Apr 1, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Through the mid-40s in slight increments during the daylight card, which featured a stretch headwind that shifted into a crosswind … TREVOR ONE came out 5/8 and advanced behind cover, three-wide headstretch, overhauled tired horses. MARINER SEELSTER was third-over in the good flow, ducked inside headstretch and gained in the deep Pocono Pike to photo CAPTAIN CASH. The latter was four-wide to the 1/8 and three-wide most of the fast ¼ to get the lead, continued on at a good clip, paid for his early exertion. ABSOLUTE INTENT yielded after pushing away well, came back out before the 5/8 raw, ducked in late on the turn, didn’t gain late. KIMANI N swung wide and was along for the last check. TERRITORY left some, sat in and was shuffled, could not restoke; ROCK THREE TIMES had the same problem after being shuffled. PONYTA BOY was never prominent. DRAGON STRIKES was three-wide to the 1/8 to the lead 3/16, yielded for the pocket, unplugged through the last ¼.
SECOND RACE – BEACH TOWN BOY tucked early, had the fractions go his way, backed out to join a lively flow before the ¾, three-wide with cover past midturn, had by far the most late in a 31.1 kicker. BIDEN NATION got underway before the 5/8 and was three-wide before the ¾, to two-wide later on the far turn, second-best. SICILY BEACH zoomed to command and set a very fast pace stringing these out until the ¾, had no answers in the stretch. JAM THAT GUITAR got into the two-wide flow, not much. SETH HANOVER had some pace in the final quarter from way, way back. BLAZING LIGHT settled in third 3/16, retucked around the faltering pocketsitter ¾ but was himself done at that point. LOST IDEAL was never in it; nor was JAZZ BEACH. HOMETOWN FAVORITE defended the pocket, was exhausted before the ¾.
THIRD RACE – SERRANO VOLO struck the front at the 1/8 and never received a major challenge. CHOCOLATE MATTERS moved second-over, wide in the lane and up for a tie for second with CANTABSLEADINGLADY. The latter got away in good order, stayed in, gapped at points from the half to the far turn, then had mild trot up the Pocono Pike to get the DH2. CHING CHING LUCKY went uncovered 9/16, grinded, flattened a bit late. R SPEED OF LIGHT left between horses and sat the pocket, nothing left to give in the lane. P L OLIVIA broke 100 feet before the start, caught the field but broke again in front of the stands. MULLIGAN’S MISS gapped early, broke 3/8.
FOURTH RACE – STELLAR YANKEE gapped off the three leavers early, then was underway on a good uncovered move that carried her to the lead late on the far turn, more than enough to prevail. PATRIOT LINE got a very good cover trip, couldn’t get to the winner but far ahead of the rest. MR DÉJÀ VU gapped down the back, then had to angle very wide near headstretch to avoid the hooked horses, distant third. THREE DRAGONS went back in midturn, then had to jerk hard to the left to avoid the troubled twosome, decent recovery. CAVIART SAGE was three-wide to the first turn to the lead at the 1/8, set the pace, all done around the far turn. DUSTUP HANOVER gapped. WARRAWEE WHYNOT made a break going into turn two. THE BIG PICTURE defended the pocket, with MOVE THE LINE tucking behind him; the former, getting backed up by the tiring leader, appeared to snake wide late turn and hooked the latter, who had moved out behind the top two; both horses actually beat WARRAWEE WHYNOT under the wire, but were “DNF”s because the marshal helped untangle them.
FIFTH RACE – TUIS SHADOW left enough from the pole to control the pace, got a soft middle half, drew away. ARMANI HANOVER took back early to fill the pocket, preserved second late. DRAIN THE SWAMP tucked third, to the Pocono Pike, evenly. DUKE OF LINDY didn’t get going until early stretch, then made up a lot of ground. PIT MASTER came uncovered from fifth 5/8, had reached the flank of the pocket horse before going offstride midturn. FATHER OF IRELAND moved two-wide but could offer nothing.
SIXTH RACE – TSM PRINCESS TEDDI left and was well-placed throughout, came out with cover ¾, wide and paced past these to the tune of $103.80. IDEAL HANNAH was between horses leaving, made the lead past the ¼, pushed a foe then yielded before the second turn, to the Pocono Pike, briefly made the lead just past midstretch, held for second. LINE EM UP was three-wide early and cleared, saw two horses go by in quarter two, came back raw ¾ and got to even terms headstretch, not quite enough. GRIP N WIN was underway just past the ¼, needed until the other end of the frontstretch to get the lead, unpressured until the ¾, tired a bit. CATIE FAYE HANOVER sat in, gapped some on the far turn, evenly late. BETTER BID HANOVER never factored. EMORI HANOVER was way back when moving outside down the backstretch, made up ground but flattened out. THE OTHER TWO were always far back.
SEVENTH RACE – FINAL DREAM was three-wide early then two-wide to grab command just past the quarter, yielded for the two-hole trip, came out early stretch and went past INAPERFECTWORLD. The latter wanted to set the pace and did so, rated the half, never had the first-over inside a length of him, urged headstretch, had to settle for second. WINNING GENE moved outside early on the backstretch but gapped and ducked back in, came up the inside for the distant third. FOREVERHILLREIGN was four-wide most of the 1/8 then backed off to tuck fourth, uncovered again off turn two, gained in panel three then fell back some. MOSCONI HANOVER secured forward early position, backed out to second-over ¾ and three-wide late turn, couldn’t gain. THE FINAL FOUR never had any impact on the outcome of this event.
EIGHTH RACE – REAL LADY SADIE was second-over 5/8, three-wide late turn and had the most pace to the wire. MORE THAN KUTE tucked third past the 1/8, led the outer flow 5/8, challenged, had a brief lead upper stretch, second-best today. SWEETONTHEBEACH was the fastest, forced tucks, then pushed a foe almost to the second turn before yielding, moved outside headstretch, evenly late. MILEY ROSE left for a spot, stayed in then angled out late turn and wide, so-so. SNUF ENUF HANOVER gained a little in the Pocono Pike. DANCING TINA swung wide but couldn’t gain enough. SINFULLY DELICIOUS never featured. TIAMOGONEDANCIN gradually went forward but needed well past the 3/8 to get the lead, tired through the last 3/16. LAST LUXURY fell far behind.
NINTH RACE – DAGON HANOVER moved out from third late backstretch, benefited from the leader breaking and outtrotted BY A HOFF HANOVER. The latter raced up into the early pocket, had a clear path when the leader broke ¾, held for second. COLLEGE TUITION came a long way to get to second-over position, very durable late. MASSIVE MATTER stayed in, fair. ORIGINAL SMOKEY stayed flat for a check. MADDYS LEADING MAN had good speed to take the top, set the pace, still in control when breaking ¾. DANZON HANOVER was midpack when misbehaving before the 3/8. DS MRMEANER was wide most of the ¼ taking back to last and was starting to disconnect from there. BARKEEPER went offstride down the back.
TENTH RACE – EXPLOSIVE MAGIC left and took the pocket at the 1/8, stayed on the back of GOLDEN SON as those two drew away from the field far turn, then came outside to headstretch and trotted on by. The latter showed sharp speed, set the pace hounded by a parked horse until late backstretch, did well for second. URSIS DES CAILLONS moved third-over, three-wide 11/16 but didn’t gain too much, back to two-wide late turn, distant third in a photo with BROADWAY BRUISER. The latter was last, angled off the rail and got clear towards midstretch, finished well. CREDIT FRAUD was blocked inside, went to the Pocono Pike after the top pair were gone, so-so. ADAGIO DE LA TOUR spotted midpack, then was out second-over into turn two, blindswitched badly from the 11/16, ducked in but wasn’t a late factor. CAMPBELLINI was third-inside, couldn’t keep up to the ¾. WILLIE B WORTHY was three-wide to the 1/8 then stuck outside without cover, advanced to the leader until late backstretch, then backed up. TYSON came out fourth-over, gapped three-wide with cover far turn and faded.
ELEVENTH RACE – MAJOR BEAN made one big move at the half to go by past the 5/8 and left these far behind. GRATEFUL KISS left, was looking to get into the pocket 3/16 when making a break, recovered quickly, came out behind the winner but couldn’t go with that one, but did advance and get in the pocket past midturn, good comeback for second. NOTYOURTYPICALMAN gapped early, then was badly locked in late backstretch, eased out past the ¾ and recovered good ground with a good late kick. PLAY THERAPY went to the top in a quick opener and had a big lead when his outside rival broke before the spot, rated the half, couldn’t stall the winner’s brush, tired. YUPYUPYUP was always far back, three-wide far turn but without much gain. TSM BATMAN was not heard from. YOUR HONOR got an early tuck then inherited the pocket before the ¼, started to gap out 5/8. MOONLIGHT SHADOW was never close. KENTUCKY PROUD was forwardly-placed early, fell back in the last half, finished with “b.e.”
TWELFTH RACE – NATURAL KEMP sat in until nearing the ¾, moved up, went to the lead as the pacesetter broke headstretch, won handily. ALEXANDER HANOVER was outside past the 5/8, had cover before the ¾, went on well to get second. BRUTAL STORM came from far back to be in the outer flow ¾, ducked between horses headstretch and finished well in a good mile. MUSHANA was three-wide leaving, tucked third at the 3/16 but soon went offstride, caught the field by the ¼, sat last, moved widest in the stretch and passed a lot of horses. LIONBACKER KIDD yielded for the pocket, had to check headstretch when the leader broke, never got going in the lane. MAJOR IMPACT tucked midpack, not heard from again. KOW GIRL and PHANTOM RUSTY offered little. MANWITHAMISSION left between horses and went on to 1/8 command, set the pace, under pressure far turn, broke headstretch and was taken inside the course.
THIRTEENTH RACE – BEACH BOOGIE was three-wide leaving to the front past the 1/8, would not turn loose SWEET N FAST N and dueled with that one, saw him off, then withstood the charge of potential pocket rocket FEELING CAM LUCKY. The latter went to the top, yielded, kept the pocket closed, moved outside early stretch and gained some but not quite enough. MR PROFETA stayed in, evenly late. CLOUSEAU HANOVER was far out of it inside to the ¾, angled two- then three-wide and came on a bit. INDICTABLE HANOVER moved out behind the parked horse 11/16, circled him to uncovered ¾ but couldn’t sustain any gain. DIVISION BELL was no factor along the inside. SWEET N FAST N remained two-wide early, went up to challenge later first turn but couldn’t clear and had to take all the air, finished ¾. STEADY PULSE lost contact down the backstretch. OWEN had lost contact by the half.
FOURTEENTH RACE – Calmer wind, and if anything having turned into a stretch tailwind … LEAR SEELSTER went to control the stick at the 1/8, shook off grinding pressure and drew away. LENWOODS REAL DEAL raced second-over, three-wide late turn, fair to win the three-ply battle for the deuce. BUDDY HILL left well, tucked third 3/16, to the Pocono Pike, OK. TOPVILLE OLYMPIAN started on the grind to turn two, advanced in quarter three, couldn’t go with the winner thereafter but held decently. SIMPLE KINDA MAN sat the pocket, came up short at crunch time. HEARTBEAT HILL was third-over but lacking in the last 1/8. THE OTHER PAIR never featured.
Mar 31, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – High 50s descending to mid 50s during the twilight card … Track “sloppy +2” throughout … A stretch headwind, especially strong early in the card … WISE IMAGE was away third, then quarter-moved, cut wind-appropriate fractions, left this field behind. HERE COMES SWIFTY was between horses to the early pocket, in, gapped, got to the Pocono Pike and just took second; ARTACHE HANOVER raced behind that one and also gapped in the fast third split, deep Pike, almost second. ALTA SHELBY N was three-wide to the first turn and on top just past the 1/8, yielded to the winner, gapped down the back then got tighter late backstretch and on the turn, moved out headstretch but didn’t gain while drifting out. BAYONET was three-wide on the far turn and up for the final payday. HIGHVIEW CONALL N was always far back. SPANISH ART was outleft and two-wide throughout, advanced during the second quarter but didn’t have the speed to clear, tired. JOE HILL showed little. BIG BOY FRAZIER moved out behind cover but was soon gapping.
SECOND RACE – MOON DOGGIE left and defended the pocket, moved to the Pocono Pike after a perfect trip and still just barely prevailed in a 31.1 kicker. HES GONE BADDER moved out before the ¾, three-wide far turn, almost got there. ALL ABOUT RUSTY was in a different area code in last much of the way, got in gear on the turn and moved widest, didn’t miss by too much. SKYWAY BILLY sat in, tried to find clearance from headstretch but could not, shut off nearing the wire possibly costing him third. GRITS N GRAVY semisettled third early, quarter-moved but was left out in a duel, held his ground pretty well. GRAVE DANCER gapped the last half. ROLL WITH JEFF was in front at the 1/8, kept a foe parked in a tough fight, nothing left for the stretch.
THIRD RACE – LINDY’S BIG BANG got underway midbackstretch, started gaining on the leader before the ¾ and was in front turning for home, much the best. WHETHER OR NOT FI made the front then yielded for the pocket, shuffled a little into the stretch then to the Pocono Pike, was a distant second. NAMJE settled back early, inside, deep Pocono Pike, fair. HASHTAGMADEYALOOK took command just past the 1/8, slowed the half then sped up, had no answer when the winner came calling far turn. GINGER TREE SKYR moved outside but failed to gain. VALLEY OF SIN lost contact 5/8.
FOURTH RACE – NEEDLESS TO SAY started a raw move at the half, blitzed by 11/16, won with no problem. HUGH HEFNER N yielded for the pocket, came out after the winner cleared and retucked in the pocket, cut into the winning margin late. SHARKNADO moved with the winner’s cover but couldn’t go with it, one-geared for the distant third. SHRIMP AND GRITS passed tired horses with a touch of late pace. RED DIRT ROCKNROLL never got close. DONEGAL JIM left for 1/8 command, slowed the half, couldn’t handle the winner later in the backstretch, faded. MCCITO gapped badly. LIMA RAIDER lost contact at the back.
FIFTH RACE – BLENHEIM made two speed moves to be on top by the 3/8, unthreatened late. KEYSTONE SERGEANT sat in then backed out with cover ¾, three-wide later far turn, finished steadily to catch ZOOMING for second. The latter moved uncovered at the half, raced up into the pocket ¾, couldn’t last for place. MUSCLE AVE left to command, yielded to the winner, gave the pocket ¾ in the fast third panel, then moved out into the stretch and went very wide, gaining late as the pace slowed. BELLA AVA got cover before the half, left uncovered ¾, tired in the lane. ANDOVERS TOUCH was no factor along the inside. MYSTICAL WYNN moved out down the back but broke 5/8.
SIXTH RACE – ENGLISH ROSE N stayed outside midpack, got in gear before the 3/16 to the lead 3/8, in control to the wire. SUDDEN CHANGE N left and forced a tuck, relinquished to the winner 3/8, came out of the pocket nearing headstretch, OK but clearly second-best. KOTARE YARRA N left and went into the early pocket, stayed in, evenly. RHODATOLDME had little to offer. DREAM DANCING was three-wide to the first turn, went into a tuck, uncovered into turn two and gained during the third quarter, but couldn’t sustain her gain. LIGHTNING VIRGIN broke past the start, recovered and went up second-over, three-wide early far turn when her cover tired, couldn’t get into it. JUS WANNA FEEL was in traffic headstretch, made a break.
SEVENTH RACE – NEXTROUNDSONME spotted early, then was third-over, three-wide past the 5/8 and remained three-wide the duration, showed the most trot late. NOBLE PRIZE didn’t get in gear until the ¾, three-wide at a distance behind the winner, just edged CHRISTOPHER CRAZO for second. The latter stayed in then moved out in a blindswitch on the turn, gained just inside the place horse and almost edged that one. SOUTHWIND BLIZZARD started uncovered 3/8 and hammered at the leader the last half, having a small advantage a couple of times, got a little tired after hard work. PUERTO RICO made two early moves, under attack throughout the last half, gave way some. SORTIE HANOVER needed until just past the ¼ to clear, yielded for the pocket, gapped far turn. SWISS PLATINUM and RENTIER were never featured. BOB N TONY tucked fourth, went second-over but couldn’t stay with the cover.
EIGHTH RACE – After a recall … MY DELIGHT took until the fast ¼ to put into the pocket, waited, outside late turn, drew clear. WIND BLAST was near the back most of the way, had a full head of steam four-wide late final turn, really ate up the ground in a big race. DO YA THINK would not yield the lead in a 26.4 opener, set the pace, gave way. REAL LUCKY N was five-wide early and took back, then moved out towards the second turn, was blindswitched by a sweeper near the half, went three-wide 5/8 and remained in the three-path the duration, better mile than it looks. AMRCANBOOTSCOOTA A was closely-placed, no factor late. CENTURY ENFORCER was three-wide to the 1/8, tucked, was caught in and shuffled back to last and out of it. BARGAIN SHOOTER left like three to each side did, backed off, then gapped much of the rest of the way. GOLDEN GESTURE was underway at the ¼, raw, looped 5/8 and faded. BIG MACH left, but so did the six inside him so he took back, underway with cover 3/8, eased out to three-wide position in the second turn and went a big third quarter two-wide to get fairly close before understandably tiring.
NINTH RACE – RICH AND MISERABLE left strongly to 1/8 command, had an easy time of it on the front end. DARTY was first on top, yielded for the two-hole, all-out to save place late from MOON BRIDGE. The latter sat third, moved out in the lane and did OK. ITSONLYMONEYHONEY gapped in fourth during quarter two, tightened but never factored. O JONNIE moved uncovered off the second turn, never got closer than the wheel of the three-in horse. SVF BLUSHINGBRIDE gapped throughout. CHOCO CHARLIE lost contact at the back. REMARKABLE DE VIE broke trying to get early position.
TENTH RACE – NOME HANOVER left well, yielded to the 5/16 but was quick to retake, accelerated and kept the first-over outside, then drew away. CAVIART VAL gapped until the far turn, then got going and swung four-wide headstretch, distant second. SUNSETBOOZECRUISE was looped and three-wide to the 1/8, finally made the front to the 5/16 then yielded for the pocket, evenly in the stretch. BULLVILLE TERROR followed cover, gapped during the early backstretch duel then in gear and three-wide past the 5/8 for the duration, OK. FULL VIEW came with a rush uncovered and almost cleared to the lead before the 5/8 but was kept outside, couldn’t gain thereafter. BIG CITY BUD never could get much going. WINDEMERE FRANK backed out to two-wide down the back but gapped. LOU ED ZEPPELIN had trouble staying close most of the mile.
ELEVENTH RACE – PEGGY J was outside at the 1/8, moved to the lead not long off the first turn, got an easy pace, saw LITTLE SANDY TOES gain inside past midstretch but was assured of the win when that one got bad-gaited. NARINA HANOVER came uncovered and hit a higher gear 5/8, held steadily late. LITTLE SANDY TOES was parked 3/16 for the top, yielded for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, looked to have a chance to overhaul the leader but got very badgaited nearing the wire; an inquiry revealed no reason for placing. SURE ARE LOOKIN GOOD was second-over but didn’t enter the main picture. THANEEYA went three-wide at the ¾ from last and did well late. RHYME N ROLL was third-over, gapped, blindswitched, evenly once clear. WINNING WORDS left and yielded, came up empty in the drive. THE OTHER PAIR did not make their presence felt.
TWELFTH RACE – GONNAHAVEONEMORE was looped early, half-went into a three-hole, then was quarter-mover #2, set the pace, accelerated when asked ¾ and drew away in a laugher. SOUTHWIND DREDGE moved raw before the 5/8 and gained the second part of the backstretch, started to fall back midturn, but showed grit in fighting on to take the distant second. ESAI HANOVER left, yielded, made a “hidden” quarter-move then yielded again, couldn’t keep up the last quarter. WILSONS VINNER scooted up the inside, blocked upper stretch then wedged between horses in tight quarters to just miss place. TRAY SURREAL left well and got to the front past the 1/8, saw two go by in quarter two, couldn’t regain enough ground. REIGNING BILLS was second-over, went to the three=path midturn but did not gain. WHO’S NEGAN was too far back. MCNEILL Z TAM was third-over and four-wide late turn but had no effective rally.
THIRTEENTH RACE – TWO AM was three-wide leaving to the front at the 1/8, had opened a clear lead before the half despite a slow fraction and kept the open lead into the stretch, perhaps shortstrided late but safe. KING ALPHONSO had some speed, was content to sit third until midturn even with the winner opening a big margin, ate into that big margin but didn’t get there. THISISSHE was away well to the lead into turn one, yielded for the pocket, was loose in same from before the half, edged MEADOWBRANCH RICKY for third. The latter looked at leaving but took back, inside, up the Pocono Pike and fair. TRY TRY AGAIN and STOP RESISTIN both circled the gapping SPLITSVILLE, and those two had mild trot on the end.
FOURTEENTH RACE – TRUTH AND LIBERTY grabbed an early midpack tuck, began a strong move uncovered before the half and challenged, went by into the stretch and repelled the inside move of JUXTA COWGIRL. The latter left, finally yielded 3/8 for the pocket, went right to the Pocono Pike, didn’t accelerate quickly enough to catch the winner, steadily late. DELISHKA N was three-wide leaving, needed until the 3/8 with tapping the get the lead, had a hard challenge from the first-over, held OK. GRANT ME THIS was third-over, four-wide early stretch and finished sturdily. BRING ME DIAMONDS tucked early, waited inside, angled across the track midstretch and did well between horses late. YES DOUBLE DOWN got a fine trip second-over, three-wide into the stretch, not quite enough. RELLA TIVITY gapped much of the way. TRAFFIC JAM never entered the main picture. TRUSSED UP TRUDY was off the gate, ran on turn two.
Mar 29, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – A couple of degrees on either side of 60 today, as spring has sprung … Swirling winds early in the card … LYONS AMUSEMENTS left between horses, took back to half-settle in third to the 3/16 and then quarter-moved, kept up a fast pace and left these soundly beaten. JEREMES GENERAL was innermost of the three leavers and secured the early pocket, gapped at the ¾ but went on evenly and grabbed second along the inside. MYIDEALSON N was three-wide early to the lead just past the 1/8, relinquished to the winner and stayed tight in the pocket until headstretch, bore out in the lane and could not maintain place. WHAT’S GOIN ON was blocked far turn, fair late. SWEET TALKIN SATIN stayed in and also was blocked far turn, angled wide headstretch and was gaining late. ROJAN’S WAY never got a call. BYE BYE JOHN backed out to follow the cover of nonadvancing LITTLE ADMIRAL, with both having no impact here.
SECOND RACE – RANGERS SURESHOT came out early backstretch and soon moved three-wide to sweep a parked horse and get to first-over, had a hard and long fight with pacesetter BLOW A CLOUD N and was just up late. The latter was between horses to 3/16 command, kept a challenger wide of him out in the air, then got new pressure from the winner before the ¾, dueled with that one the rest of the way and just failed. BAMSKI was far back most of the way, went wide back to two-wide on the turn and gained, continued to narrow in through the stretch. BABES DIG ME was the first to show, yielded and kept the pocket tight in the early fight, to the Pocono Pike, had his chance but couldn’t quite get there. JUST PLAIN LOCO gapped in quarter two then got tighter, deep in the Pike but not a late threat. TALK SHOW sat in, not prominent. MELANIE’S TEDY was three-wide to the 3/16 then left out raw, faded at the 5/8. ASTON HILL DAVE kept dropping back further in the last half.
THIRD RACE – MANHATTANUP NO ICE took advantage of track geometry to secure the early pocket, quarter-moved and backed off the half, then had to meet a stern first-over challenge, got clear when that rival broke to headstretch, tiring some but far enough ahead of closing rivals. STEEL SCHOONER was not away quickly and wound up fourth-over, left uncovered far turn, found better trot in the stretch and edged a bunch for second. SANCHEZ ROCKS took back early, then was second-over, to the pocket late backstretch off the duelers, fair late. RECIPROCALBLUECHIP was inside, weaving for clearance much of the lane and steadily got closer. SWEET SUSIE T was third-over, went to the rail midturn, then was in tight quarters finishing with some trot. PROTOSTAR was last, three-wide from the ¾, too far to come. FATHER FIGURE was four-wide to the first bend, made the lead off that curve then yielded to the winner, faded from midbackstretch. AP HALL OF TRIX started uncovered nearing turn two, went his own third split raw in 27.3, able to get a short advantage but not to cross over, battled the winner on the turn until breaking near headstretch.
FOURTH RACE – SPORTS TEEN, unhurried early, moved raw 9/16 and inexorably grinded up, took the lead early stretch and won handily in the second 12.5/15 cut to go faster than any of the day’s 30/40s. HEREHECOMESAROCKIN took the pocket behind an insistent rival in a fast quarter, went to the Pocono Pike, may have sacrificed a bit of momentum but it probably wouldn’t have mattered anyway, clear second. CASH IS KING was intent on the lead and went 26.1 early, had growing pressure from the first-over, tired but just did hold for third. WHITE HAIR ROCKS advanced inside, finished with pace. KEYSTONE STEAM was first to go out, but was stuck behind dull cover, may not have been fully clear between horses late. NEWBIE sat third-in until angling out past midturn, not much to offer. MOUNTAIN HIGH gapped second-over.
FIFTH RACE – STICK WITH CRAMER was away to protect the pocket, responded quickly when shown ground in the Pocono Pike and won handily. DREAM OF LUCK tucked third early, got to the deep Pike quickly and finished well to take second ahead of SPRINGBRIDGE PROUD. The latter was third-over, three-wide with cover at the ¾ then without it past midturn, narrowed in while bearing out significantly. UNDERTAKER was second-over, three-wide 11/16 to uncovered past the ¾, not quite enough. OH K MAN sat in, angled out and finished mildly. INDIGO ART went right through to the lead, came up shy at crunch time. LORD OF MISRULE left but took back to tuck fifth, went first-up towards turn two, never really got to the leader before fading. REDHOT ROMEO was never close.
SIXTH RACE – Wind beginning to convert to a stretch headwind … CLASS SIX was out 3/16 to get around the pole horse, rated the half then dealt with a hard third quarter challenge, had two more join the late chase but prevailed gamely. SUNSET BRAYDON tucked third nearing the 3/16, gapped some to the ¾ but then found more pace and angled wide headstretch, narrowing the gap late and managed second in the last step. BARNABAS tucked, then moved uncovered not much past the ¼, grinded, fell back a little late turn but then came back on late in a gritty performance. WATERWAY yielded for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, had no apparent excuse. ALEX TYE was three-wide early then took all the way back to last, came a long way with pace for the last check. ELECTRIC WESTERN was third-over, three-wide ¾ but couldn’t get into the main mix. REVELRY did not feature. URBAN RENEWAL moved early and had great cover but couldn’t stay with it. JUST N ACE left, had cover before ducking in at the ¼, never again prominent.
SEVENTH RACE – SWEET HEART AS tucked third to the 3/16, then moved in front of the stands to 3/8 command, won in hand. WORTHY OF HONOR put everybody in behind early, yielded to the winner to sit the two-hole, went on well but never looked a threat to go past. TRICKY DICK moved out raw 5/8, got to even with the pocket horse but no closer, tired, third-best. I’LLALWAYSBEBACK was forwardly-placed but lost ground in the last ¼. BOSCH went evenly inside. CHERRY RED was behind gapping cover, three-wide far turn, so-so. ZOE F gapped early, moved out down the back but gapped cover there. THE OTHER PAIR never factored.
EIGHTH RACE – GLENGARRY KNIGHT N, urged leaving, was three-wide to the 1/8 then took third 3/16, stayed in, aided when the pocket horse slid out early stretch, was able to produce a very fast last 1/16 to just catch FOO FIGHTER N. The latter made the front 3/16 in a 26.1 opener, never had a horse look him in the eye until the winner nipped him three steps out. IN SPADES stayed in and was shuffled to last, came all the way up the inside with consistent pace (as the tempo slowed). BRAVO TEX N had to circle five-wide headstretch as the outer tiers plugged, moving fastest of all late. IAMMRBRIGHTSIDE N pushed hard then yielded to sit the two-hole, outside soon into the stretch but did not gain. SOMEBEACH BARON was fourth-over from last, four-wide mid-far turn, OK. MY MIND IS MADEUP was third-over, three-wide 5/8 to try to circle gapping cover, but couldn’t get into the main argument. LOUD SPLASH was a gapping second-over. WAGON MASTER started the outer tier at the 3/8, moved up then fell back through the last quarter.
NINTH RACE – J K MUSICMAN was uncovered past the 9/16 and paced a third split of 26.3 himself to get a length advantage near the ¾ but was left outside by pacesetting BELL I NO, got the nod over that one in a good stretch fight. The latter needed most of the ¼ to make the top, could hold the rushing winner out ¾ and reclaimed a short lead in the lane, just edged out. SEEL THE DEAL N yielded nearing the ¼ to sit the two-hole, finally decided to go into the Pocono Pike, OK. WARRAWEE UNIQUE also raced inside, had to wait for SEEL THE DEAL N to pick a stretch route then chose to go deep in the Pike, not bad. MR CENSI was buried inside, had pace once free late. BLACKLIGHT did not make his presence felt. ACTOR HANOVER was outleft and spotted midpack 3/16, then was second-over but gapped out. WESTERN HILL offered little. DECLAN SEELSTER left hard and was wide early, took back and was three-wide to the ¼ before able to get back to last, never again a presence.
TENTH RACE – Wind has picked up … TITO ROCKS was three-wide early, got in fourth at the 1/8, moved raw off the second turn and went in 26 flat with the wind down the back to put pressure on WHOS BETTER, was in Thunderdome with that one through the lane and bravely got the decision. The latter took over past the 1/8, rolled on at a good clip, battled very gamely against the winner. HOT DEUCE left then yielded for the pocket, not in the league of the top two the last ¼ but decent. LORD WILLOUGHBY A went evenly after an inside trip. TAM MAJOR A looked to leave but soon was taking way back, sat in, fair inside late. CAPTAIN NASH was third-over but gapped a gapper, three-wide late turn, not quite enough. TRENTE DEO couldn’t get into the picture. THE WALL moved second-over but was soon leaving a gap.
ELEVENTH RACE – TULLOW N started uncovered 3/8, found a better gear 5/8 and went quickly up to the leader ¾, couldn’t get by that one until the last 50 yards. LOVE THE ACTION kept a foe out most of the ¼, yielded but was quick on the retake, opened a good-sized lead down the back, battled hard with the winner until the shadow of the wire. CAL was third-over behind dull cover, three-wide midturn, up for a no-threat third. A REAL MIRACLE left, tucked fourth 3/16, stayed in and was shuffled badly, out in a blindswitch to headstretch, got in the lane behind CAL and gained. APEX SEELSTER was moving well late after having to swing widest from last. JANAID was well-placed second-over but couldn’t keep up the last 3/8. SHOREVIEW never entered the picture. HORSING AROUND was badly shuffled when the pocket horse tired, but then showed little once free. PROVEN DESIRE was three-wide to the first turn then two-wide most of the ¼ in 26.2 for the top, yielded for the pocket, lost more and more ground from the 5/8.
TWELFTH RACE – An interference disqualification takes out a fourth straight first-over winner and gets a $174.00 horse put up … BUSBOY HANOVER took back early, came uncovered past the 3/8 and grinded up, bore wide off the final turn putting a wheel under HALLIE’S COMET, with that one going offstride, stayed ahead to the wire but was placed for causing the interference. That elevated 86-1 shot ROCKIN INTHE HILLS, who angled wide past midturn, was right behind the bothered horse and had to check sharply, then found a high gear quickly and motored home. OFFICIAL DELIGHT was second, gapped and was double-blindswitched, followed the first-over home and was elevated to second. CLASSY HILL took into the pocket past the 3/16, got to the Pocono Pike but had no gain late. MISSISSIPPI RABBIT was three-wide to the 1/8 and tucked third, inside, got room deep in the Pike but didn’t have much response. SALTY ROBYN N went down the road, moderated the half, still came up shy at crunch time. BOBBY K HILL was right behind the headstretch trouble. HALLIE’S COMET was third-over, went three-wide ¾ through the turn, had a wheel put under him turning for home and made an “ix.”
THIRTEENTH RACE – NICHOLAS BEACH briefly eased in fourth then quarter-moved to 3/8 command, went 27.3 with the wind down the back and then 27.3 against it with mild reminders in an impressive return. HIGH IMPRESSION put everybody in behind early, yielded for the pocket, held his ground pretty well. P L MUNSON left but took back for the early pocket, sat in then backed out second-over 11/16, went inside midturn as his cover stalled, next in line. FOREVER FAV left, took a 3-tuck, urged far turn but couldn’t reach the main action. TUCKER CREEK started uncovered into the second turn, paced his third split in 26.3 and got to the leader’s wheel before the ¾, but could not sustain. DIRT ON MY BOOTS appeared to run up on a foe on the second curve. BAY MEADOWS gapped cover.
FOURTEENTH RACE – ROCK THE TOWN forced a lot of horses outside of him to take back by the 1/8, then left the remaining parked horse get the top before the 3/8, sat the pocket, Pocono Pike, was strong through th lane. JOESSTAR OF MIA A accepted a spot behind the winner at the ¼, stayed in, took his shot to the left of the winner in the lane, again a good mile. PATERNITY SUIT A slid in at the 1/8, then commenced first-up going to turn two, went a big third quarter with the wind then held his ground gamely late. OLLIE’S Z TAM was four-wide to the 1/8 and three-wide most of the ¼, finally on top 5/16, went a fast third split, held on OK. PEACE OUT POSSE was looped and three-wide with cover going to turn one, finally tucked, then moved out, was third-over behind dull cover, wide and had pace in an unlucky trip. CASUAL COOL was last, had pace inside late but was too far back. RAGS TO RICHES gapped inside. CLOSING STATEMENT moved second-over but was all-out to stay close the last half. TALBOTCREEKWHISKEY didn’t enter the picture.
Mar 25, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Again warm, in the 60 degree range … Mild stretch headwind, especially earlier … TRIUMPHANT’S CHIP forced tucks early, yielded to the favorite and stayed close in the two-hole, could get through when the leader broke and went to the infield near headstretch, kept TYSON at bay. The latter left, reluctantly took the pocket 3/16, came out raw past the 5/8 and pressed the leader, trotted well but beaten by the horse with the shorter trip. CAMPBELLINI tucked fourth, gapped much of the second half, evenly late. CLARION HALL was in the two-wide flow, briefly blindswitched then three-wide on the turn, not bad late. CREDIT FRAUD moved out to the 5/8, got cover but gapped it, ducked in and went evenly late. MASSAMILLION tried going three-wide at the ¾ but couldn’t enter contention. NAMJE left, took third, then moved quickly 5/16 to the lead and put up fast fractions, got rough mid-far turn then made a full break and was taken inside the pylons, placed. UNABATING gapped. SECTOR broke nearing the ¼.
SECOND RACE – JAHAN HANOVER went hard to the 3/16 to get the lead, yielded for the pocket, outside late turn, went right by early stretch, maintained the advantage to the wire. YUPPER went uncovered 11/16, got brief cover when the winner pulled late turn, paced steadily to make that one earn the victory. ABSOLUTE INTENT moved out 5/8, got cover, finished OK+. FEELING CAM LUCKY went away quickly, yielded, quarter-moved, came up shy at crunch time. STEADY PULSE was far back, OK late. ROCK THREE TIMES and GOLDEN GUN could not keep their holes filled. PONYTA BOY lost contact.
THIRD RACE – TOP ME OFF left between horses, grabbed the pocket at the 1/8, moved 5/16 after another horse tucked and blitzed right to the lead, set amazing fractions for this type while stringing out the field and just overpowered these, with the 1:54.2 (in a maiden race) equaling the fastest 3YO trotting clocking in North America this year on any size of track. SAMEDAME LIFE AS got going ¾ and had a good last split to be along for the distant second. SWAN BY LAND finally narrowed in before the ¾, moved at that call, was caught for second. DAGON HANOVER gapped. MADDYS LEADING MAN was stuck out three-deep to the 1/8, then tucked third, while STORM BRINGER went to the top, then yielded to the winner – both were tired in the last quarter from chasing the tough fractions. THE OTHER DUO were far behind throughout.
FOURTH RACE – WINNIE THE GOO moved raw before the 5/8 and gradually reeled in the leader by early stretch, had enough to stave off the closers. CHING CHING LUCKY moved out, initially couldn’t get close but found better strides, three-wide late on the turn and did well for second. DOODLE HANOVER tucked behind the two early duelers, backed out behind the winner before the ¾, outkicked for the deuce. CHOCOLATE MATTERS was three-wide far turn from far back, OK. HAVANA OOH NANA sat in, between horses late and fair. SERRANO VOLO was used to a 27.3 quarter to get in front and then opened distance until past the 5/8, began shortening stride, faded,; suffered “b.e.” LINDY PRETTY LADY never got a call. CHEESY HANOVER came through quickly at the start, hung a foe to a fast quarter then sat the two-hole, gapped a lot, got a little closer late backstretch, then faded a lot. FIRE UP went offstride 5/16.
FIFTH RACE – SCRAPPIN GOLD left well, yielded, quarter-moved, lost all but CAPTAIN MCKEE with a 27.4 third quarter, then had to go that fast again to keep that pesky rival safe. The latter tucked fifth before the 1/8, came raw just before the half, paced his last half in 54.4 raw, moving to the winner nearing the ¾ and giving that one all he wanted. STORMONT CZAR A sat behind a gapper until midturn, decisioned MR PROFETA for third. The latter ducked in late on the far turn and came up the Pocono Pike with pace. HEARTBEAT HILL was outside, couldn’t do much more than get the last check. FRISKY PEDRO offered little. ADIOS MUCHACHOS made the lead at the 1/8, yielded, started to get loose in the pocket 11/16. DOIN THE MOST got an early spot, started gapping at the half. REDDING HANOVER struggled throughout.
SIXTH RACE – NATURAL KEMP kept the pocket early then quarter-moved, had no problems en route to an easy win. PHANTOM RUSTY made the point at the 1/8, yielded for the good pocket trip, lost a bit of ground late but did save second from BRUTAL STORM. The latter took a long time to be put in a hole late on the first turn, came out ¾, trotted home steadily. WHOUCALNCRAZY sat in third, angled out in the stretch but didn’t gain. BUTTER TOFFEE had a touch of trot late along the inside. RARE MUSCLE was three-wide to the 1/8 midpack, could find no hole so sat outside midpack, only missed fourth by half a length. STORM PARTY showed little. MINEFIELD HANOVER came out 11/16 and tried to sweep up on the turn but could not. SHOEMAKER HANOVER fell back sharply in the last ¼.
SEVENTH RACE – KILLER INSTINCT left and settled in the pocket, stayed close in a spread-out field, outside into the lane, was coming on at a high gear and seemed likely to go by TUIS SHADOW even before that one broke. The latter headed down the road, rated the second quarter then went fast in the third, trying to hold off the winner when she broke; an inquiry into her break showed no reason for placing. SPUNKIN’SROCKETMAN moved out at the half, got no closer than the wheel of the pocket horse, did outnod I AM THE STORM for third. The latter was three-wide to the first turn and settled in third past the 1/8, went evenly and was just beaten out for third. COUNT CHOCALOT gapped at many spots. DUKE OF LINDY tried to gain two-wide but could not. LEROYBROWN, well off the gate, lost contact at the half. SHELL SHOCK broke at the start.
EIGHTH RACE – JANE DIAMOND was looped leaving and stayed with cover to the 5/16, then swept three-wide to the lead before turn two in a good half, opened a giant lead down the back, getting weary late but was too far ahead. AP BLAZE OF GLORY sat in until coming outside on the turn, appearing to have a dangling headpole when swinging wide early stretch, made up ground. GRIP N WIN was out behind the parked horse down the back then moved inside when that one faded, continued up the inside with some late pace. MORE THAN KUTE kept the hole plugged early, inside then outside ¾ but didn’t gain. SWEETONTHEBEACH circled the field approaching the first turn, was in a fight with one rival from nearing the ¼, left that one out, yielded to the winner’s brush then gapped most of the last half. SINFULLY DELICIOUS was way off the gate, never prominent. LAST LUXURY was never close. BETTER BID HANOVER also never contended. CATIE FAYE HANOVER was three-wide leaving then left out in the air, tried for command but didn’t have the speed, looped past the 3/8 and continued raw, faded late backstretch.
NINTH RACE – URSIS DES CAILLONS was away third then advanced to the pocket as a foe broke 3/16, stayed tight as the top two drew away in the last 3/8, outside midturn, went to the lead early stretch but was kept to urging to conquer a stubborn PIERCEWAVE HANOVER. The latter got the lead at the 1/8, slowed quarter two then sped up in quarter three, was passed early stretch but dug in hard to the line. MOOSE MADNESS, off the gate some, sat in, moved outside headstretch and was along for third. ALEXANDER HANOVER lost cover at the 1/8 and was on the rim raw until the 5/8, when a tuck developed, didn’t tire too badly after the hard trip. DON’T SASS ME was outside but not prominent. BATTLE MAGE couldn’t offer much. NICE STUFF took the pocket at the 1/8 but ran 3/16, recovered quickly and followed cover, lost it 5/8, could make no further progress and broke again far turn. MEETMEINTHEMIDDLE jumped past the start. TROLLER spotted, couldn’t increase his speed as the top two did early backstretch, broke and went to the infield.
TENTH RACE – GOLDEN SON left quickly and took the lead, yielded for the pocket and waited for the Pocono Pike, showed enough trot to hold off the late charge of LUCKY JUNE BUG. The latter was well-placed, went wide headstretch and was narrowing in nicely. MANWITHAMISSION sat in midpack, got room deep in the Pike and was OK late. WILLIE B WORTHY set the pace with two moves in fast fractions, came up shy in the lane. POND JUMPER got the last check. ADAGIO DE LA TOUR moved outside but gapped, three-wide on the turn to try to get around a fader, showed little. MAGIC VACATION and VALLORIA N were near the rear throughout. ONE DIRECTION was three-wide to the first turn, hard to take back to go in a 4-tuck 3/16, then out first-over 3/8, didn’t start fading significantly until the ¾.
ELEVENTH RACE – THE LADY SHERIFF got a quick enough start to discourage other leavers save one, let that one go but was immediately on the retake, won more easily than the margin may suggest. SWEET YOUNG THING was the only leaver of note and hit the front 3/16, yielded for the two-hole, never really threatened but went a good mile. RELLA TIVITY stayed connected in the 3-hole. HURRICANE CALLEIGH started first-up before the half, never reached the leader but held her ground late. PHOOS GIRL was second-over, three-wide late turn but couldn’t enter contention. THE BAND K was at least forwardly-placed, but she and THE OTHER THREE were not threats in here.
TWELFTH RACE – TERRY A HANOVER yielded nearing the ¼ and sat the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, inched by midstretch, might’ve been hanging slightly late but proved the most photogenic at 36-1. ROUTHLAND was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to a fast quarter, got a breather then got a big challenge, had horses coming from every angle and still battled, unlucky to lose. HULOU went out between horses, settled third at the 1/8, thought about moving 3/8 but stayed in, pinned in on the turn, ducked to the deep Pike midstretch and was moving fastest of all late. MIKI U SO FINE showed good speed late in the backstretch to press the leader, kept on going right to the line. YUPYUPYUP and ISSA HORSE were near the back throughout. INTELLIGENT AM was second-over but gapped the last 3/8; third-over WELL DONE SON went three-wide headstretch but couldn’t reach.
THIRTEENTH RACE – GRATEFUL KISS stayed connected behind the early fireworks, moved out 5/8 but went back in as the parked horse faded, came out again two-wide midturn after the sweeper cleared to that lane, wide and picked up a tired crew. PATRIOT LINE was looped, advanced between horses on both sides of the 1/8 mark and finally got the lead 3/16, elected to park a challenger in a fast half, met the bold challenge of the sweeper on the far turn, held very well. WARRAWEE WHYNOT was still eighth at the 5/8 but had zoomed up to second just past the ¾ while going his third quarter in 27.1, flattened a bit in his first start in eight months but caught the eye with the big move. BLAZING NIGHT gapped before the half then got a bit tighter, couldn’t keep up behind the winner the last 3/16 but finished with pace. THE BIG PICTURE stayed in and was shuffled to last, then advanced inside the second part of the turn as horses moved out, looked to be pacing well in the Pocono Pike but may have gotten in tight quarters and appeared to check, hard-luck outing. JASPER HANOVER was first on top, yielded and kept the hole closed in the pocket, didn’t have much late and may have been running in affecting the Pike horse. DILLINGER was blindswitched then moved three-wide but couldn’t offer much. SETH HANOVER never featured. CAVIART SAGE was kept out three-wide to the 3/16, went up to challenge the new leader but was left out to dry in a very fast half, faded 11/16.
FOURTEENTH RACE – DA MAGICIAN left some, quarter-moved and cleared with mild urging to the 3/8, couldn’t be touched while coming home in 55.2. JK WILL POWER was three-wide to the 1/8 and went on, taking over off the first turn, ceded the lead 3/8 for the pocket, raced well but had to settle for second. INDICTABLE HANOVER gained inside down the backstretch, photoed BEACH BOOGIE for third. The latter outleft all of his opponents, yielded off the first turn, backed out to second-over before the 11/16, three-wide headstretch, paced home well. SWEET N FAST N moved uncovered on the second turn, not a major threat to the winner, held evenly until very late. BILBO HANOVER gapped inside. DO YA THINK was looped and between horses early, took back but found no hole and was outside midpack the duration, couldn’t keep up 5/8. THE LAST TWO were never close.
Mar 24, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Above 60 degrees for the entire card, and eight new lifetime marks taken … STICK WITH CRAMER was urged while four-wide early, three-wide to the 3/16 then two-wide to the lead 5/16, repulsed two challenges in breakneck fractions for this kind, most impressive in victory. INDIGO ART left well and yielded 3/16, gapped the top two from the 3/16 to the half, came out raw 5/8 and pressed the leader from the 11/16 around the turn, left behind there but still a clear second. BIG BOY FRAZIER passed a lot of horses in the last quarter for third, good race. TODDLER TANTRUM made the point 3/16, yielded 5/16, came out of the pocket 9/16 but quickly went back in, left behind before the ¾. HERE COMES SWIFTY went evenly after an inside trip. LUZIANA left a big gap early, never in the main picture. MR MCDREAMY gapped out down the back. BETTOR B ROLLING was always far back. SPICEBOMB left three-wide, took back to tuck fourth, but then lost gait past the 1/8.
SECOND RACE – THISISSHE left and yielded but was out to retake at the ¼, had an easy time of it. O JONNIE was four-wide leaving, raced up to the lead 3/16, yielded for the two-hole, stayed close until late on the far turn, showed determination in withstanding KEYSTONE SERGEANT for second. The latter spotted third, had a shot at second up the Pocono Pike but couldn’t quite get there. SPOILER ALERT and LIONBACKER KIDD were both hindered by being behind dull cover, came on well late. ANDOVERS TOUCH got early position, started raw at the half, never reached the leader before tiring. KOW GIRL gapped down the backstretch. CRITICAL MASS was far back throughout. MOSCONI HANOVER moved second-over but soon was gapping that cover.
THIRD RACE – DON’TCALLMEFRANCIS left strongly to get the front before the ¼, rated the half then stepped it up bigtime to keep the first-over outside down the back, powered off late. AMERICA FIRST was forwardly-placed, moved raw towards turn two and went in 26.4 down the back with urging trying to clear but could not, retreated to the pocket mid-far turn, held second. GRAVE DANCER stayed in, was behind a gapper 5/8 to near headstretch, to the Pocono Pike and gained late. HUGH HEFNER N stayed in and gapped most of the back half. RED DIRT ROCKNROLL sped away, yielded to the winner, didn’t have anything left for the latter stages. SKYWAY BILLY was never prominent although missing second by only two lengths. LUCKY LEVIS could offer little from second-over. ALL ABOUT RUSTY was never a contender.
FOURTH RACE – The race changed complexion immediately as 1-5* RICH N MISERABLE broke while looking like he was trying to leave … SYLVESTERAMERICAIT took the two-hole early and remained up on the bit, to the Pocono Pike and overhauled WILBERFORCE easily. The latter headed down the road at a good clip, couldn’t stall the pocket rocket but best of the others. LINDY’S BIG BANG gapped the top two until past the half, uncovered 11/16, was doing a little better in the stretch. VALLEY OF SIN got in gear at the ¾, ducked back in after a foe broke, came on well between horses. GINGER TREE SKYR was outside past the 5/8, got cover, evenly. HASHTAGMADEYALOOK never made his presence felt. CONSUS VICTORY was inside, looking for more far turn when making a break and going to the infield. And RICH AND MISERABLE suffered the misfortune described above.
FIFTH RACE – NEEDLESS TO SAY went to the front then saw the outside leavers go by, moved at the half with cover then soon lost it, got to the lead before the 3/4 and opened a big margin, more than enough to deal with SPRINGBRIDGE PROUD. The latter was four-wide through the final turn, looked better than recently in closing determinedly. BB’S HARLEY had some early foot, got out in a blindswitch 5/8 that soon left him first-over, one-geared home for the very distant third. SHARKNADO was shuffled, angled very wide and finished well. I’M A GIFT sat in, was shuffled, evenly along the inside late. DURANT was four-wide early and three-wide to the lead near the 3/16, yielded, retook at the half but couldn’t keep the winner out 11/16 and faded. SEE YOU FRIDAY was never heard from. HES GONE BADDER moved outside, wound up three-wide past the 5/8 and stalled in that lane. BOBBIES POWER PLAY was three-wide early, looped, pressed on two-wide to the lead 3/8, yielded off turn two and fell back.
SIXTH RACE – HALL IT OFF got a great second-over trip, three-wide late turn, took over past midstretch and outtrotted DIVINE SPIRIT to the wire. The latter tailed the winner, came four-wide off the final bend, ran out of racetrack. INAPERFECTWORLD was uncovered at the 3/8 and had reached the leader by the half, fought fiercely with that one the rest of the way, may have had a brief midstretch lead but was caught by the nearest two cover horses. PUERTO RICO got the lead at the 1/8, yielded for the two-hole, a bit loose from the 5/8, evenly in the Pocono Pike late. CHRISTOPHER CRAZO left quickest of all, yielded, stayed in, blocked on the far turn, to the deep Pike but couldn’t summon a rally. NOBLE PRIZE did not factor. SOUTHWIND BLIZZARD gapped fourth-over. CHUCKY DE VIE moved at the 1/8 to get the lead, slowed the half then had to step it up under hard pressure, gave way through the lane.
SEVENTH RACE — CLOUSEAU HANOVER was in front at the 1/8, went fast-slow-fast-fast and won handily. BLOOD BROTHER yielded for the pocket, kept up pretty well until mid-far turn, second-best. BARGAIN SHOPPER was urged early, went up to the 3-tuck, outside stretch but couldn’t get to second. RANCOUSY worked his way into the 4-hole nearing the ¼, sat in, so-so. CENTURY ENFORCER was second-over but gapped much of the rest of the way. MY DELIGHT was parked with cover leaving, waited until the cover found inside spots then moved up in the slow second quarter, never reached the leader then backed off. AMRCANBOOTSCOOTA A never entered the picture. BRACKLEY BEACH and GOLDEN GESTURE did not benefit from gapping cover.
EIGHTH RACE – I GOT THE LOOKS left, was reluctant to go in the pocket but finally did so at the ¼, came out late turn and trotted off in the last 1/16. DARTY was quickly on top, forced the winner to tuck, rated quarter two, held pretty well until nearing midstretch then lost ground. MARION GONDOLIER tucked in fourth past the 1/8, was second-over then slid inside when his cover broke last backstretch, fair late. OUR WHITE KNIGHT got into the outer flow, left uncovered to the ¾, fair. SCHNICKEL FRITZ didn’t enter the picture. MYSTICAL WYNN and MAJESTIC MISTRESS never made their presence felt. GRAPPLE HANOVER got a forward spot, moved raw 5/8 and gained but broke 11/16.
NINTH RACE – TRUSSED UP TRUDY was three-wide going away, tucked, made a “hidden quarter-move” then pushed ENGLISH ROSE N before yielding before the half to sit the two-hole, moved outside past early stretch and along in the last step. The latter got in third, came out past the quarter but needed to the length of the frontstretch to clear, came under attack early backstretch and fought the first-over through the turn, just missed in the last step in a brave mile. TYRONBETTORSELLA A stayed in then moved out mid-far turn, finished solidly. SUDDEN CHANGE N was four-wide early, sped up to take over past the 1/8, saw two go by in quarter two, gapped the front ones from the 11/16, so-so late. SOMTHNGABOUTMARY N moved outside down the back but couldn’t get close. MORE MORE MORE came up energetically first-over before the half, pressed the leader until late on the turn, then tired. THE OTHERS were always near the back.
TENTH RACE – ROGERTHAT BLUECHIP tucked third then was underway before the quarter to get the top, rated the half then came home in 55.2 as much the best. CAVIART VAL got to second-over nearing the half but gapped badly during the fast third split, finally found a better gear midstretch and was along for a non-factor second. TRAY SURREAL went to the lead, yielded, uncovered at the half and paced his own third quarter in 26.3 to put high heat on the winner, held his ground admirably. ESAI HANOVER got to the lead just past the 1/8, yielded for the two-hole and stayed connected, but didn’t have much punch late. FULL VIEW was behind the gapping cover of the place horse, three-wide 11/16, another who picked up his game late. BULLVILLE TERROR never featured. TSM BATMAN didn’t show much along the inside. MCNEIL Z TAM was near the back throughout, widest in the lane and had a bit under the wire.
ELEVENTH RACE – LYONS AMUSEMENTS was away for early position, came right out into turn two and streaked by 5/8, opened a big lead before the ¾ and was not threatened. POLAK A had the lead at the 1/8, yielded going to the fast quarter, stayed in when the winner went by, to the Pocono Pike and had enough for second over IMA TRAGEDY N. The latter stayed in, was shuffled then backed out on the turn and swung wide headstretch, closed strongly. THOUGHTYOUDLIKEIT was looped and pressed on to the 26.4 quarter for the lead, got a breather but then could not do nothing about the winner’s move, so-so late. SPANISH ART tucked fourth 3/16, followed the winner outside but gapped and soon was left raw, couldn’t get close. THE OTHERS did not mount a real threat here.
TWELFTH RACE – GREAT UNKNOWN took back early, moved outside into turn two, gapped cover then got tighter on new cover 11/16, ducked inside before midturn then edged out headstretch, just up in the last step-and-a-half. P L NOTSONICE started raw to the 3/8 and trotted her third quarter in 27.2 to clear to the lead, held until the shadow of the wire, tough loss. KING ALPHONSO was four-wide leaving and three-wide to the 3/16, up to the lead at the ¼, yielded, backed out behind the new leader 5/8 and retucked in the pocket ¾, to the Pocono Pike, just shy. RAINBOWINTHEWEST was in the middle of a pack of five early, made the lead 3/16, yielded, shuffled then outside late turn, bore out very wide through the stretch. TRY TRY AGAIN gradually made his way forward, ducked inside the drifter in the stretch, got the last check. ITSONLYMONEYHONEY was no factor. SVF BLUSHINGBRIDE was innermost of the five leavers and yielded, not heard from again. MOON BRIDGE was outermost of the five leavers, still four-wide at the 1/8 then went behind cover, raw from the ¼ to the lead 3/8, yielded down the back and fell back. CAVILL HANOVER was launching a mild rally on the far turn when going offstride.
THIRTEENTH RACE – PEGGY J was three-wide midpack early then to two-wide, out to the 3/8 to make the lead, was able to maintain the advantage to the finish. NARINA HANOVER was third-over behind a dull one, three-wide 11/16 to two-wide covered ¾, wide early stretch and just won a three-way picture for second. WINNING WORDS took the pocket to the ¼, in and blocked on the far turn, edged out in the stretch and found clearance between horses, perhaps a little too late to get second. SURE R LOOKIN GOOD put everybody in behind except the winner, yielded to that one 3/8, sat a great trip, but came up empty in the Pocono Pike. THANEEYA stayed in, blocked on the far turn, evenly late. SIGSBEE, three-wide early, ducked in third past the 1/8, then moved uncovered nearing turn two, challenged, tired. RHYME N ROLL was second-over but gapped soon after pulling out. EMORI HANOVER was never a factor in here.
FOURTEENTH RACE – SURREAL FEELING left rapidly, yielded past the ¼ but was immediately on the retake, kept going in fast numbers then had a 27.2 last quarter to bury the competition. DELISHKA N pressed on to command off the first turn, yielded for the two-hole, was game to defeat MAGICAL MISTRESS for the distant second. The latter kept a hole closed on the first turn, pulled from third before the 5/8 and went up towards the winner, wasn’t in that one’s league but almost got second. LADY LONDON came out on the far turn, OK late. ROYALTYWESTHO sat in, gapped on the far turn, then was gaining late before being shut off near the wire. PRECIOUS ALEXIS gapped cover. THE OTHER TRIO were way back.
Mar 22, 2021 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – The first day of Spring, with temperatures reaching 50 degrees during the card, and fast races resulting … WAGON MASTER spotted third, came out ¾, and had the most of these through the stretch, with an individual last quarter of 27.1. LOVE THE ACTION left, took the pocket past the 1/8, tight on the leader down the back, to the Pocono Pike, just up for second. SUNSET BRAYDON left forcefully and set all the pace, outsped in the last ¼. RANGERS SURESHOT sat in until midturn then swung wide, OK. HEREHECOMESAROCKIN moved outside midturn but couldn’t gain. TALK SHOW never factored. BAMSKI was outleft and spent most of the mile coverless midpack, faded; UNDERTAKER was on his back the last half, offered little.
SECOND RACE – CASH IS KING cleared to command at the 1/8, got a rest in quarter two, went clear on the far turn, then held off the closing threats. ITSONLYROCKNROLL was third-over, four-wide late on the far turn and finished solidly. DREAM OF LUCK gained along the inside, to the Pocono Pike, not quite enough for the deuce. LORD OF MISRULE was uncovered nearing turn two, saw any gaining of his halt at the ¾ but held decently. WISE IMAGE left to keep the pocket positioning, came up short in the stretch. RANSOM DEMAND was always far back. BIG MACH went evenly between horses in the stretch. INTERNET HANOVER was fourth-over and four-wide behind a live horse late turn but had too much to overcome. NEWBIE got in fourth 3/16, then moved second-over, three-wide far turn but had no more to give.
THIRD RACE – PEACE OUT POSSE was three-wide to the first curve, tucked briefly then came to get the lead well before the 3/8, was much too powerful for these coming home in 54.4 – 27. STAR COMMANDER N forced tucks early, surrendered the lead to the favorite, started getting loose 5/8, still held the distant second. JK MUSICMAN left, went into the early pocket past the 1/8, looked all-out the last half but did fight on to take third over BLOOD LINE. The latter came up the rail from last, may have actually gotten to third deep stretch but then was nipped fro that spot. DECLAN SEELSTER came out ¾ but didn’t gain; AMERICAN ZEST A and SOMEWHERE FANCY also went outside and also did not gain.
FOURTH RACE – GLENGARRY KNIGHT N left briskly three-wide to cross over by the 1/8, yielded 3/8 for the two-hole, to the Pocono Pike, got in front past midstretch then kept to business to withstand TULLOW N. The latter was between horses leaving, was looped and was under a strong hold to take back to third 3/16, went outside into the stretch, found his best gear just a little too late. CAPTAIN NASH came all the way up the far inside and was moving very quickly in the last 1/16. IAMMRBRIGHTSIDE N left, pulled the pocket to take command 3/8, shook off the first-over but couldn’t sustain the lead to the finish. BRAVO TEX N went up second-over, three-wide ¾, not bad; SALTY ROBYN N followed that one but gapped out on the turn. CAL was first-up into turn two, backed up through the field the last quarter.
FIFTH RACE – SCIROCCO PATRICK was handled cautiously while getting away slowly, came up uncovered into turn two, slowly grinded up into contention, sustained his one-gear to take a photo decision. BOUNTIFUL BRITTNEY bypassed a 3-tuck 3/16 and went on to 5/16 command, set the pace, held very well. WORTHY OF HONOR took early command, yielded for the pocket, Pocono Pike, almost. STEEL SCHOONER was second-over, gapped cover late backstretch, a bit better late. PROTOSTAR sat in, then backed out and swung widest in the stretch, OK. SANCHEZ ROCKS took the early pocket, inside, a bit shy today.
SIXTH RACE – BABES DIG ME was actually first to show when the gate sprung but soon took back, then came out third-over, followed a sweeper, retucked behind him, then three-wide again past midturn as that cover faltered, came on gamely to get the nod over JEREMES GENERAL. The latter was outside in a 26.4 opener to get the front, yielded for the two-hole, to the Pocono Pike, got a short lead past midstretch, couldn’t quite hold. WHITE HAIR ROCKS made two moves to control the pace, put up fast fractions, held his ground pretty well. BLOW A CLOUD N was out with cover until the 5/8, went three-wide to clear a tiring parked horse, to two-wide raw, looked to be falling back on the far turn, but found renewed life in the straight and almost got third. RATHER SWELL was far back most of the way, showed late gain while widest. MOON DOGGIE sat in, went to the deep Pike but couldn’t gain ground. OH K MAN sat in, had traffic trouble upper stretch, hard to tell how much he had left late. MOUNTAIN HIGH couldn’t go with cover. BAYONET was looped and midpack early, went up and got to the leader’s wheel but no closer before fading badly.
SEVENTH RACE – CHAMPAGNE ON ICE was outside early, did finally tuck third 3/16, then moved to the lead 3/8, finished strongly to leave these far behind in the stretch. HALLS OF VALOR made two speed moves then yielded to the winner, stayed close to early stretch then fell back, good second. I’LLALWAYSBEBACK was fastest away, saw two go around him in the second split, held for third in a four-way photo. TRICKY DICK sat in, found better trot late up the inside. GRAN PARAISO gapped the first half, then was uncovered 5/8, sustain forward progress until headstretch then backed off some. BOSCH was second-over late backstretch, evenly. ZOE F was outside but couldn’t go with cover. CHERRY RED was always far back.
EIGHTH RACE –Stretch tailwind increasing … SCOTT ROCKS was in between horses in an early three-way fight, backed off to follow cover, lost that cover 3/8 and went up raw to and past a very fast half, effortlessly floated by ¾, had a challenger headstretch but disposed of that one nicely. WINDSONG JACK gapped early, then got in a solid outer flow, ducked inside for the stretch as his cover drifted out, just up for second over SHOREVIEW. The latter took back to fifth at the 3/16, then came out behind the winner at the half, left uncovered ¾ and moved up to the new leader, drifted out significantly in the stretch, possibly costing himself second. ROYAL HEART wouldn’t yield early in punishing fractions, finally did so 3/8, backed out past the ¾ as the pacesetter tired, pretty good mile. URBAN RENEWAL raced with cover, wide in the stretch and finished crisply. CINNAMACK kept the hole closed early, in, shuffled part of the turn but had no gain once free. BEST TRICK EVER never contended. MELANIE’S TEDY was three-wide to the 3/16 then rushed to two-wide, made the lead 3/8 and got to the half in very quick time, all done when challenged ¾.
NINTH RACE – CLASS SIX pressed on to the lead 3/16, set the pace with hard second-half pressure, had JANAID come at him up the Pocono Pike and possibly lost the lead for a tiny bit, but showed courage and reclaimed the advantage. The latter pushed hard most of the quarter before yielding for the pocket, as noted to the Pike and looking to get a nose up, just failed to take the big check. HORSING AROUND was fourth-over behind a dull one, three-wide ¾ and came a huge last quarter from a hard spot. Speaking of hard spots: AMERICAN REBEL left wide to the first turn from PP8, tucked behind the two inside leavers, moved raw at the half and put pressure on the pacesetter, unwavering to the line. MY MIND IS MADEUP sat in, looked to have pace without full clearance late. ELECTRIC WESTERN was far back, OK late. LOUD SPLASH gapped early, wound up third-over, was already gapping when having to duck in as the second-over backed up; that would be UNION STATION, who had a fine trip but was empty ¾.
TENTH RACE – J M MANDAMIN never tucked, brushed at the 1/8 to take over, set a quick pace, again powerful. PATERNITY SUIT A was third-over, aided when the gapping second-over went inside on the turn, finished with good velocity from last. TRENTE DEO gapped most of the first half then came uncovered at the midway point, never got closer than the winner’s wheel but held his ground gamely. OLLIE’S Z TAM went to the front, yielded for the golden trip, but couldn’t summon too much in the Pocono Pike. REDBANK BLAZE A moved second-over before the 5/8 but never got tight on his cover, ducked in far turn. LORD WILLOUGHBY A was away well, stayed in, backed off from the 11/16.
ELEVENTH RACE – PROVEN DESIRE insisted on the early lead, then yielded in front of the stands, edged out late on the turn, took command early stretch, enough to hold off ALEX TYE. The latter got into the pocket 3/16, came out behind the winner late turn then went wider, didn’t seem to hit top gear until a little too late. SOMEBEACH BARON was away in good order, quarter-moved and continued on at a good clip, tired. WESTERN HILL stayed in, so-so. A REAL MIRACLE went in fifth at the 1/8, then was second-over, got no help from cover and was three-wide far turn, couldn’t close that much. IN SPADES was urged early, three-wide almost to the 1/8 then finally was able to get inside near the ¼, later went first-over but did not threaten. REVELRY moved at the ¼ but never got in the main picture. UPTOWN FUNK was well-back throughout.
TWELFTH RACE – BUSBOY HANOVER was under encouragement early to get a forward spot, still gapped a good bit of the way to the half, then came first-over, got into the pocket ¾, moved out nearing headstretch and went right by. FOO FIGHTER N sped away and set wicked fractions, had a big lead down the backstretch, overhauled by only one. MISSISSIPPI RABBIT went in third at the 1/8, outside in a blindswitch on the turn after the pocket horse gave way, looked blocked upper stretch, found some room late though still appearing in tight quarters and was along for third. ROCKIN INTHE HILLS moved out second-over 5/8, left uncovered ¾, fair. HALLIE’S COMET took back to trail, up the inside with some pace. CLASSY HILL moved third-over and then three-wide ¾ but couldn’t gain enough. DAVIDS COMING HOME was far back most of the way, three-wide with cover far turn, evenly. KEYSTONE STEAM dangled outside midpack. SHANE ADAM filled the two-hole, fell back throughout the last half.
THIRTEENTH RACE – LEVINE left sharply to make the lead, yielded to the favorite and stayed right on his back as he dealt with a tough first-over customer, went to the Pocono Pike and had more than enough response. EHRMANTRAUT left well, moved 3/16 to take over from the winner, had pressure throughout the last half, did hold for second in the quick mile. TUCKER CREEK moved up quickly 3/8 and paced his own middle half in 55 challenging the leader, almost got second in an impressive showing. P L MUNSON slipped out to second-over soon off turn two, went three-wide midturn, couldn’t contend in the lane. BAY MEADOWS sat in, struggling to keep up the last half. BLACKLIGHT was no factor. CAPTAIN CASH came out behind the show horse but couldn’t match his brush, wound up third-over, not a late factor.
FOURTEENTH RACE – No breeze at the end of the day … TAM MAJOR A was three-deep to the initial bend then parked past the ¼ for the lead, responded gamely to the inside challenge of ROCK THE TOWN to win the photo. The latter was reluctant to let the winner go but finally did, ducked into the Pocono Pike, might have got to even terms deep stretch, just shy. JOESSTAR OF MIA A moved uncovered 9/16, stayed right in the main fight. MR CENSI came up the rail to be next. WARRAWEE UNIQUE raced inside, had no stretch response when asked. BELL I NO gapped. ACTOR HANOVER was no factor. RAGS TO RICHES swung wide to try to go around dull cover but could not.
