May 1, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – A couple degrees either side of 50 all day … Stretch headwind to start … WOODSIDE EMILEAH moved from third nearing the ¼ to take over 3/8, set a fast pace and continued on to a fast victory. MISS MUSCLE was three-wide to turn one, got in front 3/16, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, a bit loose down the back, never was threatening but still raced well. IN A TINY WAY looked at leaving but took back, sat in, found a tiny clear path midstretch and had closing kick. HALL IT OFF moved outside ¾, wide in the lane and not bad. CHUCKY DE VIE tucked third, moved out 11/16 but could make no headway. THE NEXT TWO were never close. ARGENTO broke late backstretch.
SECOND RACE – DOLE WHIP moved quickly from third 5/8 and paced a third split of 27.2 to clear the pacesetter, saw that one come resurgent midstretch but held on for the victory. ALEXA’S SUNSHINE pulled the pocket early to go to the lead, got a soft half, couldn’t keep the winner out past the ¾, but never stopped trying and was coming back on well late. PRIDEFUL showed quick speed to clear from the outside post, yielded and stayed in, clearly third. WILD BLUE YONDER left but took back, stayed out of trouble. PLAUSIBLDNIABILITY never got close. ALL YOU CAN EAT broke early and caused TRULY to make an “ix”; the former was placed. ILUVLOUCY came off the rail 5/8 but went nowhere, then broke far turn.
THIRD RACE – CHARLIE BAR was underway to the ¼ to gain control 3/8, got rightside pressure on the turn, dealt with that and then dealt with lefthand pressure from GINA’S ON FIRE. The latter was looped and took the point at the ¼, yielded 3/8, close-up in a three-horse breakaway, to the Pocono Pike, good but second. OPEN BAR was uncovered 5/8, challenged, tired early stretch. LOUS LANCELOT gapped inside. U BAKE THE CAKE couldn’t reach cover. TIPSY MONI broke before the 3/16, did catch the field. MR CRIMSON stepped around everybody early, yielded at the ¼, started to retreat 11/16.
FOURTH RACE – BABY OIL made the lead at the 3/16 and had no problems winning this one. QUITE FAST yielded to sit the pocket behind the favorite, held her position well. CHEROKEE JOY got positioning out of the gate, to the deep Pike and kept up pretty well with the top two. KEYSTONE SWEETPEA, slightly off the gate, moved uncovered 5/8, made some gain, held her ground pretty well late. THE OTHER TRIO never entered into the main action of this event.
FIFTH RACE—WEDDING DANCER was three-wide, mostly with cover, to the 1/8, then two-wide until tucking fourth at the ¼, moved uncovered at the half and trotted in 28 down the back to clear just past the ¾ and draw away easily. RUFFLES N LACE came out entering the backstretch, initially gapped then got in gear and made up ground to reach cover, wide and trotted well although not catching the winner. DOUBLE A SAMANTHA was second-over, gapped until being left uncovered ¾, evenly. GADOT HANOVER had some gain after the win had been decided. BUDWEISER GIRL was three-wide early, bypassed a look at the three-hole to take over 3/8, couldn’t stall the winner ¾, tired. WILD KAT G had some speed, not heard from tin the latter stages. A MILLION CHUCKLES gapped in last.
SIXTH RACE – The wind had calmed … BATTLESHIP LANDING was three-wide early then two-wide, made the lead at the ¼, yielded to the 3/8 to sit the two-hole, to the Pocono Pike and along in a slowing pace. TOMMY BOY HANOVER was looped, three-wide with cover to two-wide with cover to the ¼, then onward to lead just before the 3/8, couldn’t hold up even in a decreasing tempo. WALLANDAR made the lead into the first urn, yielded at the ¼, moved again 11/16, steadily but not quite enough. P CHICO, slightly off the gate, was last when moving out early backstretch, steadily gained in the last half. FAST LANE FRANK stayed connected, evenly deep in the Pike late. TOMBSTONE was looped, took a tuck, came out with cover 11/16, not quite enough late. THE OTHER TWO didn’t make their presences felt.
SEVENTH RACE – BB LUCKY BOY was looped at the 1/8, drove on to ¼ command, strung out the field and opened some distance on the pocket horse down the back, kept that one at bay in a very fast mile. TUGGIN ON MY HEART was three-wide early looping to command, yielded for the pocket, a bit loose in the fast third quarter but dug in and battled to the line. CRUNCH HANOVER had some early speed, stayed in, couldn’t go with the top pair late. VEL MR NICE GUY was uncovered 5/8, got to almost-even with the pocket horse to the ¾, then backed off some. IM A POWERPLAY A was second-over, did a little better nearing the wire. ALADDIN HANOVER stayed in, could mount no threat even for minor honors. MOVE THE LINE came out off the second turn but immediately gapped. STENDAHL HANOVER was at the end throughout.
EIGHTH RACE – THE BLACK ACE stayed flat and was in absolute control of this group. SCOTTY DEO gapped from before the ¼ to midbackstretch, up the inside and just took second away late from KNIGHTS GUARD. The latter sat loosely in the pocket throughout, couldn’t quite hold onto the deuce. BIG BALLER BEANE looked at leaving but took back, got around a breaker on the far turn and was a distant next. FASHION KEN stayed flat. SHARP CURVE galloped 100 feet before the start. TEST MY WILL took back early to tuck 3/16, broke nearing the half. DONATELLO HANOVER was trying to narrow in when he broke ¾ and went to the infield.
NINTH RACE – KADDARI made the early lead, yielded and was content to sit in the two-hole, to the Pocono Pike and drew off easily. A GOOD CHARDONNAY was three-wide early en route to 3/16, really slowed the second panel, couldn’t go with the winner late but good. QUARANTINA left and got a good spot, had trot along the inside late. OVER BOARD was outleft and went in fourth 3/16, backed out to second-over before the 11/16, finished willingly. I’M AMUSED pulled raw entering turn two and went up in 27.4 down the back to challenge, couldn’t sustain the bid. RHIANNON HANOVER sat in, never surfaced. BINGO BRAIN was away slowly, moved outside but gapped. DEFACEMENT was last, blocked on the far turn and in tight much of the lane, hard to say if she had any late foot.
TENTH RACE – ELEGANT DULUPIN FR had enough early to utilize the rail and control the pace in a lineup, asked to open up on the far turn and did, stayed clear to the line. LADY’S IMAGE tried to step around the pole horse early but retreated, not always right on the winner’s back, stayed on for the DH2. CAN’T SAY NO came out at the ½ to challenge, never was head-to-head with the winner, tried hard to get the tie for second. WARRIOR WAY moved second-over, was blindswitched from the 5/8, ducked in in the lane and just missed second. TOWN VICTOR followed cover including three-wide from the 5/8, widest, did well. MANOFMANYMUSCLES was third-over, three-wide from the 5/8 onward, didn’t have enough kick. SIMON GOT LUCKY gapped early in last, got closer but couldn’t get in the main picture.
ELEVENTH RACE – ZETTE FLAME was second behind the early runaway, in gear at the half and gradually ate up the distance to go past the leader 11/16 and himself go clear, was handled confidently even with STREET SMARTS bearing down in a fast mile for this type. The latter narrowed in behind the winner in quarter two, couldn’t stay with his move in quarter three but circled around the fader to tuck in the pocket, narrowed in in a good mile but had to settle for second. GRIZZ WYLLIE came out on the far turn, a very distant third. ROSALINE was wide leaving and streaked to a huge lead, tired the last 3/8. DEVIOUS PROMISES stayed flat and earned a check. BAR COINS was gapping at the back when making a break far turn. JAMESON N LIME broke at the ¼. FOOLISH MONI was being looped while trying for forward positioning, offstride before the 3/16.
TWELFTH RACE – NASEY was wide early and hit the front 3/16, slowed the half then sped up to not have any backstretch challengers, or indeed any challengers at all to the wire. TRUMAN JR HANOVER vacated third mid-far turn, just second over GINGERTREE STAKIAS, who tailed him and was doing well at the end. SPREE took the top into the first turn, yielded for the pocket, stayed close until tiring in the lane. STEEL SCHOONER gapped before the ¾. CREEMORE looked at leaving but took all the way back to last, also gapping near the ¾.
THIRTEENTH RACE — STICKLER HANOVER settled in third 3/16 then wound up in the pocket after a breaker, outside headstretch and trotted right on by. SWIZZLE HANOVER yielded for the early pocket then inherited the lead after the 1/4, set a moderate pace, couldn’t withstand the winner, did hold second over DROP THE MIC. The latter stayed in, showed steady trot in the Pocono Pike. DIVINE SPIRIT went uncovered at the half and got cover 5/8, evenly. GREG moved uncovered just before the 5/8, was a head ahead of the pocket horse on the turn but never got closer. MATTER OF TRUST never factored. MUSCLE STAR broke early, caught the field but then had no more to give. ASKMELATER HANOVER left well to the top in a quick quarter but broke right at that marker.
FOURTEENTH RACE – BOARDWALK BET moved uncovered before the 5/8 and went after the leader after that spot, cleared midturn, had enough to get the decision. VARNEY advanced inside down the back, angled out midturn, did very well in the last 1/8 to just miss. CAVIART SAGE was second-over, left uncovered midturn, ducked inside, Pocono Pike, some gain. KEY ADVISOR was first to the lead, yielded for the pocket, shuffled considerably when the leader tired, came out in a blindswitch headstretch, showed good pace in recovery. THE NEXT TWO were never in the picture. HOT DEUCE moved third-over but gapped. J B MAUNEY N was looped, took the pocket, quarter-moved and went a fast half in setting the pace, had no defense when challenged far turn.
FIFTEENTH RACE – BEER CHEESE was three-wide to the 1/8 to clear soon thereafter, set a fast pace and won in fast time. MASSIVE OPULENCE used the rail to advantage and sat in the pocket, outside past headstretch, couldn’t gain enough but held on well. KASEVILLE left between horses and settled in third, to the Pocono Pike and did OK. EMMA TOWN BUD was uncovered into the second turn, showed a good grinding gear and was still trying hard at the wire. BROOKROAD MASTER was not a factor. WISHFUL MAR backed out to follow cover just past the 5/8 but couldn’t go enough. WILLIE B WORTHY gapped at the back. JUSTIFY pulled out second-over into the second curve but soon went offstride.
Apr 29, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Low 50s … Shifting winds – calm to start … Front end did not hold up well … BLAKEMORE left and maintained the pocket, moved out in the stretch and went by FRIDAY NIGHT BLUES easily. The latter took control from the pole, opened up a bit of backstretch distance with increased speed, couldn’t last to the wire but far ahead of the rest. TOPVILLE OLYMPIAN was uncovered at the half, never reached the leader, but one-geared it to win third from PANTHEON HANOVER in a photo. The latter sat in, blocked on the far turn, to the inside, evenly late. ROYHILL was three-wide to the first turn then tucked third, struggled from the 5/8. STELLAR BB was too far back. IT’SGOODTOBETHEKING was second-over but gapped ¾. ER VEGAS was never in the hunt.
SECOND RACE – SQUARE DEAL was briefly three-high en route to 1/8 command, yielded for the pocket, moved back out nearing the ¾ and went right on by, a clear winner today with a good last half. LAZ-A-FAIRE raced in close attendance of the pace, shuffled briefly then backed out to follow cover last turn, was doing well late. LULU ROCKS gapped in quarter two, got going 11/16, briefly had the winner’s cover then was again left raw, not quite second but well ahead of the others. CARIS moved outside but never entered the main picture. BAMA BREEZE was at or near the back throughout. TEAM COLORS left, yielded, quarter-moved, tired through the last ¼. HAILEY’S SISTER broke well before the start, had recovered enough to be with the field at the start, squeezed a tuck 3/16, not too much thereafter.
THIRD RACE – PADRE was looped, followed cover early then refused a three-tuck and went on to 5/16 command, immediately had a challenger pestering him the rest of the way in a decent clip for this type, but remained fighting to the wire. DAGON HANOVER was the first to clear, yielded, backed out to follow cover before the ¾, wide, couldn’t quite get there. FAMOUS DAN moved at the ¼ and was soon left raw, did not have the speed to clear to the top but grinded along very grittily for 5/8 of a mile and missed only a length. GREAT MAGIC was away well to the front into turn one, yielded for the pocket, couldn’t stay tight the last quarter but well ahead of the others. TRICKY DICK left a gap in front of the stands onward; TRUEMASS VOLO moved outside to try to get around him but could not. THE OTHER TWO were never on the main radar.
FOURTH RACE – MAKE SOME WAVES was in third at the 1/8, uncovered 5/8, ducked in the pocket for brief cover midturn then outside again into the stretch, caught AMERICAN BOY N late. The latter took over at the 1/8 and headed down the road leaving all but one to struggle to keep up, caught by the only one close to him. DAVIDS COMING HOME gapped midrace, outside late turn, did better late. MY WISH CAME TRUE was fair along the inside. TERRITORY was wide leaving but took back, moved outside to get around stragglers, perhaps a bit better mile than the line may suggest. BLOW A CLOUD N raced in the pocket, went loose 5/8. THE OTHERS never had any say in this one.
FIFTH RACE – MANDRILL, the $750,000 sister to GIMPANZEE, was unhurried early, moved uncovered 5/8 and was all business, trotting away without looking to extend herself. NINA HANOVER was between horses to the lead at the 1/8, yielded at the ¼, inside, eased outside past midturn, came on to get second. PERFECT PASSION gapped in quarter two, moved out but couldn’t quite go with the cover, three-wide late turn, finished with trot. QUEEN OF THORNTON was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-deep to the ¼ for the lead, yielded in front of the stands for the pocket, Pocono Pike but couldn’t regain ground. CUTIECUMBER left and had cover to the ¼, onward to the lead around the 5/16, set the pace, not enough in the stretch. MISCHIEVOUS G was far back. JULIETTE was in the early mix, inside, struggled from before the ¾. WAVERLY HANOVER was tucking midpack when breaking 3/16.
SIXTH RACE – Stretch tailwind starting up … LONESTAR was in front immediately, yielded at the ¼, shuffled ¾ as the lead changed hands, found a small seam past early stretch and was able to kick home well for the decision. RELENTLESS JULIE was third-over, gapped early backstretch then tighter deep down the back, three-wide headstretch, looked in good position but was outkicked to her inside. EXTREME Z TAM tucked fifth at the ¼, then moved second-over, left uncovered ¾, kept trying to the wire. PARTY LOUNGE decided to go on to the top at the 1/8 and reached it at the ¼, under pressure down the backstretch and yielded ¾, not a factor thereafter. DANCE NUMBER slid in fourth, went uncovered into turn two, trotted a third split of 27.1 against the wind to clear ¾, but that effort got to her late. NAKED TRUTH gapped. EA AUDIT was forwardly-placed early, faded.
SEVENTH RACE – TUIS SHADOW was three-wide early and cleared past the1/8, kept the field fairly strung out until the 5/8 setting a fast pace, got pressure on the far turn, held off that one and the potential pocket rocket. TEDDY BROSEVELT used the rail to advantage to secure the pocket, went to the Pocono Pike, didn’t miss by much. GREEK LEGEND moved uncovered 5/8, challenged on the far turn, held well to the line. KEYSTONE SERGEANT was moving very well at the finish. PRAIRIE VIRTUE rode inside, not that much in the stretch. FRAC was between horses early, tucked third, backed outside on the turn, evenly. CUPID HANOVER never factored.
EIGHTH RACE – SPORTS BOX gapped early in the mile, then got going uncovered into turn two, grinded up to challenge, bore way wide in the stretch but still was able to decision BIG BOSS HILL. The latter set the pace with two moves, came up a bit shy. GOOD DEAL made the front early, yielded for the two-hole journey, evenly in the stretch. LUZIANA gapped at several points of the mile, inside stretch, evenly. ROCK THREE TIMES moved second-over but couldn’t keep with his cover. STARK HANOVER gapped at the back. BUTTER UP jumped just before the start, caught the field, moved outside but couldn’t regain the necessary ground. HIGHRTHANANEAGLE A was involved in a battle for the lead when making a nasty break just past the 1/8.
NINTH RACE – Now the wind is against them in the stretch … DINKY WINKY yielded 3/16, came out 5/16 but needed the rest of the frontstretch to clear, set a slow half and got no pressure until late, held off the inside thrust of CS EXPLOSIVE CHIP. The latter was briefly three-wide early then proceeded up to take over 3/16, yielded nearing turn two for the pocket, tried up the inside, just missed. DANCEHALL KING was second-over, gapped late backstretch into the turn then got rolling and moved three-wide, in top gear too late. MAD MONI was uncovered at the half, grinded, never closer to the winner than at the finish. PRAIRIE NUGGET left a bit, sat in, may not have been clear along the inside late. F SCOTT’S MUSE was third-over, four-wide headstretch, showed some late kick. TO MY CREDIT gapped much of the way. STAR HOPPING was a bit off the gate and trailed.
TENTH RACE – SOUTHWIND DREDGE had thoughts of getting forward early position butt took back to last, joined the flow fourth-over, had cover until swinging five-wide headstretch, still last at the stretch call, but exploded in the last 1/16 to go past everybody. RIOT was third-over, followed wide cover past the ¾ then went four-wide before the top of the stretch, finished with a kick that would have won many races but not this one. GLOBALDOMINATION N was in front 3/16, saw off both the first-over and the potential pocket rocket, but then was engulfed by the two closers way to his outside very late. HUDSEN A stayed third-in, found room towards midstretch, OK. APPLE VALLEY ART left and yielded for the pocket, went to the Pocono Pike but didn’t have enough. ADRENALINE RUSH moved into turn two and got cover at the ½, three-wide just past the ¾ but not enough late foot. PAPIAMENTO sat in, outside in a blindswitch near headstretch, not enough. VINOVIO came first-up at the half, never got closer than the leader’s wheel, fell back in the lane.
ELEVENTH RACE – Wind back to calm … BENICIO was wide leaving and tucked fourth at the 1/8, started first-up into turn two, had reached the leader by the 9/16, grinded, got to the lead midstretch, held off MIKI B MOUSE. The latter sat third-in, cleared early stretch and moved out, slow to get in high gear but closed well once doing so. EAZY HUNTING headed down the road, strung the field out despite a slow half, then got pressure from the winner, held pretty well in a quick last quarter. LADY’S CHOICE A sat the pocket, evenly late. P L PRINCESS C gapped third-over, then had good pace approaching the finish. BIRDIE THREE sat in, couldn’t gain along the inside late. HUNGRY FOR MONEY had good cover but couldn’t stay with it. SWEET GADGETS was at the back, gapped out 11/16.
TWELFTH RACE – C IS FOR COOKIE checked behind the 5/16 breaker, moved uncovered 5/8, got to tuck in the pocket all the way around the turn, outside stretch and with the mildest of urging went right on by. AMERICAN CRISPIN was looped early, between horses to the lead at the 3/16, headed down the road at a good clip for these, good to be as close to the winner as she was and far ahead of the rest. HUNGRY FOR KISSES checked 5/16, sat in and was shuffled very badly when the pocketsitter gave way, had to wait for the Pocono Pike and had some response in recovery. BLANK CHEEK also was bothered, wide into the stretch and doing OK at the finish. SWEET HOME went to the front, yielded 3/16, gave the pocket then broke 5/16, recovered and was outside but could not reenter contention. BEAUTIFUL AMERICA was three-deep past the 1/8, got into the two-hole at the ¼, all done 5/8. BULLVILLE HILDA was soon last and lost contact early.
THIRTEENTH RACE – ARTACHE HANOVER sat in third, got room deep in the Pocono Pike and took these fairly easily. CAVIART SKIPPER was out to the 3/16 between horses, cleared then yielded for the pocket, inside the pacesetter and just beat out that one for second. HOWTOTRAINURDRAGON was three-wide to the 3/16 then went up to take over off the first turn, got a moderate half, had the first-over never get closer than his hindquarters, couldn’t make the lead stand up late. CAPOZZO was last, out-then-in on the far turn, had some pace in the path behind the winner. KIMANI N pushed the early proceedings, came out raw off turn two, never much closer than a length off the pacesetter, faded. SETONCRUISECONTROL was third-over, three-wide late turn, didn’t reach. BLUEBERRY HEAVEN was second-over, gapped, blindswitched far turn, in tight quarters early stretch, evenly late.
FOURTEENTH RACE – SPORTSMANSHIP had command at the 1/8, yielded, moved from third 11/16 and swept to the lead nearing headstretch, ran away from these. SAULSBROOK RAPTOR was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to the ¼ in pursuit of command, yielded to the brushing favorite for the pocket, came clear after the winner took off, looked all-out to be second-over TODDLER TANTRUM. The latter pulled from fourth at the ¼ to get in front past the 3/8, offered little resistance to the winenr and couldn’t hold second late. SCRAPPIN GOLD stayed flat; THE OTHER TWO did not.
Apr 28, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Dropping from the mid-50s to the mid-40s during the evening card … Stretch headwind … SHORE OF HIMSELF went right to the lead, yielded 3/16 for a golden pocket trip, to the Pocono Pike, and (oh, brother) caught STONEBRIDGE DUEL late. The latter went to the front 3/16 and was off and winging, just came up a bit shy late. A FEARSOME HANOVER gapped much of the race, then found some stretch vigor and caught ALWAYS BETTER for third. The latter moved around the gapping former down the backstretch, but tired late. DILLINGER was inside, got the last payday. JK OBJECTION never was on the radar. I’LL TAKE THE BET couldn’t circle three-wide around the dull cover of RIDINLIKEYASTOLEIT; both were far back.
SECOND RACE – BAMSKI moved uncovered at the half and battled the leader from the 5/8, made the lead early stretch and stayed in control with coaxing. LENWOODS REAL DEAL was second-over slightly off his cover, one-geared in the stretch, won second but didn’t have a good late kick. PERKINS took back early, sat in, wedged between horses with pace while possibly not fully clear, or at least until very late. ATLANTIS swung four-wide from last and finished well. HAH-TAG SWAG started well and sat in the pocket, but didn’t have much response late. FOUR-STAR FLASH sat in, wasn’t clear, hard to tell how much pace he had. CHEYENNE REIJANE took over just past the 1/8, got pressure from the 5/8, faded in the last 1/8, SPORTS BETTOR was no factor from third-over.
THIRD RACE – TWO PROUD had the pocket leaving and kept tight on the early leader, moved 3/8 as the parked horse was closer to midpack, to the lead before the half, ran away with this one. JAGGED LITTLE PILL kept a hole shut near the ¼, inside, blocked as the winner got away, clear stretch and had enough to be the distant second. ON THE MONEY GB made the lead, yielded before the half and gapped most of the rest of the way. RACIN HUNGRY was caught inside by the parked horse, a touch of pace late. BLAZING RAMONA left and was out with cover most of the way, swung wide and wasn’t bad late. SOUTHWIND RYE never entered the picture; nor did SHES A BULLVILLE. ST LADS BIJOU left, couldn’t make the top and couldn’t find a hole, tired after the hard journey.
FOURTH RACE – FOX HOLE followed cover nicely second-over, wide and along. PAUC HANOVER stayed in third, outside in a blindswitch headstretch, angled in towards midstretch and gained well while not having the momentum of the winner. PRAIRIE FAMOUS made up a lot of ground from the half to headstretch, steadily for third. LEAST WEASEL gapped a little early, moved uncovered 5/8, put in a challenge on the far turn but could not sustain it. KOLB HANOVER made the front, yielded, moved again 3/16 to be on the point before the 3/8, couldn’t last in a 1:00.4 back half. A GREAT CHAPTER gapped, broke midstretch while not in contention, placed. UNCLE NINO made the lead before the 1/8, relinquished for the pocket, not much in the lane. HILLASVIVA broke just as the gate sprang.
FIFTH RACE – CRUSH ME was offstride for a couple of steps into turn one but quickly righted, came uncovered at the half and applied pressure to ROSEY TIME from late backstretch, just got the better of that one on the money; an inquiry into the winner’s early break gave no reason for placing. ROSEY TIME left, moved at the ¼ and was on top past the 3/8 in a fast half, fought with the winner gamely to the line. HP XANADU left, was forced to take the pocket nearing the ¼, inside and badly shuffled on the far turn, had pace once clear to the inside after the top two were gone. TEEN DREAM came three-wide off dull cover from third-over, finished OK. APRIL AVA was on top at the 1/8, forced a tuck, pushed the brusher a ways before yielding, started to fade past the ¾. FOR CHIPS SAKE didn’t show much from second-over. THE FINAL TWO never were prominent.
SIXTH RACE – Mild stretch tailwind as they went to the gate for this one … SNOWMAN HANOVER went on mid-first turn to take the top off the first turn, set good numbers for these and drew away from this field. BATTIN A THOUSAND used the second quarter to tighten the gap left by the early breaker, outside with cover 5/8, gapped some on the turn, the found a better gear late and was up for the distant second. CURADH got away third, inherited the pocket 5/8 but was loose in it, couldn’t preserve second late; came back with “b.e.” I GOT THE TAB got the top on short order, yielded just after the ¼ for the two-hole, pulled out 5/8 and challenged, but then gave way. KALEUN gapped at the rear. ACTION SHOT was slightly off the gate, closed a hole 3/16 but soon afterward went to a gallop.
SEVENTH RACE – HES REALLY KEEN, deftly-driven, took the pocket 3/16, pulled out behind the first-over as the pocket horses gapped down the back, was able to duck inside to the pocket and then the Pocono Pike, and proved to have the most late. SHARKY BEAR was on the move from third before the ¼ and quickly got the lead, went on at a good clip, almost held it together in a good showing. MADDOX HANOVER was first-up at the half and made good progress against the wind down the back, tired a little bit late. PLAY THE ACE came off the rail far turn and was gaining late. SLICK RICHARD got the last check. BRUMBY offered little. STILL THIRSTY was away quickly, forced a tuck, yielded, then went loose in the pocket from before the 5/8.
EIGHTH RACE – KING KONG KALIBRE was three-wide past the 1/8, then went up to get the lead before the 5/16, had a horse hounding him to and past the fast half, held together against challenges from both sides in the stretch in a gritty race. BARNEY HANOVER went clear very early, yielded to the 3/16, stayed connected third-in, went to the Pocono Pike and just missed. HESTONATOR was used to gain the lead 3/16, yielded 5/16, came out of the pocket for the drive but had to settle for a clear third. VORACIOUS was leaving a gap before a foe broke at the ¼, was nowhere close to the lead for the next half mile, then got going behind cover far turn, widest and with some pace late. CRÈME DE LOU CRÈME came out down the back to get around the gapper, swung three-wide turn, fair late. GAYLE’S ARSENAL gapped at the back. SOLAR BOLT was triple-looped early, left uncovered 5/16 and challenged in fast fractions but didn’t have the speed, didn’t fade until the last 1/8. FATEFUL DUEL made a break at the ¼, then suffered “b.e.”, never close.
NINTH RACE – HIGH IMPRESSION left for the pocket, backed out behind the first-over headstretch and swung wide, with good pace late to defeat WON LAST FEELING. The latter came out raw 5/8 and grinded up, head-to-head with the leader on the turn, made the lead midstretch but was outkicked late. ROCKIN THE BLAZE headed down the road, was challenged before the ¾, gave way through the stretch. CAPTAIN MALICIOUS gapped cover second-over; LAST MACH gapped gapping cover third-over. BLOOD BROTHER was stuck inside last headstretch when being bothered by the breaking CAVIART MAX, who also raced inside and made a break turning for home.
TENTH RACE – WENTWORTH HANOVER was unhurried to the 11/16 then moved raw, sprinted home well to get the decision over G LOAD. The latter took over before the 1/8, yielded off the first turn and sat in the two-hole, a trifle loose on the turn then hitting a higher gear, Pocono Pike, not beaten by much. MONI BOOK made a delayed frontward move, took the top near the ¼, got a crawling middle half, but then didn’t have the sprint when the pace picked up late. CLYDEWEISER was well-placed throughout, to the deep Pike, did well. THE FINAL TWO didn’t make an impact here.
ELEVENTH RACE – DING DING DINGER was very fast away, yielded to sit behind the choice, to the Pocono Pike and along nicely as the Braxten Boyd Show continued. MARINER SEELSTER tucked third at the 1/8, underway off the first turn and with the wind went up to take over 3/8, was hard-pressured by the first-over from the 11/16, didn’t have enough to withstand the fresh pocket rocket. ODDS ON DELRAY was uncovered from off turn two, gradually went up and battled hard with the pacesetter, held pretty well late. COWBOY COOL was third-over, wide stretch and OK. ASTON HILL DAVE was second-over, didn’t not tip wide for the drive, evenly. STICK WITH CRAMER was stuck behind too much cover. UNICO LEGEND N had the early pocket, stayed close, but came up empty late. BOLT OF LUCK gapped at the back.
TWELFTH RACE – PARK OFFICIAL was three-wide to the 1/8 to take over at the bottom of turn one, yielded for the pocket, got the Pocono Pike and charged home as much the best. BUSBOY HANOVER made the top then yielded early, stayed connected third-in, to the deep Pike and edged CLASSIFIEDMATERIAL for second. The latter went uncovered 5/8 and challenged, almost lasted for second. MONEYMAN HILL was second-over from last, found some decent pace late. SOMBODYITREASURE set the pace with two moves, nothing left late. BRAVO TEX N sat in and was shuffled, moved out, four-wide stretch, never reached contention. MUDVILLE gapped at the back.
THIRTEENTH RACE – BUILDING BOOST was underway raw into turn two, argued with the leader from the 5/8, stayed strong late to take the victory. MAMBA moved from third not long off the first bend and made the front, under hard pressure from the winenr, had to settle for second. BEACH VIBES was third-over, wide stretch and was along for third with late speed. DON’T GET SHOCKED raced close-up throughout, got some clearance midstretch and was coming on at the wire. PINK FLOYD HANOVER was in front before the 1/8, yielded for the two-hole, came up empty in the stretch. ERINWOOD YVES was second-over, another who did not tip wide of his cover, not too much late. ZEUS HANOVER was stuck behind a gapping LATEST ATTRACTION, who lost contact in the last ¼.
FOURTEENTH RACE – It had not been a good night for horses setting the pace, but URBAN RENEWAL flew in the face of that logic, making the lead just past the 1/8, setting good fractions and withstanding a long challenge from I’M BENICIO A. The latter left well to tuck third, started uncovered coming out of the second turn, gave the winenr all he wanted. HOMESTRETCH WES was outside down the back then ducked in, between horses in the stretch for a distant third. ALOTBETTOR N rode the two-hole trip, tired the last 1/16. BELLOWS BINGE was second-over, never really got going. PUZZLING never entered the main picture. CAVIART VAL sat in, started gapping at the 5/8. A BETTOR BEACH made a break nearing the first turn.
Apr 25, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Highs in the high 60s to low 70s … Swirling wind aiding those racing on or near the pace and most third quarters; stronger later in the card … PRINCE OF TIDES was looped leaving, persevered on to get the lead to the 3/8, opened a big lead midstretch and had enough to withstand the closers. MR DS ROCK gapped second-over down the back then closer, three-wide midturn, edged PRAIRIE PANTHER for second. The latter was urged leaving but then took back, out fourth-over, gapped wide cover on the turn, went five-wide early stretch and found a good late kick. CHATELROLL was third-over, four-wide late turn, OK though outkicked. REDBANK BLAZE A moved uncovered off the second turn and made a good challenge, but couldn’t sustain the move from midturn. CAPTAIN ROMANCE sat in, blocked far turn as the winner got away, but didn’t have much once clear inside. OUR MAJORDAN A left well wide and was in front past the 1/8, pushed a bit to the 3/8 then yielded for the pocket, tired, then had his wheel hooked by RIFLEMAN, trying to find a path in tight quarters, late in the stretch.
SECOND RACE – LOU’S BEACH was away second then improved that position by one, set the pace, had enough to take the victory. YS DO IT RIGHT used the rail to large advantage, then yielded for the two-hole, came out in the lane and narrowed in, good but had to settle for second. C-BET HANOVER sat in then moved out midturn, clearance headstretch after the breaker, enough for a distant third. JACK ROCK dropped in fifth at the 3/16, inside, fair late. GROOVY MAN backed out to follow cover 5/8, gapped, wide late turn, had to alter course headstretch to avoid the breaker, recovered fairly well. YS MATHIS BRO made a good third quarter challenge uncovered but couldn’t sustain it. BULLVILLE FRANK gapped at the back. SAMHARA N was uncovered from last, went 26.2 down the back (with the wind) and kept improving, but made a break late on the far turn.
THIRD RACE – KINDA LUCKY LINDY left to get the three-spot, uncovered 9/16 and grinded away, looked shaken off upper stretch but displayed courage and kept coming to get the nod. MYSTICAL WYNN was wide early, pressed on to take command 5/16 past the fast quarter, absorbed pressure and looked to have shaken off the winner early stretch, just failed to hang on. MACMORRIS HANOVER was briefly wide the between horses to the lead at the 1/8, yielded 5/16 for the pocket, couldn’t gain in the lane. DANDY was underway uncovered from last, gapped cover down the back, three-wide ¾, steadily but too far to come against the day’s bias. SORTIE stayed inside, gapped down the back, evenly. MUSHANA was never in the picture. BANK BOX TREASURE moved with cover 5/8 but gapped.
FOURTH RACE – ANNABELLE HANOVER went into the two-hole at the 1/8 and bided her time, stayed tight in a three-horse breakaway, to the Pocono Pike and was along in time. FRANTASY HANOVER used track geometry to emerge with the lead, slowed the half, fought off the first-over but was just caught to her inside. CRAZY CUTE came out raw 11/16 and made a good run at the leader on the turn, held well far head of the rest. PEARL HARBOUR N stayed in, proved best of the rest. PRAIRIE WESTERNGAL, a bit roughgaited at points, was three-wide to the 1/8, backed off to tuck fourth before the ¼, came back out second-over but gapped. THE LAST THREE did not make their presence felt in this contest.
FIFTH RACE – ARCHERY SEELSTER got the pocket easily and was the only one to stay close to the pacesetter, moved out headstretch, gradually gained and went by just past midstretch. FRANK THE ELDER was away in good order to grab the lead, slowed the half then streaked in 27 down the back, held well but the two fast odd-numbered quarters may have taken a toll. RACER DAN went around a gapper for third. BY A HOFF HANOVER started gapping in third soon into the backstretch. HEART MATTERS was wide around early trouble, got the last check. HAND DOVER DAN was in the early mix but soon ran and galloped much of the rest of the way. AP HALL OF TRIX jumped it of an 1/8 before the start. RED REDEMPTION broke towards the first turn, was pulled up.
SIXTH RACE – I WAS TRICKED was three-high to command at the 1/8, rated quarter two, then had twin 27.3s coming home to defeat JOEMIKIYOURSOFINE. The latter left between horses for the pocket, stayed pretty well plugged-in to the line although not able to reach the winner. GHOST SHARK was wide early then backed off to fourth, moved out 11/16 but couldn’t gain too much into the fast back half. TRIFECTA HANOVER left some, started gaping in third towards the 5/8. SOMEWHERE ROCKIN never surfaced. NOPEWASNTME moved two-wide but never gained. BULLVILLESPANDEMIC was far-off well before the ¼ and never connected with the field.
SEVENTH RACE – MISS MCKEE made the lead 3/16, got a breather in quarter two, had P L NOTSONICE coming at her from before the ¾ but dug in to beat out that rival. The latter came out 5/8 and went up to engage the lead, good mile in defeat. DEE’S RED DELICIOUS yielded and got the pocket when another early challenger broke, to the Pocono Pike but not that much to offer late. MARION GONDOLIER stayed with the main pack most of the way; SAY YOU DO didn’t but got the final payday by staying errorless. ONE AFTER NINE moved second-over but gapped, then broke late on the turn. DOUBLE ACCOUNT galloped soon after the start. BLENHEIM was three-wide a good part of the 1/8, then behind cover, was going up to bid for the lead when breaking 3/16, recovered but then continued with misbehavior.
EIGHTH RACE – MAXIMUS MIKI settled midpack early then came just past the ¼ to control the throttle, fought off the first-over threat to his right then turned his attention left and withstood Pocono Pike-shooting BILL HALEY N late. The latter went out in 26.2 to control the early proceedings, yielded for the pocket, challenged hard in the stretch but couldn’t quite make it. PHOENIX OF FLUZZY sat in, found a tight seam midstretch and finished with strong pace. BETTORS DONTTELL was out most of the fast ¼ before accepting the two-hole, came again early backstretch and went 26.3 to really pressure the winner, only faded a little bit late. DONTPASSMEHANOVER gapped second-over most of the last half, then suddenly found a better gear late. CAVEMAN A sat in and never got into it. WESTERN JOE moved outside but fell back.
NINTH RACE – LAYTON HANOVER used the rail well to establish early control, got a stroll to the half, got some pressure but drew away from these impressively late. LUCKBEWITHALEX kept the pocket closed, not in the league of the winner today. AMERICAN CLASSIC was underway raw from before the 3/8, gradually grinded up to reach contention on the turn, just missed second behind a superior winner. COMET CRUSADER N kept a hole shut early, inside, outside stretch, evenly. BUCHANNON HANOVER was far back inside when bothered by the breaker to headstretch. KATIES BET moved second-over but was gapping towards the far turn. CODE CRACKER never was heard from. CAPTAIN COWBOY went up early but didn’t have the speed to clear and had holes plugged behind the leader, finally got in fourth 5/16, inside, pinned in when breaking late on the turn and going to the infield.
TENTH RACE – ALL CLASS was all business, taking the lead, rating the half into the wind, continuing on and then finishing into the wind in 26.3 under a hold – a very impressive finish and mile. BINGE ON YANKEE kept close in the pocket until the ¾, held on to the distant second behind the powerhouse. WE SHALL SEA sat third almost the whole way and held that position over MAYWEATHER HANOVER. The latter came out of fourth ¾, gained the first part of the turn but seemed to get a bit rough and lost his momentum, didn’t gain any more. THE NEXT TWO were outpaced. HUNTERS HERO broke just past the start, had just about caught the field when jumping again at the half.
ELEVENTH RACE – BULLY BOY HILL got good positioning early, moved from third at the half and grinded up in the third quarter en route to taking the lead midturn, was able to draw clear despite the kicker being only 30.2. SAID N DONE N moved second-over, gapped 5/8, one-geared and just took second over ANGELONIA. The latter went to the lead 3/16, surrendered the top about a like distance later for the pocket, blocked on the far turn, angled wide early stretch and came back some. ANDOVERTHEWINNINGS went up a beat or two late early, finally wrestled command 3/8, had pressure from the winner and couldn’t hold that one out midturn, continued to give ground. CHAPHEART gapped a gapper third-over, then hit a high gear nearing the ¾ and was moving up well through the turn when lapsing from gait late on the bend. WALLET broke before the ¼. BRIGHT SIDE UP gapped down the back then broke far turn.
TWELFTH RACE – IDIOSYNCRATIC maintained the pocket, backed out ¾ as the lead changed hands, went right by the new leader and drew away. CONGRESSIONAL was three-wide to the 1/8 before accepting third well ahead of the others, went up to challenge raw and had the lead just past the fast ¾, couldn’t handle the winner, kept to hustling to the line to preserve second after a hard mile. BULLVILLE STEPHANO was behind gappers into the backstretch, got around them, three-wide headstretch and did well from a hard spot. RUSTY BEACH gapped off the early speed duel, got tighter in quarter two, moved out far turn but couldn’t summon enough. HURRIKANE HUNTER went to the lead to turn one, carved a fast tempo, powerless when challenged ¾. YANKEE CLOUT was well back. MARRIED MAN bore wide off the first turn, never regained any forward motion.
THIRTEENTH RACE – SERIOUSLY HANOVER was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to the 3/16 to get the front, had a clear lead at points including to the ¾ after a 26.2 third quarter, kept after late to turn back a steady WALKINSHAW N. The latter left between horses to 1/8 command then relinquished to sit the two-hole, a bit loose at times, but steady in the stretch and went well. REBELLIOUS pushed the 1/8 and yielded, stayed plugged in until early stretch, still far ahead of all the others. TRACEUR HANOVER sat midpack, fell back far turn, still fourth. THE WALL left a gap in the fast third quarter, along for the last check. DRAGON CITY never factored. INDIGO ART moved uncovered down the back but went nowhere. STONEBRIDGE KARIS gapped in the second quarter, little late.
FOURTEENTH RACE – SOUTH BEACH STAR was parked just past the 26.4 opener, really slowed it down in quarter two, then sprinted home in 54.1 as much the best here. CASUAL COOL made the front right away, yielded to the winner, did pretty well keeping up in the sprint home, far ahead of the rest. HARD ROCK HULK stayed inside and was just up for third over GROOVY JOE. The latter raced in proximity to the pace, not too much late. BULLVILLE TERROR, reacting to the drastic pace slowdown, moved from seventh uncovered 3/8, made some gain before backing off. CAVIART LUCA was out second-over but gapped in the fast third split. AFLAME HANOVER backed out to third-over before the half but wasn’t on the main radar. CAPTAIN SLEAZE could offer very little.
Apr 23, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Back to cold: in the mid-40s … Wind not much at the beginning; will pick up … ANDOVER CONTESSA was behind a bad gapper when moving off turn two, advanced down the backstretch then picked up cover near the end of the straight, wide stretch, looked confident midstretch but just did get up over MISS MUSCLE. The latter closed in after the ¼ and stayed connected, to the Pocono Pike, solid to just miss. DAGON HANOVER dropped into the pocket leaving, came back out towards the ¾, gained briefly but then couldn’t sustain late. ASKMELATER HANOVER strung out the field to the half while setting the pace, tired. TRICKY DICK got the last check. WAVELIKEAQUEEN gapped from down the back; ARCH CREDIT gapped from the 3/8. FIX-IT-UP was at the back when going offstride entering the backstretch.
SECOND RACE — ALEXA’S SUNSHINE was looped early and didn’t get inside until nearing the ¼, back out raw at the half and grinded, no closer than aflank of the winner until midstretch, then had the more pace finishing. MORE PLEASE set the pace, rated the half then picked it up, couldn’t ward off the winner in the last few steps. MIKI B MOUSE was way behind early backstretch but steadily gained, inside on the turn, was in tight quarters gaining with pace late – a big race. STAY SPECIAL backed out to second-over 11/16, three-wide late turn, just a step shy. ALWAYS B BEACHIN got in the pocket just before the 1/8, stayed close, came up short late. ADULT SWIM moved out to the ¾, four-wide nearing headstretch, not quite enough. MILLDOOKER MOLLY and HAPPY HESTON lost contact in the last half.
THIRD RACE – Stretch headwind picking up … QUITE FAST made the top leaving and made life hard on other leavers before yielding, back out raw 5/8 and cleared into the far turn, all-out and stayed on well (in a 30.1 kicker) to get the decision. OVER BOARD was four-wide early, worked to two-wide and then worked to the lead 5/16, yielded before the second turn, quick to slip out behind the winner 11/16, left uncovered, briefly went inside then out again for the stretch, almost. DEFACEMENT was outside 5/8 but gapped, evenly late. CHEROKEE JOY was shuffled behind a tired horse far turn, angled wide and finished steadily. KEYSTONE SWEETNESS was widest early, three-wide most of the ¼, briefly with cover then raw to get the lead before turn two, couldn’t keep the winner out ¾. MARI moved outside but didn’t enter the main picture. GADOT HANOVER never featured.
FOURTH RACE – LADY’S IMAGE secured the pocket early, went to the Pocono Pike and proved most photogenic in a three-way picture. TOWN VICTOR was three-wide to the 1/8 to the lead in a good quarter, rated the half, couldn’t make the advantage stand up to the wire. HALL IT OFF sat in third, got some room in a sliver between horses midstretch and responded well. ARGENTO was uncovered into turn two, grinded well. FOREVERHILLREIGN went second-over. wide headstretch but didn’t gain. MOLLY’S JAIL sat in then backed out two-wide on the turn, not prominent. TRUMAN JR HANOVER was looped between horses leaving, broke while two-wide 3/16, did well to be close to the end of the main field at the end.
FIFTH RACE – CAN’T SAY NO dashed out to the lead, forced a tuck, clear afterwards and drew off in the latter stages. SMART AS HILL was uncovered from last 5/8, three-wide late turn, did well to come all the way to second. AWSOME PAUL wanted the lead but was forced to take the pocket 3/16, couldn’t salvage place late. PATRICK HANOVER gapped down the back, inside, not all that much. CHING CHING LUCKY spotted third early, outside late turn, couldn’t gain. FAIR GLIDER wasn’t far off third place on the far outside finishing.
SIXTH RACE – A GOOD CHARDONNAY headed right to the top, slowed the half, remained in control. I CANT REFUSE landed the pocket early, broke briefly at the ¾ but got back on stride, clear in second; an inquiry into the ¾ break gave no reason for placing. RHIANNON HANOVER spotted fourth, advanced inside ¾, had the horse in front of her break but quickly regain stride midturn, clear third. BT BABE and EVER HOPEFUL G never factored. TACTICAL TAKEOFF lived up to her name early and landed third, came out ¾ but had lost her forward action by the bottom of the turn, already faded when breaking midstretch. NETWORK EXTENDER broke at the start, had caught the field by the ½ but couldn’t reenter the main race.
SEVENTH RACE – DEMON BOY came uncovered to the 5/8 and grinded up, wore down the stubborn pacesetter P L PHOENIX. The latter thought about tucking fourth but then went on 3/16 to the lead before the 3/8, set the pace, fought hard with the winner, good mile. GALLIE GETAWAY was in front at the 1/8, yielded for the pocket, Pocono Pike, couldn’t quite get there. CAMLACHIE CHROME yielded, stayed connected inside, had pace on the end with no clear path. BARRIER followed lively cover down the back, three-wide midturn, flattened slightly late. AIR RIDE was gapping off the second turn. LYONS SWIFT lost contact at the back.
EIGHTH RACE – ELEGANT DULUPIN FR was fourth as the field passed the “START” spot but took advantage of geometry and came through to the lead, fighting a rival when that one broke 3/16, got more pressure for ITS A HORSE from the 5/8 onward, but dug in to hold her ground. ITS A HORSE tucked, came away with the pocket after an outside challenger broke before the ¼, came raw 5/8 and went at it hard with the winner, held well. R HERBIE BLUE CHIP gapped a bit third-in, closer on the turn then to the Pocono Pike, couldn’t summon enough. DART GUY gapped at points, got in gear ¾ and was narrowing in late. DAZZLNDASH HANOVER gapped at points, then backed off for good ¾. NASEY was challenging from the lead 3/16 when he broke, continued to run.
NINTH RACE – WARRIOR WAY made the lead at the 1/8, had a clear lead from about the 3/8 on, stayed in control. DIEHARD SEELSTER moved towards the 11/16, briefly ducked in on the turn, then came out again, did well but was not getting to the winner while clear of the rest. LOUIS yielded for the pocket, wasn’t snug from the 3/8 on, enough for third. THE NEXT THREE lagged behind. SIMON GOT LUCKY broke in last before the 3/8.
TENTH RACE – KADDARI went right to the lead, set unchallenged fractions, was mildly-urged to keep BABY OIL safe. The latter went right into the pocket, outside headstretch, good but not quite able to make up the ground on the winner. EEE Z WOW stayed close until early stretch. QUARANTINA came out on the far turn, evenly. THE LAST TWO were gapping at the ¾.
ELEVENTH RACE – CRAZYCAT started raw on turn two, rushed up before the 5/8 and went 27.1 (with the wind) to clear ¾, all alone. CREEMORE was wide early, took back to tuck, backed out behind the winner but couldn’t stay with him, left uncovered ¾, steadily for the distant second. NICE STUFF sat in, shuffled a bit, then angled wide and kicked home nicely in the last 1/16. SPREE was between horses early, sat the two-hole, shuffled a bit far turn, Pocono Pike, not all that much. JIVE NINETY FIVE was four-wide early and three-wide just past the 1/8, on top at the ¼, rated the half, couldn’t stall the winner to the ¾, tired. BANZAI AS never entered the picture. GINGERTREE STAKIAS broke at the start.
TWELFTH RACE – GRIZZ WYLLIE sat third until going uncovered 11/16, gradually gained and edged ROSALINE in the final steps. The latter set all the pace, just failed to complete the job while far ahead of the others. U BAKE THE CAKE was outside from far back off the second turn, gradually ranged up to cover, couldn’t trot with the top two but got third. TIPSY MONI was four lengths off the gate, gapped cover from early backstretch to past headstretch, then found a much better gear. CHARLIE BAR stayed in, shuffled on the far turn, made some recovery in the Pocono Pike. GINA’S ON FIRE never featured. WILD KAT G secured the pocket early, couldn’t keep up from late backstretch. MATTER OF TRUST gapped and was far back.
THIRTEENTH RACE – TERRY A HANOVER was four-wide early, backed off to follow cover and then tucked fifth before the ¼, came uncovered just before the ½ and rushed up to clear before the ¾, held together late as blocked horses were rapidly making up ground. SHVAIKO was three-wide leaving, then two-wide, backed off to tuck third at the ¼, sat in down the back, shuffled, out in a blindswitch late backstretch, stayed in the blindswitch on the turn, then chose the Pocono Pike and finished with a lot of horse after bad luck. BOARDWALK BET defended the two-hole, ran up on the leader towards the 11/16, was shuffled when that one was passed, found a path between horses midstretch and made up a good deal of ground. ALADDIN HANOVER had the winner’s cover, left uncovered to the ¾ and was left behind raw by that one, fair late as the pace slowed. FRISKIE ALL NITE was inside and shuffled, stacked widest and gained back ground. WESTERN BEACHBOY went to the top at the 1/8 in a 26.2 quarter, could do nothing with the winner to the ¾, stayed on halfway well considering the fast ¼. MOVE THE LINE gapped at the back. DOUBLEORNOTHING N was in the backstretch flow, three-wide from the 11/16, flattened out.
FOURTEENTH RACE – HORSE quickly made the top, had the favorite on the outside but not threatening, maintained a safe distance late over ONTO EL DORADO N. The latter gained up the inside from last until moving outside midturn, wide in the stretch and very good although in top gear a bit too late. DONTLIKEITLEAVE moved at the ¼ but could only one-gear steadily raw, perhaps never closer to the winner than at the wire. HELTER SKELTER went out for the pocket, empty in the lane. KEY ADVISOR was looped and took back, stayed in, had room in the path behind the winner but only evenly. CAVIART SAGE was never close. CAPTAIN CASH was looped early and wide to the first turn, backed off all the way to fifth, then second-over but had little the last ¼.
FIFTEENTH RACE – ILBENEEDINSTITCHES was one of several leavers, widest then took cover, left raw at the ¼ and rather than explore a tuck pressed on, took the lead with a lap to go, drew clear of these impressively. SWIZZLE HANOVER was the innermost leaver and got a few to tuck, yielded 3/8, started to go loose ¾ but did hold the distant second. KASEVILLE was three-wide early, got inside at the ¼, kept up OK. RED OVERBACH raced out to the two-hole at the 1/8, moved out 11/16, fair. HOT SUMMER KNIGHT sat in, blocked some far turn, but little when clear in the lane. MASSIVE OPULENCE had bad cover, couldn’t gain enough from three-wide. FRAC never surfaced. THE BOSS MAN moved uncovered at the half, gained down the back, got cover, then fell back the last 3/16.
Apr 22, 2023 | Connors’ Comments
FIRST RACE – Mid to high 50s … Stretch headwind … LULU ROCKS gapped in the second quarter then got tighter as third-over, four-wide headstretch and had the most pace in a slowing last quarter. TEAM COLORS found an early spot, back on the attack raw at the half and battled the leader a long, long way without clearing, finally made the lead early stretch, went on gamely. TOTALLY RIGGED was three-wide early and on top at the 1/8 in the fast ¼, yielded for the pocket, crucially shuffled a bit headstretch, went out behind the leader then ducked inside to the Pocono Pike, couldn’t build up enough momentum. PARTY LOUNGE had a fine second-over trip, narrowed in on cover, three-wide to headstretch, a stop-and-a-half behind these. HAILEY’S SISTER, urged behind the gate, moved from third before the ¼ to the lead past the 5/16, had heavy-duty pressure from early in the backstretch, kept the first-over outside then tired in the lane. BLANK CHEEK was first on top then yielded, inside, not too much late. LADYZAR gapped down the backstretch. ILUVLOUCY moved outside, was far back when making a break early stretch.
SECOND RACE – PERFECT BET left well, yielded and enjoyed a perfect pocket trip, to the Pocono Pike, worked very hard to get by CALYPSO ROCK N. The latter took over at the 3/16, rated the half then sped up (both in keeping with the wind), was headed midstretch but fought on gamely. SEND IT JEROME was well-placed third-in, went right to the deep Pike, not far off at all. SPORTS BOX initially gapped second-over then got closer midbackstretch, three-wide late turn, missed less than a length. ROCK THREE TIMES spotted early, started the outer tier towards turn two, never got closer than the leader’s wheel, but held his ground well. BIG BOSS HILL was three-wide to the 1/8, was wrestled in fourth at the ¼, not prominent thereafter. BUTTER UP was never a factor from third-over. STARK HANOVER never surfaced.
THIRD RACE – Wind picking up … BUMPY JACK didn’t move until the 11/16 then grinded up, turned back the rest in a slow mile. F SCOTT’S MUSE moved out down the back but made no gain, suddenly in gear before mid-far turn and came home well. TOMMY BOY HANOVER yielded for the pocket, well-placed, Pocono Pike, a length shy. REDDY FOX went to the lead 3/16 and set walking-horse fractions, still came up short. STRONG BREW moved outside on the far turn, was blindswitched and blocked to the line. FAWN DE SIGN broke early, caught the back of the field. IMPERIAL ZETTE had little to offer. ROWDER was off the gate, was going forward early but jumped before the first turn.
FOURTH RACE – SOUTHWIND DREDGE went up early to spot midpack, moved second-over, three-wide late turn, had the most in the stretch. BLOW A CLOUD N, urged leaving, had to settle for the pocket, moved first-over 9/16 and grinded, no match for the winner’s late speed but went on gamely to take second. FRIDAY NIGHT BLUES quarter-moved and was used into the wind to clear, yielded off the second turn to sit the pocket, Pocono Pike, fair. TODDLER TANTRUM would not yield early, finally did give up the lead 3/8 but then quickly regained the top off the second turn, did hard work before giving way. PREMIER ROCKSTAR went evenly. THE OTHER TWO didn’t enter the main picture.
FIFTH RACE – BUDWEISER GIRL was three-wide past the 3/16 then two-wide to the front 5/16, set the pace, held nicely with a horse coming at her to both sides late. WAVERLY HANOVER pushed hard early then yielded, moved from third 11/16, made the pocket past midturn and went to the Pocono Pike, couldn’t quite reach. BINGO BRAIN gapped behind the early duel then tightened in, outside 5/8 and got cover 11/16, left uncovered late turn, finally kicked in towards midstretch and was moving well late. NINA HANOVER came all the way up the inside to be next. QUEEN OF THORNTON was outside on the far turn, a bit late. MERCURY LANE sat in, was stuck behind a tired one far turn, came out in a blindswitch, so-so late. MISCHIEVOUS G was between horses leaving to take the top 3/16, yielded 5/16, went loose late backstretch. VALENTINE BLESSING was off the gate, then broke just past the start.
SIXTH RACE – P L LEEROY was three-high early then two-deep to 3/16 command, strung the field out and was in control to the wire. LORD OF MISRULE was first to show on top, yielded for the two-hole, tried the Pocono Pike, not enough. PANTHEON HANOVER went wide with a bit late. HUDSEN A vacated third ¾ but his bid was short-lived. THE OTHER PAIR were always near the rear.
SEVENTH RACE – RIOT hustled up down the back to join a good flow, left uncovered far turn, kept on coming and was along in time. INTRIGUED AGAIN moved with cover but soon lost that 5/8, tucked in the pocket ¾, to the Pocono Pike, outkicked far to his outside. HOWTOTRAINURDRAGON was away well for the two-hole, outside into the backstretch and went right on to the lead, didn’t have quite enough late. PLAY THE ACE never factored. LUZIANA gapped. SETONCRUISECONTROL went right to the lead, offered little resistance when challenged before the 5/8 and fell back.
EIGHTH RACE — EXTREME Z TAM was out fourth-over, behind a gapper so three-wide ¾, then angled all the way down into the Pocono Pike into the stretch and had strong pace to get the decision. SQUARE DEAL made the top 3/16, pushed then yielded for the pocket, vacated same 11/16 and challenged through the turn, got the lead again early stretch but was outkicked to her inside. SWEET PHENOMENA spotted early, moved out to the 5/8 then got cover, went three-wide headstretch, fair. EA AUDIT was buried inside on the far turn, angled widest early stretch and finished with pace. B ON THE HUNT was three-wide 3/16 then two-wide to the 5/16 to get the lead, came under pressure late backstretch, not too much left late. KALYPSO was first on top then relinquished, stayed close until the 11/16. PEMBROKE SOUTHIE moved outside but didn’t gain. BRAINIAC was away last, never got into contention.
NINTH RACE – MADDOX HANOVER moved out behind an advancing first-over nearing turn two, three-wide 5/8 and went his third split in 26.4 to clear at the ¾, all by himself. APPLE VALLEY ART made the lead relatively easily, slowed things down in turn two then had to pick it up as a first-over horse made a bold bid, kept that one out but could not respond to the sweeper, still a good second far ahead of the rest. KIMANI moved before the 3/8 and went right up to the leader to battle, fell back through the last ¼, just got third. KEPT UNDER WRAPS left well then yielded for the two-hole, gapped out 11/16. CAVIART SKIPPER moved out down the back but couldn’t go enough to reach contention. BASS PLAYER gapped at the back.
TENTH RACE – C IS FOR COOKIE had cover to the 3/16, then went on to take over just before the 3/8, popped the plugs and was mildly urged early stretch and responded by again drawing clear. AMERICAN CRISPIN was three-high to the 1/8 en route to the front 3/16, yielded just about a like distance later for the pocket, not quite as much as the top one but still good. HUNGRY FOR KISSES got underway at the half and made a bold move in 27 down the back first-over, went right at the leader, couldn’t quite sustain but another with a good mile in defeat. CARIS was first to show, yielded, gapped at the ¾. EAZY HUNTING had a touch of belated pace wide. PERFECT BLOOM came outside on the turn but could make no headway. HURRIKANE LADY LOU gapped at the back. BEAUTIFUL AMERICA suffered an “ex” 3/16 and was pulled up.
ELEVENTH RACE – GLOBALDOMINATION N was right in front, yielded to the 3/8, pushed the button before the ¾ and went right by, leaving these far behind. PAPIAMENTO stayed connected, left outside raw on the turn, not in the league of the winner but enough for the distant second. BEACH BLANKET BOOK was at the back behind gappers, came a long way to be third while finishing wide. SAULSBOOK RAPTOR did not leave quickly but gradually worked his way up to take over near the 3/8, tired throughout the last ¼. SPORTS TELLER spotted, then was gapping early in the backstretch. SCRAPPIN GOLD was not heard from. CAPOZZO moved outside at the half but went nowhere.
TWELFTH RACE – RELENTLESS JULIE moved outside down the back, three-wide around the breaker, uncovered then had cover on the far turn, proved the best in the late battle. DANCE NUMBER pressed on to 3/16 command, yielded in front of the stands for the two-hole, came out midturn, second-best. BAMA BREEZE had cover to the 3/16, then went up and cleared with mild urging 5/16, set the pace, couldn’t hold on. NAKED TRUTH also was shoved wide down the back, flattened out in the stretch. ALL YOU CAN EAT got through inside the backstretch breaker, fell back late. LAZ-A-FAIRE was far back; HUNGRY FOR MONEY was further back. SWEET HOME made the lead, yielded, gapped a little off turn two then found a better gear 5/8 and was just moving outside when making a break.
THIRTEENTH RACE – TOPVILLE OLYMPIAN spotted, moved uncovered at the half and duked it out with the leader from before the 5/8, gamely to just be along in a three-horse late battle. ADRENALINE RUSH sat the pocket, a trifle loose on the turn, clear sailing in the Pocono Pike, just came up a little shy. VINOVIO was quickly on top, strung the field in Q2 despite a moderate pace, then was under heat from the winner from midbackstretch, held on well. SHARP RAZOR was second-over, a step behind the top three. THE NEXT TWO gapped. LOTTERY WINNER lost contact down the back.
FOURTEENTH RACE – GREAT MAGIC was in control every step. BROOKROAD MASTER maintained the pocket from very early until the very end. WILLIE B WORTHY dropped in third at the 3/16, went evenly late. MAKIN MAGIC TONITE pulled at the ¼ to follow the parked horse, three-wide 5/8 to two-wide uncovered and advanced on the turn, then flattened a little. JUSTIFY sat in, a bit steppy on the far turn, outside late turn, evenly. GREEK LEGEND gapped at the back. SANTA MONICA AS had a touch of trot on the extreme outside late. A MILLION CHUCKLES was caught four-wide outside of horses backing off at the 1/8, went up gradually two-wide until nearing the 5/8, then dropped back.
