Sep 7, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – JUBILEE QUEEN left, parked a foe to near the 3/8 then yielded and kept the pocket, to the Pocono Pike to the lead, held off the onrushing EASYRUNNER HANOVER. The latter kept the hole closed behind the winner early, sat in, gapped a little early backstretch behind the duel then retightened, outside in the stretch and was gaining well late. BLONDE ONTHE BEACH swung wide in the stretch, a bit shy. PATSVILLE left between horses, out on the limb to almost the 3/8 then came under immediate pressure to which she did not surrender, paid the price late for the earlier exertions. WINNING WORDS and CHANEL BEACH never featured. AVAYA HANOVER was three-wide to the 3/16, then behind cover a like distance, then again left raw, challenged hard but couldn’t go by, faded and stopped to a jog late.
SECOND RACE – MON AMOUR took control early and never relinquished it. RED REDEMPTION was three-wide before the 3/16, took back to tuck fourth, moved outside 5/8 and was outside of the pocketsitter, had enough to defeat that one for second. QUICKEST HANOVER left between horses to the pocket past the 1/8, went loose behind the winner from the 5/8, couldn’t hang on to the deuce. STORM BRINGER struggled at the back of the main bunch from the half. WHAT A DAME broke just past the start. FINLANDIA showed some early speed, inside, not in contention when breaking headstretch.
THIRD RACE – LAA DEE GAA went up behind the main leavers and tucked fifth, started uncovered into turn two and grinded along, game to get the decision in a three-way photo. LILYBET, looking a bit hard to steer at times, was the innermost of the three main leavers, yielded for the pocket, gapped some on the far turn, then moved outside before midstretch and had a very big last 1/16 to just miss. PAINT BY NUMBERS was four-wide early, three-wide to the 1/8 then to command 3/16, set the pace, came under hard pressure from the winner, held well. SUNSEEKER HANOVER was away seventh from the rail, had dull cover, three-wide into the stretch and best of the rest. MYREANNA had trouble staying close throughout. JUST DO IT LUCAS had some speed, sat in down the back, not heard from in the lane. CARMELLA HANOVER was always well-back. GHIBLI was three-wide early, took back to tuck fourth at the ¼, soon thereafter started gapping.
FOURTH RACE – INDUSTRIAL HEMP was urged leaving, three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to the front 3/16, rated the half, didn’t have much pressure and was a safe winner. LADY ELECTRA left and yielded, had trouble staying tight in the middle half, then flashed some good late kick. CAVIART LUCIA was out to the 1/8, yielded for the pocket 3/16, Pocono Pike but little response and just held third. ODDS ON CARLY tucked at the 1/8, outside midturn but gapped, then had some late pace. BLOOD IN BLOOD OUT had little inside. HOFFMAN HANOVER came out raw 11/16 but her bid lasted only until midturn. HILDA BE MINE lost contact.
FIFTH RACE – NARZARIO left but was looped and tucked fourth 3/16, outside into turn two, hit high gear coming off that turn and to the lead to the 11/16 with an individual 28 third split, maintained the advantage to the wire with others coming on. SERRANO VOLO made the lead early, set the pace to past the 5/8, where she yielded to the winner but stayed close, came back in the Pocono Pike. CHING CHING LUCKY was inside, had to wait for tight room between horses, closed well and just missed second. CUSTOMARILY was second-over, steadily late in a slackening pace. DAGON HANOVER defended the pocket early, slipped out behind the winner 11/16 and was left raw, held his ground pretty well. BREEZING PRAYER never entered the main picture. ETRA DE VIE was third-over, made a very short-lived three-wide brush before giving way. ONE AFTER NINE jumped headstretch.
SIXTH RACE – MISTER DAVID C quarter-moved, rated the half, then stepped home in 56.1, which proved to be good enough here. CHAMP CHARBEL had second in the early lineup, backed out to follow cover 11/16, wide, very good late, returned with “b.e.” ROSA’S REBEL came uncovered down the back in 27.2 to challenge, kept on going gamely to the wire. HURRIKANEKINGCARLO was away well in an early lineup, yielded for the pocket, gradually lost ground from early backstretch. ADDISON HANOVER broke while last heading to turn two.
SEVENTH RACE – DANSON HANOVER left sharply four-wide into the first bend, two-wide at the 1/8 to the lead 3/16, yielded past the 3/8 for the pocket, came back on in the Pocono Pike and got the nod. EL TORO LOCO left well and yielded to only one, regained the lead past the 3/8, had a hard backstretch challenge, disposed of that foe, but couldn’t hold his advantage to the wire. HURRIKANE WILLIE G held position early, came out before the 5/8 and made a big pass at the leader, held his ground well. LEGION OF HONOR moved out second-over but gapped, back inside on the turn, next in line. FATHER OF IRELAND had some trot crossing the line. F X HANOVER gapped, broke late turn. COMMAND THE MARKET never got close. HIGH TOPS broke well before the start, caught the field but never gained contention.
EIGHTH RACE – FULL MOON BEACH left hard to maintain the lead, forcing a rival to tuck just past the ¼, got a very moderate middle half, outpaced foes to both sides while coming home in 27.3. MIKIBYTHESEASIDE left, was three-wide early, then challenged hard two-wide before having to back off and take the pocket just past the ¼, waited, to the Pocono Pike, may have had a nose up past midstretch, just missed. STELLAR YANKEE moved raw 11/16 and zoomed up into contention, held dead game to the line. DOUBLE METAL was second-over ¾, widest in the stretch, close, with “b.e.” AMAZING BET had some early speed, sat third-in, not clear in the lane but seeming all-out to stay this close.
NINTH RACE – KAZANS POWER was buried fourth-in at the ¾, had one inside horse move into a blindswitch late turn, got to the deep Pocono Pike and had by far the most trot late at $139.40 for Braxten Boyd. SO LONG HANOVER had a lot of cover, followed cover three-wide on the turn, lost cover headstretch and went on steadily in a slowing mile. FOCUS POCUS was buried inside (in front of the winner), moved out into a blindswitch headstretch, never came clear until late, then some trot inside of the place horse. DEE’S RED DELICIOUS was three-wide to the 3/16, eschewed a tuck and drove on to the top nearing the 3/8, continued to set a fast pace, tired a bit. CAVIART EMMA took the pocket 3/16, came back out 5/8 and challenged, also tired a bit after lots of work in fast fractions. KATKIN MORGAN was third-over, three-wide ¾ and continued the move on the turn, but then broke near headstretch, placed after running home. WORTHY OF HONOR left quickly, finally yielded before the 3/8 for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike but empty. KEYSTONE BARRACUDA gapped whether along the rail or second-over.
TENTH RACE – STELLAR BB was under encouragement going to the gate, let a fast one get a big early lead then quarter-moved, rated the half, held sway to the line. TELL THEM LOU started raw near the half and soon had cover, wide in the lane and good late. ACTOR HANOVER opened up four length past mid-first turn, yielded and sat the pocket, looked to be giving way far turn but then came back along the inside. RHETT SEELSTER circled wide and just had too far to come. TREVOR’S ACE was not in the picture. BEACH TOWN BOY was raw at the half, got to the wheel of the leader before backing off.
ELEVENTH RACE – GRAPPLE HANOVER was three-wide early, then two-wide most of the ¼ to the top, rated the half then sped up to open a big lead that could not be overcome. BANZAI AS moved at the half and soon got poor cover, three-wide 5/8 to two-wide late backstretch, went on gamely to nip MONEY MAVEN for second. The latter was in front, yielded, could not keep up in the pocket letting the winner sprint off, almost held the deuce. CHRISTOPHER CRAZO sat in, had to wait for the Pocono Pike, not that much once there. TW LAUXMONT stayed in and got the last check. EVANNA followed three-wide cover then herself was left three-deep coverless, broke late, placed. POND JUMPER was four-wide to the first turn, then had cover until nearing the ¼, tucked in third before the 3/8, came back out again into the backstretch but had little more to offer. GREEK LEGEND was never prominent. FINAL DREAM was near the rear when jumping approaching turn two.
Sep 5, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Stretch headwind … JO PA’S WARRIOR tucked early, came raw early backstretch and went at it with the leader from the 11/16 around the turn, lost a length straightening away but kept digging and was along late. OCTAVE gapped in the pocket behind an early runaway, then moved out 3/8 and had the leader before the half, came under pressure, almost lasted to the line. PHILOSOPHIZER went second-over 5/8, clearly third-best. BET EIGHTTHIRTYONE tucked third, sat in then backed out to third-over before the ¾, blindswitched far turn, next-best. HANDSOFFMYTITOS gapped horribly the first half, got in gear down the back, three-wide ¾ through the turn, flattened a little bit. HONALI was outside near the back with little. ZEUS HANOVER left sharply and crossed right over, had a big early lead, yielded before the half, started gapping out 11/16. BET ON ZETTE didn’t factor here.
SECOND RACE – CAVIART CARMEL went to the early lead, wouldn’t yield to a parked rival, then did give the led to the 3/8 for the pocket, outside early stretch and right by. IMONABEACH HANOVER moved from fourth at the ¼ and easily got the lead before the 3/8, went on at a good clip losing everybody but the winner, had no answer for that one late. JACANA was parked early, forced to take a tuck at the ¼, behind a big gapper, outside midturn, along for third; SOME KINDA ANGEL followed the show horse from the ¼ and had some late pace. SANTAFE’S MJ maintained the early pocket, then gapped out from the ½. ALWAYS B ROYALTY couldn’t enter contention. HAD ME AT COOKIE was off the gate, then fell progressively further back.
THIRD RACE – EL KISMET held the pocket, sat coolly in reserve to headstretch, then moved out and trotted away easily. WILD KAT G raced third, outside far turn, caught BUCKET HEAD for second. The latter went to early command and was briefly clear, set the pace, no match in the stretch and couldn’t preserve second. PRAY AND HUSTLE broke taking back early. DREAM ZETTE stayed flat but had little from the 5/8. SOMETHING PINK was in the three-hole when miscuing nearing the ¼. COOL MISS WENDY lost gait before the start.
FOURTH RACE – MIGHTY ANGEL yielded at the 1/8, occasionally loose in the two-hole but tightened back in, to the Pocono Pike and had enough in a 31 kicker against the wind. AMBERS CHAMPION moved outside ¾ and finished well. KRISTIELEIGH was in front at the 1/8 and set the pace, couldn’t sustain the advantage to the wire. MOODY BLUE stayed connected, moved outside to midstretch and finished willingly. TICKET TAB had trouble staying tight throughout. MATTER OF TRUST was a gapping last, outside on the turn and may have been earning the last check when breaking.
FIFTH RACE – VARNEY went to the front at the 1/8, rated the half while still stringing the field, had pressure from GUSSY’S TRUMP CARD but had enough for the victory. The latter vacated third past the ¾, had a good last quarter to make it interesting. STEWARDOFTHELAND looked to leave but took back, sat midpack, to midtrack midstretch and up for third. KEYSTONEFIGHTNIGHT made the pocket, but didn’t have much pace in the stretch. JITTERBUG FLIP went evenly and got the last check. DOWNTHEROAD Z TAM and DARIO HANOVER were always near the back. REGENTS HANOVER moved uncovered to the 11/16, started to go three-wide ¾ as the place horse came out but lost composure.
SIXTH RACE – SUM FOR ALL sat third until midturn, then summoned enough to be along into the 31.1 kicker. KATKIN AND COKE worked up into the pocket 3/16, to the Pocono Pike, second-best. GROSETTO AS was loose for the first 5/8, came out with cover midturn, not far off second. PUERTO RICO left in 27 opening a big lead, moderated the pace, still tired. CELEBRITY MASERATI was not a factor most of the race, finished with trot along the inside. SCIROCCO JAKOB never made his presence felt. KANDY KORN was looking for early position when making a break.
SEVENTH RACE – VELVET STYLE was three-wide to the 1/8 to the lead past the 3/16, controlled the race in the last quarter. CALIFORNIA GOLD went out between horses to 1/8 command, yielded for the pocket, not enough late but still well-clear of the rest. ZETTE FLAME followed the cover well off the pace, wide and got the distant third. TEST YOUR MAGIC moved raw 5/8, passed tired horses. VICTORY YANKEE was in the early scramble, took back and was not heard from again. PLAYER ONE showed some speed and yielded, then was struggling by the 5/8. GAVINATOR was not heard from.
EIGHTH RACE – TSM PHOTO BUGGER, a sprightly 14YO, made the lead at the 1/8, yielded to the early brushing chalk and stayed right with him through bruising fractions, outside midstretch and got his game nose to the line first for the 61st time. MACMORRIS HANOVER was underway before the ¼ to take over and put up very quick fractions, caught only by the pocket rocket. MEADOWBRANCH RICKY was second-over, switched inside and to the Pocono Pike for the stretch, good gain (though the pace was slowing). SWEET HEART AS was uncovered 11/16, steadily narrowed in. CREWS HILLTOPPER was heard to settle in early, not heard from. DARTY was first to the top, yielded, inside, not a late factor. DYNAMIC EDGE never got into the dynamic of this race.
NINTH RACE – AMERICAN CHROME had the early pocket, then sat third until past the ¾, closed steadily and just held off A BETTOR BEACH (on a day when many last quarters were not fast going into a headwind). The latter followed cover then lost it to a tuck-in, got new cover on the turn, finished well and just missed. HE’S ELECTRIC reluctantly accepted an early midpack tuck, then charged out off turn one and took control, tried to lose the field with a 27 third quarter but couldn’t quite hold up. DIVISION BELL stacked wide from last and did well late. DARK ENERGY N moved outside off turn two but retucked in front of a gapper, surrounded in the stretch but still appeared to be outpaced. ROCK THE TOWN had overcome the outermost draw and crossed over before the first turn, yielded for the pocket, tired in the stretch. CAPTAIN MALICIOUS did not keep up in the last half.
TENTH RACE – JUST MAYBE THE ONE left strongly to take the lead, kept on strongly into the wind when the pocketsitter sought to make the lead, rolled on, drew clear through the stretch in a big mile. BLENHEIM defended the pocket, came out 5/16 but quickly rethought that move, outside ¾ but didn’t gain, held off MUSHANA to retain second. The latter was raw past the 5/8, got cover from the pocket horse on the turn but couldn’t quite work by him. WISENHEIMER took back early, sat midpack, no late response. BANK BOX TREASURE moved outside from last on the far turn but didn’t show much.
ELEVENTH RACE – BLOW A CLOUD N had a clear lead within 50 yards of the start, kept rolling, more than enough for this field. MONTEFALCO N raced up into the early pocket, pulled same down the back but didn’t get closer than the winner’s flank, in stretch, good to be far clear of the others. ABSOLUTE INTENT gradually advanced outside to get third over ROCK THREE TIMES, who tucked third but couldn’t go with the top two late. THE REST OF THE FIELD either gapped or were too far back to have an influence or both.
Sep 2, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Stretch headwind … MAJOR SUGAR RUSH went uncovered 5/8 and grinded up, outpaced ALL IT TAKES to the line. The latter went to the lead then yielded for the two-hole, right to the Pocono Pike, just missed in a good outing. CODE MEISTER was second-over, gapped late backstretch then closer, swung wide but couldn’t match the steps of the front two. DARTH FADER was three-wide to the 1/8 and onward to 3/16 command, rated the half and didn’t get much pressure, still gave way. ALL ABOUT RUSTY left between horses and tucked third, clear in the stretch, not enough. MEADOWBROOK RUSTY started uncovered from last soon after entering the backstretch, never get very close. GRANTOR HANOVER gapped at the ¾.
SECOND RACE – SPORTSMANSHIP left and yielded, had to wait third-in, room in the Pocono Pike when the pocket horse came out and quick enough to be along. CHANCELLORCULLEN N was three-wide to turn one then paced on up, used hard past the 3/8 to get the lead, bore out stretch but held his ground well. SHARKNADO advanced all the way up the inside from last, with some pace. SUNBURST CRUZE took the lead just past the 1/8, made a foe work hard to get the lead nearing turn two, sat the two-hole then moved out in the lane, not quite enough. NEWS WATCH was second-over, blindswitched through the far turn, came clear but couldn’t make up the ground. LIMA RAIDER was first-up at the half and pressured the leader, then gave way. JEREMES GENERAL, saddle pad askew, went three-wide from third-over ¾ but didn’t reach.
THIRD RACE – PEMBROKE IDEAL BJ took second in the early lineup, then stayed third after the brusher until the ¾, moved up when moved outside, took the stretch lead then withstood the inside charge of BETTING HANNAH. The latter sat in and came up the Pocono Pike to just miss. HEAVEN SENT ME put the others in behind early, yielded to the favorite for the pocket, came outside headstretch, not far off. SHADOWS DANCERS was put into play 3/16 and got the lead 3/8 in a slow second split, set the pace, was found wanting at crunch time. YES OUI SI was last, swung wide, didn’t reach. LIFELUVN YANKEE was outside from last early backstretch but was rough, didn’t reach far turn cover.
FOURTH RACE – BIG NUDGE started uncovered from last at the ¼ and gained in a slow Q2, kept pace as the pace picked up down the back, dueled with RIVER OTTER through the lane and just did get to that one late. The latter went out between horses to 1/8 command, moderated the half then turned on the afterburners down the back to make it a three-horse contest by the 3/4s, then boiled it down to a two-horse duel, rocked and almost held on. INAPERFECTWORLD was three-deep towards the 1/8, took a pocket tuck, kept up until into the stretch, then faded, still way ahead of the others. HITITOUTOFTHEPARK sat in with the early-forming outer tier, was shuffled and blocked in last, next at the finish up the inside. GEMINI EDDIE was outside but didn’t gain. PHOTO BOMBER left and yielded, gapped out 5/8. MUSKINGUM backed out to second-over 3/8 but didn’t gain after the 5/8.
FIFTH RACE – ROCK KING DEO quarter-moved, controlled the throttle, stepped home in 56.1 to ensure the victory. RUNHAPPY TEN stayed inside on the far turn, got room in the deep Pocono Pike, in gear a little too late, finished with pace. IMAGINEUWITHOUTME left, took back to the pocket 3/16, outside midturn, evenly. DARK HORSE forced an early tuck, yielded to the winner, tried to gain in the Pike but couldn’t. KOLT POWER had the best view the whole way.
SIXTH RACE – CAVIART CHERIE left between horses to the lead at the 1/8, yielded 3/16 and stayed tight through fast fractions, outside headstretch and had a good late response. SWEET LUCY LOU and ROLLING GOING GONE both stayed in until the far turn, went wide and gained on a tired pacesetter. BRONSKIMACKENZIE A was three-wide before the 1/8 to 3/16 command, rolled on with big numbers, came up shy in the lane. MAGICAL MISTRESS was up-close early, sat in, where she gapped slightly at times. BRING ME DIAMONDS never sparkled.
SEVENTH RACE – NICE STUFF was on top at the 1/8, had things her own way on the front end, came home well and retained stretch control. SEVEN IRON came through at the start and yielded for a pocket trip, chose the Pocono Pike, just held second over CELEBRITY SERENA. The latter wasn’t on the gate but still got away third, sat in, had to wait to find room between horses midstretch then had a good surge once free to almost nab second. O JONNIE moved before the 11/16 and gained well on the leader, but couldn’t sustain the gain. FRAC didn’t threaten here. SHEER MUSCLE gapped at the back.
EIGHTH RACE – GOLDEN GESTURE yielded to ride the two-hole, edged out late turn and gained into the 55 back half to win going away. SULLIVAN was out 3/16 in pursuit of the throttle, rated the half then picked it up, outsprinted by the pocket rocket but did hold the deuce over BARON MICHAEL. The latter sat third, edged out late turn and wide headstretch, did well in the quick latter stages. LITTLE BEN was uncovered from last 11/16, couldn’t advance quickly enough to keep the 2-3 horses from coming out, went between horses stretch and wasn’t bad at all. ARCHETTO HANOVER and BLUEBERRY HEAVEN looked all-out once the pace picked up down the back.
NINTH RACE – TRAFFIC JAM had the point before the 1/8, pushed most of the 27.1 opener then yielded for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and as easily as you please. DOUBLEOFFTHEWALL was three-wide early then two-deep to a quick quarter, rated the half, not enough to stall the winner, did just save second over RHYME N ROLL. The latter got a forward spot early, stayed in, came clear between horses midstretch and was narrowing the gap towards second rapidly. CRYSTAL SPARKLES N had to angle widest and finished with pace. FEAR MY SHADOW was uncovered towards turn two, remained at the flank/saddle pad of the pocket horse until early stretch, then retreated. ROCK N ROLL ROSIE did not feature; nor did THE BOSS’ WIFE.
TENTH RACE – Remember the name of driver Braxten Boyd – he introduced himself to Pocono by guiding the longest shot on the board home first … BYE BYE FELICIA was put into grind mode at the half after the early wicked battles were resolved, kept grinding, got past the spent inner horses, then dug in gamely to ward off the closers. PANSY’S IMAGE was third-over, widest and flying late. TURNTHEFROWNAROUND had great cover second-over, wider stretch, OK but had no real excuse. SURREAL FEELING made the top past the 1/8, save waves of Napolitanos coming after him in the second quarter, yielded, shuffled out of it. CRAZY CUTE left and yielded, moved out and then (oh, brother) went three-wide to the 3/8 to clear the new leader past the half, couldn’t hold up in the last 1/8. DELISHKA N was looped, decided to go on, had life made hard for her, did get the lead past the 3/8 but soon yielded to a foe, pocket, gapped far turn, retuned with b.e.
ELEVENTH RACE – The American Harness Drivers Club Championship … ZOOMING was inside when there was trouble on the second turn, emerged uncovered and gained, kept on gaining and overhauled the leader late to give driver Steve Oldford the Championship. SOUTHWIND FROST stayed out of harm’s way by setting the pace, opened a big lead midbackstretch that the winner chomped into, held well but couldn’t withstand that one late. CIMERONKEN was outside from the back early, went inside the trouble at the half then followed the winner’s cover, closed steadily. SLATED TO WIN was far off the pace and gapped cover, best of the rest. FRENCH MONI was three-wide to the first turn, had cover which he lost past the ¼, went up and himself could get a pocket tuck into turn two, couldn’t keep up in the last ¼. MUAY HANOVER raced outside, compromised badly when stuck behind the breaker three-wide past the half, regathered OK. FASHION POSSESSED challenged for the early lead in a quick quarter, got into the two-hole just past the ¼, then himself gave the pocket at the other end of the frontstretch, fell back. URSIS DES CAILLONS left and filled the two-hole early, gave that spot at the ¼, backed outside and was advancing when breaking at the half. SILVERMASS VOLO was caught inside, broke in tight quarters before the second turn.
Sep 2, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – OLLIE’S ZTAM was parked 3/16 for the lead, rated the half then immediately stepped it up to meet the challenge of the first-over, shook him off and looked safe until ROCKIE GOT FRAMED got loose, still got the job done. The latter had some early foot, was blocked third-in on the turn, waited to find room between horses and finally got it late, closed with a big rush. ENVIRONS HANOVER came up uncovered 3/8 and really battled the leader in a 26.3 third quarter but couldn’t clear, held very well. BLAZEN RIVER N was the first to show, yielded for the two-hole, gapped during the backstretch duel, went to the Pocono Pike but didn’t gain. CAPTAIN MCKEE sat in, then followed the stretch path of the place horse, never clear. GRATTAN HANOVER was second-over but gapped. TRENTE DEO never factored from third-over.
SECOND RACE – RICH AND MISERABLE was quarter-mover #2 and trotted his second quarter in 27 with then without cover to get the lead into turn two, proved superior here. PATRIARCH HANOVER was quarter-mover #1, made the lead before the 3/8 and yielded, came out in the lane but did not gain, well-ahead of the rest. MYSTICAL WYNN left and yielded, moved outside 11/16, didn’t gain but beat out the rest. TRUEMASS VOLO had a touch of trot finishing. GEMOLOGIST went to the lead at the 1/8, saw two go by in quarter two, not much in the last 3/16. CHIEF JUSTICE never entered the picture.
THIRD RACE – CHUCKY DE VIE was bound and determined to cut the pace, tried to lose the field with a 27.4 third quarter and did, although he himself was tiring late. SANCHEZ ROCKS made the pocket at the 1/8, gapped the sprinter down the back, gradually made up ground while going all he could. LIBERO HANOVER broke as the gate sprung, recovered quickly, moved out down the back, did a pretty good reparations job. LANDONFITZ passed tired horses. NOBLE ANTHONY gapped throughout. LAKEVIEW TAMMY couldn’t stay connected at the ¾.
FOURTH RACE – DO YA THINK tucked third to the 1/8, uncovered 5/8 and made a strong challenge on the turn but could not clear, did open a clear margin in the stretch and withstood late chargers. LOUD SPLASH was second-over but gapped, found better strides late for second. FEHERTY left to defend the pocket, outside stretch, next in line. SPORTY DRAGON was blocked on the far turn, to the Pocono Pike, fair. R MADDY BLUE CHIP went out quickly to the lead in a quick quarter, had a hard challenge from the first-over, gave way. BEACH FIRE K never entered the principal fight.
FIFTH RACE – BIG OIL was three-wide to get the lead at the 1/8 in a 26.1 opener, just kept humming along in an amazing front-end victory. PL NOTSONICE sat third-in, went to the Pocono Pike and gained in the stretch in a giant effort of her own. SCIROCCO ROB came through to protect the pocket and stayed close in the blazing numbers until the ¾, fought on gamely to the line. WARRIOR ONE stayed in and went evenly. BELLA BELLINI moved uncovered from fifth 5/8 and got to even with the third horse late on the turn, came up short – in her first start in three weeks, against older opposition, and trotting a 5/8-mile track in 1:52.3 after winning the Oaks on the mile track in 1:52.1 – plenty of excuses. EUROBOND left between horses, was taking back to tuck third when making a break approaching the 3/16.
SIXTH RACE – Some stretch tailwind becoming evident … MCNEIL Z TAM made the lead 3/16, saw two work by in quarter two, moved out around the far turn and drew away in a sharp outing. BLACKLIGHT had cover to the 3/16 then made the top past the quarter, yielded to a brusher to sit the pocket, backed out behind the winner for the drive and was along for second. SHANE ADAM started a move at the ¼ and made the lead past the 3/8, kept rolling on the lead, came up shy. TAKEITTOTHEFACE did not have advancing cover, wide far turn and best of the rest. WAY TO CLOSE gapped some to the half, outside 5/8 but never got close. APEX SEELSTER was inside, couldn’t offer much. ESAI HANOVER was in front going to the first turn, yielded, started gapping 5/8. FULL VIEW was last, never did have a full view of clearance the last 3/16.
SEVENTH RACE – THE CANDYMAN CAN led for 5280 feet, coming home in 54.2 – 26.4 to make everything satisfying and delicious. SOMEBEACH BARON left well for the pocket, rethought a quarter-move and stayed in the two-hole, couldn’t gain but held second. BUSBOY HANOVER tagged along in third, outside towards headstretch but could not reach place. WHITE HAIR ROCKS was the only one to come outside before the far turn, had a bit of late pace. FEELING CAM LUCKY looked all-out trying to keep up at several points. WALTER MITTY couldn’t go enough here.
EIGHTH RACE – CHASE LOUNGE left and gradually worked her way to the lead before the ¼, strung the field out to the 5/8, held off the late charge of MILIEU HANOVER. The latter left well and sat in the two-hole, came clear and outside early stretch, gained a good bit. EXTRILLA HANOVER sat in, gapped before the ¾ but improved on the turn, steadily late. CONTINUALOU pulled from third 5/8, couldn’t quite reach, gave a little ground in the lane. STAYCATION HANOVER was second-over, wide into the stretch but didn’t have enough. SO MIKI HANOVER broke past the start, did well to get back to near the field.
NINTH RACE – CURIOUS CORTEZ left, yielded, was quarter-mover #1 and pushed a challenger before yielding in a very fast ½, stayed close, outside midturn, took over early stretch and stayed clear. BENJI’S BEST went up belatedly to tuck fourth behind the early battlers, moved outside ¾, wide into the stretch and bore out some but still was a good second. KEYSTONE STEAM gained all the way up the far inside from far back and was along for a no-factor third. SWEET N FAST N sat in then backed out on the turn but gapped. RHP left between horses, took third, was quarter-mover #2 and was kept outside, with then without cover much of the way to a blistering half, continued the hot tempo, tired in the stretch. TUXEDO BAY was three-wide leaving and two-wide past the 1/8 in the 26.1 opener, saw two go by, moved out behind the winner nearing headstretch, in close quarters but didn’t gain. REGAL SON was last most of the way without entering the main radar.
TENTH RACE – THEBEACHISCALLING was looped leaving, tucked third at the 1/8, moved out at the ¼ and went to the lead just past the 3/8, laid down good fractions, then blitzed home in 27.1 staying safe. DARBY HANOVER yielded then was out soon past the 1/8 to make the lead at the ¼, yielded past the 3/8 for the two-hole, stayed close in the fast last panel. FIGHTING EVIL went on strongly to 1/8 command, as many early leaders did this day saw two go by, gapped headstretch, best of the others. LADY NEWTON stayed in, shuffled back to last, into the Pocono Pike, evenly. SHEZAFREAKLIKEME didn’t have the greatest cover, three-wide past midturn, didn’t enter the picture. UPTOWN HANOVER gained uncovered down the backstretch until the 11/16, then starting inching backwards.
ELEVENTH RACE – ALEX TYE dove in fourth behind early battlers, moved second-over, three-wide past midturn and went right to the lead early stretch, proved the best of these. AMAZON came out behind the winner 11/16, followed him three-wide late turn, four-wide in the stretch and closing well. CLASSY HILL was wide early and then two-wide to the lead at the ¼, rated the half then sped up, pushed back on the first-over but couldn’t handle the deeper closers. BAMSKI stayed in, had to wait a long time for room in the stretch. MAJOR OFFENSE went to the lead, yielded at the ¼ and sat in the two-hole, to the Pocono Pike, no gain. ROCK ON LINE gapped at the back. MUSCLE MACH A tucked third 3/16, moved raw 5/8 and advance, but couldn’t sustain the progress forward.
TWELFTH RACE – ARTISTS RUFFLES was off the top two early duelers but got the pocket when one took a bad step and took back, moved out from the two-hole 11/16 and took the lead to headstretch, drew away. INDIGO ART was third-over, ducked inside stretch and gained in the Pocono Pike. VALIANT IVY was second-over 5/8 behind good cover, steadily. SPORTS TEEN was fighting an outside challenger when that one backed off, set the pace, didn’t have enough late. LORD OF MISRULE was contending for command into turn one when taking a bad step, steadied, found no hole so had to back off to fourth, sat in, shuffled. DRINKA BEER kept a hole closed 3/16, then gapped out from the 5/8.
THIRTEENTH RACE – ARCHIBALD was fast in the odd-numbered quarters and in control in the even-numbered ones. PAPI HANOVER wanted the lead but accepted the pocket at the fast quarter, sat in the two-hole, outside stretch, lost a little ground to the very sharp winner. KEYSTONE SERGEANT moved raw from midpack 5/8, one-geared to the distant third. HOT SUMMER KNIGHT sat in, little late. TW LAUXMONT gapped at the back of the main field. ARCH CREDIT came up empty 11/16. DAYTONA DREAMIN broke early.
FOURTEENTH RACE – THNDRFRMTHETHRON N stepped around the pole horse and maintained the pocket, used the Pocono Pike and took the finale. QUALITY BUD was outside 3/16 to get the lead, slowed the half then sped up as the parked horse gradually got closer, couldn’t hold off the winner. K RYAN BLUECHIP was in the middle of a gaggle of early leavers, got left outside raw, didn’t press the leader in quarter two then grinded up, finally reaching the pacesetter far turn, held amazingly well. TULHURSTSANTANNA A was not easy to settle inside early, then third-over, three-wide with cover on the far turn then four-wide for the stretch, moving well late. ABRAXAS BLUES N sat in and was shuffled to last, had to go five-wide in the lane and finished nicely. BABES DIG ME stayed in, was blocked and shut off late, costing him fifth and maybe fourth. CAL worked out a second-over trip, three-wide late turn but outpaced to the line. DEALT A WINNER was three-wide to the 1/8 and eased back to last, never reentered the main picture.
Aug 30, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – FULL MOON BEACH was three-wide to the 1/8 en route to the lead, rated the half, then was in control with back fractions of 54.4 – 27. MIKIBYTHESEASIDE left between horses and was looped, took the pocket at the ¼, stayed well-connected but could not gain late. DOUBLE METAL took back early, went first-up at the half, didn’t reach the leader but held pretty well behind the first two. SOMEWHEREINVERONA was three-wide with cover to the first turn, slotted fifth, moved second-over, gapped a bit, three-wide headstretch, evenly. STELLAR YANKEE stayed in and was shuffled, some in the Pocono Pike once finding space. HIGH BALLER pushed past the 1/8 and yielded, gave the pocket, nothing left the last 3/16. NEXT BIG THING did little from third-over. CAPTAIN ROMANCE was parked with cover early, took back to last, not heard from again.
SECOND RACE – KATKIN MORGAN was last early, got to third-over, four-wide late turn, had a huge last 1/8 to trot past everybody. WORTHY OF HONOR left three-deep to turn one to the lead at the 1/8, released a foe off turn one to sit the pocket, outside stretch, never ahead but steadily for second. FOCUS POCUS went out between horses and was looped, on top past the ¼, set the pace, not enough late. GERARD got early position, inside, best of the rest. BANG BANG BOINGA stayed in, seemed to be struggling to keep up the last ¼. MISTER BOINGA was second-over, three-wide, not that much. CAVIART EMMA went uncovered 3/8, went up in 28.1 the third split but then couldn’t gain any more. GREEK LEGEND never factored.
THIRD RACE – FINLANDIA was away alertly for the pocket, outside past midturn, won easily. LAA DEE GAA was uncovered 3/8, trotted very well with her own last half in 57 for second though perhaps a trifle rough late. PAINT BY NUMBERS came through to defend the three-hole, up the Pocono Pike for a distant third. MYREANNA was second-over, gapped cover far turn. BARNUM, wide leaving, took back to tuck fourth, not heard from again. ARBITOR HANOVER took control from the pole, rated the half, still had nothing left for the stretch. KOKOMO gapped at the back. SPRING QUEEN couldn’t keep up from not much past the ½.
FOURTH RACE – CHING CHING LUCKY backed out to second-over, gapped the third split, in gear midturn and finished steadily to get the decision. BLAZING PRAYER stayed in and was shuffled to last, out on the turn and wide early stretch, came on well. NARZARIO was three-wide to the 1/8 before taking back to last, then came raw at the half and trotted up in 28 to fight the leader, held his ground very stoutly. DAGON HANOVER was away quickly to get the early lead, yielded, stuck inside, found a seam to the left of the breaking leader after he fell back, good in bad-luck mile. RED REDEMPTION quarter-moved and went on at a fast clip, still ahead and looking for an answer to the closers when breaking, placed. ISLAND LILY was looped leaving, on top just before the ¼, yielded for the pocket, already had moved to the Pocono Pike and was showing little when the pacesetter broke.
FIFTH RACE – BANZAI AS quarter-moved and went on at a good clip, proved himself the best. PUERTO RICO left and strung the field out early, yielded for the pocket, clearly second-best. KATKIN AND COKE took the pocket into the first bend, came out second-over 5/8, not enough kick but edged SHEER MUSCLE for third. The latter was on the show horse’s back, was blindswitched ¾ but cleared when the sweeper flattened, some late. FINAL DREAM did not make his presence felt. CELEBRITY SERENA followed the winner’s move before the 3/8 and was left raw, challenged, tired. KANDY KORN tried to gain three-wide from last but could not.
SIXTH RACE – Wind picked up some to be a stretch tailwind … B A SUPERHERO was three-wide past the 1/8 for the lead, strode clear the last half. STRONGERWITHLINDY stayed connected in the first four, outside far turn and had some finishing speed. DR TRUFFER stayed in third, Pocono Pike, won a picture for third over GAVINATOR. The latter was on top at the 1/8, yielded for the pocket, went loose before the 5/8. BEER CHEESE took back early, did get a check. TEST YOUR MAGIC tucked fifth, struggled to keep up from before the half. THE OTHER PAIR were away slowly and never in the picture.
SEVENTH RACE – BOLTMAN pushed the early pace then yielded, then quarter-moved, in firm control of this race in a fast time. OHARE HANOVER was way back early then moved with sluggish cover, four-wide before midturn and came a long way to be second. CHAMP CHARBEL made the front between horses 3/16, yielded, gapped the pocket horse, but came out in the stretch and was along to be the distant best of the rest. SPINNAKER HANOVER was showing pace going under the wire. ROSA’S REBEL was uncovered 3/8 inside the breaker, went three-wide to try to get around that one but didn’t gain much. JOSE could not be seen among the front ones. HERE COMES RED went up a bit late but did grab a 4-tuck 3/16, back out raw down the backstretch, could offer little. ADDISON HANOVER broke to the 3/8.
EIGHTH RACE – AULTER EGO came on the grind before the 5/8, proved the best in the 1:01.2 last half. KRISTIELEIGH started well, yielded and sat a tight two-hole, to the Pocono Pike, couldn’t quite take it all. AMBERS CHAMPION was carried up by good cover, couldn’t quite produce enough late. MATTER OF TRUST was third-over, tried to come between horses in the lane instead of winging four-wide, found no clear path. HODA HANOVER left between horses to the 3-hole at the 1/8, gapped in the third quarter then tighter, so-so in the lane. ROMANTIC TILE S was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide past the 3/16 for the top, set the pace, nothing left late. PRAYING DION didn’t show much. MOODY BLUE broke taking back early.
NINTH RACE – PRESTO was out 5/16 to make the lead, yielded to a brusher and sat in the pocket, outside headstretch and presto! she was in the lead and drawing away. CUSTOMARILY came out on the turn and went wider early stretch, finished with energy. WHAT A DAME had to go up raw, couldn’t reach to keep the winner locked in past midturn, fair late. PREACHER MAN was underway at the ¼ and hit the top by the 3/8 in a quick second split, dictated terms but came up short. BALLET BARRE was in front early and pushed the winner past the ¼, inside, not a factor for major minor honors. SNOWFALLA gapped at the back.
TENTH RACE – STELLAR BB had nice cover second-over, gapped it on the turn, but kicked in late and was just up on the line. TELL THEM LOU was uncovered into turn two, challenged, looked to be going by when the leader broke and was briefly clear, but caught by the horse on his back. IDEAL ARTILLERY was inside, out in a blindswitch headstretch, switched paths to find clearance and came home nicely. ACTOR HANOVER was urged early, three-wide 1/8 and on top past the 3/16 in a 26.2 opener, yielded to a remover for the pocket, Pocono Pike, a bit shy. HORSE had forward position, inside, deep Pike, fair. CIGAR SMOKING TONY had excellent cover but did not fire. RHETT SEELSTER tried to gain wide on the turn but could not. RED POWER controlled the pace with two moves, asked for more late turn, but made a break early stretch.
ELEVENTH RACE – NEZBLANC was three-wide to the 1/8 and on the point 3/16, went three 28.1s to open, stringing out the field, got a little tired late and was mildly urged, but seemed safe. SO LONG HANOVER went up between horses to the pocket, loose in same the rest of the way although gaining some ground back in the last ¼. BALDAQUIN didn’t have great cover, wide and finished strongly as usual. DON’T SASS ME took his time easing in to the pegs, outside then raw on the turn, next-best. FOREVERHILLREIGN came out before the 11/16, got to retuck third far turn, not much late. ROBBIE PEV was always far back. DARTY had gate speed, dropped out of it 5/8.
TWELFTH RACE – AVAYA HANOVER forced an early tuck, let a foe go then retook, tried to steal it opening a big lead in a big third quarter, did hold off CAPTAINANDTELLY in a picture under urging. The latter was first-over, came her own last half in 55.1, got the pocket ¾ and continued to gain ground until coming up just shy on the money. JUBILEE QUEEN was behind the place horse, gapped and was left raw on the turn, got show in a three-way photo. UPTOWN LADY backed out to the outer tier, very well late. EASYRUNNER HANOVER circled horses to the first turn, out just past the 3/16 for the lead then immediately surrendered it for the pocket, went on evenly. BLONDE ONTHE BEACH joined the two-wide tier, outpaced. SWEETONTHEBEACH tried to step around the winner early but was denied access so took back, gapped out 11/16.
THIRTEENTH RACE – ONE AFTER NINE had superior speed; if it were a prizefight, they would have stopped it at the half after the pocket horse broke. F X HANOVER came out from behind the gapping pocket horse on the turn and was clearly second. ENDYMION passed strugglers for the very very distant third. LEGION OF HONOR went uncovered before the half, got nowhere close, briefly had cover on the turn but could do little. VINCENTI inherited a very distant pocket as the previous 2-holer jumped at the half, done at the ¾. JOE EXOTIC and OKOLICA never entered the picture. FATHER PATS SECRET got in the pocket at the 1/8, was still reasonably close to the winner when lapsing from gait near the half.
Aug 29, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – The track was rated “good +1” for the first three races, then dried out and was rated “fast +0” … Stretch tailwind … PICKLED PREACHER cane uncovered at the half and with a rush cleared to the lead past the 5/8, drew clear and kept on going well to the wire. BARON MICHAEL followed the winner’s cover, left raw before the 11/16 and into the pocket before the ¾, fought hard to the wire to edge GOLDEN GESTURE for second. The latter was first in motion from last and enjoyed excellent cover, uncovered on the turn, just photoed from second. RUN ONEOVER N pushed the quarter and yielded, was shuffled badly late on the backstretch, finally got outside mid-far turn, retucked, couldn’t gain back any more ground. BLUEBERRY HEAVEN couldn’t get into the main picture. SUNBURST CRUZE also was shuffled badly late backstretch, outside midturn, couldn’t recover much. HIGHVIEW CONALL N was parked to a 26.2 quarter for the top, was challenged past the 5/8 and called it a day.
SECOND RACE – PAPI HANOVER left, yielded, underway 3/16 to the lead at the ¼, slowed the half with the wind, then picked it up vs. the wind as the first-over came on, put to a drive late to hold off NICE STUFF. The latter went to 1/8 command, yielded to sit the two-hole, struggled to keep close down the backstretch behind the duel, then had a surge late and didn’t miss by much. EVA DAIRPET FR moved uncovered into turn two and went raw in 27.2 down the backstretch to challenge hard, bore out in the stretch but still kept scrapping. ZOOMING stayed in, next in line. EXPLOSIVE MAGIC stayed in until moving two-wide mid-far turn, didn’t enter the main picture. ARCHIBALD moved second-over but almost immediately was gapping.
THIRD RACE – EL TORO LOCO was the only hard leaver, set the pace as he pleased and won as he pleased. CALIFORNIA GOLD moved out from behind a loose pocket horse 11/16, tucked in headstretch, couldn’t make up ground in the latter stages. GONNA B HANOVER had the pocket, went loose in the third quarter, the last one to stay flat. ZETTE FLAME was out with cover late backstretch but broke ¾. CS EXPLOSIVE CHIP was off the gate and rank at times, miscued before the second turn.
FOURTH RACE – MEADOWBROOK FLASH moved uncovered into turn two, went up quickly then saw the pocket horse pop out and get the lead, left raw, grinded to the wire and held on in a close finish in a 30.1 last quarter. MAJOR SUGAR RUSH gapped most of the way, angled wide early stretch and roared home in the last 1/16 to just miss. LIMA RAIDER backed out to follow the winner, three-wide past midturn, not far off. CHANCELLORCULLEN N was third-in, shuffled far turn, to the deep Pocono Pike and had a good gain in the slowing tempo. JEREMES GENERAL went to the lead, saw the pocket horse go by him 11/16 and gapped, kept going and actually beat that one out in the Pocono Pike. ALL IT TAKES left, went into the pocket 3/16, moved early backstretch to get the lead late backstretch and open up a clear margin, but had little left late. ALL ABOUT RUSTY was not prominent.
FIFTH RACE – GRACELYN HANOVER sat two-wide early as double-looped, went up towards the lead, bore wide off the first turn but onward to the lead, clear the last half. EL KISMET was right on top, got a foe to tuck, yielded to the winner, gapped from the half, but still held second. BUCKET HEAD left, settled in the early pocket at the 1/8, maintained third late. HL REVINA moved out from behind a gapper backstretch, kept advancing gradually raw, not bad. TRINITY HANOVER swung wide headstretch, was offstride through the stretch and was placed eighth for violation of the breaking rules. TICKET TAB struggled to stay connected but could not. THE OTHER TWO never reached contention.
SIXTH RACE – CATHY HANOVER left from the rail and had the pocket, then moved 5/16 to the lead 3/8, set the pace, had CAVIART CARMEL inching closer the entire last quarter and had to be good to defeat that one. The latter protected the 3-hole early, moved out 11/16 and worked her way up, kept on coming in a fine showing, only to just miss. AILEY HANOVER moved uncovered 5/8 to get around a gapper, picked up cover 11/16, couldn’t go with the top two late but far the best of the rest. SANTA FE’S MJ had more than the remainder. HAD ME A COOKIE was never prominent. AMERICA WINS was three-wide leaving to command at the 1/8, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, faded in the last ¼. SWEET KATIE BUG left between horses, took a couple of awkward steps and took back to tuck, never got back into the race.
SEVENTH RACE – CHUCKY DE VIE left well and yielded at the 1/8 for the two-hole, outside past midturn, took the lead past upper stretch and held off SANCHEZ ROCKS. The latter moved uncovered and got ever-closer, kept coming in the lane and just missed. LIBERO HANOVER crossed over from PP9 by the 1/8, didn’t have any pressure, held fairly well. CHOCOTURE sat in, gapped down the back, outside in the lane and next in line. UNABATING was away third, got to the pocket late on the turn, but couldn’t gain in the Pocono Pike. THE NEXT THREE were always far back. NOBLE ANTHONY backed out to follow cover past the 5/8, didn’t have too much, then broke headstretch.
EIGHTH RACE – MISTER DAVID C was three-wide to the 1/8 and on the lead 3/16, rolled right along without pressure, kept to mild urging and held off CAPTAINRYANMICHAEL. The latter was second-over behind not-especially-beneficial cover, three-wide midturn, found his best steps just a little too late. BET EIGHTTHIRTYONE left between horses to 1/8 command, sat the two-hole, could not gain in the stretch. BET ON ZETTE started raw off turn two, gained some down the back but couldn’t sustain the gain. DS HEARTLAND was third-over, three-wide with cover far turn, didn’t enter the picture. SUCCESSION struggled inside. THE OTHER PAIR were well in arrears.
NINTH RACE – BRONSKIMACKENZIE A reached the lead 3/16 and had absolutely no problem, finishing in 27.2 under a hold. LIME TWIST was first to show, yielded for the pocket, began to unplug to the ¾ but retained second. RHYME N ROLL followed along and held third. FEAR MY SHADOW avoided the outer tier, couldn’t gain inside late. TRAFFIC JAM was second-over in a dull flow, left two-wide midturn as the first-over bore out, very little. TRUSSED UP TRUDY was uncovered off turn two but never headed the third-in horse, bore out far turn and faded.
TENTH RACE – WINNERUP was three-wide to nearing the 1/8 to the lead at the ¼, a runaway winner the last half. MUSHANA moved outside 11/16 and gradually gained to be a clear second. GREAT MAGIC left, yielded at the 1/8, stayed in 11/16, went to the Pocono Pike and had decent late trot to beat the others for show. TSM PHOTO BUGGER advanced behind cover, not bad. HL REVADON moved wide from last and was in the fight for third. MEADOWBRANCH RICKY never contended here. JACK RULES was between horses to the front at the 1/8, yielded at the ¼ for the pocket, saw the distance between himself and the winner grow steadily from the 5/8. TOUGH MAC never featured.
ELEVENTH RACE – FAR BETTER was three-wide early then rode two-wide the rest of the way, gapped two different cover providers, moved up to third early far turn and ducked in, then came up the Pocono Pike and showing great perseverance got the job done. RUNHAPPY TEN backed out behind the sweeper 5/8 and retucked in the pocket, came out in the stretch, caught up the inside. SULLIVAN tucked in fourth 3/16, uncovered near the half and quickly went right by 5/8, turned for home with a clear lead but couldn’t make it stand up. DARK HORSE got in the two-wide path before the ¾, three-wide midturn, closed well. LITTLE ADMIRAL sat in and was shuffled badly, backed outside, came back on well. BLOW A CLOUD N started quickly, yielded for the pocket, then was hopelessly shuffled out of it when the pacesetter tired. DA MAGICIAN gapped early and was far back. VALRHONA was wide early in pursuit of the lead, which she got at the 1/8, surrendered when challenged, faded quite badly.
TWELFTH RACE – SANTAFE’S COACH was the only horse tight on the horse in front of him when he went raw 5/8, got into the pocket on the turn, out again for the stretch and stayed strong to the wire. AMERICAN CHROME boiled down the road with a clear lead from before the 3/8 to the ¾, held pretty well against the winner. JK MUSICMAN came through at the start and got the pocket, then was loose past the ¾, gained back a minimal amount of ground. DIVISION BELL was outside far turn but couldn’t get closer. THE OTHER DUO did not get a fast start and gapped at the back.
THIRTEENTH RACE – BANK BOX TREASURE showed some speed, then quarter-moved, bore out a bit in the lane but had full control of this. KEYSTONE SERGEANT began first-over at the half, grinded along with steady speed and decisioned a pair for second. O JONNIE was second-over, three-wide far turn, late speed. BILLIE BLUE made the top at the 1/8, got a foe to tuck, yielded for the pocket, tired through the stretch. FRAC moved third-over down the back, but gapped. TW LAUXMONT was three-wide to the 1/8 and went to the pocket 3/16, gapped out on the turn. CRITICAL MASS never reached critical trotting mass. PITTSTOP KIP was not keeping up at the 5/8.
FOURTEENTH RACE – BLACKLIGHT dueled most of the ¼ with MELANIE’S TEDY before making the lead, went on in quick numbers for bottom-level horses and had an open lead most of the way, saw the lead shrink but did not seem in danger. The latter forced the early action, was loose in the pocket, got closer the last 3/16 but didn’t seem a win threat. ROCK THREE TIMES sat in, closed up the Pocono Pike. WAY TO CLOSE tucked third then left a big gap almost the entire rest of the way. ABSOLUTE INTENT was inside, got the last check. WILD WEST moved outside to try to get around the gapper ¾ but himself went backwards. TAKEITTOTHEFACE was outside midpack or worse throughout. SI SEMALU trailed at every call.
