Jun 14, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – It had been raining, causing a “sloppy +1” surface, and the rail started again as this field went to post; the field was briefly sent back to the paddock until the immediate downpour lessened … MYSWEETBOYMAX went to the front 3/16, kept a second-quarter brusher at bay, then dealt with the backstretch brusher in a long fight to the wire. RHETT SEELSTER was out at the half, moved three-wide before the 11/16 to get around the parked horse and take up first-over duties, kept gaining little by little, but not quite enough. LOU ED ZEPPELIN left well for the pocket, stayed close, neither gained nor lost ground late. CAPTIVATE HANOVER was three-wide ¾ to two-wide a bit off his cover, finished steadily. MCNEIL Z TAM and CAPTAIN KEEN never were heard from. MOVE THE LINE pulled from fifth at the ¼ and gained through the frontstretch but never got by, faded just past the 5/8.
SECOND RACE – A delay between races as the track surface received additional work … CAPITAL T STORM used the rail to advantage and did not let anybody go, had a clear lead from the 5/16 onward, an easy winner. CHROME PACKAGE came out with cover past the 5/8, three-wide at the ¾ then two-wide as cover ducked in, steadily late to nip DON for second. The latter was between horses early, backed off to the pocket before the 3/16, was loose in the two-hole from the 5/16, just missed lasting for second. FATHER OF IRELAND backed outside late far turn, went evenly. PREACHER MAN was three-wide early, backed off to tuck third 3/16, came back out raw past the 5/8 but did not gain and tucked back in. SHELL SHOCK broke just before the start; STONE CHIP HALL broke just after the start.
THIRD RACE – The rain had stopped … SERIOUS MIKI was three-wide to the 1/8 after being looped, then two-wide and went to the lead 5/16, had a serious challenger from the 11/16 but seemed to have things in hand late confidently – in 1:51.3 in a “nw2” in the slop. UNCONTROLLABLE fired away looping everybody, yielded 5/16 for the pocket, gapped slightly off the battle on the far turn, but stayed trying hard right to the wire. MIKIBYTHESEASIDE got forward position, came out 5/8 and reached the leader by the 11/16, fought hard with him into the stretch, drifted wide a bit and couldn’t sustain the charge. WARRAWEE WHYNOT was looped and four-wide early before taking back to last, moved again into turn two and got cover 5/8, couldn’t stay with it midturn. HIGH BALLER was third-over but couldn’t get into it. DILLINGER left some but then was not heard from. BAY BRUTE was not a major player.
FOURTH RACE – TRUFFLES TOO was away second then moved 3/16 to gain control by the ¼, went along at a decent clip, enough to withstand FLEMSTEEN. The latter went to the front towards turn one, yielded out of that turn for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, good but second-best here. DYNAMITE VOLO went evenly along the inside. SOOT HANOVER moved uncovered 5/8 but couldn’t sustain any gain late. RARE MUSCLE gapped. CARTIER BI broke soon past the start. ARTHUR BOY miscued 5/8.
FIFTH RACE – PAULAS BET HANOVER got away fourth, appeared to wait for the third horse to pull but did so herself 5/8 when the other stayed in, brushed right to the lead ¾, saw the tailing BEACHBLANKETLINDY move to her on the turn but had more than enough. The latter as noted followed the winner, left raw ¾ and gained on the turn, couldn’t sustain the move but a clear second. QUICK SIX was between horses to briefly take the lead past the 1/8, settled for the pocket off the first turn, shuffled behind the tired pacesetter then out in a blindswitch nearing late turn, came on between horses. MORROCKIN K was in the outer flow, three-wide around a stalled one headstretch, had finishing pace. BARDMIRY was in the early mix then yielded, looked to be considering going raw but stayed in, then was shuffled, in a blindswitch, not that much once clear. HURRIKANEMYSHANNON was in the lively outer flow but didn’t have enough in the last 1/8. MAJOR HOULIHAN offered little. IDEAL IN MIRACLES looked at leaving but took back to last and wasn’t heard from again. ITALIA SEELSTER was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide the rest of the first turn to get the lead, had no answer when the winner came calling and backed through the field.
SIXTH RACE – A shower would pop up intermittently … PRAIRIE VIRTUE wound up in the pocket, came out headstretch and was up by a nostril over KOKOMO. The latter was away second then first when the leader broke 3/16, set a slow pace to the half, responded to the first-over, then just missed as the winner came on. GOODGOLLYMISSMOLLY stuck to the inside and was along for third over EVIL EMPRESS. The latter angled behind a four-wide wall into turn one and tucked, stayed in, evenly late. BROAD STROKES was second-over, had just started three-wide when the first-over ran, couldn’t make up ground. BLESS YOUR HEART gapped. MISS MAYTRIX was four-wide into the first turn and gradually eased her way back to last, broke past the half. TWO PIECE TANLINES made a nice gain going up raw the third quarter, but tired and broke early far turn. A MILLION CHUCKLES went to the top, but took a bad knuckling step and ran 3/16.
SEVENTH RACE – HURRIKANE GEORGIE was in front at the 1/8, yielded just past the 5/16 to sit the pocket, outside early stretch and got up in time over BET NINETEEN. The latter was outleft but stayed outside, in gear past the 1/8 to the lead just past the 5/16 and got a little breather to the half, paced on well to the wire but was nipped by the pocket rocket. GRATEFUL KISS went out third-over then went back in ¾, gained up the inside late for the distant third. DESIRED ART was second-over, three-wide to headstretch, couldn’t gain. THE BIG PICTURE gapped in last, came between horses late for the last check. JASPER HANOVER left and secured the early pocket, stayed in, not much late. PATRIOT LINE was uncovered at the half but never was menacing before backing off.
EIGHTH RACE – KISS AN ANGEL took control right away and fronted these throughout, no problem. SOUTHWIND RITZ raced up into the pocket, held on for a pretty good second. CUSTOMARILY went to the Pocono Pike from third-in, evenly. FAWN DE TOUCH moved out behind the parked horse, had to go three-wide far turn, finished in a good gear. FINLANDIA did not factor; nor did SALT AND VINEGAR. NANCY BAR left, found no hole and had to take all the air, fell back 5/8. GOLD STONES sat in then backed out third-over, couldn’t keep up and ran before midturn.
NINTH RACE – SUNRISE HANOVER moved out before the 5/8 and went on to challenge, wore down the leader by midturn, won with sharp speed. FOLLOW YOUR NOSE got in fourth at the 1/8, then was second-over, couldn’t stay with the leader in the stretch but went on to grab second. LOOKING SANTASTIC yielded for the pocket, shuffled far turn as the leader gave way, waited for the Pocono Pike and collected third ahead of SWEETONTHEBEACH. The latter set the pace and slowed the half, but wasn’t quick enough in the last 3/16. DELIGHTFUL SUMMER was out with cover and wide headstretch, evenly. WINNING WORDS appeared to have a strap dangling near the ¼, never in it. NARINA HANOVER was outside on the far turn but got rough, not prominent late.
TENTH RACE – GRAY DRAGON left and had cover before the 1/8, went three-wide before the ¼ as a breaker moved to two-wide, continued on to get the lead towards the 3/8, met the challenge of the onrushing first-over, then gave the field the slip in another impressive victory. IM A GIGOLO N was out to the ¼, avoided the incident and took the open pocket, used the Pocono Pike to rally for the distant second. TELL THEM LOU was third-over, four-wide headstretch and closed very well. BLU CREW gapped early and (even though gapping) briefly checked nearing the 1/4, in gear to the half and came up a long way first-over, rebuffed but stayed game in the fight for minor honors. CIGAR SMOKING TONY was trying to hold on to the early lead when the pocket horse ran up on him to the ¼, got a foe to tuck and then let the winner go 3/8, did not have enough late. HURRIKANEKINGJAMES struggled second-over, went three-wide but couldn’t get into it. GET LIT tucked, had to check when the horse in front of him made a break nearing the ¼, inside, was blocked in the stretch. SHVAIKO was always far back. HORSE was maintaining the pocket past mid-first turn, looked to get a little rank and ran up on the leader near the 3/16, made a break and went outside.
ELEVENTH RACE – WORTHY OF HONOR went to the lead before the first turn and had things his own way, won safely. ISLAND LILY stayed third-in, used the Pocono Pike when the pocket horse pulled, gained some. TUIS SHADOW sat the pocket trip, came out headstretch, neither gained nor lost ground. ALTUS HANOVER made a break while fourth at the ¼, quickly caught back on and was uncovered and one-gear advancing the bulk of the race, held together very well late. CHING CHING LUCKY was second-over, three-wide late turn, evenly. CHOCOLATE MATTERS slipped into a midpack tuck, not much to offer thereafter. SERRANO VOLO was three-wide early outside and steadied past the ¼ when a foe broke, got inside, little late. SHEER MUSCLE was third-over, made a break nearing headstretch.
TWELFTH RACE – Sunshine! … AP HALL OF TRIX got position leaving, on the move just past the half and hit a higher gear 5/8 to clear to the lead after a fast third quarter, had 2½ lengths past midturn, saw all but a neck of that gobbled up by MAGNIFICENT SEVEN but did last to the wire. The latter had cover but didn’t stay with the winner’s quick move into the far turn, but never gave up and kept getting closer. DIVINE SPIRIT was stuck in, out in a blindswitch far turn then inside in the lane and was next-best. BANZAI AS was fourth-over, four-wide into the stretch and outkicked HUNTING AS. The latter got a tuck, then was third-over and three-wide, outtrotted. PRESIDENT never factored. CAN’T SAY NO got into the pocket well into the fast first quarter, was shuffled when the leader gave way ¾. PETER’S EXPRESS went up between horses to take over and went 26.4 to seat a foe, under attack down the back and was finished 3/4.
THIRTEENTH RACE – MANKAT was first on top then yielded 3/16, vacated the pocket 11/16 and challenged, got a short lead, looked possibly in danger of being swallowed by the second-over but that one broke midstretch, went on gamely. CAPTAINOFROCKNROLL was three-wide to the first turn, tucked third, stayed in and went to the pocket as it was vacated 11/16, to the Pocono Pike, coming on well. DRAGON ROARS AGAIN made the top 3/16 and kept up a fast pace, was challenged from late backstretch and then on both sides in the lane, held pretty well. EMBLAZE HANOVER and SOMEWHEREINVERONA were two-wide slightly off the top bunch far turn, both finishing very strongly wide. BEACH FIRE K gapped most of the second quarter, got going uncovered and then got cover 11/16, wide in the lane and may have had the momentum to go by but broke midstretch, placed. TRANSPARENCY was buried inside, had no room upper stretch then was in tight quarters with the breaker midstretch.
FOURTEENTH RACE – FULL MOON BEACH got forward position, moved quickly 3/8 to get the lead, left these far behind from the ¾ in a quick mile over a drying but still-off surface. KAUAI KING moved uncovered 5/8, got to a clear second early stretch, urged to hold that position. CAPTAIN ROMANCE was first to go outside, got cover but gapped, narrowed in a bit. MAJOR SHOW gapped in front of the stands, a bit late. HULOU was first on top, yielded, stayed in and was shuffled badly when the pocketsitter gave way. KEYSTONE CATALYST gradually made his way up to the lead off the first turn, yielded to the winner, couldn’t keep up in the pocket ¾. ANDRES HANOVER was off the gate and gapped in last throughout.
Jun 10, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Hot weather; stretch headwind … SCOTT ROCKS was urged leaving, three-wide to the 1/8 then cover to the ¼ then raw to 3/8 command, still got a rest to the half, then came home in 54.4 and proved too tough. BABES DIG ME started raw on turn two and went up in 26.2 the third split to challenge, held very nicely. WHITE HAIR ROCKS backed off early, sat in and was shuffled to last, angled widest in early stretch and had strong velocity. CURIOUS CORTEZ left between horses, needed most of the ¼ to gain the lead, yielded 3/8 and stayed tight in the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, not quite enough. ALEX TYE pushed a very fast quarter from the rail and yielded, sat in, to the deep Pike, OK late. BELLOWS BINGE stayed tight second-over, three-wide midturn, flattened out in the lane. REGAL SON moved to third-over at the half, gapped cover.
SECOND RACE – LINCOLNJAMES made two speed moves and just kept pouring it on, gave these the bum rush with a 26.3 third quarter and won for fun. INDICTABLE HANOVER was midpack the first quarter with some cover, then was left raw, kept on grinding and second in a very brave showing. DECLAN SEELSTER left between horses and spotted third, locked in when the pocketsitter backed up from the 5/8, belatedly to the Pocono Pike and did OK for third. OUTKAST BLUE CHIP was second-over, blindswitched ¾, but couldn’t keep with his two-wide cover. HEISMAN PLAYER moved three-wide with cover far turn and four-wide headstretch, had a little pace late. HORSING AROUND was third-over, gained some three-wide on the turn but flattened in the stretch. ITSONLYROCKNROLL A was three-wide to the 1/8 in taking back to last, never again heard from. CAPTAIN MALICIOUS was three-wide early and urged to clear at the 1/8, yielded to the winner, gapped from the 5/8.
THIRD RACE – BELL I NO made the lead at the 3/16, got a little breather to the half, then blistered home in 54.3 – 27.1 as a clear winner. LOVE THE ACTION left hard, pushed the winner then yielded for the pocket, could not stay with that one late today. ALBERGO HANOVER gapped as the top two fought early then tightened in, backed out and wide after the second-over broke, drifted wider but a clear third. PROVOCATIVEPRINCEN was wide leaving then took back to tuck fourth 3/16, uncovered early on turn two, gained some down the back but could gain no further. TULLOW N couldn’t keep up. KEYSTONE STEAM was second-over, gapped, broke mid-far turn.
FOURTH RACE – INDIGO ART stayed in, had a rough step or two ¾ closing a gap inside, but then was taken directly to the deep Pocono Pike and had good pace to get the decision. NEWBIE didn’t have to go that much to defend the pocket as there was only one leaver, to the Pocono Pike, got the lead, but then was outpaced to his left. ZOEEZ BOY HENRY vacated third 11/16, steadily while no threat. ALL IT TAKES was on top just past the 1/8, went slow-fast in the middle quarters, empty in the stretch. BAMSKI sat in, didn’t gain in the lane. BUSBOY HANOVER moved to the outside but never entered in the picture. A REAL MIRACLE moved raw from far back into turn two, got cover late backstretch but never reached it then started to retreat midturn.
FIFTH RACE – LOUD SPLASH took a tuck third but was again on the move before the ¼ to claim the top 5/16, separated from the pocket horse much of the last half and won for fun. NEEDLESS TO SAY made the front at the 1/8 then relinquished to sit in the pocket, on a line late on turns two and three (no surprise) and started to gap entering the backstretch, proved to be second-best here. REDHOT ROMEO left for the early pocket, stayed third-in, outfooted the other overmatched foes for third. GIVEN UP TERROR moved uncovered before the 5/8, never reached the leader, evenly. RAKSMACH N was third-over, not a presence here. LENWOODS REAL DEAL didn’t enter the picture. MYIDEALSON N was second-over behind nonadvancing cover, went three-wide ¾ but then himself did not advance.
SIXTH RACE – PAPI HANOVER got command past the 1/8, yielded 5/16 for the pocket, was steered to the Pocono Pike, was confident in going past CONQUEST AS. The latter had early cover then went on, might’ve been shopping for a hole but found none and proceeded to get the lead 5/16, rated Q2 against the win then sped up, gave way grudgingly. NOTHING BUT MUSCLE was uncovered at the half, was never closer to the lead than at the wire. MANHATTANUP NO ICE left and yielded, inside, not enough late. TRUEMASS VOLO and MYSTICAL WYNN were in the two-wide nonflow behind a gapper, four- and five-wide respectively in the stretch and kicked home well. O JONNIE offered little. JACK RULES was second-over, three-wide late turn but didn’t do much. RIVER OTTER was wide early then took back, not heard from again.
SEVENTH RACE – SHANE ADAM was three-wide leaving, took back but wouldn’t go in a hole so motored up nearing the 25.4 quarter and went on to the lead 3/8, threw a 26.3 third quarter at these turning back the first-over and leaving the rest behind, won for fun. CLASS SIX was out a long way in the scorching opener before taking the pocket, stayed in, outside early stretch and was along, had some back-end “b.e.” flopping under the wire (the tail tie?). BLOW A CLOUD N refused to give up the lead in a 25.4 opener, then did relinquish to the winner 3/8, fell back from the far turn, very tired late. URBAN RENEWAL sat in, evenly. CAPTAIN HILL closed in behind the early duelers, then was uncovered into the second turn and rushed up to the leader by the half, did not go by by the 5/8 and fell back in the last stanza. P H KENNY moved second-over but couldn’t keep up. SPORTS TEEN drifted outside near the back early, developed a problem late.
EIGHTH RACE – SPORTSMANSHIP left well and pushed a little before yielding for the pocket, was under a good hold in the two-hole, went to the Pocono Pike, made the lead midstretch, then held off the closers – not what you’d expect from your typical $169.40 horse. ARCHETTO HANOVER spotted at the 1/8, then was second-over, three-wide past midturn, steadily to just picture out ARTACHE HANOVER for second. The latter was third-over, followed the place horse’s cover on the turn, then wider and moving well late. SWEET TALKIN SATIN led the outer charge at the half, grinded up and challenged hard from the ¾, held decently. PANTHEON HANOVER sat in, outside late turn, OK between horses late. AN THE THUNDEROLLS gapped off the second turn. POLAK A was used to clear 3/16, didn’t have it in the stretch today. GOLDEN GESTURE never featured. HIGHVIEW CONALL N moved outside but had very little.
NINTH RACE – WAR-N-MUNN left and was content to take the pocket, outside late turn and proved the best in here. JUST PLAIN LOCO sat in, came out just before the ¾ and moved up well, stayed two-wide when the winner pulled, finished steadily for the deuce. IDEAL COWBOY went out quickly to establish command, wasn’t bothered on the lead, but couldn’t make his advantage last. VALIANT IVY moved outside far turn, then ducked to the Pocono Pike, edged for third, far ahead of the others. ALWAYS THE SUN was away slowly and gapped. VICTORIAS MAVERICK started to gap out 5/8. MISSISSIPPI RABBIT was parked with cover early, never made a sharp move frontward and faded down the backstretch.
TENTH RACE – SHOOBEE DOO A moved into turn two and got a great second-over trip, three-wide midturn, came out of the turn with a small lead, paced steadily to the wire and bettered the inside move of J M MANDARIN. The latter pushed away very hard, finally yielded past the 3/8 in brutal fractions, was crucially shuffled late turn as the pacesetter tired, finally got to the Pocono Pike and was pacing at least as fast as the winner late. HIGHALATOR was urged leaving, backed off to keep the pocket closed, moved uncovered at the half and was pushed while challenging, had the lead but not the inside in an amazing 1:20.2 3/4s, outkicked by fresher horses, game. BLAZEN RIVER N was third-over, four-wide headstretch, raced well. CROCKETTS CULLEN N sat in, behind a wall headstretch but couldn’t keep up late. COVERED BRIDGE was three-wide most of the hot ¼, then parked past the 3/8 to get the lead, went to the half in 53.1, had a hard challenge from the first-over, kept that one out on the turn but finally tired nearing the stretch.
ELEVENTH RACE – HICKFROMFRENCHLICK made the top before the 1/8, dissuaded an early move from MAYHEM HANOVER, then held on against a late charge from that pocketsitter. The latter rethought an early move from second, then came on in the stretch with a 27 quarter against the wind but just missed while far ahead of the others. PRINCE OF TIDES sat third, gapped the top two on the turn but did hold on for third. BLOOD LINE didn’t keep tight along the inside. FABRICE HANOVER stayed in and got the last check. SOMEBODYITREASURE moved third-over 9/16 but had dull cover. AMERICAN ZEST A was just behind midpack when deciding to go frontward past the 1/8, out raw, never got close. JK MUSICMAN was second-over, three-wide ¾ but never gained. BAY MEADOWS was off the gate a little then gapped at the back.
TWELFTH RACE – WITH OUT A DOUBT charged through to get early command at the 1/8, yielded off the first turn for the pocket, a bit loose on the far turn after the fast fractions but dug in and summoned enough to catch the leader up the Pocono Pike. MISS MCKEE had cover to the 1/8 then was left raw and went up to clear to the lead off turn one, went a fast third quarter and as noted briefly stole clear far turn, but couldn’t hold the advantage to the line. THE LIONKING AS left and yielded, evenly for third. AFTER ALL PAUL came raw 9/16 and started a gradual grind that didn’t really get him close. TWO AM was not prominent. JACK VERNON struggled second-over. HATIKVAH was far back when breaking near headstretch. MUSHANA had moved outside into turn two but soon broke.
THIRTEENTH RACE – AMERICAN VIRGIN started a long uncovered move before the 3/8 in front of a horse who pulled early, just kept coming and coming and earned the decision impressively. ROCKIN INTHE HILLS backed out to second-over past the ¾, almost took it all. NATIONAL SPORT sat in, outside in a blindswitch headstretch, searched for clearance through the stretch, didn’t seem to find it until very late. CLOSING STATEMENT was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide past the 3/16 in a 26.1 opener, rated the half, didn’t get pressure until the turn, not enough. BARNABAS was inside, appeared to check before as a horse in the Pocono Pike made a break, then gained a little near the finish. LORD WILLOUGHBY A came at the ¼, was behind the winner but gapped and was blindswitched. WAGON MASTER tried to gain three-wide around dull cover 11/16 but couldn’t do much. CAPTAIN CASH went into the two-hole before the first turn and stayed there, moving into the Pike to take a shot in the stretch but went to a gallop.
FOURTEENTH RACE – AINTNOBETTOR A drove through early to protect the pocket, then moved in front of the stands to get command, withstood the late charge of MIGHTY SANTANA with some late encouragement. The latter left but was caught three-wide and retreated into his own hole, stayed in, came off the rail past early stretch and gained well late. BLACKLIGHT drove on between horses to the lead, yielded for the two-hole, did not have sufficient punch late. SOMEBEACH BARON was third-over, three-wide midturn, had late pace; MELODIES MAGIC followed that one’s path, four-wide headstretch, OK. GLENGARRY KNIGHT N was not prominent. WEONA SIZZLER A tucked behind the three early fighters, then moved raw 3/8, got up to the wheel of the winner but no closer, tired. WAVES OF FIRE A was second-over, accepted the blindswitch midturn, little late. CAVIART ROCKLAND never featured.
Jun 6, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – ROLL ON MAMA moved raw after a quick half and got to the front 11/16, was on even terms ¾ but drew away as the outside foe tired. TRAFALGAR followed the winner’s cover, left raw 11/16 and went alongside to challenge, but gradually gave a little ground from midturn while holding pretty well. DELIGHTFUL SUMMER was third-over in the delightful flow, couldn’t stay with the top two on the turn and went inside, Pocono Pike, couldn’t reach second. SUNRISE HANOVER needed most of the ¼ to settle inside, then in the outer flow, three-wide mid-far turn, next in a photo with SWEETONTHEBEACH. The latter was three-wide to the 1/8 and got into the two-hole at the ¼, stuck behind the tired pacesetter then slid outside midturn, evenly. SPORTS DUCHESS went into third 3/16, also caught in, never heard from late. MORE THAN KUTE and MISS TRESSA were never prominent. LOOKING SANTASTIC took control from the pole and put down pretty good fractions, was all done when challenged late on the backstretch.
SECOND RACE – GERARD was first on top then yielded and sat the two-hole, stayed in until early stretch then wore down WORTHY OF HONOR to take his third straight after starting his career 40-1-12-7. The latter cleared at the 1/8 from post nine, got pressure down the back, held well but had to settle for second. TUIS SHADOW gapped inside down the back, had a bit of trot down the stretch. BEE FOREVER was uncovered to the second turn and got cover at the other end of the turn, gapped until past the 5/8 then hit a high gear and gained two- then three-wide, drifted four-wide then broke briefly headstretch, was regathered and showed high speed in the stretch; an inquiry into any violations he made gave no reason for placing. SHEER MUSCLE moved outside late backstretch, went back in on the turn, gained a little in the Pocono Pike. CHOCOLATE MATTERS got an early spot, came out at the half and pressured the leader, then gradually fell back the last 3/16. EVANNA was away slowly and was way back. PROTOSTAR made a break before coming off the turn before the start. CHING CHING LUCKY broke before the start.
THIRD RACE – DUKE OF LINDY stayed in down the back then joined the lively outer tier, wide and trotted home strongly to win easily. MOSCOW MOON moved second-over 9/16, lost cover ¾ and advanced, may never have been ahead in the stretch but along for second. RARE MUSCLE started raw early in the backstretch and cleared to the lead ¾, had immediate pressure, got a little tired late. CHROME PACKAGE gained inside in the last ¼. KASEVILLE sat the two-hole, shuffled some then backed outside on the turn, couldn’t recover enough ground. FATHER OF IRELAND took control in by far the fastest ¼, rated the half, then could not withstand the serious challenger ¾. CROWN FASHION tried to gain but gapped 5/8. SEEKING MATTHEW was misbehaving an 1/8 before the start.
FOURTH RACE – SOME DEAL HANOVER pressed on and took command 5/16, yielded past the 3/8 for the pocket, came back out ¾ to challenge, went by headstretch, put in a good race. KAUAI KING was uncovered 9/16, got cover from the winner ¾, wider in the lane and had late pace. DILLINGER had the early pocket, shuffled a little, to the deep Pocono Pike and finished well. JASPER HANOVER was on top at the 1/8, saw two go by in quarter two, went up to the pocket on the far turn, Pocono Pike, not enough. HOLY MOMENT was third-over, had some belated gain. THE BIG PICTURE pulled at the ¼, had cover to the 5/16 then paced up to take over past the 3/8 in a fast 1/2 and ¾, not enough in the lane. THE OTHER DUO were near the rear.
FIFTH RACE – DAGON HANOVER made the lead, slowed the half then immediately sped things up, well-clear the last half. DYNAMITE VOLO was away third and tightened in, outside down the back and retucked in the pocket, couldn’t get close to the winner but far ahead of the others. CAMDEN HILLS didn’t have great cover, three-wide on the turn, distant third. WARRAWEE WHISPER tucked fourth, moved out down the backstretch but couldn’t gain. SOOT HANOVER came between horses mildly late. ARTHUR BOY broke in the stretch, LOB and placed behind I’LLALWAYSBEBACK, who made the pocket just past the 1/8 but then called it a day at the half.
SIXTH RACE – BUDDY HILL moved out past the 1/8 and was on top before the 3/8, rolled along very quickly and ran away with this one, 1:51.1 in the bottom class. DA MAGICIAN left some, stayed connected, outside raw past the 11/16, a clear if distant second. BEACH BABY BEE gapped to the half, closer and moved with cover, along for third. SHOREVIEW had the top into the first bend, yielded before the 3/8, gapped the winner on the backstretch, tired in the lane. THE OTHER FOUR was always well off the action.
SEVENTH RACE – MUSKINGUM made two speed moves and laid down a quick tempo while clear the last 3/8, maybe a little tired late but far gone. BUTTER TOFFEE gapped in the second quarter, came out on the turn and was the only opponent to make any kind of considerable inroad into the winner’s dominance. PONDA’S MUSCLE MAN left a big gap down the back after being behind a breaker then eventually got closer, followed the place horse’s cover on the turn, along for a clear third. ER BEN was on top going to turn one, yielded for the two-hole, fell back from the winner the last 3/8. THE NEXT THREE stayed flat but could generate little. CELEBRITY MASERATI broke at the half. TW LAUXMONT broke not long into the race.
EIGHTH RACE – TREVOR’S ACE took control from the pole and seated all rivals, came home in 55.2 – 27.2 and nobody could get near him. TERRY A HANOVER kept the pocket tight, couldn’t go enough in the last quarter but did hold second. SOUTHWIND DREDGE tucked third, went on evenly for third. STONEBRIDGE REX had not-great cover, gapped ¾, then was pacing better in the stretch. BRAZEN BRAZILIAN was four-wide early then backed off to tuck fourth, gapped in quarter two and slightly beyond, uncovered 5/8 but never got close. DIAMOND HEAD sat in, couldn’t produce enough even to get a check. THE LAST TWO were never factors.
NINTH RACE – CUSTOMARILY made the front and hung foes two- and three-wide just past the ¼, yielded, backed out to second-over 5/8, left uncovered ¾, was up after a hard battle to pay $60.20. KEYSTONE BARRACUDA went uncovered before the ½, trotted a 27.4 third quarter to get the lead, almost held on for the victory. SALT AND VINEGAR was two-wide between horses to get the lead just after the ¼, yielded 3/8, shuffled on the turn, cleared to the inside and was a far-back third. FINLANDIA gapped, moved outside on the turn, not that much. BILLIE CLAIRE was three-wide to the ¼ then two-wide 3/8 to get the lead, couldn’t trot enough to keep a foe outside ¾, broke between horses late. KAYLA’S PLAYMATE moved out with cover but jumped coming out of the second turn. NANCY BAR had some speed and was still in the pocket behind the early duel when running 3/16.
TENTH RACE – REIGNING DEO was second-over, three-wide headstretch, still fifth at the right end of the pond, but beat out a tightly-packed group — the first win at PcD for driver Pelling and trainer Cano, and at $96.20 the second straight “bomber.” BETTORBUCKLEUP left, was quarter-mover #1 and yielded early on turn two, to the Pocono Pike, just nipped. TELL THEM LOU came raw 5/8, ding-donged with the pacesetter to the wire (although both were edged). IMA GIGOLO N made the top at the 1/8, saw two go by in quarter two, to the deep Pocono Pike and was in the win photo. BLANK STARE was quarter-mover #2, briefly with cover then up and got the lead early second turn, got hard pressure ¾, didn’t fade badly. GET LIT couldn’t reach. HORSE broke entering the backstretch before the start.
ELEVENTH RACE – BETTERTHANTHEBEACH pulled from fifth 11/16 and stormed up to engage the leader, had a big fight with that one the last ¼, won in a nosebob. SERIOUS MIKI waited early then gradually went to get control, went 27.3 down the back then had the winner come to him with these two drawing way, fought tooth-and-nail with him to the line. MAGNUM MOON gapped at the half, backed out near headstretch then swung wide, closed hard and just up in the four-horse photo for third. MAKE MY DEO was three-wide getting the lead first turn, let the favorite got to sit the two-hole, left behind late. BAY BRUTE moved out behind the winner but couldn’t keep with him. YER SO BAD had speed, yielded, Pocono Pike, OK. THE NEXT PAIR were disconnected. SHIP WRECK BEACH K broke an 1/8 before the start.
TWELFTH RACE – SPELLCHECK HANOVER was three=deep to the 1/8 to the top to the 3/16, didn’t slow the pace, stayed safe of the closing BEACHBLANKET LINDY. The latter moved out ¾ behind advancing cover, three-wide into the lane, hit her best stride a little too late. MORROCKIN K vacated fourth for a raw trip past the 5/8, gained, held OK. BET LIGHT went right to the lead, yielded for the two-hole had a chance in the Pocono Pike but couldn’t quite make it. MIKI THE CLOWN was between horses to a tuck third 3/16, stayed in and to the deep Pocono Pike, fair. PAULAS BET HANOVER was outside while far back, reached cover ¾, tried to come through between horses in the lane but didn’t appear to get full clearance. QUICK SIX never featured. ODDS ON CARLY gapped. CATIE FAYE HANOVER lost contact down the backstretch.
THIRTEENTH RACE – KING ALPHONSO was carried up second-over by fine cover, three-wide headstretch, just barely worked by the game CAN’T SAY NO. The latter controlled the tempo with two moves, got a breather in quarter two, then was just able to summon enough to keep the brushing first-over outside ¾ and around the turn, fought very hard to try to hold on to the lead. YANKEE GIRLFRIEND moved uncovered from fifth and went her own third split in 27.2, had ¾ of a length at the ¾ but couldn’t clear to the inside, stayed in the fight to the wire. DIVINE SPIRIT gapped slightly third-over, but then was moving very well in the stretch. AP HALL OF TRIX was third-in, doubtful if he had enough room in the stretch. HUNTING AS made the front before the 3/16, yielded for the two-hole, Pocono Pike, step-and-a-half shy. PETER’S EXPRESS stayed in, not prominent.
FOURTEENTH RACE – BETTOR SUN was four-wide leaving, tucked fourth 3/16, just got out at the bottom of the second turn, then rushed up in 26.2 to clear down the back, went clear, then was tiring some late but held on for the tally. MANKAT defended the early pocket, shuffled a bit on the far turn, but had a sharp response when shown the Pocono Pike and gave the winner a little scare. CAPTIVATE HANOVER was in the good outside flow, three-wide with then without cover on the turn, finished nicely. BEACH FIRE K was third-over, circled a tiring horse on the turn and got back to two-wide late turn, just edged for third. MOVE THE LINE put everybody in behind in a 26.2 opener, then took a 30 breather, then went his next quarter in 27.1 but that still wasn’t enough to keep the winner out, tired after hard usage. MCNEILL Z TAM tucked third, was shuffled, backed out wide, a better mile than it may look. RHETT SEELSTER did not enter the main picture. AMAZON was underway nearing turn two, briefly three-wide early second turn to keep momentum as the winner pulled, followed that one, left uncovered 5/8, faded far turn.
Jun 6, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Near the middle of the 60s most of the day; stretch tailwind … THE IRISHMAN left between horses to the lead past the 1/8, yielded past the ¼, came out of third early in the backstretch and worked on by to the ¾, saw a resurgent TRUFFLES TOO coming back at him late and just held on. The latter was handled patiently at all times, gradually worked up to the lead 3/8, yielded ¾ but stayed to task, was coming back strongly nearing the wire. MASSIVE MATTER raced inside, had to wait for clearance near headstretch then utilized the Pocono Pike for the distant third. HESOHOT HANOVER was behind a plethora of moribund cover, swung widest and was doing well late. LINDYS GOIN CRAZY was three-wide almost to the 3/16 and then in front at the ¼, yielded 3/8, did not have much in the last 3/16. LOVE THIS BAR left and yielded, came out, gapped, then was left raw, didn’t go forward late. PREACHER MAN gapped. GINGER TREE KNOX had no punch from third-over. CAPITAL T STORM broke just past the start.
SECOND RACE – UNWRITTEN RULE left a big gap behind the pacesetter that he gradually closed in quarter two, popped out 11/16 but couldn’t go by on the turn, did go clear top of the stretch then held off the late rushers. JAM THAT GUITAR was way off the pace behind a gapping one, started to gain three-wide through the turn, kept on coming and just won a three-way photo for second, not far off the winner. SIR LOVEALOT BC moved outside from midpack 5/8 and made a rapid move to go behind the cover of the winner, fell back a little upper stretch then was resurgent. FLIGHT ONEFORTYSIX came out down the back but didn’t gain, then picked it up in a blindswitch on the far turn, spent the first half of the stretch trying to find a path between horses, then squeezed through, gained some, then was shut off nearing the wire. BOLT POWER was far behind, then had very good pace on the far outside. A B COLLINS gapped the whole way, including when having the chance to go to the pocket, finished evenly. WEST COAST KID had five lengths going to the first turn from PP9, set moderate fractions, pressured hard on the turn and kept the winner two-wide, then gave way. SHAKEALEG HANOVER never factored. HURRIKANE JUNIOR was looking for early position but broke.
THIRD RACE – The well-bred SHAMROCKS tucked third then quarter-moved and was in control of this event the rest of the way. JOE EXOTIC was on top just past the 1/8, yielded to the winner, stayed close but wasn’t gaining late. TEST YOUR MAGIC came out 5/8, soon three-wide as cover was stagnant to two-wide ¾, held his ground OK. TUFF TO BE LINDY made the early lead then yielded, struggled to keep up the last 1/8. GAVINATOR was blocked on the far turn but didn’t have much when taken wide. WINGMAN HANOVER was never in it; nor was MY SON TY HANOVER, who was off the gate and gapping much of the way. GET TO THE POINTE left and was looped, backed off to fourth past the 1/8, moved raw 5/8 but never gained and then retreated. THE PAPA BEAR broke well before the start.
FOURTH RACE – ON A STREAK was between horses to the early pocket, quarter-moved to 3/8 command, held sway the rest of the way to get the 2YO Breeders Crown winner on the 2021 scorecard. FLEMSTEEN got early positioning, then got the Pocono Pike as the pocketsitter pulled headstretch, good but couldn’t quite reach. DONATO PATRIOT K was inside, deep in the Pike and not bad for third. COLLEGE TUITION was three-wide leaving to the lead at the 1/8, yielded, pulled out from the pocket midturn but lost a little ground. NEW LEGACY broke 9/16, made a decent recovery to salvage the last check. GOLDEN COMPASS came out 5/8 and made a nice move the latter part of the backstretch into the turn, then seemed to lose his momentum when the pocketsitter pulled, giving him cover — the rally ended there. SPUNKIN’SROCKETMAN never featured. CARUSO broke an 1/8 of a mile before the start.
FIFTH RACE – FAWN DE TOUCH had cover leaving, eased in fourth just past the 1/8, moved with cover 5/8, uncovered turn when the cover tucked in the pocket, by far the strongest late. R SPEED OF LIGHT was three-wide early to the lead and had an open lead from before the ¼ to headstretch while setting a quick pace, overhauled late but still second. P L OLIVIA pulled from third before the half, didn’t reach the leader, tucked in the pocket on the far turn, gave some ground late. SECRET EDGE got the pocket towards turn one, started to back off ¾. MISS MAYTRIX and BARNUM never factored; nor did PRAIRIE TRINKET after moving outside from far back down the back. PAINT BY NUMBERS misbehaved off the turn before the start. BLUE TWISTER broke early on the backstretch.
SIXTH RACE – JUJUBEE left between horses and kept his main rival parked to the ¼, waited, then eased outside for the drive and trotted home in 27.2 confidently and comfortably. CAPSTONE was three-wide to the 3/16 and two-wide to the ¼, got a 59 middle half then turned on the speed, came home in 27.4 and still was caught, good mile. CEFFYL DWR left, yielded 3/8, stayed connected until the stretch, saved the show. TRICKY DICK looked to be laboring to keep up 5/8, trotted evenly inside. MISTER BOINGA spotted fourth past the 1/8, moved out but went backwards. COMEONOVER HANOVER wasn’t quite equal to this task.
SEVENTH RACE – STORMY PLACE went in third to the first turn, moved out 3/8 and cleared just past the half, good enough to fend off KIANNA. The latter was in front near the first bend, pushed the winner past the 3/8 to the half then yielded for the pocket, went to the Pocono Pike and almost got there. DARK MIRAGE went uncovered into the backstretch, grinded and held ground nicely. BETTER BID HANOVER left well, yielded, stayed in, faded some. CAVIART LUCIA was between horses in a three-way group off the leaders on the turn, finished steadily. AILEY HANOVER was three-wide in that back group, ducked inside a drifting horse and finished with some pace. BYGONE HANOVER was inside in that back group and didn’t feature. EYES DON’T LIE looked to have a wrapping come undone early, tucked midpack, then second-over, fell back and drifted wide in the stretch. COME HITHER went thither.
EIGHTH RACE – CAPTAIN COREY went to command at the 1/8, was clear by the 3/8 and had an awesome return to the races in the first of two PaSS cuts where Svanstedt horses finished 1-2. LEPANTO raced out to the early pocket, gradually fell back from the winner but did hold the distant second. FIFTY WAYS stayed in, blocked on the far turn, to the Pocono Pike, couldn’t get to second. ROBBIE PEV backed out to follow cover before the 11/16, three-wide headstretch, couldn’t reach for top minor honors. ARNOLD N DICKY never made a move. TOP ME OFF made a brief break at the start, caught the back of the field, gained positions uncovered from last down the back until alongside the pocket horse, but tired.
NINTH RACE – INAMINUTE HANOVER quarter-moved, set his own pace, roused midstretch to stay clear. RITSON was underway raw into turn two then got cover at the half, three-wide near headstretch, finished steadily to beat BELIEVER for second. The latter as noted started first-up at the half, got to the saddle pad of the winner on the far turn, couldn’t quite sustain the move. KEEPER OF SECRETS took the early pocket 3/16, in, shuffled late turn then outside in the stretch and had some trot. PILOT HANOVER was outside midpack until getting in at the ¼, couldn’t get into the main game. ARMANI HANOVER went in front early, yielded, gradually loosened in the pocket from before the ¾. LINDYS BOOZE CRUZ, slow starting, was not a factor. GHETTO BOY was third-over but gapped.
TENTH RACE – DELAYED HANOVER got the front, pushed TYPE A through the frontstretch before surrendering the lead, moved out of the pocket nearing headstretch, saw his stablemate get a brief lead midstretch but kept on going and won in a headbob. JOHAN PALEMA was three-wide to the first turn then two-wide, tucked third after the ¼ as the quarter-mover left a hole, got access to the Pocono Pike as the pocketsitter pulled, made a brief lead midstretch, just edged by his barnmate. TYPE A went out and defended the pocket then moved out before the ¼ with room, was pushed the length of the frontstretch before clearing, went a good 3/4s, not quite enough late. ETHAN T HANOVER stayed in, OK inside. TAKE ALL COMERS was second-over, three-wide headstretch, couldn’t quite go enough. WHISKEY BLU came uncovered off turn two and gained well in the slowest quarter of the race, but then backed off a good bit. IN RANGE was misbehaving an 1/8 before the start.
ELEVENTH RACE – SUNNY CROCKETT never let anyone past him and came home in 56.4 to be the dominant force. JACK FIRE took back early and dropped in, was second-over, gapped early backstretch then in gear, three-wide 11/16 to two-wide raw far turn, closest to the winner in a commendable showing. SAINT K took the early pocket, couldn’t go with the winner to the ¾, just did hold third. SOUTHWIND CAESER tucked third before the ¼, sat in, to the Pocono Pike, fair. CLANCY’S BAR stayed in, blocked late turn then moved outside, couldn’t gain. BY A HOFF HANOVER (a couple of lengths off the gate) and VINCENTI were always far back. MAKE SURE ITS COLD was three-wide to turn one, spotted fourth, then came uncovered to turn two but gained only a little before giving way. WORLD BANK moved out at the ¼ but couldn’t go with cover.
TWELFTH RACE – MY BOY JACK left well, yielded to sit the two-hole, a bit loose down the back then tighter and outside headstretch, showed a very sharp last 1/8 to sprint right by ICANGOGO. The latter was three-wide to the first curve, on top 3/16, got a moderate middle half, then was outsprinted in the lane. BOTTLE ROCKET came clear midturn and moved outside, third-best. MOM’S LITTLE WORLD angled out headstretch after an inside trip, next in line. HURRIKANEKINGCARLO never was prominent. CHEESEHEAD was making up some ground from far back when breaking 11/16. DUSTUP HANOVER was looped and was out in the air, got as close as third midbackstretch before tiring. DUE WEST had very little.
THIRTEENTH RACE – ARCHIBALD tucked third and sat close to the wild pace while in front of gappers, uncovered to the 5/8 and gradually worked up, even at the 3/4s and got a short advantage on the turn, drew away. WISENHEIMER would not yield and set fiery fractions, kept the winner outside on the turn, held for second. FOREVERHILLREIGN saw he was not getting the lead and took the pocket 3/16, moved outside late turn, but may’ve been bottomed with involvement in the quick pace, drifting out and not gaining. FINAL DREAM swung wide off the far turn and made up ground in the 59 last half (vs. 55 first half). KEYSTONE THUNDER stayed in, evenly. FRAC was well-gapped off the frontrunning trio, little late. ICINGON DE CUPCAKE moved outside but couldn’t reach the leaders. THE OTHER PAIR were always far back.
FOURTEENTH RACE – TSM PHOTO BUGGER made the early top, yielded 3/8, quickstepped by the new leader early backstretch, then held off his late charge – game at 14. NEXTROUNDSONME quarter-moved to 3/8 command, was stepped around into the backstretch, stayed close, outside headstretch, narrowing in but couldn’t quite get it all. DESWANSLITTLELORIE was in the outer nonflow after the breaker, three-wide late turn, finished steadily. RIVER OTTER sat in, so-so late. HOT SUMMER KNIGHT had excess cover, not bad at the end. JUMPSHOT tucked midpack past the 1/8, then was second-over, lost cover 11/16 to a break, couldn’t gain much raw. FASHIONWOODCHOPPER was not a presence. MY LINDY WINNER broke coming into the backstretch before the start. BLENHEIM quickly got into the pocket, came uncovered before the 5/8 and was gaining some when running 11/16.
Jun 3, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – “Sloppy +1” and 51 degrees for the card … BETTER B ROLLING was rolling raw into turn two and quickly rushed to the lead, built up a huge advantage, tiring late but too far gone to be caught. HIGHVIEW CONALL N joined the lively (far behind the winner) outer flow, three-wide far turn, and steadily for second. BIG TURN ON was in the flow, left uncovered into the far turn, ducked in to the Pocono Pike for the stretch and reclaimed some ground. SPORTSMANSHIP had forward position, then was shuffled horribly behind a tired horse, sent wide once escaping and regained good territory. NEWS WATCH was second-over then soon first-over well off the lead, got the pocket ¾, gave way. MEADOWBROOK FLASH left but was looped, out past the quarter for the lead, passed easily early backstretch and faded. CARMENS BEST left wide and cleared before turn one, yielded after the ¼, was behind the tired pacesetter and shuffled, but didn’t regain ground once clear. NORTHBROOK RON was already gapping by after the ¼.
SECOND RACE – JUST MAYBE THE ONE left, was behind cover to the ¼ when making a break, recovered quickly and went into the 5-hole, uncovered at the half, gained and briefly went in the 3-hole upper far turn then outside on the lower part, just overpowered these; an inquiry into his early break gave no reason for placing. CAMPBELLINI let and pushed before yielding at the 1/4, sat in the two-hole and stayed close in fast fractions, went to the Pocono Pike, second-best. POND JUMPER was two-wide until finding the 3-hole off the first curve, gapped down the back, went evenly as the tempo slowed. DON was parked to a stiff quarter for the lead and kept on rolling, tiring in the stretch. SIR JOHN F backed out to follow cover 11/16 but couldn’t get into the main fight. CIMERONKEN moved outside early but never achieved contention. PUERTO RICO and GRAN PARAISO did not feature. MARLEY’S GUY broke shortly before the start.
THIRD RACE – FEELING CAM LUCKY shifted gears early and went frontward, three-wide to the 5/16 then two-wide to going into the second turn in a blazing clip for these (53.4 front half, 59.2 back half) to get the lead, was clear from early backstretch all the way to midstretch, obviously (and understandably) tiring but held together. EGOMANIA gapped behind the early fireworks, moved out before the 5/8 and had to check behind a breaker at that spot, gapped the parked-the-mile horse then got closer, three-wide late turn, made meaningful gains only a trifle too late. JANAID was looped early and stuck in the two-path, with cover to the second turn and then without it, kept on going in a big effort. WARRAWEE VELOCE moved outside before the 5/8 but before long made a break, recovered and followed cover, went four-wide on the far turn, OK; his break was the subject of an inquiry which yielded no reason for placing. NATIONAL SPORT went offstride 3/16. GRAND PRIORITY left a gap early and had little late. FERDINAND N outleft everybody, kept rivals stacked three-wide to the 5/16, yielded the lead nearing turn two, gapped much of the last half.
FOURTH RACE – A stretch tailwind has picked up … SWEET ROCKIN GIA let and had the early pocket, quarter-moved in front of the parked horse to make the lead and then had that one hounding her to the ¾, then had to dig in to ward off the leftward threat of LATE NIGHT DATE A late. The latter left to get the front, yielded to the winner and sat the two-hole, had a shot up the Pocono Pike, did well but didn’t quite make it. SHEIKH YABOOTY N tucked in third past the 1/8, came out behind the parked horse off turn two and then moved three-wide 11/16, gradually progressed until two-wide late turn, then bore out but still managed third. GEORGIE MARTIN N, not away well, moved out on the far turn, ducked inside the drifting show horse, not enough. STELLENBOSCH was wide leaving then had cover from two different horses until in front of the stands, then pressed hard from the death seat, didn’t fade until past midturn. PEGGY J had little to offer. BOLT OF BEAUTY stayed in, not prominent late.
FIFTH RACE – O JONNIE rushed uncovered at the half and went right on by at the ¾, opened an insurmountable lead. WHAT A RUSH was outside slightly off the winner’s cover, left raw ¾, just held second over the onrushing MARION GONDOLIER. The latter got a forward spot, then was badly shuffled on the far turn, fanned very wide and was eating up the real estate late to just miss place. KEYSTONE SERGEANT had some cover early then raw at the 1/8, made the lead 5/16 then yielded to the retaker, shuffled when that one tired, evenly late. CHOCOTURE was outside but gapped. URSIS DES CAILLONS was in front at the 1/8, yielded 5/16 but quickly reclaimed control, couldn’t withstand the winner’s move 3/4 and faded. CELEBRITY SERENA made a couple of breaks.
SIXTH RACE – WISE IMAGE was hard-used to make the lead at the ¼, set the pace, held on gamely to the line. BAYONET got the lead, pushed the winner to the ¼ then yielded for the two-hole trip, outside in the stretch, not quite enough, did retain second over JEREMES GENERAL. The latter came outside 5/8 even though he was gapping because he saw the horse in front of him weakening, continued two-wide but didn’t gain that much, then did gain when the pace slowed late. HES GONE BADDER came outside off turn two, three-wide 5/8 through past midturn then went back to two-wide, went on evenly. ARTACUS stayed in and got the last check via the Pocono Pike. CHANCELLORCULLEN N left, gapped much of the last half, so-so. THE OTHER THREE were far away from the main action.
SEVENTH RACE – The two longest shots go by the favorite very late … RAKSMACH N got an excellent second-over trip, three-wide midturn, paced home well and got the decision. REDHOT ROMEO went to third-over at the half, followed the winner’s cover three-wide far turn though gapping it slightly, better in the stretch and up for second over POLAK A in the last step. The latter was on top at the 1/8, forced a tuck 5/16 only to see that one break and went on to a brief clear advantage, got backstretch pressure, shook that off and held until the last 50 yards, good mile. AN THE THUNDEROLLS had the most early step, yielded, gave the pocket 5/16 but got it right back as the holefiller made a break, gradually tightened back in though a trifle loose, to the Pocono Pike but had no gain. ARCHETTO HANOVER was inside then went to the deep Pocono Pike but also couldn’t gain contention. ACE OF CLUBS came uncovered from sixth 3/8, went a big third panel to challenge, but tired midturn. GOLDEN GESTURE stayed in, had all kinds of traffic troubles upper stretch and lost all chance. SWEET TALKIN SATIN left, had cover early then went on to challenge, had just gotten into the pocket 5/16 when making a break.
EIGHTH RACE – JAHAN HANOVER was first on top, yielded before the 3/16 for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and took over midstretch, just held off BAGS TO RICHES. The latter was third-over, followed cover three-wide past the 5/8, went on three-wide uncovered to two-wide covered on the turn then had to swing back out three-wide as cover stalled, flying late to just miss after going a very good last half. TACT TATE N was in front before the 3/16 and fronted these a long way on the lead, held well. SEEL THE DEAL N tucked early, moved second-over, three-wide around dull cover 5/8 to two-wide raw 11/16, stopped gaining approaching headstretch. COMMANDER HILL sat in, had enough to get the last check. WILDCAT HILTON never contended. BRINGITONHOME N was always far back. ROCK THREE TIMES started the outside train but didn’t have much power from just before the 5/8.
NINTH RACE – JACK RULES was three-wide to the 1/8 to get the top past the 3/16, opened up turning into the backstretch, and if it were a prizefight they would have stopped it at the ¾. ZOOMING was second-over, three-wide late turn, beat out the others but far behind the winner. NATALIE HANOVER was forwardly-placed, moved raw at the half, never got past the pocket horse to the ¾ and around the turn, but went on steadily. CRITICAL MASS stayed in the two-wide lane and waited out the blindswitch on the turn, wide, fair. PITTSTOP KIP was blocked as the pacesetter left an ever-increasing gap, so-so once free. KATKIN AND COKE was second-over, didn’t tip wide, little. LANDONFITZ left well to 1/8 command, pushed the quick quarter and yielded, then fell further and further back in the two-hole. KANDY KORN tried to come three-deep from the back but didn’t gain. LAKEVIEW TAMMY offered little.
TENTH RACE – CRAZY CUTE gradually worked up to the 4-hole at the 1/8, came uncovered with a rush while going in 27.1 down the back putting high heat on the leader, kept on digging and completed her last half in 55.2 over the off going, showing her class. CAVIART CHERIE left, yielded, retook, really slowed the half then really quickened when the winner came on, held well. STOWAWAY HANOVER had excellent cover, three-wide headstretch, very good outing. MONICA GALLAGHER was four-wide early, on the point 3/16 then yielded, to the Pocono Pike, came up a step shy. LUCKY ARTIST A pushed away some, then sat in, looked all-out at points. ALII NUI was third-over, gapped, moving OK under the line. TALL POPPY N did not figure in the outcome.
ELEVENTH RACE – TRUEMASS VOLO got a great trip second-over, three-wide in the lane and strongly to the wire. GEMOLOGIST went on to the lead 3/16, yielded for the pocket, had to wait for the Pocono Pike as the winner built momentum, finished solidly when clear. LIFE WELL LIVED came uncovered off turn two and made a strong backstretch move, got an advantage around the turn but couldn’t clear, held well. RECIPROCALBLUECHIP was third-over, finished very nicely. DARTY left and yielded, stayed in, clear inside but couldn’t gain late. WILLIE B WORTHY got an early spot, underway before the ¼ to take the lead, under serious pressure, held the challenger out on the turn but then was out of gas. ANDOVER’S TOUCH never made his presence felt.
TWELFTH RACE – The wind has died down … CLARION HALL quickly got in front then yielded 3/16 for the pocket, sat until the Pocono Pike, finished strongly; four wins for trainer Garcia-Herrera. THISISSHE was outside 3/16 in a quick opener to get command, set the pace, pressured on the far turn, shook that one off but then couldn’t hold off the winner to her left. MADHATTER BLUECHIP went up to grab third early, raced evenly late. SVF CASH DEPOSIT sat in, backed out then angled wide nearing the lane, finished well. STOP RESISTIN was the first-over, gained down the backstretch then pushed the leader hard on the turn, then gave way. MAGIC VACATION couldn’t do much from second-over. INAPERFECTWORLD got away slowly and was gapping when breaking nearing the ¼.
THIRTEENTH RACE – THE WALL was carried up in a dynamic flow, tipped three-wide and proved the strongest in a good last quarter for this card. GLENGARRY KNIGHT N left, reluctantly took the pocket 3/16, moved when HEREITIZ started to move at the 1/4 but both soon reseated themselves, stayed in and was shuffled after the lead change later in the backstretch, angled out midturn to three-wide and then behind the winner as he went to the lead, finished well after bad racing luck. IAMMRBRIGHTSIDE N would not cede the early lead, rated the half, got outrushed 11/16 but stayed up on the bit in the pocket, Pocono Pike and along for third. LINCOLN JAMES had fine cover from the half then lost it 11/16, went up on the turn, then flattened a bit. LOVE THE BLUES N stayed in to get the last payday. HEREITIZ wanted to quarter-move but retreated as the pocket horse made the same move (including the retreat), underway at the half and urged to get by 11/16, but couldn’t sustain the advantage. CAPTAIN MALICIOUS got outside but could offer little. STOP ACTION never factored.
FOURTEENTH RACE – I’M VERY SPECIAL was three-wide to the 1/8 then a like distance two-wide to the top, rated then sped up, game to withstand the charge of potential pocket rocket DIBABA N; five for George Nap (and brother Anthony had four). The latter took over to the 1/8 and yielded at the ¼ for the pocket, outside headstretch and had good pace but just failed reaching. JUXTA COWGIRL left and yielded, stayed in, left a gap midbackstretch then got closer, held third over DELISHKA N. The latter hustled early to tuck fourth, stayed in, went to the inside of the show horse in the lane but could not beat her out. TRUSSED UP TRUDY was inside, shut off late. TOPVILLE ANGELINA got little help from her cover, swung wide and had some pace in the end. JUSLIKEAQUEEN started raw 3/8, did pace her third split in 27 but never seemed menacing, faded. ALL ABOUT AMY didn’t do much after a second-over trip.
Jun 1, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Temperatures just under 50 degrees, with a strong stretch tailwind, and a “sloppy +1” track throughout the day … JK MUSICMAN tucked, then moved off the first turn to make the top 3/8, set the pace, game to hold off the late bid of GIVENUPDREAMIN. The latter was behind cover early, then went up 1/8 to 3/16 command, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, outside headstretch and kept narrowing in but just missed. BLACKLIGHT left and went to the lead to the 1/8, yielded, third-in, up the Pocono Pike, steadily but not quite enough. MY MIND IS MADEUP scampered up the rail down the back, next-best. ART SCENE never entered the main scene. BULLVILLE TERROR was second-over behind dull cover, three-wide turn but didn’t gain. SHINY BLACK BEAUTIFUL and MILENNIAL was already far off the rest at the half. INDICTABLE HANOVER pulled raw but never gained, then fell back.
SECOND RACE – WAR-N-MUNN tucked third, sat in, gapped on the far turn but then narrowed in, deep in the Pocono Pike and along. FASHIONONTHEBEACH left, moved from the pocket 3/16 to the lead, set the pace, couldn’t quite last to the line. VALIANT IVY sat in, angled wide early stretch and made up a lot of ground late. BLOW A CLOUD N made the top early, yielded for the pocket, had room inside the pacesetter but not enough kick. BARNABAS tucked fourth at the 1/8, uncovered into turn two, challenged to headstretch, held decently. CLASS SIX moved third-over behind the struggling cover of BAMSKI; neither was a major danger.
THIRD RACE – LOUD SPLASH spotted early, then led the outer tier’s move towards the half, pressed the leader hard on the final turn, then paced away late. NEWBIE left sharply and cleared easily, got a breather in Q2 then picked it up, second-best. LENWOODS REAL DEAL landed midpack early, got to second-over, couldn’t stay with cover on the turn, steadily for third. ARTACHE HANOVER was forwardly-placed, outside past the ¾ to avoid a shuffle, three-wide headstretch, not bad. LORD OF MISRULE was urged leaving, got into the pocket, but started to back up before the ¾. ALWAY’SYOURWAY and GIVEN UP TERROR never featured; nor did MAJOR ASSET and PLAY THERAPY, both of whom suffered broken equipment.
FOURTH RACE – PRINCE OF TIDES was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-deep to the ¼ in pursuit of the lead, shook off one challenger and then kept SOMEBEACH BARON at a safe distance. The latter was between horses past the 1/8 before getting to the pegs, yielded for the pocket, outside into the lane, finished steadily. SAWYER’S DESIRE moved out second-over but then went in again ¾ as his cover failed, evenly along the inside late. CAPTAIN CASH gained up the inside down the back, didn’t go with the top ones. DARK ENERGY N was slow to the gate, came outside first but wound up third-over in a nonflow, three-wide late turn, evenly. LYONS AMUSEMENTS was locked inside on the turn but had little once clear. VILLIAM was shuffled to last, blocked in the stretch. ALWAYS THE SUN was outside in a dull flow, never prominent. ISLANDSPECIALMAJOR was away well, yielded, came out raw into the backstretch, gained a little the third quarter then fell back a lot in the fourth quarter.
FIFTH RACE – BUSBOY HANOVER, looking to like the off going, was tight on cover second-over, three-wide past midturn, easily to the front late. DO YA THINK started first-up into turn two, steadily gained, made the lead to midstretch, held quite well. URBAN RENEWAL was third-over, gapped cover a bit, wide in the stretch and with pace. CAPTAIN HILL stayed in and was shuffled far turn, out in a blindswitch to headstretch, found room and was OK through the lane. A REAL MIRACLE left, yielded, got underway before the ¼ to reclaim the lead, set the pace, came up empty at crunch time. ALL IT TAKES went to the lead at the 1/8 then yielded to the retaker, a bit loose in the pocket much of the last half, not much late. VICTORIA’S MAVERICK gapped through much of the mile.
SIXTH RACE – REGAL SON was three-wide to the 1/8, got a spot behind the early battle, gapped it then closed the hole after the ¼, stayed in, got to the Pocono Pike as the pocketsitter moved outside, had the most to the wire. ROCK THE NITE got around the breaker and pressed on for the lead but had to reluctantly take the pocket nearing the 26.4 quarter, came out headstretch, was never ahead but battled on gamely for place. KEYSTONE STEAM came raw 3/8, one-geared it up, looked done on the far turn but dug in with courage and was gaining late. WHITE HAIR ROCKS saw a contender break early, then seated another in a fast quarter, rated the half, didn’t have pressure, but could not maintain the advantage through the stretch. BABES DIG ME was second-over, three-wide midturn, went on steadily late. FIREBALL didn’t factor. SWEET N FAST N was shuffled to last, had a bit of pace on the end. MISSISSIPPI RABBIT was leaving with speed when breaking before the first turn, caught the pack and was third-over but could not reenter contention.
SEVENTH RACE – HATIKVAH followed strong cover second-over, three-wide headstretch, bore out noticeably in the lane but just caught GREAT UNKNOWN. The latter was uncovered from fifth at the half and gained a good bit against the wind (in not much of a quarter) down the back, battled the leader through the turn, took over early stretch and just failed to take it all. MUSHANA was outside third-over, gapped cover then got tight on it later in the backstretch, went inside the winner when that one started drifting and had some trot. CONSUS VICTORY made the lead past the 1/8, yielded for the pocket, passed the spent leader in the Pocono Pike, then wound up outside the place horse late in the lane with some trot. BAND BOX TREASURE was looped but still got early position, not a late factor. PAPI HANOVER was not heard from. CONQUEST AS gapped at points. HEAT WAVE HANOVER was three-deep a good part of the opening split, made the lead off the first turn, strung out the field in quarter two despite going 29.4, came under pressure, had nothing left to give late. TAD KRAZY HANOVER was last at every call.
EIGHTH RACE — LOVE THE ACTION went right to the top, took the day’s normal second quarter breather (with the wind) then picked it up, had the two behind him swing wide in the stretch but held off their moves. BELL I NO spotted sixth, advanced up the inside past the half, swung three-wide into the lane and closed well in just missing. ROBBIE BURNS N sat a nice trip in the pocket, outside midturn, fought hard but came up just shy. THE CANDYMAN CAN came all the way up the rail from last, not close but next-best. NATIVE’S SWEETLOU also avoided the outside congestion, not much late. ALBERGO HANOVER was caught behind the wide clog in the back, swung four-wide in the lane and passed the rest. WAGON MASTER was third-over, tried to circle up three-wide 11/16 but could not. SPORTS TEEN moved first-over before the half but never gained before fading. ROCKIN INTHE HILLS was looped and tucked, then second-over, blindswitched 11/16, could not regain anything lost in the shuffle.
NINTH RACE – CASUAL COOL hung a pair to the ¼, yielded, moved before the half to the lead after the half, yielded to the ¾ but stayed close, then rerallied in the Pocono Pike to gain the lead in a game outing. BRAVO TEX N was two-wide down the back, behind a gapper, accelerated when that one tucked far turn, closed in strongly to just miss. TOOKADIVEOFFDIPPER improved position early, followed the winner outside, was left uncovered at one end of the backstretch and took the lead at the other end, held well right to the finish. HORSING AROUND went three-wide around a dull one, best of the rest. LEAR SEELSTER had live cover but gapped it, left raw, ducked in far turn, little to offer late. HEISMAN PLAYER backed out to avoid a shuffle but didn’t gain. CURIOUS CORTEZ was very wide early, between horses on the first turn and a bit more than two-wide coming out of that bend, made the lead, yielded 3/8, then gapped. CLOSING STATEMENT was six-wide leaving and took back to last, never back in the picture thereafter. HP NAPOLEON was five-wide early, three-wide to the ¼ then two-wide to 3/8 command, passed off turn two, slowed a lot in the stretch after all the real estate covered early.
TENTH RACE – CRYSTAL FASHION left and yielded, was moved out 3/8 and had the lead before the half, drew clear in the 28.1 last quarter in a solid performance for the classy veteran. SCIROCCO ROB made the lead early, saw two go by in the next 3/8, outside 11/16 and got to a nonthreatening second. MELADY’S MONET was looped leaving and went on to get the front past the ¼, relinquished to the winner at the half, was in the fight for second until late. BAUTISTA and THE LAST CHAPTER trotted steadily. KINDA LUCKY LINDY started to not keep up ¾. RICH AND MISERABLE was last throughout.
ELEVENTH RACE – BLAZEN RIVER N left between horses and persevered to the 3/16 command, not under pressure in front, drifted out in the lane but held together enough to resist MAYHEM HANOVER. The latter left and protected the pocket, gapped early backstretch but later tightened back in, had a clear shot late but came up just shy. HICKFROMFRENCHLICK was three-wide and ahead most of the 1/8 but realized he wouldn’t clear and took back to third, stayed in on the far turn, along the inside and OK+ late. ON THE CARDS N slid down into an early tuck, then started first-over towards turn two, got into a better gear 11/16 and headed the pocket horse around the turn, then tired some. MYKINDACHIP gapped down the backstretch. REDBANK BLAZE A moved past the 3/8 and soon had cover, then soon was gapping it. SOMETHING FANCY never had a say in this one.
TWELFTH RACE – JACK’S LEGEND N made the top past the 1/8, pushed a foe well past the quarter then yielded for the pocket, shuffled a bit late turn into the lane, but showed great acceleration when shown the Pocono Pike, got the lead quickly, then held off BRAEVIEW BONDI A. The latter was second-over, gapped a little then caught up to cover, wide in the stretch and pacing very well late. VETTEL N was uncovered off turn two, in gear 5/8 and kept gaining, couldn’t clear on the turn but had the lead entering the stretch, went on well. MIKE’S Z TAM did well from third-over. HIGHALATOR was urged leaving, couldn’t do better than wind up third, sat in, slow to clear angling wide, some acceleration at the end. FILIBUSTER HANOVER was three-high to turn one, then two-wide 5/16 before getting the lead, got serious heat from the 5/8, tired.
THIRTEENTH RACE – SPLASH BROTHER was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to the lead 3/16, was the front part of a two-horse breakaway that saw him keep ahead of his inside rival LYONS KING safely. The latter yielded for the pocket and stayed close, very good and second way ahead of the others. VIRGIN STORM moved second-over, left uncovered on the turn, had some pace late for the distant third. FABRICE HANOVER was uncovered before the 5/8, never threatened, tucked in on the far turn, evenly. ATTA BOY DAN was rocked leaving, got a 3-tuck, struggled to keep up the last half. JM’S DELIGHT never contended. GLACIA backed out to third-over but didn’t gain. THE OTHER DUO were always far back.
FOURTEENTH RACE – AFTER ALL PAUL had cover to turn one then went on to get the lead to the 5/16, yielded for the pocket, stayed close, outside late turn, outtrotted WITH OUT A DOUBT. The latter had gate speed, yielded, outside 5/16 to be on top just past the 3/8, did well but had to settle for second. GRAPPLE HANOVER gained the front at the 1/8, saw two go by, a bit loose in the three-hole 11/16, tired but did hold show over BURN NOTICE. The latter gapped past the 3/8, stayed in, to the Pocono Pike, couldn’t quite make third. REFI went first-over at the half, never got close to the lead but carried on steadily. SEVEN IRON never was head from. THE FINAL PAIR were near the back throughout.
