Sep 16, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Stretch headwind … ARTACHE HANOVER left and wound up in the pocket, pulled out late backstretch after the brusher had cleared and attacked, proved the best in a multi-horse photo. RUNHAPPY TEN went into third before the 1/8, sat in then followed the winner outside, got into stretch high gear just a little bit too late. GOLDEN GESTURE left to take over before the first turn in a quick quarter, really slowed the second split, didn’t fight really hard when the brusher came and yielded for the two-hole, into the Pocono Pike, just missed. BOBBY DAZZLER tucked fourth to the 3/16, came with a giant brush at the half and went by 5/8 with a 26.2 third quarter with the wind, couldn’t make the lead stand up. KOLT POWER pulled at the bottom of turn two but couldn’t reach. POLAK A never surfaced. DUCKIES DYNASTY was behind dull cover but didn’t seem to have much anyway.
SECOND RACE – WINNERESS was between horses in a pack early, tucked, raced fourth-in, saw the two-in and three-in horses fan wide before headstretch and came right up the Pocono Pike for the victory. MUAY HANOVER was very wide early and three-wide to the quarter, then two-wide to the top to the 3/8, couldn’t ward off the pocket rocket. ZOOMING was far back, moved out behind a parked horse, launched wide and wound up four-high headstretch, finished with trot. FASHION POSSESSED pushed the ¼ and yielded, moved three-wide from third-in late on the turn, couldn’t quite get there. SWANCREDIT was out to the ¼ for command, yielded 3/8 for the two-hole, outside late turn, tired some. NOBLE WARRAWEE was not heard from. GEMINI EDDIE was three-wide early then dropped behind cover, left uncovered 3/8 and could not gain. LIBERO HANOVER was off the gate, caught the field, broke, caught the field again, broke again.
THIRD RACE – SUNBURST CRUZE left for the pocket, moved out late turn, up by a nostril. JEREMES GENERAL worked his way to command, got no pressure until the stretch, just nipped. GRANTOR HANOVER stayed plugged in until the stretch. SUNSHINE WEST had trouble keeping up as early as before the 5/8. JAMES RIVERSIDE galloped midway on the turn before the start.
FOURTH RACE – NITE TIME DEAL was three-wide leaving then two-wide to 1/8 command, had no midrace challengers, opened a clear lead early stretch, then held together when LIGHTNING LELA surged. The latter was between horses for the lead, then yielded for the pocket, tightened in the last half as the only challenger, found better strides midstretch and didn’t miss by much. BETTING HANNAH worked in fourth 3/16, outside ¾ and retucked third past midturn, next in line. CHEEKIE BABE was forwardly-placed, then started gapping at the half, was coming back a little late. SHADOWS DANCERS passed tired horses for a check. HEAVEN SENT ME came up empty. PEMBROKE IDEAL BJ was leaving a gap by the 3/8.
FIFTH RACE – I’M VERY SPECIAL was in front just past the 1/8, went fast- slow (vs. the wind) – fast (to open a big lead) – fast (to maintain that big advantage). PRAIRIE WESTERNGAL was the first to show, yielded for the two-hole, started gapping off turn two, did last for second. GEORGIE MARTIN N gapped a gapper down the back, got closer and went to the Pocono Pike but couldn’t reach second. TRAFFIC JAM and MOTU MOONBEAM N offered little. ROLLING GOING GONE moved out down the back but came up empty.
SIXTH RACE – BRINGITONHOME N raced third-in, aided when the pocketsitter pulled, then went to the Pocono Pike and lived up to his name for the victory. FATHER FRED came through at the start, parked past the 3/16 before taking over, had some pressure down the back but shook that one off, couldn’t hold his advantage to the line. SPORTSMANSHIP pushed a foe most of the ¼, yielded for the two-hole, outside in the stretch, just edged for second. MEADOWBROOK FLASH had dull cover, three-wide at the ¾, outfinished the others. CODE MEISTER gapped in last, clear but not much to offer late. DARTH FADER tucked fourth at the 1/8, started first-over into turn two, got as close as the leader’s hindquarters but no closer, faded. MAJOR SUGAR RUSH was second-over, rough-gaited on the turns, blindswitched to the ¾, couldn’t get close.
SEVENTH RACE – Wind has died down … PANSY’S IMAGE was in front heading to the first bend, discouraged an early mover, had TURNTHEFROWNAROUND come up to her by the 11/16, and those two went at it to the wire, with “PANSY” gamely prevailing. The latter came uncovered approaching the 5/8 and reached the winner by the 11/16, slugged it out with that one, stayed very game to the line. AMERICAN DELIGHT N moved out from last 9/16, got cover 5/8 but gapped it, was moving well at the wire. CAVIART CHERIE yielded early, seemed to contemplate a quarter-move but rethought that strategy and stayed in the two-hole close-up, to the Pocono Pike but with little to offer. SOMEBEACHSOMEFRA never factored here.
EIGHTH RACE – QUEEN KENDALL quarter-moved and got a rest to the half, held off the first-over and drew away in the last 1/8. SWEETONTHEBEACH made the lead and forced a tuck in a quick opener, sat close in the pocket most of the way, didn’t have enough for the winner late but held second over the closing TSM ARTEMIS T. The latter stayed in until the far turn, three-wide in the lane and gained some. MORE THAN KUTE was not a factor. THE BOSS’ WIFE took the pocket early, came raw off turn two and gained down the back, but her bid stalled on the far turn. RHYME N ROLL pulled out from last at the half but couldn’t advance.
NINTH RACE – APRIL AVA got to the top, did not encounter pressure until SURREAL FEELING came on midstretch, then was hustled home to stay safe. The latter left, yielded for the pocket, and stayed inside almost to midstretch, where she moved out and uncorked a solid burst. BYE BYE FELICIA moved uncovered past the 5/8 but never reached the top two, went on to take a three-way picture for show. MAN DONTFORGET ME got a slow start and was last inside, slow to clear between horses in a tight spot, had pace at the end. CRAZY CUTE was second-over but her cover didn’t advance as much as she might have liked, three-wide headstretch and moving well late. DELISHKA N didn’t have much kick tonight.
TENTH RACE – A CRAFTY LADY was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-high to take the point 3/16, got a bit of a breather in Q2, then paced successive 27.4 quarters to win easily. WINNING WORDS took over at the 1/8 then yielded to sit the two-hole, not threatening the winner but not being caught for second. CLASSY CHAPEL N left for forward position, moved outside 5/8 but never reached the winner, held pretty well. RAPUNZEL BLUE CHIP came out with cover late backstretch, couldn’t have much impact. CHECKERED PAST moved out from last and passed tired foes for the last check. THE OTHER PAIR had little to offer.
Sep 16, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Stretch headwind … CURIOUS CORTEZ took over just past the 1/8, turned back the first-over challenger and drew away in the stretch. WHITE HAIR ROCKS was uncovered from last before the 3/8, went 26.1 with the wind down the back to apply pressure to the winner, couldn’t maintain that clip, ducked in late turn, safely second. ALEX TYE backed out to third-over, behind a gapper and three-wide midturn, up for third in the last step over MAJOR DESIRE. The latter got early position, struggled to keep up in the fast third split, then paused as the pocket horse tired, to the Pocono Pike, just edged for show while going evenly. BELLOWS BINGE backed out to second-over into turn two but gapped. RHP left, yielded past the 1/8 for the pocket, stayed close-up until the far turn then tired. ARTISTS RUFFLES went offstride nearing turn two.
SECOND RACE – BULLVILLE TERROR came off the rail ¾, three-wide then four-wide nearing headstretch, rallied (into a 29.1 last quarter) to just catch BAMSKI. The latter gained forward positioning, moved uncovered 5/8, had a small advantage through the turn but could not clear, finally put the leader away before midstretch, good mile but had to settle for second. ROCK THE TOWN made the lead at the 1/8 then pushed a foe to a 26.3 opener before yielding, sat in the pocket, came clear between horses and was a distant third. ATTA BOY DAN was three-wide to the first turn then two-deep to a quick opener to get the lead, set the pace, had hard pressure from the first-over, gave some ground. CAL moved second-over but wasn’t especially tight on cover, three-wide headstretch, evenly. THE OTHER PAIR were always in the rear of the field.
THIRD RACE – BUSBOY HANOVER took back early, moved first-up into turn two and kept grinding one-geared, corralled the leader late turn and drew away from these. TJ BLAST spotted, backed out to second-over ¾, steadily for the distant second. BLOW A CLOUD N yielded past the 1/8 for the pocket, was loose most of the way around, Pocono Pike, evenly. DAAMERICANSKY got the front past the 1/8 and set a very hot pace on a clear lead most of the middle half, but paid the price for setting the quick tempo. CLASS SIX was the only nonleaver and struggled at the back.
FOURTH RACE – KEYSTONE THUNDER left between horses and got the lead nearing the ¼, kept going at a good clip for these and drew away late. ARCH CREDIT left and defended the pocket, stayed close until the stretch, then weakened but maintained second. ANDOVERS TOUCH stayed in, gapped far turn, evenly. KANDY KORN was second-over, three-wide ¾ as his cover tired, not bad. CELEBRITY MASERATI was three-wide to the 1/8, couldn’t make the top, so backed into a 4-hole 3/8, went wide on the far turn, very rough trip. CHOCOTURE never featured. FLY EAGLE FLY came uncovered just past the 3/8, got to with a half-length of the winner 5/8 but that was the highlight of his day as he tired, badly in the last ¼.
FIFTH RACE – SPORTS TEEN was underway 3/16 to gain the top before the 3/8, opened a big lead during a fast third quarter, then tired and drifted out in the stretch, still held off PICKLED PREACHER. The latter moved uncovered off the second turn and went 26.4 with the wind to get to the pocket just past the ¾, stayed in in the stretch as the leader bore out, finished solidly despite “b.e.” AMERICAN CHROME was shuffled to last, had to circle wide around tired stock for the very distant third. URBAN RENEWAL left and defended the pocket early, gapped in the fast third quarter then was blocked when the pocketsitter faded, not much rally even once clear. DRINKA BEER got command into turn one, yielded to the 3/8, more and more loose from soon past the half. REVS N A RUCKUS moved from last into turn two but never factored.
SIXTH RACE – BARNABAS sat third until moving raw past the 5/8, got to the leader before the ¾ and challenged that one, proved to have the most in the drive to the wire. ABSOLUTE INTENT followed cover to the ¾, wide, edged out the inside horses for second. LEAR SEELSTER was the only leaver and didn’t get a challenge in the strung-out field until nearing the ¾, couldn’t quite get the job done. SHANE ADAM came through from the rail for the pocket in a lineup-minus-one, under a hold, to the Pocono Pike, failed to fire. LAREDO TORPEDO N went to third-over but didn’t reach contention. ROSA’S REBEL was gapping in last before the half. APEX SEELSTER fell way back in the stretch.
SEVENTH RACE – LORD OF MISRULE made the front going to the 1/8, yielded 3/8 for the pocket behind a good ¾, outside into the stretch and worked by in a 30.1 last quarter (which was against the wind). SULLIVAN left for the pocket then moved 5/16 to the lead 3/8, went a fast third quarter, couldn’t hold on late. DREAM OF LUCK was last, gained up the inside and made up a lot of ground in the Pocono Pike (but see that last quarter time). MAGRITTE was third-over behind moribund cover, wide and was OK. DIALAMARA was sitting fourth when the third horse pulled out, had a chance to advance but did not. ROCK KING DEO gapped second-over, left uncovered when his cover broke, little. ROLLIN IN NEW YORK, rough at times, tucked third at the 1/8, moved outside past the 5/8 but couldn’t make much of an inroad and then broke far turn.
EIGHTH RACE – ELWELL left well and yielded, made a quarter move and got to the half very quickly, was able to get a breather in the backstretch, then maintained enough pace to defeat the field. DREAMS BEACHBOY made the lead going into the first turn, went 26.2 to the ¼ then yielded for the pocket, gained some in the Pocono Pike but not quite enough. AMERICAN WIGGLE settled in midpack going to the 1/8, then moved second-over, wide for the drive and finished steadily. KEYSTONE STEAM was third-over, gapped, then found a better gear in the last 1/16. AMAZON couldn’t keep up late. MCNEILL Z TAM sat last, had room in the stretch but not much pace.
NINTH RACE – AMADOR moved uncovered 9/16, gradually reeled in the leader in yet another slowish last quarter on a day where many races were affected by the stretch headwind. KEYSTONE SERGEANT moved up outside early, then got in gear 3/16 and advanced to the front before the 3/8, gave the 1-5 favorite a pretty good tussle to the wire far ahead of the rest. CHECKMATE HILL gapped at the half then retightened, shuffled on the far turn, to the Pocono Pike and was along for the distant third. PUERTO RICO had a fast start to take command entering turn one, yielded to the 3/8 for the two-hole, started going loose late backstretch. OOH RAH had the cover of the winner but couldn’t stay with it past the ¾. O JONNIE was never a factor. CELEBRITY SERENA ran up on a foe nearing the ¼ and broke, couldn’t reenter the main battle. SHEER MUSCLE went to the two-wide tier but could make little impact. EVITA jumped an 1/8 before the start.
TENTH RACE – SOUTHWIND OZZI moved from third before the ¼ to the lead before the 3/8, came his back numbers in 54.1 – 27 and showed the heart of a Little Brown Jug champion to hold off SANDBETWEENMYTOES. The latter was limbed 3/16 in a fast opener for the lead, yielded about a like distance later for the pocket, came out past early stretch and showed the heart of a Breeders Crown champion to gain into that fast back half and just miss. COVERED BRIDGE was wide to the first turn, took back to tuck, came uncovered 9/16 and went 26.4 down the back but only got equal to the pocketsitter, third-best today. THE CANDYMAN CAN left, yielded, not heard from again. WATER SPORTS TEEN didn’t contend here.
ELEVENTH RACE – SOMEBEACH BARON was briefly four-wide leaving, had cover to the 3/16 then went on to claim the top before the 3/8, had an open lead before midstretch but then was urged to hold off REGAL SON. The latter was outside until the 3/16 being taking the inside, uncovered at the half, grinded without gaining much, then spurted in the stretch to make life uncomfortable for the winner. STELLAR BB was buried inside, picked the path behind the place horse and gained. BABES DIG ME took back to tuck, had slowly-advancing cover but even gapped that, some late. BENJI’S BEST was third-over, widest and good late. INDIGO ART took control from the pole then yielded to the 3/8 for the pocket, started getting loose ¾. FEELING CAM LUCKY was inside, couldn’t offer much late.
TWELFTH RACE – STARS ALIGN A was fastest away, yielded, moved soon off turn one to reclaim the lead, got a breather, then impressively went 26.4 down the back then (more impressively, into the wind) 27 home to win easily. BILL HALEY N left between horses and tucked third, backed out to second-over. three-wide midturn when cover faltered, just along over ARTIE’S IDEAL for second. The latter came all the way up the inside and nearly got place. IMAROCNROLLEGEND A was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to the 3/16 to establish command in the 26.2 opener, yielded, couldn’t keep up in the latter stages. PATERNITY SUIT A pulled out but gapped in the fast third split, not a late factor. AFLAME HANOVER moved uncovered before the half, went 26.2 down the back but all that got him was even with the pocket horse, faded shortly thereafter. PRAIRIE PANTHER was not heard from.
THIRTEENTH RACE – LOUD SPLASH tucked fifth at the 1/8, then got the outer train going before the half, didn’t gain much in the fast third quarter but then gained steadily in the fourth and was an easy winner. DO YA THINK was outside behind the winner, three-wide 11/16 as that one didn’t advance that much, three-deep the rest of the way, found a little more pace late and got second. FEHERTY left well and protected the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, nipped for the deuce. BEACH FIRE K was third-in, to the deep Pike, not far off in the battle for place. FAR BETTER was between horses leaving, took back, buried inside, hard to tell how much this one had left. MR DS ROCK was third-over, gapped, was blindswitched, not a major danger. STEP ON THE GAS was fourth-over, tried to gain three-wide far turn but couldn’t. R MADDY BLUE CHIP was used to the front past the 1/8, slowed the pace, went faster in split three, then was empty in the lane. SPORTY DRAGON never featured.
Sep 13, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Stretch headwind … HURRIKANE WILLIE G left well, yielded 3/16 but was quickly on the retake, set the pace, clear most of the third quarter, saw his foes narrow in on the turn, but remained in control. MISTER WALKER finally tucked fifth just past the ¼, went around a breaker at the half, stayed to the inside and did well. GROSSETO AS sat behind the pocket horse, followed him out midturn, had some late trot. DANZON HANOVER was outside much of the ¼, yielded to the retaking winner, gapped down the back, tightened in on the turn, but then flattened out again. VINCENTI and WORLDSSTONECOLD AS were disconnected before the half. LAVANTE gapped in fourth then made a break at the half.
SECOND RACE – CHANEL BEACH came uncovered to the 5/8 with a good move to grind against the leader, beat out that one and the Pikeshooting SWEET BABY KAYLEE. The latter was in front at the 1/8, strung out a brusher into turn two and yielded, gapped slightly late backstretch, then went inside for the stretch, appeared to get a head up past midstretch, just edged. LADY ELECTRA got in gear at the ¼ but needed until a bit before the half to make the top, came under pressure, couldn’t maintain the lead but held OK. DARK MIRAGE gapped third-over behind a gapping second-over, went inside her cover in the lane and finished with energy. CAVIART LUCIA left and yielded, sat in, not too much late. SINFULLY DELICIOUS moved uncovered from before the 5/8, didn’t get tight on her cover, faded in the lane. TSM WESTERN SOUL was no factor.
THIRD RACE – ALWAYSBMYGG sat in third, found room in the Pocono Pike and overhauled CIAO BELLA. The latter was out 3/16 for the top, slowed the second split then picked it up, couldn’t quite last to the line. MYREANNA was first on top then yielded 3/16 for the two-hole, eased out past upper stretch and picked up some ground. SUNSEEKER HANOVER backed out to second-over 5/8, three-wide not much past the ¾, gained but not quite enough. MISS MAYTRIX gapped at a couple of points inside, evenly late. CARAMELA HANOVER started uncovered from last just before the half, headed the pocket horse on the turn but never at the leader’s wheel, faded.
FOURTH RACE – JIGGY JOG took control from the pole, rated the half, drew away in the last quarter. LILYBET left between horses and took the pocket towards the first turn, came loose of the leader ¾ but did maintain second. VINYASSA moved outside on the far turn and won a photo over J-S MISS EMMA for third. The latter went up the deep Pocono Pike and finished with trot. PAINT BY NUMBERS was three-wide before the 1/8, took back to tuck third before the 3/16, still plugged into the minor honors battle headstretch but had no more to give. BARNUM disconnected before the ¾.
FIFTH RACE – RARE MUSCLE moved at the ¼ to the top 3/8, continued on at a good clip for this type, won handily. CREATE was wide early, then two-wide with cover, tucked fourth just past the ¼, uncovered 5/8 and grinded up, couldn’t reach the winner but impressive nonetheless. COMMAND THE MARKET worked on up to get the lead near the ¼, yielded to the winner for the two-hole, lost ground late. THINK I CAN was very wide early, ducked in fifth, evenly inside. LEGION OF HONOR went to the lead, yielded just past the ¼, backed out to second-over mid-far turn, starting to edge three-wide when making a break. CHECK MY SCORE and BRAVADO FASHION both had to go wide around an early breaker, never got into the contest. THE PAPA BEAR didn’t get a good start then broke before the 3/16.
SIXTH RACE – ODDS ON CARLY went wide around first turn trouble and made the front, rated panel two, in control to the wire. BLOOD IN BLOOD OUT went wide around the trouble and landed in the pocket, kept up decently. AMERICA WINS had to go to the infield to avoid hooked horses 3/16, slightly off the main group of three, came on to edge SHAKE N GO for third. The latter was very wide to clear the trouble and tucked third, tired late. HOFFMAN HANOVER was right behind the breaking TSM PRINCESS LEXI 3/16 and locked wheels. The latter went out to the lead, looked rough going past the shadow of one light pole then seemed to try to jump the shadow of the next one and made a nasty break scattering the field.
SEVENTH RACE – BREEZING PRAYER spotted midpack, moved behind cover but couldn’t keep with it down the back, was left raw to the ¾ and just kept on coming to take the decision. SNOWFALLA filled a hole to the 3/16, sat in, outside on the turn, ducked inside for the stretch and gained, just missed. STORM BRINGER avoided breakers, finished well. TEQUILA N ROSES had cover early, ducked in fourth at the ¼, came raw at the half, fought for the lead and took it ¾, opened up a clear lead before the stretch, but broke entering the straightaway, continued to run and had nowhere to go with opponents all around, placed for violation of the breaking rules. LAA DEE GAA was moving with cover when breaking towards turn two, made a good recovery. SJ’S LADY LOU worked to the early pocket then moved before the ¼ and the parked horse, rated the half, then was in a big third quarter duel, yielded ¾, not much left late. BALLET BARRE outsped everybody away from post nine, yielded for the pocket, started gapping not long into the backstretch, broke past the ¾ and went to the centerfield. WHAT A DAME ran at the 5/16. CUSTOMARILY was behind cover when miscuing 11/16.
EIGHTH RACE – EASYRUNNER HANOVER got forward position, then quarter-moved, got a breather then never got another one as the first-over challenged and then literally everybody was in the picture in the stretch, just held off MORROCKIN K. The latter moved third-over from last past the 5/8, three-wide midturn, steadily into the headwind to come up just shy. BLONDE ONTHE BEACH moved uncovered into turn two and went in 27.1 the third quarter to battle the leader, never backed off. SURE R LOOKIN GOOD was three-wide to the first turn to two-wide and then the lead before the 3/16, yielded for the pocket, went to the Pocono Pike, came up a step shy. BRIAR was second-over before the 5/8, was blindswitched midturn and never came clear. WINNING WORDS got command towards turn one, yielded to sit the two-hole, to the deep Pocono Pike, not quite enough.
NINTH RACE – RED REDEMPTION made the lead then yielded for the pocket 3/16, edged out before the 5/8 to challenge, went 27.2 with the wind down the back to clear the leader and then get a big lead as that one broke, tiring some late but was too far ahead to catch. ONE AFTER NINE had cover then lost it as the cover went into the pocket ¾, had a faster gear late and was doing well at the wire. ISLAND LILY was outside with cover, tucked fifth 3/16, stayed inside and avoided trouble, a clear third. SERRANO VOLO started gapping at the 3/8, but she at least stayed flat. ADELANTE S broke just before the start, caught back on fairly quickly, salvaged the last check. MAKE SURE ITS COLD spotted early, moved out behind the winner and retucked in the pocket ¾, but then broke on the turn and was taken inside. CHING CHING LUCKY was far back when going offstride. BILLIE CLAIRE claimed command to the 3/16, fought with a brusher down the backstretch then lost gait after surrendered the lead 11/16.
TENTH RACE – IM A GIGOLO N left between horses and secured the pocket, a little loose down the back and partway through the turn, then closer and ready to use the Pocono Pike to get the lead and the victory. RHETT SEELSTER moved second-over and gradually ranged up to cover, three-wide headstretch and showed fine closing speed. ACTOR HANOVER was three-wide to the 1/8 then to the top 3/16, pace, couldn’t maintain his advantage. TELL THEM LOU got early position, then came out raw past the 5/8, fought hard but couldn’t quite get there. TREVOR’S ACE was never prominent. REAL MADE started to gap early backstretch, then went offstride.
ELEVENTH RACE – CAPTAIN GOOGLE wound up in the pocket, pulled same before the ¾, held the lead through the turn but couldn’t clear, finished out in 27.4 and that was enough. ROSA’S REBEL got around early sluggish ones, uncovered 5/8 then got cover towards the ¾, couldn’t go with the top two on the turn, then found a better gear late to win the photo for second. SICILY BEACH was in front before the 1/8 and got a soft middle half, but didn’t have enough sprint although trying hard. CHAMP CHARBEL was between horses early and tucked third 3/16, also gapped on the turn, evenly. OHARE HANOVER was moving very quickly at the wire. STEWARDOFTHEISLAND started to gap 5/8. THAT AGAIN got a very slow start and finished far back. LENDA HAND MAN was way off the gate and distanced by the ¼.
TWELFTH RACE – MIKIBYTHESEASIDE pushed past a fast quarter, yielded 3/8 but went for the immediate retake, kept rolling in fast numbers, much the best here. FULL MOON BEACH was three-wide 3/16 then went up two-wide and finally cleared 3/8 after being used very hard, yielded for the two-hole, held very well considering the early energy use. STELLAR YANKEE left between horses and tucked fourth 3/16, back out raw 5/8, not bad. HIGH BALLER moved out second-over, was able to duck inside on the turn, Pocono Pike, couldn’t gain on the winner. THE NEXT THREE were always near the back of the field. THE COOKIE MONSTER maintained the pocket through the 26.4 opener, inside, started to fade 11/16.
THIRTEENTH RACE – BALDAQUIN was well-placed second-over going with his cover, wide in the stretch and finished strongly for the victory. SO LONG HANOVER was on the move first-up before the second turn, went 27.3 down the back to put hard pressure on the leader, very briefly got a short lead midstretch but couldn’t resist the winner. PERTH ANGEL DE VIE was last, avoided breakers while swinging wide late turn and finished solidly. KAZANS POWER sat in, had to wait behind tiring horses late turn, got to the Pocono Pike and finished well. FOCUS POCUS made the lead just past the 1/8, pushed a foe a long way, yielded but came right back for the retake, under hard pressure past the 5/8, tired in the stretch. CAVIART EMMA was looped early, gradually worked up to the lead 5/16, yielded for the pocket, disconnected far turn. KATKIN MORGAN moved third-over but gapped, broke 11/16 just as getting to the point where a rival came off the rail to fill the third-over position. WORTHY OF HONOR left well, stayed in, then moved out 11/16, was blindswitched past midturn and made a break.
Sep 11, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Stretch headwind … BET EIGHTHIRTYONE left then yielded for the two-hole, backed out behind the brusher 11/16 and was left raw, attacked on the far turn and sustained his bid to get the decision. OCTAVE sat in, caught in far turn, couldn’t angle out until nearing midstretch then finished furiously. VARNEY was outside leaving, in gear at the 1/8 and worked to the lead, yielded to the brusher before the 11/16, but came back on in the Pocono Pike. JITTERBUG FLIP went raw at the half and paced in 27.2 with the wind down the back to clear midbackstretch, got tired nearing midstretch. ZEUS HANOVER never got into the main action. TSM TRISTAN T followed cover but gapped it throughout.
SECOND RACE – SHANE ADAM came at the ¼ from fifth and with a nice brush reached the top past the 3/8, challenged to his inside by MOVE THE LINE but held gamely. The latter made the top 3/16, yielded to the winenr past the 3/8 and stayed right with him, to the Pocono Pike, gained a little but not quite enough. ABSOLUTE INTENT kept a hole closed early, moved out before the 5/8 and moved to challenge, got to the leader’s wheel but no closer, held well. BARNABAS left but took back to get in fourth, gapped on the turn but picked up speed coming home. ROCK THREE TIMES pushed away from the rail to the 3/16, then stayed in until the far turn, couldn’t gain in the lane. RIPPLESONTHEBEACH gapped at the back. HALF A BILLION moved outside early but failed to reach late-developing cover.
THIRD RACE – BRICKHOUSE BABE went to the lead before the 1/8 and got her principal rival to tuck, slowed the half, then came home in 57.3 – 28.3 in hand. MAGIC CAN HAPPEN left and went in the two-hole, stayed close all the way to the wire as clearly second-best. TSM EMILIA T was connected to the top two until early backstretch, then stayed flat. WILD KAT G, a bit off the gate, broke nearing the 1/8, had recovered to about 8 lengths off the third horse when breaking again far turn. BETTER SINCE was offstride an 1/8 before the start.
FOURTH RACE – BJORNSSON went on to command before the 3/16, had CALIFORNIA GOLD trot up to him but couldn’t get by in the crucial stages. The latter moved out 9/16 and progressed steadily but had to settle for second-best. VICTORY YANKEE was next in the outer tier, a clear third. KENTUCKY GENTLEMAN gapped inside, no factor. PLAYER ONE was three-wide before the 1/8 then tucked third at the 3/16, little left for the last ¼. GAVINATOR and TSM PRINCE TRISTAN were always far back. DR TRUFFER yielded but kept the two-hole, couldn’t stay with the leader ¾, then galloped late in the turn and was taken to the centerfield. ZETTE FLAME broke early, caught the field by the half but broke again near the ¾.
FIFTH RACE—INFANTA DEO sat in until the far turn, moved out, moved wide in the stretch, and went by in the slowing last quarter. AMBERS CHAMPION tucked third behind the very-loose pocket horse, outside 11/16, briefly made the lead before midstretch, held for second. DREAM ZETTE was off to the races on a clear lead (despite a 31.2 second quarter) to late in the backstretch, couldn’t quite nurse her speed to the wire. PRAY AND HUSTLE got away second and left a big hole behind the leader which she gradually narrowed, but had little gain late in the Pocono Pike. FORTUNAPEDIA got around a gapper and got the last check. CALL MISS WENDY broke just before the start. CHARLIZE HANOVER couldn’t keep up at the 5/8. MOODY BLUE moved out second-over 11/16, was trying to find more when breaking past midturn. MATTER OF TRUST lapsed from gait before the start.
SIXTH RACE – CAVIART CARMEL left well for the lead, yielded for the pocket, came out of same midturn, went by the leader, then could hold off IMONABEACH HANOVER. The latter got in fourth 3/16, moved out ¾ and soon got cover, finished well. AILEY HANOVER left well, stayed close, got the pocket on the turn and went to the Pocono Pike, but had no late gain. SYMPHONY GIRL moved from third at the quarter and secured the top, strung the field out to the far turn, tired. LIGHTNING LEIA gapped at a couple of points in the first half, then gradually got closer. SOME KINDA ANGEL and SOUTHWIND MOLLY were always well off the pace. ADELIA HANOVER was gapping out by the half. ASHLEE’S SUPREME was off the gate, well behind the rest when making a break near the ¼.
SEVENTH RACE – NUTCRACKER SWEET made the lead at the 1/8 in a fast quarter, slowed the half, had the field pretty much strung out to the far turn, then held off the late charge of ELWELL with encouragement. The latter kept up pretty well in the pocket, outside stretch, narrowed in late. MOTIVE HANOVER started uncovered 11/16, kept picking up ground in the last ¼. REYS N A RUCKUS struggled to keep close most of the mile; same with GONNAHAVEONEMORE. DIVISION BELL moved outside but never advanced. URBAN RENEWAL was never close then faded even more.
EIGHTH RACE – SEVEN IRON was wide to turn one then went behind cover to the 3/16, lost cover and took over before the 3/8, got a breather to the half, then held off a whole host of horses charging at him in the lane. NICE STUFF was first-over off the second curve, applied pressure, never went away, just missed. OOH RAH took over at the 3/16, yielded to the 3/8 for a two-hole trip, had his chance in the Pocono Pike, couldn’t quite make it. HOT SUMMER KNIGHT had fine cover second-over, three-wide late turn, didn’t miss by very much. CELEBRITY SERENA gapped inside much of the last half, then showed steady foot while surrounded by horses to the wire. DARTY left, yielded, sat in, not too much left late. O JONNIE was last at every call.
NINTH RACE – FINAL DREAM was looped and between horses early, tucked 3/16, then had fine second-over cover, wide to headstretch and powered off. POND JUMPER was looped, three-wide to the 3/16, then was strung out before taking over past the 3/8, kept going at a fast clip, held well. BROADWAY BRUISER was looped and grabbed the early pocket, stayed in, to the deep Pocono Pike and had some gain. FRAC was third-over but slow to reach cover, briefly blindswitched late turn, did well while one-paced. LIBERO HANOVER easily outleft everybody, pushed a foe before finally surrendering the lead for the pocket, kept close, to the Pike, nothing to offer late. MONEY MAVEN came uncovered 9/16 and fought with the leader from just before the ¾ through the turn and into the stretch, then gave way. CHECKMATE HILL gapped then got closer ¾, wide on the turn, couldn’t reach. TW LAUXMONT was never prominent in last.
TENTH RACE – GREAT MAGIC was outleft, found no hole so pressed on to 3/8 command, left these in the dust to the wire. BANK BOX TREASURE started uncovered off the second turn, got in the pocket on the turn then came out again in the stretch, bore out but had enough to retain place. BANZAI AS moved second-over and gradually got close to cover, went inside his cover in the lane as that one drifted out, fair. DYNAMIC EDGE went around everybody early, extended the winner to the 3/8 then yielded for the pocket, couldn’t stay tight late backstretch, not too much in the Pocono Pike. CREWS HILLTOPPER raced up to the early pocket, sat in, was shuffled, went wide, so-so. SIMPLY VOLO lost gait before the start.
ELEVENTH RACE – DAYTONA DREAMIN was looped early, patiently worked his way to command at the 3/8, no anxious moments here. KEYSTONE THUNDER stayed attached to the front ones, outside on the turn, clearly second. CHRISTOPHER CRAZO went out swiftly to 1/8 command, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, could not respond when asked for more in the stretch. CELEBRITY MASERATI stayed in then backed out to follow cover mid-far turn, best of the rest. MOSCONI HANOVER went uncovered from far back, evenly. LANDONFITZ had trouble keeping up much of the way. LAKEVIEW TAMMY had little to offer here. ANDOVERS TOUCH broke nearing headstretch.
Sep 11, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Some stretch headwind to start … ROCK KING DEO briefly settled second 3/16 then quarter-moved, slowed the half, then was not threatened to the wire. RUNHAPPY TEN was in front at the 1/8, yielded to the winner for the two-hole trip, outside in the stretch and had a bit at the end of it. ARTACHE HANOVER showed some speed then sat in third, held evenly late. GOLDEN GESTURE went uncovered from last into turn two, picked up cover at the half but got no third quarter benefit from it, swung three-wide just past midturn, had late pace. KOLT POWER never featured. CAPTAIN DISOMMA backed out to third-over, did not swing wide, not prominent. ARCHETTO HANOVER took back between horses early, came raw at the half, made up a bit of ground before backing off.
SECOND RACE – SWEET HEART AS was three-wide to the 1/8 to command before a fast quarter, yielded 3/8 to sit the pocket, moved to the Pocono Pike and nosed out MUSHANA. The latter was outleft and remained in the two-path with cover to the ¼, then forward to 3/8 command in a very fast half, held very grittily, just edged. BLENHEIM was the early leader, yielded, back first-over off turn two, kept on grinding and was right there on the money. MARION GONDOLIER raced inside, did not have a clear path late. TRUEMASS VOLO followed cover entering the backstretch, wide in the lane and finished with trot. RIVER OTTER sat in, not a late factor. ARCHIBALD moved out in the cover flow but was gapping by the 9/16. PAPI HANOVER wanted to leave but soon made a break.
THIRD RACE – TRAFFIC JAM had the pocket leaving, was on the move before the ¼ to improve that position by one, set the pace and had no real problem. MOTO MOONBEAM N scooted away to the top before turn one, yielded for the pocket, couldn’t gain in the lane. LITTLE SANDY TOES was asked behind the gate but could get away no better than a gapping third, revved up and moved uncovered 5/8, not quite a major threat to the leader, held on pretty well. YES DOUBLE DOWN moved with cover and immediately started to gap, wide in the stretch and a bit better. THE BOSS’ WIFE offered little.
FOURTH RACE – MUAY HANOVER left enough to defend the pocket, a bit loose but still preserving the two-hole from the 3/8 to the 7/8, went to the Pocono Pike and still had a forward gear in the 30.4 kicker. SOUTHWIND FROST was out most of a quick quarter for command, handled everything thrown at him from his right, but was caught to his left. SLATED TO WIN came out with cover, tightened in on it then was three-wide from the 11/16 through the turn to get close, but could not sustain the gain. MUSKINGUM was third-over, wide with cover, OK. FASHION POSSESSED was uncovered before the 3/8 and made a long grinding challenge, tired some. GEMINI EDDIE was between horses and tucked early, shuffled to last, gapped, a bit late on the far outside as the tempo decelerated. CASH FOR GOLD was limbed the duration while not being a factor.
FIFTH RACE – RACING LIFE left enough to put everybody behind her, had an open lead from the ¼ and widened it late in the backstretch, was getting a little tired late and had her mind kept to business in warding off PEMBROKE IDEAL BJ. The latter left but backed off, gapped in the pocket as implied above, hit a better gear late turn and narrowed in up the inside. HEAVEN SENT ME was one-paced for third. LIFELUVN YANKEE struggled at times to stay with the horse in front of her. YES OUI SI came outside far turn but didn’t gain. ALWAYS B ROYALTY was always last in a lineup from start to finish.
SIXTH RACE – BULLVILLE TERROR quarter-moved and set the pace, bore out badly in the lane taking MAJOR OFFENSE out wide with him, photoed that rival but was placed for causing interference. The latter forced tucks early from the rail, yielded to ride the two-hole, was pushed very wide throughout the stretch, placed first. MELANIE’S TEDY had cover leaving, tucked fourth 3/16, sat in, OK up the inside. ROCK ON LINE gapped near the back inside, to the deep Pocono Pike and beat out the rest. LUZIANA gapped third-over, salvaged the last check. WAY TO CLOSE was never close. MARCO BEACH spotted, was back out and in gear second turn, went up in 27 to challenge the leader, but tired. HOW ARE YEE JOHN left, backed off to the pocket past the 1/8, backed out to second-over with cover, three-wide late turn, but came up empty late.
SEVENTH RACE – MEADOWBROOK FLASH had to check before the half as did everybody but the pacesetter (and the breaker), moved out from the distant third 11/16, moved up on the turn, bore way out in the lane and was still three lengths down midstretch but finished well to catch the unlucky DARTH FADER. The latter was out most of a fast ¼, kept rolling and opened a gigantic lead when the pocket horse broke before the ½, hit the wall early stretch and was caught, well-clear of the rest. SUNBURST CRUZE was third, then came through the second turn trouble and was a distant pocket horse, recovered some ground. LIMA RAIDER was bothered, passed tired opposition. GRANTOR HANOVER was bothered, gapped out ¾. ALL ABOUT RUSTY was bothered, moved outside the gapper but had little. R U MACHIN ME made the top, yielded near the ¼, gapped 3/8 and made a break early on turn two scattering most of the opposition.
EIGHTH RACE – CAVIART CHERIE was three-wide early while intent on getting the lead and did so at the ¼, came home in twin 28s while looking in control. TALL POPPY N moved first-over to the 5/8, grinded up, raced very well for second. PRAIRIE WESTERNGAL was away quickly from the rail, yielded at the ¼ while either hard to handle or a bit rough, sat the pocket, got loose in same ¾, held third in a photo over ABIGAIL DAWN. The latter sat in then came up the far inside with some pace. CANDY ON THE BEACH moved second-over, wider only in early stretch, fair. JUXTA COWGIRL had a tall order to fill coming from third-over. BAD MS JOHNSON gapped in last.
NINTH RACE – IMAGINEUWITHOUTME was outside almost to the 5/16 before reaching the front, slowed quarter two then sprinted, opening a good lead that he never relinquished. CODE MEISTER started uncovered on the second turn, never reached the leader but battled on gamely to take second. SPORTSMANSHIP had some speed, stayed in, evenly late. CHANCELLORCULLEN N took the lead just before the 1/8, kept the winner out well past the ¼ before yielding for the pocket, then couldn’t keep up in same from the 11/16. SHARKNADO sat in, found a tiny sliver of room only very late. ALL IT TAKES worked second-over, three-wide midturn but didn’t gain.
TENTH RACE – The track’s leading trainer and driver combine with the longest shot on the board to take the feature … CRAZY CUTE had a golden trip second-over, kicked in midstretch and got the lead late, then just held off BYE BYE FELICIA. The latter was third-over, moving very well at the finish. APRIL AVA went out between horses to take the lead (25.4), finally got DELISHKA N to go into the pocket at the bottom of the second turn (54.1), had to deal with a fresh first-over challenge, held very well under the circumstances. SHES PUKKA N left with cover, got the chance to dive inside 5/16, then was back out to challenge (the third quarter was understandably moderate after the fierce early action), battled on gamely. DELISHKA N was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide battling for command, wouldn’t go into the two-hole until nearing turn two, stayed close in the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, couldn’t quite summon enough. PANSY’S IMAGE left well, yielded, third-in, to the deep Pike but not gaining late.
ELEVENTH RACE – CLASSY CHAPEL N brushed sharply from fourth at the ¼ and had these gapping throughout, absolutely in control. MARYMACISBACK got a forward position, came uncovered into turn two, never reached the leader, but did well to be clearly second. CHEEKIE BABE gapped, then advanced up the inside on the far turn until having to pause behind a tired one late turn, to the Pocono Pike and up for the distant third. ROCK N ROLL ROSIE made the top and forced a tuck from a rival, did yield to the brush of the favorite, a bit loose in the pocket the second half, tired. CRYSTAL SPARKLES got the last check. SWEETONTHEBEACH left hard wanting the lead but had to accept the early pocket, couldn’t keep up ¾. RHYME N ROLL backed out to two-wide 11/16 but had little to offer. TSM ARTEMIS T had grinding cover but couldn’t stay with it.
TWELFTH RACE – BLOW A CLOUD N went right to the front, got a breather, responded to a big third quarter challenge holding the outside foe two-wide, then drew away – still a handful pulling up. AMERICAN WIGGLE came through early and protected the pocket, was loose in same late in the backstretch duel, persevered to be a clear second. DREAMS BEACHBOY wanted the front but was rebuffed and had to take back to fourth before the ¼, came with a rush off the second turn and paced his third split in 26.3 to perhaps get a small advantage before the ¾, but soon was backing off. CLASSY HILL kept a hole closed early, sat in, evenly. BLACKLIGHT was not heard from. CAL spotted early, then moved second-over but was soon gapping. THE BUS A was always near the back of the bus. MUSCLE MACH A could do little off cover.
Sep 11, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE –SOMEWHEREINVERONA went to the top and yielded before the 3/16, pulled from third raw 5/8 and went up to challenge, very strong with his own last half in 54.2 to catch the leader. WATER SPORTS TEEN was between horses early and settled third, moved 5/16 and made the front early on turn two in a soft second quarter, came under pressure late backstretch and couldn’t fend off the winner. MYSWEETBOYMAX was three-wide leaving then two-wide, took the top before the 3/16, pushed the brusher into turn two before yielding, a bit loose in the pocket ¾, out behind the winner in the stretch but couldn’t gain. LOUIE THE LOOPER stayed connected inside, not enough late. SIX DEGREES was three-over behind gapping cover, did a little better after his cover broke far turn. SWEET ANGEL BOY was shuffled to last and didn’t have much of a chance from there. BETTOR NOT TALK got underway from last on the second bend, got cover 5/8 but never reached it, broke early far turn.
SECOND RACE – CAPTAIN COREY was on the move before the ¼ and got command just past the 3/8, unleashed a 27.2 quarter with long and powerful strides to be much the best. FLY LIGHT went three-wide to turn one to clear to command not much past that, yielded to his stablemate past the 3/8, stayed right there until the last 1/8, still far ahead of the rest. CEFFYL DWR was first to show off the gate, yielded, got loose in third ¾ but still solid in show. COLLEGE TUITION left between horses and took an early 3-spot, inside, outside stretch, OK. MISTER BOINGA sat in and had nowhere to go on the far turn, stayed inside, got the last check. ROBBIE PEV was out behind nonproductive cover. TYPE A was two-wide in midpack most of the first turn, tucked, came out again past the 5/8 but didn’t gain, broke late. TOP ME OFF was gapping before the ½. TRICKY DICK was in close quarters when making a break past the 1/8.
THIRD RACE – INDIGO ART was last, moved out, in gear on the turn and four-wide headstretch, didn’t look easy to steer in the lane but had by far the most pace. WILSONS VINNER moved uncovered 11/16, soon had cover, three-wide towards late turn, passed everybody but the one who passed him. SPORTS TEEN took the pocket and gapped in it from before the ¼ all the way to the Pocono Pike although the fractions weren’t hot, came clear and some late. DIALAMARA was behind the gapping pocket horse, came out ¾, fair. ALLAMERICAN CHROME got shuffled, finished with pace. DAAMERICANSKY went to the top, was clear of these stringing out the field from before the ¼ until just past the ¾, still had the lead midstretch but was all done there. CLASS SIX sat in, gapped before the 5/8, then was blocked to the wire.
FOURTH RACE – MAJOR DESIRE was three-wide past the 1/8 to 3/16 command, yielded 3/8 and sat a tight two-hole, outside early stretch and went right on by. LOUD SPLASH was between horses early and looped, proceeded forward to the lead 3/8, set the pace with a parked horse outside him, couldn’t handle the winner but clear of the rest. STEP ON THE GAS was not away quickly but was outside 5/16, got cover, three-wide far turn, ducked inside in the stretch and was next in line. FAR BETTER sat in and was shuffled to last behind a gapper, to the Pocono Pike and came back on some. BEACH FIRE K was shuffled to last then got out fourth-over, three-wide uncovered before the ¾ then got cover on the turn, not quite enough. R MADDY BLUE CHIP was first to the lead, yielded, inside, gapped headstretch. FEHERTY moved third-over, blindswitched ¾, never in the major battle. DO YA THINK was parked with cover to the 3/8 then was out dangling in the air, fell back the last ¼.
FIFTH RACE – MAY KARP moved forward when desired and had the lead before the ¼, rated the half, came home in 56.1 – 28 and won like a 1-20 shot should. CHEESY HANOVER showed good speed for the early lead, yielded, stayed pretty close until the ¾, won the battle for second over ABOVE THE CLOUDS. The latter sat third, outside midturn as the winner got away, couldn’t go by for the deuce. NIGHT FLYER K moved outside just before the 5/8, never reached the top ones but did edge out FRANKLIN COUNTY to her inside.
SIXTH RACE – Stretch headwind picking up … THE CANDYMAN CAN was three-wide leaving and made the point 3/16, large and in charge the rest of the way. CURIOUS CORTEZ pushed the winner some early (26.3 quarter) and yielded, did well holding second. ALEX TYE was uncovered early backstretch, gained while pacing his own third quarter in 26.2 with the wind, ducked in headstretch, solid third. BENJI’S BEST was second-over but couldn’t quite stay with that one, finished with pace. BELLOWS BINGE both were inside, never were factors. THNDRFRMTHETHRON N got away third, couldn’t keep up before the 5/8, looked on a line on the far turn.
SEVENTH RACE – BEACH CRAZY went on to take over at the 3/16, rolled along, showed desire to hold off CAPSAICINN in the picture. The latter used the rail well to sting the winner early, yielded, sat in the pocket then went to the Pocono Pike, was nose-to-nose with the winner in a good stretch battle, good race. GINGER TREE LIZ sat in then angled two-wide midturn and three-wide headstretch, was narrowing in. SHEZAFREAKLIKEME moved raw before the 5/8 and made a very good gain which she sustained through the stretch. LYONS SOFTASSILK was looking at leaving but took back to fifth/last in the short field, inside, not clear in the lane but not looking like she was full of pace either.
EIGHTH RACE – REGAL SON had some speed, then moved second-over, lost cover at the ¾ and took over headstretch, drew away from these. STELLAR BB was outside the whole way, gapped the winner on the turn and was three-wide coming off same, just had enough to grab the deuce. SOMEBEACH BARON left, had cover to the ¼ then went on to get the front near the 3/8, yielded to the retaker, then stuck behind that one as he gave up the lead ¾, got out into a blindswitch midturn, followed the path of the winner and almost grabbed place. BUSBOY HANOVER left and yielded nearing the ¼, moved again first-over towards turn two, went a big third quarter to get the lead nearing the far turn, but then tired. SWEET N FAST N had to swing widest and finished well. KEYSTONE STEAM sat in, made up ground on the leaders along the inside down the back, blocked midturn, out in a blindswitch then went back inside, had late pace. RHP was parked most of the ¼ for the front, yielded then immediately retook, retreated when passed at the ¾.
NINTH RACE – BELLA BELLINI made a half-leave and tucked fourth, got cover before the ½ but was left raw 5/8, went 26.2 herself down the back and took an advantage but could not clear, trotted on well to defeat a game YOU ATO DREAM for the Championship. The latter got forward positioning, uncovered towards turn two, challenged and right by 5/8, had the winner at her the rest of the way and gave her a bang-up fight right to the end. LADY CHAOS was three-wide to the 1/8, then two-wide until making the lead just past the ¼, yielded 5/8, couldn’t go with the top two but held third gamely. FLAWLESS COUNTRY was on top at the 1/8, yielded just off the first turn, backed out behind the winner 11/16 but couldn’t reach her, held pretty well in the lane. MAZZARATI parlayed an inside trip into the final check. PUB CRAWL didn’t enter contention from third-over. GOO DOO DOLL did not surface. FRANKLY MY DEAR was right behind the breaking MELANIA nearing the ¼, with neither a factor thereafter.
TENTH RACE – JUJUBEE left between horses and tucked third, moved out 5/16 to gain the lead early on turn two, held out the first-over and then drew off through the stretch impressively. JOHAN PALEMA left three-wide much of the 1/8, in the pocket at the ¼, shuffled into the turn and was in a blindswitch past midturn, slid three-wide late turn and was along for the distant second. DELAYED HANOVER raced third-over, gapped cover a little on the turn, wide in the lane and steadily for third. TAKE ALL COMERS began uncovered at the half and made a long challenge, held on very creditably. ETHAN T HANOVER was stuck inside, angled behind the place horse then finally got clearance to go wide of him past midstretch, finished alertly. WHISKEY BLU was well-placed second-over but didn’t have enough. IN RANGE was innermost of the leavers and forced tucks, yielded before the half, starting to get loose past the 5/8. GOODASHIM never featured. CAPSTONE broke past the ¼.
ELEVENTH RACE – GRACE HILL was all business going away, hung her main foe past a 26.2 quarter, yielded but soon retook, held off a large part of the field looking to close in. BLUE DIAMOND EYES was three-wide well past the 1/8, made the lead into the frontstraight but soon yielded to the retaker under a hold, to the Pocono Pike, sturdily but did not hit high gear quickly enough. MILIEU HANOVER was third-over, three-wide ¾ through the turn, closed powerfully. CHASE LOUNGE was buried inside, found just enough room between horses to squeeze through and was pacing well late. THEBEACHISCALLING reluctantly took the pocket past the 1/8, inside, not enough late. MIKALA spotted fourth 3/16, first-over 9/16 and challenged, tired. CONTINUALOU was far back, three-wide with cover on the turn and was moving well late. MARSALA HANOVER was second-over, blindswitched ¾, fell back. JK ALWAYSBALADY could offer little.
TWELFTH RACE—LOU’S PEARLMAN left in control, three-wide to the 1/8 then parked past the 26.2 opener for command, stayed in charge of this event. BILLY CLYDE started the outer tier at the half, challenged, held very impressively for a clear second. GAMBLIN MO was far back inside, found room between horses early stretch and outfooted CHASE H HANOVER for third. The latter left well and had the early pocket, sat in, came out in a blindswitch headstretch, OK. HELLABALOU showed sharp speed to get the early lead, pushed the winner past the ¼ and yielded for the two-hole, not much left in the last 1/8. LITERL LAD HANOVER was not a major danger. RED RIGHT HAND made a small break at the start but quickly recovered, then was hampered by ineffective cover. EXPLOIT was outside early and wound up third-over, stuck behind a gapper, didn’t rally. ONE EIGHT HUNDRED was second-over, but it was apparent it wasn’t his day 11/16.
THIRTEENTH RACE – ARTISTS RUFFLES gapped the early duel, then was under a hold inside until moving raw 9/16, unfazed by his grinding trip and went right on by. BOBBY DAZZLER left and yielded, quarter-moved, got a breather to the half, outsprinted in the stretch. PICKLED PREACHER was second-over, gapped cover far turn, then was doing better late. LORD OF MISRULE was urged early to go up three-wide, on the front just past the 1/8, yielded for the two-hole, Pocono Pike, so-so late response. SULLIVAN raced into the pocket at the 1/8, sat in, to the deep Pike, couldn’t gain late. DRINKA BEER was no factor. VALIANT IVY was three-wide from third-over, didn’t get close. DREAM OF LUCK lost contact down the back.
FOURTEENTH RACE – TWIN B TUFFENUFF spotted fourth and gapped well past the wild half, followed the favorite three-wide ¾, swung four-wide headstretch and paced away. PRAIRIE PANTHER was far back and gapping, swung wide and gained well as the tempo slowed. BILLY BADGER N was sixth when going outside around a gapper and wound up in the pocket ¾, to the Pocono Pike but outkicked by fresher legs. ABRAXAS BLUES N was that backstretch gapper, out in a blindswitch after being shuffled to last, followed the path behind the winner, evenly. IMAROCNROLLEGEND didn’t want to surrender the lead at all (25.3), finally did so before the half (53.1), came back out to challenge (1:21.1), paid the late price. BAY MEADOWS never was in the main battle. ROCKIE GOT FRAMED left, saw his driver want to put him in the hole but the horse wouldn’t cooperate, so he was hung 25.3/53.1 to make the lead, saw his first-half tormentor come back to challenge, tired. SOMBODYITREASURE was just off the speed duel, moved out with cover then three-wide ¾, but must have been bottomed keeping up in the blazing tempo.
