Connors’ Comments for Saturday, August 21, 2021
FIRST RACE – PATERNITY SUIT A got shut out of a hole first turn and took back, came raw 5/8 after a fast half and grinded, took the lead for good entering the stretch and held off the field. OLLIES ZTAM was away quickly for the top, yielded to the brusher for the pocket, backed out of the pocket midturn then swung three-wide, came up just shy. QUALITY BUD gapped cover until the far turn then got closer, finished solidly. CAPTAIN MCKEE shut a hole on turn one, sat in, could advance to the pocket far turn, Pocono Pike, not quite enough. GRATIAN HANOVER was last, finished steadily between horses. TULHURSTSANTANNA A yielded early but then retook and had the lead well before the fast half, encountered pressure near the ¾, did not have enough in the stretch. MR PROFETA didn’t get into the mix; nor did YAYAS HOT SPOT N.
SECOND RACE – Hempt Consolation II … LOU’S PEARLMAN got the early pocket then was on the move again just before the ¼, went 27.2 – 27.2 – 26.4 – 27.1 stringing out the field and left these at a great distance in the last ¼. ALWAYS A MIKI tucked at the 1/8, came uncovered 5/8, did well on the grind to get the distant second. EXPLOIT sat in, caught behind a tired one on the turn, to the Pocono Pike and earned third over STRAIGHT TALK. The latter stayed in as well, had to wait a long time to find a seam between horses with pace. FOREFATHER went wide and got the last check. DEAN B HANOVER started uncovered at the half, got cover 5/8, three-wide late turn but didn’t have enough even for the battle for major minor awards. SUMMA CUM LAUDE offered little. HIGHLANDBEACHBEST was three-wide to the 1/8 for command, yielded to the winner, came out totally dry in the last quarter blocking the inner tier far turn.
THIRD RACE – COVERED BRIDGE left well between horses to get the pocket, looked to want to quarter-move but rethought, sat the two-hole, Pocono Pike, lead midstretch, had the most. A length separated the Final Five: WES DELIGHT yielded at the 1/8, started raw off turn two and grinded, stayed in the fight all the way. SERIOUSLY HANOVER was second-over, didn’t tip wide until early stretch, just edged for place. VETTEL N was three-wide to the first bend and on top at the 1/8 in a fast quarter, went on enough to get the winner to retuck, had hounding pressure, not quite enough but not bad at all. BILL HALEY N sat in, was in the Pike behind the winner and gained without full clearance. JOESSTAR OF MIA A was last, behind a wall of horses through the stretch.
FOURTH RACE – Delmonica Hanover Consolation I … DAZZLING REIGN yielded the lead near the ¼, sat in and was shuffled back, out in a blindswitch midturn then angled three-wide behind cover, four-wide into the stretch, took advantage of the 30.1 last quarter and got past everybody. AUNT IRENE never saw the pegs, advanced, three-wide 11/16 the duration, very tough but caught by fresher legs late. ABOVE THE CLOUDS sat in, got room in the deep Pocono Pike and came on some. EVENING STROLL sat outside with cover early, followed that tier up and went to the lead when left raw 3/8, set the pace, couldn’t sustain. CHABLIS moved out with cover 5/16, lost cover into the second turn, fell back in the backstretch and looked done, but was coming back some as the tempo slackened. GOO DOO DOLL was on top at the ¼, yielded, back out raw for more 5/8, challenged, evenly. THESUNRISESAGAIN sat in, no room in the lane. QUICKEST HANOVER was never a factor. KEYSTONE BARRACUDA was three-wide to the 3/16, went behind cover, left coverless and pressed on to the lead 3/8 then yielded for the pocket, nothing left for late.
FIFTH RACE – Lynch Consolation I … NASHVILLE ELGENNA went to the lead early, yielded to the looped horse, shuffled a bit as the lead changed hands to the ¾, got room for the Pocono Pike as the pocketsitter moved outside, came with a big burst and went by easily. ODDS ON WHITNEY started uncovered on the second turn, went 25.3 (!!) down the back and cleared to the ¾, but paid the price late. MACKIE HANOVER was looped early, worked to the lead at the ¼, couldn’t hold the brusher out in the giant third quarter, but kept on going, outside in the lane and didn’t miss second by much. PODIUM GIRL went wide around stalling cover midturn, OK. STAYCATION HANOVER was forwardly-placed, in and shuffled, outside on the turn and four-wide early stretch, OK after an unlucky trip. PAULAS BEST HANOVER kept up with the megabrusher down the back but then stalled in the last 1/8. JK ALWAYSBALADY had no impact on the outcome of this one.
SIXTH RACE – Beal Consolation I … FLY LIGHT was uncovered into turn two, got cover from his stablemate 5/8 and followed that along, left uncovered ¾, worked by CAPSTONE late. The latter kept a hole closed at the ¼, then moved raw 5/8 and went by ¾, did well but couldn’t resist his barnmate. MAGICAL MUSCLE MAN was three-wide at the 1/8, had holes kept closed on him so had to take back to fourth, backed out 11/16 to follow the entry, no-factor third but far ahead of the rest. COLONIAL AS IT was at the back, passed tired horses. ZENITH STRIDE used the rail and set a quick pace, tired when challenged ¾. TYPE A gapped early, moved out with cover 3/4 but gapped that cover down the back. TRICKY DICK couldn’t get into the race. MON AMOUR left, went into the pocket, made a break ¾. CARUSO was offstride well before the start.
SEVENTH RACE – Hempt Consolation I … WHICHWAYTOTHEBEACH left and yielded, moved out 3/16 in front of the parked horse, was kept out to the 3/8 and then in turn had to keep the parked horse out, ensuring a lively pace, saw the two, three- and four-wide tiers stall late turn and found his biggest threats right behind him, but drew clear of them. MYSWEETBOYMAX quickly made the front, pushed the winner to the 3/8 then relinquished and sat in the pocket, moved outside, drifted out a little further, enough for second. GAMBLIN MO defended the early pocket, caught in, up the Pocono Pike, just missed second. EMBLAZE HANOVER stayed in and was shuffled to last, but avoided all the clogged tiers far turn and was fourth in a four-way photo. SIMON SAYS HANOVER had an excess of cover, wound up five-wide near headstretch, came on late for the last check after an impossible trip. CRUNCH HANOVER followed a three-wide mover 5/8 but wasn’t helped by that cover, swung four-wide, OK. SOUTH BEACH STAR had an excess of cover as last-over, advanced in a blindswitch far turn but then had trouble finding a path and sacrificed crucial momentum to others before clearing. BILLY CLYDE moved up, got cover from the 3/16 to the 3/8 then was left raw, had sweepers galore try to circle him but kept them all in their wide paths before the stretch, then tired. BROOKLYN BULLET was second-over, moved three-wide 5/8 but clear the two-wide parked horse.
EIGHTH RACE – Sebastian K S Invitational Trot … ATLANTA was between horses to the 1/8, yielded for the pocket 3/16, came out late turn and roared right by full of trot. WHEN DOVESCRY kept tight for early position, went to the Pocono Pike and was along for second late. LINDY THE GREAT was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to the front 3/16, put up quick numbers, couldn’t maintain the lead. READY FOR MONI was uncovered before the half, slowly advanced (but not enough to keep the pocket horse in), steadily late. HYPNOTIC AM and MAJESTIC PLAYER A raced with cover but couldn’t get into the race (a theme that will occur often in the second half of the card). PLAY TRIX ON ME didn’t keep up. MISSISSIPPI STORM was outside midpack until getting a tuck near the 3/8, not heard from again. EUROBOND was at the back throughout, broke on the far turn.
NINTH RACE – Lynch Championship … GRACE HILL left three-wide to the lead before the 1/8, saw her stablemate brush around her in the frontstretch and sat the pocket, used the Pocono Pike and overhauled her game rival. FIRE START HANOVER was looped by her barnmate, took the early two-hole, moved past the ¼ after the other outside leaders had taken seats, set the pace, pushed back against the first-over, only to be caught up the inside. THEBEACHISCALLING improved position early then improved it again to third-in as the two in front of her pulled out, outside stretch and narrowed in very nicely. BLUE DIAMOND EYES took a tuck third 3/16, moved raw at the half and made a serious third quarter challenge, lost ground in the final split but only inch-by-inch. CHASE LOUNGE was last, used the Pike well behind the top ones to get the final check. HOT MESS EXPRESS left and tucked fourth, had good cover second-over, gapped it slightly then closer, swung wide but couldn’t gain significantly. CONTINUALOU was third-over and didn’t reach contention. ITZPAPALOTL and EASY TO PLEASE never entered the main picture.
TENTH RACE – Delmonica Hanover Championship … DARLENE HANOVER sat midpack off a fast half, moved in the slowest quarter of the race and went up to challenge, was able to draw clear late. FLAWLESS COUNTRY took the early pocket, stayed in, was shuffled back, moved outside past midturn and wide in the stretch, eating up the ground late. YOU ATO DREAM was on the move from fourth before the ¼, strung out to nearing the second turn and continued to a quick half, got a little relief down the back but did not have enough late. MAY KARP was third-over behind dull cover, went three-wide 5/8 and dropped back down to second-over, but couldn’t stay with the winner the last 3/16. PUB CRAWL also suffered a shuffle, wide and decent late. MAZZARATI went to the top in a fast opener, pushed the brusher past the 3/8 before yielding for the pocket, little left in the late stages. WET MY WHISTLE was never in the picture. FRANKLY MY DEAR pulled behind the winner but couldn’t keep up. SWEEPING RAINBOW was offstride well before the start.
ELEVENTH RACE – Hempt Championship … LAWLESS SHADOW won the race past the start when MacDonald took advantage of the rail to hustle him through and force other hard leavers to back off, rated the half, and in fact did not get much pressure until PERFECT STING began to narrow in, had enough to ward off that one. The latter was two-wide to the 3/16 before taking the pocket, sat loose in the two-hole until the stretch, then pulled out and kept gaining and gaining, just coming up short. HELLABALOU was three-wide to towards the 3/16 then backed off to tuck third, in, couldn’t go with the top two late. CHASE H HANOVER backed off early, stayed in, which was a good strategy on this day, and got a good piece. SOUTHWIND GENDRY gapped off the front three in the torrid quarter, started uncovered at the half but never reached the leader. ROCKYROAD HANOVER was second-over, tried three-wide at the ¾ but didn’t gain. I’LL DRINK TO THAT was too far back. ABUCKABETT HANOVER broke early.
TWELFTH RACE – Beal Championship … CAPTAIN COREY was away third and quarter-moved, and stayed in control, trotting home in 27.1. JOHAN PALEMA was three-wide to the first turn, got on top 1/4 in a 26.4 opener then yielded to his barnmate, did well to stay as close to the powerful winner as he did. TAKE ALL COMERS left well, hung a foe to the ¼ and yielded for the pocket, no match for the top pair but held third. IN RANGE didn’t hit the pegs until the quarter, stayed in, gained some inside. SONOFAMISTERY was second-over (which wasn’t a great position on this day), gapped slightly, evenly late. DELAYED HANOVER moved uncovered at the half and pressured the leader, was the middle horse in 1-2-3 Svanstedt positioning headstretch but made a break. SPY BOOTH was out a long way at the back, no factor. LOCATELLI was third-over, not close when altering course to go inside the breaker, then made a break himself. ETHAN T HANOVER offered little.
THIRTEENTH RACE – J M MANDAMIN went to the front 3/16, rated the half, then sprinted home in 54.1 – 27 and could not be caught. NO LOU ZING started uncovered at the half, gained by pacing a third quarter in 26.3, then came home in 27 to be close and win second over ROCKIE GOT FRAMED. The latter hustled to push the pace early then keep the pocket, stayed tight, inside stretch and just missed second. ENVIRONS HANOVER proved best of the rest. FATHER NUNO moved with cover at the half but was soon gapping. IM A GIGOLO N gapped ¾. REBELLIOUS was at the back, outside on the turn but broke.
FOURTEENTH RACE – Always B Miki Invitational Pace … 25.3 + 29 + 26 + 26.4 = 1:47.2, or 29 + 1:18.2 = 1:47.2 … ALLYWAG HANOVER streaked away to the lead at the 1/8, got a 29 second second quarter, and still came within 2/5 of the all-time world record for a five-eighth mile track in the mile of the year – anywhere — in harness racing 2021 so far, finishing powerfully. NICHOLAS BEACH had to settle for second all the way around (while pacing 1:47.3). RUTHLESS HANOVER was fourth-in, came up the Pocono Pike for the distant third. NANDOLO N took back early, went uncovered, did pace a 25.3 third quarter while getting to the leader’s rump, held pretty well considering. AFLAME HANOVER stayed plugged-in third a long way before giving some ground. SOUTHWIND OZZI couldn’t get in it from last. LEONIDAS A was second-over, couldn’t keep up ¾. WESTERN JOE tried to go up third-over but didn’t have the steps.
Connors’ Comments for Tuesday, August 17, 2021
FIRST RACE – Stretch headwind … HIS BEATS HANOVER was wide to the first turn, had cover to the 3/16 then went on to get the top 5/16, responded to CAPTAIN ROMANCE’s challenge, was even with that one on the turn, regained a bit of an advantage early stretch and was relaxed a neck winner as you’ll see with a 26.4 last quarter. The latter gapped much of the first half, then in gear and paced his back half in 54.3 raw, as noted even with the pacesetter on the turn, held stoutly. BEACH TOWN BOY was looped leaving and went on to 3/16 command, yielded 5/16 for the pocket, stayed connection, to the Pocono Pike but outpaced. STELLAR YANKEE went up strongly behind excellent cover, good but didn’t gain in the fast kicker. HIGH BALLER gapped slightly third-over, OK late. WHITE BELLY was the first on top, yielded to two foes, struggled on the far turn. BOLTMAN gapped and was no factor.
SECOND RACE – HALL IT IN was parked 3/16 for command from the outer post, yielded to the frontstretch brusher for the pocket, outside in the lane and right on by. RAMSES got forward position, moved 5/16 and got the lead in a soft second quarter, couldn’t maintain the advantage to the wire. TEST YOUR MAGIC gapped a little inside down the back stayed inside, gained some late. ORIGINAL SMOKEY was the first leader, yielded, sat third-in until coming out late far turn, but had no late lick. TARGET PRACTICE got the last check. THE GOGESTER was not prominent. GAVINATOR moved two-wide but didn’t gain, broke late far turn. DR TRUFFER came uncovered from midpack at the half, gained in the third quarter but then tired significantly.
THIRD RACE – CHARMING BANK got to the lead, yielded for the two-hole and stayed close, outside headstretch and looked ready to take a shot at FRANKASAURUS on the lead when that one broke towards midstretch. The latter was out to the 3/16 for the top in a good opener, rated the half then left most of the field behind to a fast ¾, still on the lead when breaking before midstretch, was gotten back on gait; an inquiry revealed no reason for placing him. ARMANI HANOVER was a little off the gate, still pushed forward a trifle belatedly and found the three-hole, started gapping before the 5/8, got a little closer approaching the far bend, came up empty late. LAVANTE gapped midrace, evenly late. COMMAND THE MARKET was never close. LEGION OF HONOR also was not capable of going at this speed. CREATE was moving off the rail into the backstretch when breaking.
FOURTH RACE – DEL DIGGITY made the top before the 1/8, slowed the half, then powered home in 56.1 – 28, all alone in the last quarter. INDUSTRIAL HEMP left outside the winner and tried to make the two-hole but was shut out of it and took a 3-tuck past the ¼, moved outside late turn and finished well. IMONABEACH HANOVER had nonadvancing cover, three-wide ¾ through the turn, caught AMERICA WINS for third. The latter shut a horse out of the pocket before the ¼ and sat in the two-hole, gradually unplugged the last 3/8. ODDS ON CARLY and SNUF ENUF HANOVER were both stuck inside behind a fading one far turn; the former went outside and got the last check, while the other went wide and showed a bit of pace. JK’S JENNA struggled in the last ¼. CAVIART LUCIA tucked fifth at the 1/8, came uncovered 9/16 but didn’t advance. ROARING SENTINEL made a break early, caught the field, but then faded the last ½.
FIFTH RACE – RED REDEMPTION went to the top, rated the half, then left the rest gasping after a big third quarter, won in fast time. CARTIER BI moved out behind cover 11/16, soon was left uncovered and tucked in the pocket, clearly second. FATHER PATS SECRET sat the two-hole, loose most of the third quarter then faded even more. ONE AFTER NINE tucked third past the 1/8, moved out 11/16 and gained, made a two-hole but broke mid-far turn, regained stride and rallied for fourth; an inquiry into the break saw no reason for placing. SCIROCCO BIG JOHN broke between horses trying to gain early position, couldn’t catch up. FASHION ON A STAR was not heard from. JOE EXOTIC broke at the start. WORLDSSTONECOLD AS was gapping by midrace.
SIXTH RACE – CUSTOMARILY got a dream second-over trip until midturn where he was left raw, trotted on well (in a not-fast last quarter) to be clear. LAA DEE GAA gapped in the outer tier, wound up fourth-over, four-wide headstretch and came from seventh to second with good late foot. KOKOMO came out third-over before the 5/8, three-wide turn, outkicked for second. ARBITOR HANOVER went uncovered into turn two, grinded and crossed over on the lead midturn, could not sustain late. A MILLION CHUCKLES was last, went between horses in the stretch and finished steadily. MYREANNA was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to the ¼ in by far the fastest quarter of the race, rated the half then picked it up as the two-wide wave came on, yielded midturn. BARNUM, who was third-in, and GHIBLI who made the lead between horses then yielded for the two-hole, were both caught in as the pacesetter tired, didn’t show much once clear.
SEVENTH RACE – ALWAYS B LAUGHIN made the rail between horses at the 1/8 and yielded 3/16 for the pocket, waited until late on the far turn, came a little wide off that bend, found overdrive just past midstretch and gained on a sharp AVAYA HANOVER and just was along. The latter was three-wide past the 1/8 to the lead 3/16, rated quarter two, then stepped home in 54.3 – 27.1, did everything but win in a nice showing. EXTRILLA HANOVER swung wide off cover headstretch and was a very distant third. SWEETONTHEBEACH pushed the early proceedings and yielded, then started to struggle 5/8. DRAGON SPARKS started up uncovered into the second curve but never got close. DELIGHTFUL SUMMER was never in it. MORE THAN KUTE fell far back.
EIGHTH RACE – GRACE AND FAVOR was parked 3/16 for the lead, rolled along at her own pace and drew clear. NONNA BELLA was in front then yielded to the winner, couldn’t keep up late backstretch but still managed second. BUTTERFLY FACE S retucked around a gapper, then continued on uncovered 5/8, gained but couldn’t quite make second. AULTER EGO went evenly. MOODY BLUE left, tucked third 3/16, didn’t have too much left late. CHARLIZE HANOVER was always far back; same with OK SUNNY, who was also a little off the gate. GOO GOO LU LU was wide early, then dangled outside, got a midpack tuck 3/8 then immediately started to gap, broke past the half.
NINTH RACE – FOREVERHILLREIGN came third-over, started a big three-wide move past the ¾ and kept on gaining to take the victory at $51.20. SO LONG HANOVER was quarter-mover #2, had cover then went on to the front towards turn two, set the pace, held off all but one. WORTHY OF HONOR was forwardly-placed early, then shuffled all the way to last, swung out wide and gained in a hard-luck mile. FOCUS POCUS tucked third, then was quarter-mover #1, yielded for the two-hole, Pocono Pike, not enough. BANG BANG BOINGA was uncovered into turn two, challenged, tired gradually. GERARD was first on top, also suffered a shuffle, was in tight quarters through the stretch. TRICKY DICK was second-over, blindswitched on the turn, couldn’t get into the main action.
TENTH RACE — BELMONT MAJOR N was unhurried early, but was hurried to pace a 26.3 backstretch raw to get the lead ¾, didn’t clear until midturn, extended to withstand TELL THEM LOU. The latter was second-over but couldn’t stay with is big brush, narrowed in through the lane. CIGAR SMOKING TONY circled wide and also gained late. ACTOR HANOVER went to the lead past the 1/8 and had an open lead at a couple of points, kept the winner outside part of the turn before he passed. HORSE left, yielded, loose at points in the pocket, Pocono Pike, couldn’t regain meaningful ground.
ELEVENTH RACE – QUICKEST HANOVER tucked third, came uncovered at the half just before the first inside breaker, challenged and went by the second inside breaker, then held off WHAT A DAME. The latter picked her way through the various challenges of the backstretch, tucked then came out in the lane, closed well. BLESSINGSANDFAVOR retucked in the holes of two different breakers, went on OK late. J-S MISS EMMA was not prominent. LILYBET set the pace with a fast opening quarter and a slow second quarter, had a challenger down the back and broke fighting that one far turn, went inside the pylons, placed. FINLANDIA took the pocket, was in tight quarters at the half behind the pacesetter, then made a break into the backstretch. MOVE OVER SOME was outside leaving, jumped it off before turn one.
TWELFTH RACE – GANGSTER HANOVER made the lead, yielded, moved early to take the lead, and what was a 1¼ length lead at the half became 3 lengths at the ¾, 10 lengths at the stretch call, and 14¼ lengths at the wire as he blasted home in 54.4. DON’T SASS ME came outside ¾ and made it to the distant second over CAVIART EMMA, who followed her move. MISTER BOINGA stayed and was shuffled on the far turn but didn’t have much late response. CAN’T SAY NO made the lead 3/16, yielded, then saw the distance between himself and the winner grow greater and greater and greater … SVF BLUSHINGBRIDE was last at every call.
THIRTEENTH RACE – SHORE OF HIMSELF tucked third then made a quarter-move, set the pace, held to the wire while coming home in 56.1 – 28. CAPTAIN GOOGLE was first to the lead, yielded to the winner and sat in the pocket, held second over OHARA HANOVER. The latter was out on Route 315 coming off the second turn, moved out and paced in 27.1 to come close to catching cover, then swung wide headstretch and continued to close, total last half 54.4 – one to keep an eye on. MAKE MY DEO was last, followed the show horse, also did a good job gaining a lot of ground. MAJOR SHOW never reached contention. THE BIG PICTURE tucked fourth, came out 11/16 but couldn’t stay in the main action. CHAMP CHARBEL offered little. HERE COMES RED was away for the early pocket, came up empty in the stretch. ROSA’S REBEL was leaving a hole by the 3/8.
FOURTEENTH RACE – ISLAND LILY went uncovered to the 11/16, battled the leading DAGON HANOVER the rest of the way home, proved the stronger late for Matt Kakaley’s sixth win of the day. The latter headed right down the road in quick numbers, held very well. CHING CHING LUCKY moved outside down the back but gapped, did better late. BALLET BARRE went with the pacesetter early then backed off to the pocket, loose down the back, not too much late. I AM THE STORM gapped 5/8. CAPITAL T STORM could offer little. MELANIA was wide early, broke 3/16. BILLIE CLAIRE was quarter-moving from third but soon rolled offstride.
Connors’ Comments for Monday, August 16, 2021
FIRST RACE – Stretch headwind … MYIDEALSON N shut a hole 3/16 and stayed third-in, swung wide headstretch and just caught PICKLED PREACHER at the very end. The latter maintained the pocket behind the front-end fights, swung out headstretch and had the lead midstretch, just caught. BARON MICHAEL headed right down the road keeping out all challengers until midstretch, then gave way, still well clear of the rest. LITTLE ADMIRAL moved two-and three-wide with cover late backstretch then ducked in and had plenty of room inside, but not too much pace. VALRHONA was four-wide to the 1/8, then took back, found no hole so was outside with cover, moved out three-wide 5/8 and was circled by a sweeper late backstretch, had to go three-wide late turn, tired after covering all that ground. HIGHVIEW CONALL N was last, brushed three-wide off the second turn and was briefly four-wide 5/8, circled to first-over late backstretch, got to the leader’s wheel but no closer. LANAS DESIRE was three-wide to the 1/8, tried to get the lead but was left outside, fading by the 5/8.
SECOND RACE – BANK BOX TREASURE was three-wide to the first turn, had to work in 27 to get the lead nearing the ¼, had a slow second split, opened a big lead late backstretch that kept getting bigger. BILLIE BLUE tucked third to the 1/8, stayed inside as he couldn’t get out from late backstretch, to the Pocono Pike and the distant deuce. FINAL DREAM moved uncovered 9/16 but didn’t make much headway, held decently. LIBERO HANOVER left strongly and forced the 27 quarter out of the winner, got loose in the pocket 11/16. PUERTO RICO stayed in, to the deep Pike and got the last payday. SCIROCCO JAKOB struggled to keep close. NOBLE ANTHONY gapped early, not much. ANDOVERS TOUCH moved outside but couldn’t come close to the main action. LAKEVIEW TAMMY broke 3/8.
THIRD RACE – TACHYON sat third, moved out 5/8 as the pocketsitter did, briefly three-wide back to two-wide 11/16, found a higher gear midstretch and got by a stubborn DISTANCE LEARNING. The latter pushed a foe early than sat in the pocket behind the hot early pace, came out 5/8 and went right by the leader, fought the winner very hard to the finish. MAGNIFICENT CHAPTER came on to beat out STRONGERWITHLINDY for the very distant third; the latter was way back, finished OK. BANTAM was gapping by the 3/8. ZETTE FLAME made the lead 3/16, rattled off a fast ½, but was tired when challenged past the 5/8. CHELIOS got a slow start and fell further back. REECE N TEDDY had just settled into a spot at the ¼ when making a break.
FOURTH RACE – SHESTHELUCKYONE got the top, pushed an adversary to the ¼ and yielded, came first-over 5/8 and sailed right by ¾, won all by herself. BUCKET HEAD tucked, shuffled upper far turn then outside, closed for second. CHOLULA came three-wide far turn from way back and finished well. TSM EMILIA T had bad traffic trouble most of the last 1/8, some at the wire. CURRY HANOVER was uncovered at the half, couldn’t reach cover. HEART MATTERS was three-wide to the first turn, was in front at the ¼, yielded for the pocket, shuffled badly as the pacesetter was passed, but had little response once taken to the Pocono Pike. YOUNG MICHELLE was wide with cover early then with two-wide cover to the ¼, then up to the lead 5/16, had no answer when challenged late backstretch and clogged the inner tier. WILD KAT G was outside but never entered the main battle. PATRICKS CHOICE was away slowly, not heard from.
FIFTH RACE – THERESNOLIMIT S left well, yielded for the pocket, struggled to stay connected during the late backstretch duel, could get through on the inside as the leader broke past the ¾, alone at the wire. ANDOVERTHEWINNINGS tucked third past the 1/8, also had good fortune inside far turn, held off the resurgent FAMOUS FATHER. The latter dove in behind the early battlers to tuck, came first-over to the half, was in a big war with the pacesetter when that one broke just past the ¾, had to briefly check as the breaker went outside to stay out of the way, lost momentum, regathered well and almost claimed the deuce. BEER CHEESE was outside at the half but soon gapped. JAQEN H’GHAR (named after a Game Of Thrones character) broke looking to gain early position, made a decent recovery until breaking again in the stretch. HL BALOU left well three-wide then two-wide to the lead 3/16, set the pace, was involved in a fight with the chalk when breaking just past the ¾, was taken to the far outside. T REX BLUE CHIP and THE AMERICAN EAGLE made late breaks while not in contention.
SIXTH RACE – DESIGN FASHION had the top at the 1/8 and was well clear of the field throughout. PURE WOW maintained the pocket as after a breaker the field was a lineup save the winner, funky-going on the turns but enough to maintain the distant second. CHAMBERS COVE went evenly to be third. FREE DRINKS came outside 5/8 to try to gain but did not. THE NEXT TWO were always far back. LED BY THE LIGHT was leaving but soon broke. CANT STOP MARIE was last in the main bunch when going offstride before the half.
SEVENTH RACE – NEWELL PLACE moved second-over, circled three-wide past the 5/8 to get to two-wide raw ¾, battled the leader through the turn, with those two joined to the inside in the stretch, proved to have the most. MONEY MATTERS had early position, brushed 5/16 to the lead 3/8 and got a slow second quarter despite a challenge by the favorite, saw that one fall back but then had to deal with the winner ¾ and a Pocono Pike horse later, held very well. GUMDROP HANOVER was three-wide early, to the top just after the 1/8, put a foe in behind her, yielded to sit in the two-hole, to the Pocono Pike, may have had a head up midstretch, couldn’t quite muster enough. AVACAKES was four-wide early, worked up to the pocket 3/16, inside, clearly next-best. HODA HANOVER stayed out of trouble to get the last check. DALLAS BI was on the move with cover 5/16 and was left raw 3/8, couldn’t clear on her brush despite it being in a 30.4 quarter as looking hard to steer, continued to press unsuccessfully then faded ¾. TICKET TAB, off the gate, fell far back. TURN THE TAB broke w-a-y before the start. BETTER SINCE, also off the gate, jumped on the first turn.
EIGHTH RACE – DARK ENERGY N was wide leaving, momentarily content with the three-hole then went on to the lead at the ¼, well in control the last ¼. MELANIE’S TEDDY tucked behind an insistent inside leaver, backed out to follow cover on the turn, wide stretch and had some late kick. FATHER FRED used the inner draw to advantage, forced a tuck then yielded for the pocket, loose from the 5/8. THE NEXT FOUR got “i”s having to go around a breaker 3/16: ABSOLUTE INTENT moved out on turn two but quickly ducked back in, gapped, not much; SI SEMALU initially had cover then raw and paced a 27 third quarter to get close to the leader, then tired; ROCK THREE TIMES and CAPTAIN KEEN were not forward factors. POP’S ROMEO made a break 3/16.
NINTH RACE – AMERICAN ARTIST K got forward position, uncovered past the 5/8 and to the lead just past the ¾, saw foes narrowing in on both sides late but held together. VARNEY yielded for the pocket, squeezed out just past midturn as the winner opened a big lead, narrowed in steadily. BET ON ZETTE had shown little before the stretch, then went out then in to get clearance and finished furiously. ZEUS HANOVER cleared before the first turn, rated the half, still could not respond when challenged ¾. R CAPTAIN HANOVER gapped the winner’s cover, was three-wide midturn, no factor. BRYCE was gapping out by the 3/8. CURRENT YANKEE was not close when breaking near the 5/8.
TENTH RACE – EBBIES LADY left quickly and made the front in short order, rated the half, then trotted away from her more-fancied stablemate late. BAPTISM had a good two-hole journey, good but second-best. TIE ONE ON and VOGUE stayed inside and gained a spot as DANZNQUEEN HANOVER tired. The latter tucked third, moved out late turn and was asked for more but had no response. MIMI OCEAN HANOVER broke midturn while far back. DREAMONHIGH jumped past the start.
ELEVENTH RACE – BORN ON THIRD BASE went to the top and got a moderate half, then lost all but one of her foes with a 28.3 third quarter, was handled fairly confidently despite the fact that I’LL HAVE A LINDY was narrowing in. The latter defended pocket position from the rail, stayed attached, went to the Pocono Pike and inched up, good mile but had to settle for second, f-a-r ahead of the others. FORTUNAPEDIA moved outside on the turn to be along for the very distant third. DIVINE KRONOS S defended the 3-hole early, tired ¾. GINGERZZZ was behind cover on the turn, got the last check. WHISKEY GIRL never featured. V FOUR VICTORIOUS settled in fourth at the 1/8 and was not heard from again. HL REVINA was wide early before finding a spot, far back when breaking. BLUE TESLA tried to come first-up but misbehaved 5/8.
TWELFTH RACE – MON CHEVAL was four-wide towards turn one then three-wide then two-wide with cover, tucked near the ¼, then brushed 3/8 to the lead at the half, much the best. A PERFECT HELEN stayed in the two-path as outleft, worked up to the lead at the ¼, yielded at the half, stayed close until headstretch, far ahead of the others. PALERMO HANOVER moved outside ¾ and picked up the rest. BEHINDBLUEEYES was three-wide early to command, yielded, stayed close to the ¾ then unplugged. PHANNYS MATTER could not rally. TILTHELOVERUNSOUR fell back from past the half. LUISELLA broke nearing the half.
THIRTEENTH RACE – Wind decreased for the last two races … GEMOLOGIST went right to the lead, yielded after a fast quarter to sit the pocket, outside in the lane and went by smartly. WINNERUN was looped early, pressed on at the 1/8 to command off the first turn after a good quarter, rated the half, not enough late. MUSHANA moved outside raw from fifth before the 11/16 and steadily narrowed in in a good effort. THE LIONKING AS left alongside the winner, took back to follow him, inside, Pocono Pike, not a sharp response. TRUEMASS VOLO moved out on the turn and wasn’t bad late. PAPI HANOVER sat in, hard to tell how much he had left as he was behind a wall through the lane.
FOURTEENTH RACE – HL REVADON got position leaving then quarter-moved, looked in control the rest of the way. SPRUCE CREEK moved uncovered 5/8 and gained steadily, with a last half of 56.2 raw. SEVEN IRON was four- then three- then two-wide to get the lead 3/16, yielded to the winner, couldn’t keep up the last 3/16. BANZAI AS couldn’t quite go with cover. NICE STUFF was three-wide early then two-high to the top at the 1/8, yielded, stayed in, gapped on the turn. BIG MONEY HONEY was shuffled much of the far turn behind a tired horse, went outside but did not gain. THE OTHER PAIR did not make their presence felt.
Connors’ Comments for Sunday, August 15, 2021
FIRST RACE – FAR BETTER took the early pocket, pulled raw from third at the half and went up to challenge, had a short lead ¾ and at points through the turn, but couldn’t draw clear until late. ARCHETTO HANOVER kept a hole closed 3/16 then quarter-moved, was pushed until past the 3/8 for the lead, came under pressure midbackstretch while setting a fast pace, tired a little late. TITUS SEELSTER grabbed early control from the pole, pushed until just past the 3/8 then sat the two-hole, swung out late turn and wide headstretch, evenly. JEREMES GENERAL took a tuck fourth 3/16, couldn’t keep up the last ¼. SPORTSMANSHIP was second-over, with NOBLES FINESSE and LIMA RAIDER two-wide behind him; all three gapped the horse in front of them, as did AMRCANBOOTSCOOTA A along the inside.
SECOND RACE – NEWS WATCH left three-wide to the front, yielded to the brusher and sat the two-hole, urged on the turn, outside stretch and just went by nearing the wire, continuing the saga of DARTH FADER. The latter used the rail to maintain the early pocket, then came before the quarter to control the pace, went 27.4 down the back to lose everybody except the winner, held until the last couple steps. GRANTOR HANOVER left between horses and took the pocket at the 1/8, started to gap 5/8 but still held third. SHARKNADO was uncovered at the half, never reached the top two, evenly late. BOOK BINGE rode inside, not too much to offer late. MEADOWBROOK FLASH was second-over, tried to circle into contention 11/16 but couldn’t. THE OTHER DUO were far back throughout.
THIRD RACE – TWO AM tucked third towards turn one, moved raw to the 11/16 and systematically grinded down the leader. GREAT MAGIC was the first to show, pushed some then yielded for the two-hole, to the Pocono Pike and got past POND JUMPER for second. The latter was out to near the 3/16 to get the lead, rolled along at a good clip, tired late. MANHATTANUP NO ICE gapped from the first turn to the ¾, evenly late. CELEBRITY SERENA was inside, showed some speed nearing the wire. EXPLOSIVE MAGIC was never in the hunt. O JONNIE was outside but nowhere near the top trio.
FOURTH RACE – PANSY’S IMAGE left well, moved off the first turn to take the lead, never appeared in trouble with a 28 kicker. BRING ME DIAMONDS was second-over behind not-so-helpful cover, three-wide late turn, closed OK+. AMERICAN DELIGHT N followed the place horse, found her best gear a little too late. FRANSCHOEK sat in, blocked far turn, but didn’t have that much when shown the Pocono Pike. ALLI NUI left for control past the 1/8, yielded for the pocket, left behind midturn. SWEET ROCKIN GIA did not factor. MY CAM GIRL left, followed cover then went on to the pocket near the ¼, moved out raw 5/8 but didn’t gain, then fell back.
FIFTH RACE – SILVERMASS VOLO moved out second-over, gapped a bit as the pace quickened in quarter three, then tighter and three-wide late turn, finished with enough trot for the victory. SOUTHWIND FROST was four-wide leaving, circled to the top at the ¼, slowed the second panel then sped up to meet the challenge of the first-over, just caught late. MUAY HANOVER got early command, yielded at the ¼, gapped a little down the backstretch, got closer approaching headstretch and the Pocono Pike, a step shy. CIMERONKEN was looped and wide early, two-wide the mile, third-over, finished well. SLATED TO WIN was first-up towards turn two and pushed the leader down the back, stayed in the fight a long way. URSIS DES CAILLONS never entered the picture. SWEET HEART AS stayed in, trying to clear to the far inside when making a break before midstretch.
SIXTH RACE – CRAZY CUTE was last, moved out on the turn, four-wide in the stretch and out-eighthed the field. BYE BYE FELICIA moved first-over 5/8 after the smoking half, got the lead in the lane, just caught on the money. STONEBRIDGE SOUL gapped a little second-over in the hot tempo, three-wide turn, good but outpaced from behind. JUXTA COWGIRL was not letting anyone pass and set fractions of 26, 53.1, and 1:21.3, held well but the bill came due late. ABIGAIL DAWN left, took the pocket 3/16, gave the pocket before the half then was stuck in when that new pocketsitter tired, shuffled to last, recovered OK. CAVIART CHERIE was three-wide in the early dustup, tucked third, moved off the first turn, couldn’t clear in the wicked numbers but did get the pocket nearing the half, finished at the ¾.
SEVENTH RACE – JACK RULES charged through and got the lead at the 1/8, got a breather to the half, didn’t have anybody coming at him until DYNAMIC EDGE moved up late, prevailed. The latter went right to the lead then yielded to sit the two-hole, outside to headstretch, narrowed in but couldn’t quite make it, clear second. TW LAUXMONT got a forward position early, left a small gap most of the way from nearing the ¼, held third. KEYSTONE SERGEANT was second-over but not well-served by cover, wide in the lane, OK. ZOOMING went first-up 5/8 but never could threaten. THE OTHERS gapped at one (or more) points.
EIGHTH RACE – DELISHKA N sped away, forced a tuck, then yielded to the heavy favorite and sat behind her, to the Pocono Pike, and it was quickly apparent that the 32-1 shot was going to outsprint the 1-20 shot. WARRAWEE UBEAUT let the outside dust settle then quarter-moved, got a slow second quarter then went a fast third quarter, just didn’t have the steps to ward off the winner, did hold second in a photo with SURREAL FEELING. The latter was ahead of the winner at the 1/8 but bowed to track geometry and took the early pocket 3/16, outside in the lane, and closed well. BETTORS HEART N decisioned ALICORN for fourth; the latter gapped cover and never really entered the picture. STOWAWAY HANOVER was wide leaving, tucked fourth, came again off turn two and did pace in 26.2 down the back, then tired significantly.
NINTH RACE – MY MIKI BEACH was quick-starting, yielded, regained the lead in front of the stands, handled whatever was thrown at her late. PJ LOU was in front past the 1/8, yielded near the 3/8 for the pocket, outside for the stretch, OK. GOOD DEAL gapped in third during the third quarter, then did better late and just missed second in the Pocono Pike. ALADDIN HANOVER spotted early, uncovered to the 11/16 and made second just past the ¾, but couldn’t sustain any gain. BET EIGHTTHIRTYONE was second-over but gapped. THE OTHER PAIR were at the rear throughout.
TENTH RACE – I DID IT MYWAY was three-wide to turn one and kept out just past the ¼, set the pace, had a tough foe on both sides to the wire but showed gameness. WEARINMYSIXSHOOTER had the lead to the 1/8, pushed the winner just past the ¼ and yielded for the two-hole, outside headstretch, relentless in pursuit and just missed. TREACHEROUS TOM moved out second-over ¾ but went in on the turn as his cover was not going forward, Pocono Pike, appeared to get to second at one point, did very well. BIRTHDAY left and yielded, uncovered past the 11/16, looked to be stalling on the turn, but was coming back gamely late. LOU’S BEACH took back after looking at leaving, not a late factor.
ELEVENTH RACE – CAPTAIN COWBOY got forward position, uncovered at the half and gained, fell back a bit headstretch but was resurgent and sturdily paced on to victory. TWIST KNOT cleared easily early, pushed a looped foe to the ¼ then yielded for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, never got the lead but raced well at 76-1. MIND HUNTER was looped early, went up to take over at the quarter, got a slow half, couldn’t keep the lead to the wire. HECANDANCENCRUISE moved second-over, gapped a bit, three-wide headstretch, OK in the sprint home. CAPTAIN T HANOVER had room to advance inside but didn’t. LOUS SASSIN had excess cover and never got into the main action. ONE OF THE GUYS was near the rear throughout. DREAMING OF LOU never got in the picture from third-over.
TWELFTH RACE – MARKET BASED sat outside early, in gear at the ¼ to the lead 3/8, had no challengers with back fractions of 55 – 27. JM’S FINALTREASURE wanted any early foes in behind him early and accomplished that, let the favorite go 3/8, went to the inside in the lane but didn’t have enough sprint. FOREVER BOY stayed connected and moved out nearing headstretch, along for third. BAY CITY left hard but couldn’t clear the pole horse so took back 3/16, inside, started to gap midturn. THEBIZNES BLUECHIP lost contact at the half.
THIRTEENTH RACE – HAMMERING HANK tucked early, gapped early backstretch but hit a better gear 5/8 and got closer, outside to the ¾ and accelerated powerfully to move to the leaders, a bit wide headstretch, won measuring off. LAYTON HANOVER took the early pocket, moved 5/16 and got the top before the second turn, held well but outpaced by the winner. JO PA’S WARRIOR was fifth at the 1/8 and decided to brush up, on top 5/16, yielded to a rival towards turn two for the pocket, went to the Pocono Pike, did well but never got by the pacesetter. BOARDWALK BET was on top at the 1/8, aw two go by in quarter two, moved out headstretch, fair. CODE CRACKER stayed out of trouble and got the last check. LAST BEACH lost contact before the half. REGENTS HANOVER was near the back when making a break early on the far turn.
FOURTEENTH RACE – GOLDEN GESTURE was three-wide to the 1/8, then two-wide to the lead 5/16, fought off the first-over, drew clear. RUNHAPPY TEN tucked fourth 3/16, had to wait for room on the turn as the pocketsitter got loose, outside stretch and came on for second. BLOW A CLOUD N left well from the inside, forced tucks, then yielded for the pocket, got a bit loose ¾, did hold for third over BLUEBERRY HEAVEN. The latter stayed in and also was blocked, to the Pocono Pike but couldn’t make it for third. WILD WEST went fourth-over but ducked in, got the last check. VALIDUS DEO was third-over, wide, too far back. MR D’S DRAGON gapped second-over, three-wide when the first-over faltered but didn’t offer much. CAPTAIN HILL held early position from the rail, uncovered before the half, gained a little in the third split but then tired. WINNING LINC was last at every call.
Connors’ Comments for Saturday, August 14, 2021
FIRST RACE – Strong stretch tailwind (see the fractions for race one) … ROCK THE DEVIL got a good early spot fourth, uncovered into the wind 9/16 and reached the leader by the 11/16, had a long fight with that one, up right on the money coming home in 26.3 (with the wind) despite the hard trip. WHICHWAYTOTHEBEACH was quarter-mover #2, left uncovered 3/8 and soon made the top, hooked up with the winner from the 11/16, unlucky to get outnodded. SOMBODYITREASURE made two speed moves to the 3/8, yielded, couldn’t stay with the top two in the last quarter. TULHURSTSANTANNA A made the front 1/8, saw two go by in quarter two, couldn’t stay tight. SCOOTNROLL never got a call. CAPTAIN MCKEE was uncovered at the half, soon got cover but soon after that gapped it. BABES DIG ME wound up third-over, went three-wide but couldn’t gain contention.
SECOND RACE – BUSBOY HANOVER was on top just past the 1/8, pushed a foe to the 3/8 then yielded, popped out of the pocket 11/16 and went right on by, opened an insurmountable lead. VALIANT IVY wound up behind dull cover on the turn, wide and finished nicely. LORD OF MISRULE yielded, stayed in, trapped when the pacesetter tired as the winner got away, waited for the Pocono Pike then had some response. THE CANDYMAN CAN didn’t care for being taken back early, was far back, angled widest midstretch and finished with a good rush. INDIGO ART started uncovered before the 5/8, briefly got cover then was left behind by it, clogged the two-wide tier. SPORTS TEEN refused a big 3-hole and worked to the lead 3/8, couldn’t hold out the winner and clogged the one-wide tier. AMERICAN CHROME didn’t show much. KINGOFTHEJUNGLE was last at every call.
THIRD RACE – MACKIE HANOVER was three-wide just past the 1/8 and in front past the 3/16, rolled on at a good tempo, resisted bids from both sides in a very close finish. SO MIKI HANOVER came uncovered 9/16 and gradually worked up to challenge, lost a little ground swinging into the stretch then was resurgent midstretch and just failed. STAYCATION HANOVER left between horses, took over just past the 1/8, and yielded just past the 3/16, pocket, Pocono Pike, may have had a nose up past midstretch, right in the fight to the line. CAPTAINANDTELLY was the innermost of the leavers, yielded and stayed in, not quite enough along the inside late. STAR CAPTAIN moved out third-over, ducked between horses headstretch, finished OK. ODDS ON WHITNEY was second-over from last, three-wide midturn, couldn’t reach.
FOURTH RACE – REGAL SUN was first-up to the half, went at the leader from the 5/8 while going 27 vs. the wind down the back, fought hard then pulled away late. ALBERGO HANOVER had cover early, lost it 3/16 and went to the lead 3/8, under pressure from the winner, held second over an inside-charging RHP. The latter made the front 3/16, yielded after a like distance for the pocket, Pocono Pike, step-and-a-half shy. CURIOUS CORTEZ was second-over and advanced behind live cover, three-wide late turn, finished well to be in the picture for second. ALEX TYE sat in and was shuffled back, out in a blindswitch towards headstretch, so-so late. SCOTT ROCKS yielded 3/16, looked all-out to keep up from the 5/8. WAR-N-MUNN was third-over, slightly gapped cover down the back, wide with cover on the turn, fair. BENJI’S BEST was last, had some late pace on the far outside.
FIFTH RACE – GUARDIAN ANGEL AS had the lead immediately and dictated his own terms en route to an unchallenged victory. P L NOTSONICE vacated third 11/16, outtrotted the pocket horse for second in another good mile for this overachiever. ANGEL NATION was loose in the pocket at a couple of points, faded in the lane. WARRIOR ONE gapped but stayed flat. CHIN CHIN HALL broke right at the start. RICH AND MISERABLE broke easing back early.
SIXTH RACE – DARBY HANOVER was in front past the 1/8 and was in charge from that point, kicking home in 27.1. FIGHTING EVIL grabbed command before turn one, yielded to the winner, commendable that she could stay that close to the strong winner in a 27.1 last quarter. SHEZAFREAKLIKEME was out behind fading cover and ducked in on the turn, swung wide headstretch and passed the others for the distant third. BEACHBLANKETLINDY didn’t have much to offer. CAPSAICINN spotted fourth, not heard from again. FILLY SPEAKS came uncovered at the half but never headed the third-in horse, then slowed to a jog late.
SEVENTH RACE – PREMIER ROCKSTAR tucked fourth at the 1/8, moved out raw 5/8, charged up to the leader on the far turn, then wore that one down in a long duel. FEELING CAM LUCKY was headed down the road, stringing out the field until late backstretch in fast fractions, held off all but one. SWEET N FAST N couldn’t go with the winner’s cover but chugged along to be third. SOMEBEACH BARON was last-over behind all kinds of traffic, ducked in headstretch and followed the show horse’s path to gain stretch ground. WALTER MITTY was caught behind a tired pocketsitter, to the Pocono Pike and fair. DO YA THINK did not feature. LINCOLN JAMES was urged leaving and got the pocket, may’ve been bottomed behind the fast pace, empty the last ¼. ARTISTS RUFFLES was first to move out but didn’t gain much on that first move, went three-wide to try to circle into contention but offered little. BENSON BOYS N developed a problem in the last half.
EIGHTH RACE – LOUD SPLASH got the lead easily and didn’t have much pressure, was tested by WILSONS VINNER late but had a 27.3 last quarter in him and held on. The latter was speedy early and took the pocket, tightened back in late backstretch, outside in the lane, closed well but looked second-best. SPORTY DRAGON sat third the entire way, not in the league of the top two late. STEP ON THE GAS moved outside 11/16, gained a little on the turn then flattened. THE OTHER PAIR could not get into the main action of the race.
NINTH RACE – BILLY BADGER N, on the right line most of the way, was looped, worked his way to the lead 3/8, went steadily with individual splits of 27.3 – 27.4 – 27.4 – 27.1, the last needed to ward off the potential pocket rocket J B MAUNEY N. The latter looped the winner and got the top 3/16, pushed a like distance before yielding, outside headstretch, very good race. HE’S ELECTRIC was first on top, yielded, sat third from the 3/8, not in the league of the top two but better than the rest. LESPNDNITETOGETA N stayed inside, beat out the others. JK MUSICMAN was uncovered into the backstretch, grinded but never headed the pocket horse before tiring. JAGGER ROCKS was third-over, a touch of pace on the far outside. BULLVILLE TERROR could do little from second-over. THE LAST TWO were the last two throughout.
TENTH RACE – GRACE HILL needed until the past the 1/8 to take the top in a 26.1 opener, set the pace, gave the crowd a brief thrill when CHASE LOUNGE dropped to the Pocono Pike and had a momentary surge, but responded like a top filly should and withstood her. The latter was the innermost of three leavers and got herself a pocket trip, as mentioned briefly loomed going inside in the stretch, tried hard but second best. THEBEACHISCALLING was three-wide to the 1/8 then dropped back to tuck third, did well along the inside late. MILIEU HANOVER went up belatedly to tuck fourth, was first-over off the second turn, held on pretty well. THE OTHER TWO moved outside with cover down the back but couldn’t go enough to be factors here.
ELEVENTH RACE – NASHVILLE ELGENNA left quickly right to the lead, yielded for the pocket, outside headstretch, snapped by midstretch as the leader tired. PODIUM GIRL was looped early and worked up to command off the first turn, rolled at an even clip, defenseless midstretch. CAPTAINS MAID was uncovered past the 9/16, didn’t get near the front but had enough to decision TONIANNE for third. The latter showed some early foot, then was loose in the 3-hole the last half. UPTOWN HANOVER gapped second-over. DOUBLEOFFTHEWALL never contended. NATCHEZ BELLE was last at every call.
TWELFTH RACE – MIKALA jumped right out to the lead, got a breather to the half, then came home in 54.3 – 27 with nobody able to make much inroad. FIRE START HANOVER took back early and was last, then third-over in a dull cover flow, three-wide before the ¾, actually paced her last half (54.2) than the winner (54.3) but was far back, passed a couple of horses late to save second. SO IRRESISTIBLE went to the pocket 3/16, not enough late and couldn’t hold second. PAULAS BET HANOVER sat third, outside late turn, fair. INCASEYOUDIDNTKNOW was second-over, gapped, blindswitched before the ¾, ducked in, not enough. BEACH CRAZY came raw at the half but didn’t get too close before falling back.
THIRTEENTH RACE – BILL HALEY N left outside the quick pole horse and protected the pocket, came out before midstretch and said, “See ya later, Alligator!” to J M MANDAMIN. The latter took control from the pole and set a fast pace, came home well but got caught by the pocket rocket. ROCKIE GOT FRAMED stayed in and was clear if distant third. SOUTH BEACH STAR was second-over, three-wide far turn as cover faltered, fair. PATERNITY SUIT A gapped down the back, fair late. HIGHALATOR was very wide towards turn one, dropped into the 3-hole near the ¼, uncovered off turn two, but was subpar today as his bid sputtered towards the ¾.
FOURTEENTH RACE – KILOWATT KID N showed some early foot, moved raw into turn two and brushed to command before the 5/8, was in control the rest of the way. HEREITIZ followed the cover of the winner then was left raw 5/8, fought on gamely for a good second. MAJOR OFFENSE cleared quickly to the front, yielded to the winner 5/8, stayed close until late on the turn, won third in a photo over DIVISION BELL. The latter was in the two-wide flow, gapped far turn, some late. FERDINAND A gapped early, went wide in the stretch and passed horses. BLACKLIGHT never was in the main action. WAY TO CLOSE got in fifth at the 3/16, then lost all chance being shuffled behind a tired one from late backstretch. TAKEITTOTHEFACE had the early pocket, wanted to quarter-move but had to reconsider that decision, then was empty from the 5/8.