed. MOON BRIDGE needed until almost the ¼ to get in fifth, then started uncovered on turn two, never reached in the fast back half but still gave a respectable showing. INNISFALLEN was never prominent. DARTY backed into fourth 3/16, gapped to the ¾. CRUSHWORTHY broke at the start, recovered and was second-over, wide towards headstretch but no more left to give. CHRISTOPHER CRAZO was never a factor.
Mar 10, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – The twilight card opens in 70-degree temperatures, which go down only a bit through the racing … Strong stretch headwind … OFF THE PRESS was last and didn’t come off the rail until past the ¾, tipped wider off wide cover headstretch and was along in the last step. SHECOULDBEGOOD N moved outside ¾ and three-wide late on the turn, closed to get the lead three steps out but just missed. SHECANDANCE N left and defended the pocket, waited for the Pocono Pike, took command midstretch but couldn’t quite hold up. NEW NUMBER WHO DIS made a strong move with the wind down the backstretch, battled all the way to the line. BYE BYE MICHELLE looped a foe early, set the pace while slowing the half, tired a bit late though only a length behind. BRING ME DIAMONDS left between horses and was looped, got in third at the ¼, stayed in, wasn’t fully clear in the lane but not tight on the horse in front of her.
SECOND RACE – MOSCONI HANOVER secured the early pocket and kept the hole shut behind a duel, edged out ¾ and found himself with a huge lead as the leader broke, won in hand. PRESCOTT was far back nearing the far turn but unleashed a huge move that had him picking horses off one by one until reaching second, solid move. MAYDAY VOLO gapped at a couple of points but stayed flat and was a clear third. PUERTO RICO didn’t have enough in the last 3/16. SIR CROMWELL forced a tuck and then kept another rival hung out, was getting ready for a challenge from the winner when making a miscue due to broken equipment past the ¾, was taken to the infield, came back to pass far-back horses but was placed. FLY FLY EAGLE never moved. VANISHING ACT left, was left out to dry after challenging for the lead, tired before the 5/8. JOE JOE JOE gapped early, then broke entering turn two.
THIRD RACE – COLONEL BAYAMA started uncovered 5/8 then soon got cover, wide in the stretch and along in the latter stages. BRAZEN BRAZILIAN got a forward spot early, then moved out raw 11/16, never ahead but finished steadily. WESTERN WALTZ bolted away to an immediate lead, went 26.4 to the quarter, maintained the lead until midstretch but couldn’t quite sustain the advantage. SEAL O’NEILL was looped early, made the pocket 3/16, went to the Pocono Pike, looked a little rough and didn’t gain. BETTORS AUTHORITY may have been in tight quarters coming up the deep Pike. THE OTHERS did not achieve prominence.
FOURTH RACE – SUNDANCEDIAMOND got to the front at the 1/8, slowed at the half, accelerated to meet the first-over, pulled away. RENTIER came out raw 5/8 and made a challenge, flattened early stretch but took second over NOTMEITSYOU. The latter sat the two-hole, struggled to keep up the last 5/16, tried to come back for second but couldn’t. MASTER CLASS couldn’t keep pace most of the last 3/8. PRIME POWER N, way off the gate, tired to move up outside entering the backstretch but had no power. BANZAI AS broke at the start. KATKIN AND COKE could offer little.
FIFTH RACE – DEL DIGGITY got two “breaks” – she tucked third then advanced to the pocket as another leaver broke, then got to move out from behind the pacesetter when the first-over ran – and finally drew clear very late. JACANA looked ready to give up the lead 3/16 when a foe erred, so she set the pace, fought pretty well but had to settle for second. MAKE A SCENE was second, briefly checked and was wide after the first-over broke, evenly late. TSM PRINCESS TEDDI had a little on the end. BET LIGHT appeared all-out to keep up midrace, got closer, then faded in the lane. CATHY HANOVER appeared to be ready to cross over to the lead when breaking 3/16, was taken wide and to the back, never resurfaced. SHADY MEMORIES spotted, then came first-over before the 5/8 and was putting in a strong challenge when going offstride past the ¾.
SIXTH RACE – MUSHANA wouldn’t get in behind the pole horse, was parked 5/16 for the top, rolled along as several opponents had misfortune, won easily. One who was unfortunate was ALEXANDER HANOVER, who was actually the first to show off the gate but then was three-wide to the 3/16, took back to two-wide with cover to the 5/16, where he was left raw and finding no seat, trotted steadily in the two-path and had great endurance to stay second. ALL RISE kept a hole closed in the early fighting, to the Pocono Pike, third. LIBERO HANOVER used the rail to get forward position, yielded 5/16 for the pocket, but faded in the stretch. VOSS VOLO looked at leaving and soon took back, moved second-over, thee-wide 1/16 but quickly back to two-wide covered, three-wide again late turn, couldn’t gain. PHANTOM RUSTY did not factor. KEYSTONE SERGEANT was looped early, briefly four-wide to the 1/8 then three-wide without cover to the 3/8, where he made a break while looking to try to take back and follow the parked horse, ran home and was placed. ARGENTO ran at the start.
SEVENTH RACE – THE CHARGING MOA N was looped and three-wide to the first turn, made the top 3/16, slowed the half, sped up when a challenger came, then held off SPEAKING OF COFFEE to her left with active encouragement. The latter blasted right to the point, relinquished for the two-hole, steady in the Pocono Pike but had to settle for the deuce. JERICHO DIVA was uncovered at the half and went 27.2 down the back to get closer to the lead, held well. KCK GIRLIES was second-over, three-wide headstretch, couldn’t reach. THE OTHER THREE gapped out at various points of the last half.
EIGHTH RACE – HIP HOP GRACIE was in good position second-over, gapped a bit past the 5/8 was but better on the turn, kept coming to catch LOVE THIS BAR. The latter, not tight up in the fast opener, started raw into the backstretch, went up to the leader to challenge near the ¾, had a small advantage from late on the far bend, just missed in a good race. HALL IT OFF was looped, moved up to take over off the first turn, got a stiff challenge on the far turn and wasn’t equal to it, lasted for third. CHING CHING LUCKY was last, finished well. FINAL CLASS was forwardly-placed, not too much at crunch time. DUKE OF LINDY circled other leavers for the early lead, yielded for the pocket, struggled in the last ¼. THE OTHER DUO were never in the hunt.
NINTH RACE – NARINA HANOVER pulled from third 5/8, grinded, went on nicely and got the decision. SWEET ROCKIN GIA took the pocket early and stayed tight, to the Pocono Pike and got to even terms with the winner midstretch, second-best here. TSM WESTERN SOUL set the pace, lost her head number at the ¼, rated the half then sped up, started tiring into the lane. SILVERHILL MISSY gapped much of the last half, then did a little better late. BLOOD IN BLOOD OUT came uncovered before the half, got cover 5/8, couldn’t go with it in the last quarter. RELLA TIVITY was off the gate and already gapping before the ¼.
TENTH RACE – BOUNTIFUL BRITTNEY was looped, three-wide early to go into the pocket 3/16, then quarter-moved, slowed the half then really sped up to keep out a brushing challenger, went clear again early stretch then had enough to resist SPUNKIN’SROCKETMAN. The latter was third-over, wide far turn, finished with a big rush (the pace was declining a bit). CUPID HANOVER, from the far outside, outrushed everybody to the top, yielded to the winner for the pocket, gapped much of the last half, was still trotting OK at the end. FOCUS POCUS sat in and was shuffled, outside headstretch and angled out to the path behind the place well, late speed. CAVIART EMMA was second-over, gapped off the backstretch duel, blindswitched, evenly. DAGON HANOVER raced inside, not that much late. DIVINE SPIRIT was fourth-over, four-wide past midturn, tough spot. PIVOTAL settled in midpack to the ¼, came with a rush 3/8 and got a short lead to the 5/8, but then tired significantly nearing the ¾.
ELEVENTH RACE – DIRT ON MY BOOTS got a great second-over trip behind a contested pace, tipped three-wide and paced away from these. MONTANA CHIEF N went right to the front then strung out parked foes to the 3/8, yielded, out in a blindswitch, to the path behind the winner and closed well in a top race. BRAVO TEX N was outleft, went on between horses, grabbed command 3/8 then yielded in a fast half, to the Pocono Pike, OK. NUTCRACKER SWEET was very wide leaving then was hung three-wide to the 3/8, cleared shortly thereafter, couldn’t get a breather against the first-over, paid the price for the big energy usage late. YUPPER gapped near the back, was in tight quarters late while gaining. DEETZY was first-over on the second turn, made a bid but couldn’t sustain it. FULL MOON BEACH didn’t have much from third-over. MUSCLE MACH A was never in the hunt.
TWELFTH RACE – RED REDEMPTION left strongly to swoop everybody, yielded past the ¼ for the pocket, outside midturn, went by midstretch, enough to defeat BOASTER COASTER. The latter sat in then angled wide headstretch, was eating up the ground only to come up just shy. NIGHT FLYER K started uncovered past the 5/8, made steady progress. TRICKY DICK gapped in the back midrace, stayed in, had willing trot late. WORTHY OF HONOR went out for early position, stayed in, not much punch in the latter stages. REAL MCCOY was looped, parked past a fast quarter for the lead, gave way through the stretch. AP HALL OF TRIX couldn’t go with cover. ADELANTE S lost manners at the ¼.
THIRTEENTH RACE – MUDVILLE remained outside early, gunned up from sixth 3/16 (perhaps noting a 50-1 shot was on top) and brushed right to the lead 3/8, put the pedal to the metal down the back to keep out a determined challenge in a 27 third quarter, then drew away impressively. MICKEYS SPIRIT kept the pocket early, moved uncovered at the half and went his own third quarter in 26.3 to challenge well ahead of the rest, couldn’t clear and took the pocket midturn, very good. LINCOLN BOULEVARD did not have good cover, picked up the rest late. THIRD POWER started raw into the bottom turn but soon had cover, but then couldn’t go with it and never was a factor thereafter. ARTS ATTITUDE settled in fourth at the ¼, shuffled along the inside, had pace finishing in tight quarters. GETYOURLICENSELIAM was never in the picture. SHORE OF HIMSELF took the lead early, yielded to the winner 3/8, then couldn’t keep up when the pace increased down the back, was tired late.
FOURTEENTH RACE – MARION GONDOLIER briefly tucked third behind the two outside speedsters, then moved to take over 5/16, rated the half then left the field gapped out with a 57 back half. CAMPBELLINI had good speed to reach the top quickly, yielded to the winner, didn’t have the sprint of that one but had staying power to be a clear second. WINGS UP left and tucked behind the place horse, couldn’t keep up in the last half. CHOCO CHARLIE grabbed an early forward spot, inside, then outside stretch and made some headway. MAGNIFICENT SEVEN avoided the outer tiers and got the last check. ZSA ZSA DABOR backed out to second-over in front of the stands, three-wide when his cover tired on the turn but didn’t make progress. KEYSTONE THUNDER never factored. ANDOVERS TOUCH got away last from the rail, then started up raw from the ¼, got fairly close before giving way.
FIFTEENTH RACE – JK MUSICMAN was looped leaving and had early cover, then was raw 3/16 and went on to 5/16 command, slowed the half then came home in 55.4 – 27.3 and needed every bit of it to withstand RIFLEMAN. The latter vacated third towards the 11/16 and had a big battle with the winner from the ¾, coming his own last half in 55.2 to just miss. BAY MEADOWS left well for command, yielded for the two-hole and stayed connected, to the Pocono Pike, just not quite enough sprint. MR CENSI couldn’t go enough in the last quarter. ONE OFF DELIGHT A backed into a tuck 3/16, moved again second-over but couldn’t do much damage. SOCIAL THEORIES was last throughout.
Mar 9, 2022 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Temperature up to 44 degrees, but still a stretch headwind-windy, brutish day (though the times were on average a bit faster) … LINCOLNJAMES raced away to get the pocket, gapped a bit at a couple of points, surged midstretch and was just along over a game CLASSIC PRO. The latter left sharply to the lead before the 1/8, rolled on the lead, faltered only slightly in the last 50 yards. BRANDON HANOVER left and tucked third, inside until out late turn and wide headstretch, steadily. AMERICA’S GUEST started uncovered at the 3/8, gradually advanced, held very well. ST LADS NEPTUNE backed out behind the dull cover of the gapping ARTISTS RUFFLES, best of the rest. DREAM OF LUCK tucked fourth, couldn’t keep up the last 5/16.
SECOND RACE – AFLAME HANOVER gapped early, then went first-over 5/8, couldn’t reach the leader in the fast third panel but kept on grinding and got the nod after a tough effort. CURIOUS CORTEZ was quarter-mover #2 after a fast opener, set the pace, did OK but worn down late. DOUBLEORNOTHING N was second-over, finished steadily. HOT DEUCE made two early moves and yielded to sit the pocket, gapped down the backstretch, evenly late. SNOWBALL’S ROMEO left for the lead into turn one, saw two go by, had clearance in the Pocono Pike but couldn’t make any gain. FRISKIE ALL NITE went evenly late from third-over. CIGAR SMOKING TONY had little to offer. SHEIKH YABOOTY A was off the gate and never in the hunt.
THIRD RACE – CYRUS PEAK went right to the lead, yielded to the chalk to sit in the two-hole, snapped out of the pocket headstretch and quickly drew clear. FATHER SARDUCCI was away second, quarter-moved, controlled the tempo, no match for the winner did hold place over SPORTY DRAGON. The latter went around a gapper then retucked, outside stretch and finished alertly. YANKEE KEELER didn’t get into the 3-hole until the ¼, not much late. MR RIGHT HANOVER went uncovered but never got close. AMERICAN COLT N backed out to get around a gapper, had cover, offered little. BUFFALO HEART couldn’t keep up the last half. CAVIART STETSON started losing contact 3/8 and was pulled up.
FOURTH RACE – BOBBY K HILL used track geometry to force tucks early, rated quarter two, sped up in the third panel and opened a clear lead on the turn, tired and was passed by BLOW A CLOUD N midstretch but showed grit to fight back for the decision. The latter rode a golden trip, didn’t keep up on the turn but closed in headstretch, to the Pocono Pike and got a small lead midstretch, but couldn’t hold on to it. BAMSKI went in fourth at the 1/8, came raw at the ½ and went his third quarter in 27 to challenge, looked shaken off midturn but battled on with great gameness. KEYSTONE TENACIOUS tucked third, stayed in, had no clearance in the stretch with horse. THISJETSABOOKIN was rank the first half, went second-over, three-wide headstretch, OK. DENALI SEELSTER sat in, not too much late. A BETTOR BEACH was third-over past the 5/8 when making a break.
FIFTH RACE – BASS PLAYER was in front before the 1/8, yielded to the favorite, briefly in close quarters in the headstretch incident, then clear and drew away. CASINO BAGS ANSO started uncovered early on turn two, never got close to the lead but finished steadily. PREMIER ROCKSTAR was hard to steer coming off the first turn, then was second-over, fair. LITTLEBITASWAGGER defended the pocket early, then quarter-moved, was still going well when he tried to jump a pylon that had been knocked out right in his path headstretch, lost all momentum. SKYWAY BILLY raced inside, had to check slightly headstretch but had little to offer late. CARRACCI HANOVER was not heard from. IC A FREE SPIRIT was wide taking back early, then trailed.
SIXTH RACE – WESTERN TYRANT sat in, moved out late turn and wide in the stretch, just up in the last step over BROTHER JAMES. The latter gapped cover down the back but got closer on the turn, made the lead four steps from the wire and just missed. MARCO BEACH got the early pocket, pulled raw just past the 5/8, was better ¾, grinded to the front midstretch, just missed holding on. LORD OF MISRULE took over early, yielded for the pocket, Pocono Pike, not all that much. CAVIART MAX left and tucked third, brushed at the quarter and went his own middle half in 55.3 on the engine, gave way. IDEAL STAR N was away last from the rail and fell further and further back.
SEVENTH RACE – LEGAL POWER was three-wide early to two-wide to the front just past the 1/8, went fast odd-numbered quarters and was in control against the late challenge of DREAMS ARE TRUE. The latter yielded for the pocket, pulled out and took his shot but had to settle for second. AIN’T IT FUN stayed connected until nearing headstretch, third-best. URBAN RENEWAL considered leaving but took back, couldn’t keep up around the far turn. SPANISH ART was third-over in a nonflow, three-wide 11/16, a bit rough on the turn, made up some ground. RYCROFT N moved uncovered on turn two but never got close. ROCK KING DEO gapped second-over.
EIGHTH RACE – ROLLIN IN NEW YORK rolled to the ¼ in 26.4, got a breather, sped up to meet a backstretch challenge, then was in hand through the lane. CAPTAIN MULZAC was briefly three-wide leaving, got the two-hole, not getting to the winner late. CAPTAIN DISOMMA was second-over, three-wide late turn, fair late kick. SUPER PAC HANOVER improved position early, went raw 9/16 and challenged, couldn’t sustain the bid. THE NEXT PAIR were near the back throughout. GILLYS BOY came up empty at the ¾.
NINTH RACE – CLASSIFIEDMATERIAL was three-wide to the 1/8, went on to get the front off turn one, set the pace without too much pressure, sustained the lead in a 30.1 kicker. NEEDLESS TO SAY made the top fairly easily, pushed then yielded for the pocket, had his chance in the Pocono Pike, couldn’t quite get there. KILLER MARTINI was third-over in a mediocre flow, four-wide late turn and finished with a rush. DO YA THINK stayed in, not all that much. BUSH MAN N got a forward spot early, then was raw past the 3/8, never was at the leader’s throat, backed off. WELL DONE SON was second-over, three-wide midturn, not enough. HAPPY CAMPER gapped at the back.
TENTH RACE – SULLIVAN took back early, was on the move quickly after the hard-fought action to the half, challenged, went by the leader to midstretch then withstood LYONS AMUSEMENTS. The latter was three-deep to the 1/8, then two-wide and looped before the ¼, went on to the lead, yielded again past the half, moved outside with cover far turn, kept on going in a gritty display. THE BUS A retucked around a gapper early backstretch, moved back outside and was four-wide headstretch, good race. GUINNESS PANIC was four-wide to the first turn and three-wide to the 3/16, then two-wide to command past the ¼, yielded but retook past the half, met with stern pressure, got a bit weary midstretch after using much energy. TULLOW N got around laggards, inside, evenly. LITTLE TORO never entered the picture. BOUNDING DRAGON was very far back. WINDSUN GOTHAM left hard from the rail, yielded, slowed to a walk the last half.
ELEVENTH RACE – DERECHO was uncovered down the back and went up in 27.3 to challenge, went to the front early stretch and drew clear. HOPETOBEFIRST was out behind the winner but gapped early backstretch letting one out, three-wide early far turn, good second. POINTSMAN backed out of third 5/8 to follow the winner, couldn’t quite go that much. BEACH FIRE K was midpack outside early then pressed on, finally made the lead 3/8, continued on at a hot clip, was tiring in the lane. MONEYORROSES had little to offer. HASH-TAG SWAG was in front 3/16 and pushed a foe a like distance before yielding the lead, couldn’t keep the pocket filled 5/8. EGOMANIA was already gapping badly by the 3/8.
TWELFTH RACE – CINNABAR DRAGON was looped, pressed on to take the point before the ¼, then hung out the quarter-mover, much the best. MAJOR DESIRE got an early spot, then started a quarter-move but the leader was having none of that, remained in first-over position, was passed for second towards midstretch but fought gamely to regain the deuce. SHAMMA LAMMA lagged until the ¾, three-wide with cover on the turn then four-wide in the lane, still last midstretch but kept gaining. LEAR SEELSTER was second-over, three-wide midturn, not enough. GO WEST GO FAST went to the lead nicely, yielded for the pocket, loose off the leader 5/8, came back to second past early stretch but then had no more to give. CAROLINA MAGIC stayed in, didn’t have a clear stretch path. SO SO DE VIE never entered the picture.
THIRTEENTH RACE – PARKLANE JET was out a good bit of a fast quarter before making the lead, then pushed his main foe before surrendering for the pocket, bided his time then had a good response when shown the Pocono Pike and drew off. MY FRISKIE BOY was three-wide to the 1/8 and parked well past a fast opener before making the lead, slowed the half but then had to rev up again down the back, no match for the winner but gamely held second. WINNING IS SWEET stayed in, some pace late deep in the Pike. HEARTLANDBANYSBRO started uncovered approaching turn two and quickly went up to the winner, fought that one, gave a little ground late. JUMPIN JAKE FLASH stayed in, got to second-over midturn, wide to headstretch but didn’t gain. NIALL HANOVER and VAGANOVA were never in it. JANAID moved out 3/8 and soon got cover, gapped that cover 11/16.
FOURTEENTH RACE – COALITION HANOVER moved uncovered from before the half and grinded in a personal 56 back half to wear down the favorite and then stay clear of EXPLOIT. The last came from last to get into a wonderful flow third-over, wide in the stretch and thundering home late. LINE EM UP was on top at the 1/8, saw two go by in quarter two, was locked in, out in a blindswitch headstretch and in traffic to the line, gaining in the winner’s path late. CAPTIVATE HANOVER had a great second-over journey, only evenly in the last quarter. ROGERS IMAGE left, tucked fifth, then was quarter-mover #2, left raw before the 3/8 and made the lead before the second turn, under intense pressure from the winner, was still second past midstretch but then tired from his efforts. MAJOR BEAN quarter-moved from fourth, then let the favorite go, Pocono Pike but not that much. CHAMP CHARBEL pushed early then yielded, stayed in, not that much late. TERRY A HANOVER was three-wide to the 1/8, tucked third 3/16, shuffled, outside on the turn but couldn’t make up ground.
FIFTEENTH RACE – SOUTHWIND OZZI went in front 3/16, had only PARMESAN N stay close, then had more than enough to stave off that one’s Pocono Pike challenge. The latter protected the pocket and as noted was right on the leader, good but second-best. ORILLIA JOE was three-wide going to turn one, soon tucked third, gapped to the 3/8, closer, then gapped from the 5/8 on. REIGNING DEO left a big gap midrace, moved outside, evenly at best. BULLVILLE TERROR was stymied by traffic, found room between horses midstretch and finished well. WAR-N-MUNN had bad cover. SEE YA WRITE N was never close. MR PROFETA trailed.
