COnnors’ Comments for Saturday, April 22, 2023

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.

Connors’ Comments for Tuesday, April 18, 2023

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.

Connors’ Comments for Monday, April 17, 2023

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.

Connors’ Comments for Sunday, April 16, 2023

Apr 20, 2023 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE—Temperatures start at 74 and drop ten degrees during the card, as they will on these Sunday night cards … Stretch headwind … BETTOR’S WESTERN was looped early and pressed on, got into the pocket 5/16, stayed close as the outer tier didn’t threaten, outside late on the turn and went off to an easy victory at 18-1. ATLANTIS stayed in, found room before midstretch and had enough late kick for the distant second. IT’SGOODTOBEDAKING also avoided the clogged outside tiers, evenly inside late. BLACKLIGHT was last, found room between horses midstretch and wasn’t bad late. ER VEGAS had terrible cover, three-wide 11/16, not enough rally. JD’S NOAH showed good speed for 1/8 command, did get the winner in behind him 5/16, rolled on at a good clip, defenseless the last 1/8. MISTER DAYTONA N was close early then gave the pocket 5/16, went out raw at the half, didn’t get close to the leader then faded. STELLAR BB moved second-over but immediately came up empty.

SECOND RACE – CATIE FAYE HANOVER was three-wide to turn one, worked up to the lead past the 26.3 opener then rated the half, got a very stiff challenge from BLAZING RAMONA from the 5/8 the rest of the way, but clung to the lead grittily – improved horse. BLAZING RAMONA was uncovered into turn two and had reached the leader by the 5/8, went ahead before the ¾ and had ¾ of a length far turn but couldn’t cross over, kept trying hard to the very end. JAGGED LITTLE PILL made the top easily, forced the winner past a fast opener and yielded for the two-hole, had her chance in the Pocono Pike, just shy. ST LADS BIJOU backed out to second-over 5/8, gapped at the ¾, wide stretch, just a bit shy. NEVERTELLMETHEODDS stayed in and was last, went to the deep Pike and gained late in what might have been tight quarters. SHES A BULLVILLE moved outside from far back midturn, had some pace while never with a clear path. TEEN DREAM couldn’t circle the unlively cover of SOUTHWIND RYE to gain contention.

THIRD RACE – ALL CASHED OUT moved uncovered near turn two, grinded effectively and drew away from these in the stretch. TUIS SHADOW was between horses early to the pocket at the 3/16, to the Pocono Pike and just edged TEDDY BROSEVELT for the distant deuce. The latter used the rail to advantage, got a slow second quarter, still didn’t have much in the lane. KEYSTONE SERGEANT moved with cover and gapped, three-wide past the 5/8 to circle a sluggish horse and back to two-wide on the turn, evenly. CRITICAL MASS sat in, evenly. UFTON ABBY HANOVER was never close. EVERYONE’S TALKIN was three-wide to the 1/8 then settled in third, backed out in front of a gapper 5/8 but went backwards. TW LAUXMONT offered very little.

FOURTH RACE – MAKE SOME WAVES was second-over, three-wide ¾ and gained through the turn, had the lead early stretch, just held off BRAVO TEX N. The latter was looped and three-deep early, tucked third at the ¼, blocked badly far turn into the stretch, found a sliver outside the winner midstretch and was flying, unlucky mile. BLAKEMORE utilized the pole well to maintain the pocket, Pocono Pike, not too far off. DAVIDS COMING HOME moved out 3/8, gapped and went back in, moved out again down the back, then again gapped most of the last half, three-wide with cover far turn, better very late. DRAGON ROARS AGAIN roared right out to the lead and kept up the speed show, faltered some late. SAMSON BLUE CHIP retucked early around two sluggards, was at the back, four-wide headstretch, OK. VIRGIN STORM started the outer tier 3/8, gradually advanced until mid-far turn. BLACK CHEVRON N had a problem before the half and was pulled up.

FIFTH RACE – TRIFECTA HANOVER made the lead early, rated the half then sped up down the back, had enough to withstand DEL MAR DOUG late. The latter defended the pocket, came out early stretch, kicked in midstretch but not quite in enough time to catch the winner. SOLAR BOLT came uncovered at the 3/8, grinded up, was just off the leader when he bolted wide midturn, recovered to take third. VORACIOUS spotted fourth into turn one, stayed in, came on between horses late. BARNEY HANOVER got in third at the 3/16, gapped ¾, so-so late. RAYRAY couldn’t keep up. COOL LUC was three-wide early as hard to take back, fell further behind. CRÈME DE LA CRÈME was second-over, gapped past the 5/8 and broke late far turn.

SIXTH RACE – BESTFRIEND VOLO settled in third to the first turn, started uncovered to the 5/8, grinded, demonstrated his superiority. G LOAD dashed out to the lead, got a slowed half, then had pressure from the winner from the 5/8 on, couldn’t beat that one but was a clear second-best. CLYDEWEISER had the early pocket, came out in the stretch to vie for second but drifted out and couldn’t get there. SNOWMAN HANOVER gapped at a couple of points. WENTWORTH HANOVER was too far back, closed OK. SHARP CURVE gapped from the backstretch. THE OTHER DUO were never close.

SEVENTH RACE – There was an accident coming off the first turn, with five of the seven horses involved and a couple of horses then loose behind the other two; after an inquiry, the judges ruled the race NO CONTEST.

EIGHTH RACE – Breeze is down … CAPTAIN CHESLEY was underway early in the backstretch and trotted strongly to go by midturn, all alone late. PAUC HANOVER left well, in front then yielded for the pocket, caught behind the tiring pacesetter late turn, to the Pocono Pike and won a photo over LEAST WEASEL for the distant second. The latter had cover but couldn’t stay with it down the back, uncovered midturn, just edged for place. HILLASVIVA slotted fourth, came out in a blindswitch headstretch, had some on the end. UNCLE NINO cleared at the 1/8, yielded, inherited the top when the pacesetter ran off the second turn, couldn’t deal with the winner past the ¾, then tired throughout the stretch. KOLB HANOVER was outside but didn’t offer much. A GREAT CHAPTER was well behind when breaking midstretch, ran home, placed. TOMBSTONE quarter-moved and backed off the half, only to go offstride entering the backstretch.

NINTH RACE – SOMBODYITREASURE left between horses, got in front in the 1/8 and forced a tuck, came home in 55.2 – 27.2 in a powerful race. KEYSTONE STEAM was three-wide leaving, two-wide until making the pocket at the 1/8, appeared to be gathering for a stretch bid when making a brief break headstretch forcing BUSBOY HANOVER wide , recovered with solid late pace, placed third for causing interference. The latter saw third, was kept in until late on the far turn, had just started going wide for his bid when forced wider when the pocket horses broke, another recovering with good pace. TERRITORY avoided the outer tier. CAVIART VAL was third-over in a nonflow, ducked in late turn, got the last check. MASTER MIKI had dull cover, went three-wide but couldn’t gain in the fast back half. PUZZLING was uncovered early on turn two, stopped gaining nearing the 11/16.

TENTH RACE – MONI BOOK bypassed an early tuck and went up to the 3/16, had a foe pull off the first turn, had that one’s cover briefly then raw again to the lead towards the second turn, held up very well late despite the hard early usage. BATTIN A THOUSAND went to the top early, saw two go by in quarter two, came uncovered to the ¾ and went on doggedly to the line. I GOT THE TAB came out in front of the winner off the first turn, went to the lead, yielded the top nearing turn two, stayed close until very late then tired a little. GAME BUSTER was fairly well connected until the last ¼. CASHIER gapped early, no factor. ACTION SHOT was off the gate and gapped throughout. YO CARTER broke nearing turn two and galloped in the infield.

ELEVENTH RACE – BUILDING BOOST, 23-1, came uncovered from next-to-last off the second turn, just grinded and grinded and showed rare determination to catch ERINWOOD YVES late. The latter was three-wide to the 1/8, then had cover to the ¼, then went on to command before the 3/8, opened a clear margin before the ¾ which he kept to midstretch, then weakened a little bit and failed to stall the winner. DON’T GET SHOCKED was parked until the ¼ to get command, then yielded for the pocket, couldn’t stay tight in the last quarter. PINK FLOYD HANOVER went right out to the top, yielded at the ¼, raced third-in, angled out late turn, closed well if a little too late. COALFORD BET ALINE dropped in fourth 3/16, inside, not all that much late. MASK ON MASK OFF had cover from the winner but gapped it. THE OTHER PAIR got away in the back and never surfaced.

TWELFTH RACE – BLENHEIM went up, took his time to make the lead 3/8, then trotted the last half with a clear lead, dominated. GRAPPLE HANOVER went right to the lead, pushed the winner to the 3/8 before yielding, then gapped more and more from early backstretch, still managed to take second tonight. FAMOUS DAN gapped a good part of the first half, then underway raw 5/8, OK. LEVITATION had bad cover third-over, three-wide most of the far turn, made up ground. CHOCO CHARLIE was buried inside, to the far inside and with some at the end. PADRE was last, swung widest, fair late. SECRET OR NOT was second-over but left a gap. CHUCKY DE VIE had nothing to offer in the latter stages.

THIRTEENTH RACE – Now – a stretch tailwind … BOORAA N went up three-wide early, then one-geared two-wide to 3/8 command, had too much for this field. SHADOW ONE was second-over, left uncovered past midturn and ducked down to the Pocono Pike, raced well well ahead of the others. TRAFFIC JAM had to swing out widest from last, held off HP XANADU for third. The latter was caught inside, out in a blindswitch which she cleared early stretch, then paced very strongly once in gear. SIRI BLUE CHIP had speed, went uncovered at the half, didn’t sustain her bid in the last ¼. VICIOUS CIRCLE was in front at the 1/8, pushed the leader to the 3/8 before yielding for the pocket, started to go loose before the ¾. BELFAST N moved third-over but gapped out.

FOURTEENTH RACE – THE WALL was looped leaving, went to on to challenge but was kept out, able to get into the pocket to the 3/8, waited for the Pocono Pike, just nosed out RIFLEMAN. The latter came out past the ¼ but then retreated to his own hole as the winner retreated to the pocket, went uncovered 5/8 and grinded steadily to come up just shy. PARMESAN N was second-over, wide and next in line. HARD ROCK HULK was blocked on the far turn in last, to the deep Pike and rallied some. CRUNCH HANOVER was fourth-over, went stretch and gaining late. KILOWATT KID N sat in, OK in tight quarters between horses. DASH OF DANGER was third-over, could make no impact. MIGHTY SANTANA N flew away to a big early lead, forced everybody in behind, set the pace, but was empty in the stretch.

Connors’ Comments for Saturday, April 15, 2023

Apr 18, 2023 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – 72 degrees to start, dropping a few degrees in the last few races … Rain came before race 10; “fast +0” through race 11, “gd +1” race 12, “sy +1” the remainder of the way … Y S MATHIS BRO forced a rival in behind on the first turn, then made that one work when he came again for the lead 3/8, sat the pocket, outside before headstretch, just got his nose up. SHORE OF HIMSELF left, finally took the pocket 3/16, then came on the quarter-move, pushed to clear past the 3/8, just failed to hold on. SPRINGBRIDGE DUEL slotted third entering turn one, came out of third 11/16, got better the closer they got to the wire. I’LL TAKE THE BET went to the Pocono Pike, evenly. DILLINGER was second-over, gapped, then narrowed in some belatedly. THE OTHERS were well off the front ones down the back.

SECOND RACE – LUCKBEWITHALEX started uncovered at the half and was a grindmaster deluxe, made the lead early stretch and went on to the fastest local time of the year, 1:49.3. MAXIMUS MIKI was outleft, in gear at the 1/8 and went up to the top, set a very fast pace, held gamely although passed early stretch. TOPVILLE SOMROCKET was third-over, three-wide headstretch, moving strongly late. CAPTAIN COWBOY was three-wide early then two-wide to the top 3/16 in a fast quarter, yielded for the pocket, Pocono Pike, OK. AMERICAN CLASSIC moved second-over but immediately gapped and went back inside, not a factor late. KATES BET left between horses and got the early pocket, backed out of third before the 5/8 to follow the winner, struggled to keep close in the last ¼. THE OTHER TWO just had too much to overcome in the blistering mile.

THIRD RACE – TNT BLUE CHIP moved from third 3/16 right to the lead, kept on rolling, opened up midturn, and hung up the fastest trotting mile of the year at Pocono, 1:52.4. FRANK THE ELDER took the early pocket, was kept third-in until midturn, then moved up, edged COLLEGE TUITION for second. The latter made the front, put a foe in behind, yielded to the winner, kept close past the ¾, and then the speed took its toll. EL TORO LOCO and BULLY BOY HILL both stayed inside; ADORE ME followed DELGADO out 5/8, but neither made any headway.

FOURTH RACE – Stretch headwind picking up … BINGE ON YANKEE headed down the road, got a soft half, then came home in 54.3, won measuring against the late thrust of JOEMIKIYOURSOFINE. The latter tucked early, inherited the pocket 3/16, stayed fairly close until headstretch, lost a little ground early stretch moving out to challenge, then had a very big last 1/16. NOPEWASNTME came uncovered into turn two, got to retuck third towards the 11/16, not close to the top two but way ahead of the rest. FIREBALL FREDDY looked to be having trouble keeping up most of the way from the 3/8. FATEFUL DUEL went outside but went nowhere. CRUISE HANOVER tucked in the pocket, then broke 3/16 and went to the centerfield.

FIFTH RACE – PARK OFFICIAL was three-wide to the 1/8 and out just past the ¼ for the lead, got a soft half, sped up down the back stringing the field, had a good challenge on the turn but was equal to that one and all the others. BELLOWS BINGE got forward position, moved raw to the ¾ and got close to the winner, couldn’t stay with him late but did hold second. MUDVILLE moved outside on the turn, didn’t tip wide until almost midstretch, doing well late. OUR MAJORDAN A followed cover ¾, OK late. PLAY THE FIELD looped everybody early, yielded to the winner, didn’t have enough kick late. HOMESTRETCH WES sat in, gapped, went right over a pylon headstretch, but bounced back with some pace. ROLLINWITHAMBITION was never close. TRUFFLE DOG had already lost contact before the ¼ and was pulled up.

SIXTH RACE – GHOST SHARK was three-high to turn one then two-wide to 3/16 command, was challenged on the far turn but looked well in control. IDIOSYNCRATIC raced closely-placed, pulled out ¾ and menaced briefly, did well to be second. HIGH VOLTAGE DEO went straight to the lead, yielded for the two-hole, Pocono Pike, not enough late for second. HUNTER’S HERO was uncovered from far back 5/8, advanced and kept advancing when getting cover ¾, did very well. BULLVILLESPANDEMIC got the last check. STORM THE COURT moved outside but gapped. LUCKISONTHEWAY took back early, faded late.

SEVENTH RACE – KINDA LUCKY LINDY worked her way up to the front early, yielded to sit the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, and went right on by late. MISS MC KEE was extremely wide leaving and three-wide to the 1/8 en route to the lead 3/16, set the pace, had to settle for second. P L NOTSONICE, racing a bit off the pylons at points, went uncovered into the backstretch, gained until nearing headstretch, then flattened a little; good mile nonetheless. SAY YOU DO sat in and was blocked, found room between horses before midstretch and gained some nearing the wire. FIT BITT got a forward spot, stayed in, not too much left late. MEMO was second-over but gapped. ONE AFTER NINE never got a call. MARION GONDOLIER did not have good cover, three-wide far turn but never could gain contention.

EIGHTH RACE—I WAS TRICKED went to the top just past the 3/16, slowed the half, then came home in 55 – 27.1 as much the best today. BULLVILLE STEPHANO was out behind a parked horse into turn two, three-wide before the 5/8 to two-high after that spot uncovered, kept trying hard and got the distant second late. MAYWEATHER HANOVER pushed the winner to the 3/16 and yielded for the two-hole, could not quite save the place late. WE SHALL SEA spotted, backed out with cover ¾, evenly. NOLAUGHINGSTOCK was far back most of the way, then was doing a little better belatedly. RUSTY BEACH left a gap starting on the backstretch. TOMMY MANICOTTI dangled outside midpack the first half, then dropped back.

NINTH RACE – MARINER SEELSTER outblasted them all from post eight early, rated the half, then again could not be overhauled. AMERICAN BOY N went out and defended the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, made up some ground all-out. ASTON HILL DAVE shut a hole late on the first turn, stayed in, found room between horses midstretch and gained OK. LAST MACH was out behind the parked horse before the 3/8, three-wide 11/16 the duration, not bad. HIGH IMPRESSION was looped, was stuck on the outside, moved up to challenge down the back and on the turn, held creditably after a rough journey. COWBOY COOL came out in a blindswitch but wasn’t tight on his cover in the box. ODDS ON DELRAY spotted midpack, not heard from again. CAVIART MAX was third-over, tried to follow the sweeper but gapped far turn.

TENTH RACE – Rain started before this race (see earlier description of the day’s weather to see conditions in the last six races) … PANETTONE HANOVER was four-wide to curve one, three-wide to the 1/8, then two-wide to secure the engine at the ¼, faced a stretch threat from HURRIKANE HUNTER but seemed confident in winning his fourth photo in six recent starts. The latter left between horses and went on to the front at the 1/8, yielded for the two-hole ride, outside stretch, raced very strongly. CONGRESSIONAL maintained a forward spot, third-best today. SIMPLY FAST backed out to second-over 11/16, three-wide late on the turn, paced well. MARRIED MAN and SHADOWS SHADOW were already disconnected to the 3/8. HURRIKANE FERRIGNO had a big gain uncovered down the back, then faded the last 1/8.

ELEVENTH RACE – Wind calmed as the rain came through … PHOENIX OF FLUZZY was urged to get early command, yielded to the brusher for the pocket, used the Pocono Pike and had good late pace to get the decision. HIS BEATS HANOVER started uncovered on the second turn and was a grinder deluxe, may never had had the lead but stayed digging to the very end. CAVEMAN A came through at the start, pulled the pocket and took over early, almost lasted to the line. DONTPASSME HANOVER was third-over, wide in the lane and good late. WALKINSHAW N sat in, found his best strides late then appeared shut off just before the wire. CAPTAIN ROMANCE got to second-over, didn’t tip wide for the stretch, couldn’t quite keep up late. MR DS ROCK sat in last, gained some between horses early stretch then was in tight quarters just past midstretch.

TWELFTH RACE – POSEIDON DEO came with speed early backstretch and paced 26.1 to clear to the lead before the ¾, all alone. SIR HESTON was first to command, yielded for the two-hole, gapped in the fast third split, then used the Pocono Pike to be along for the distant second. WOODROW F CALL left, quarter-moved, didn’t have the steps to keep out the winner late backstretch, held decently. YANKEE CLOUT gapped down the back, made up some ground deep in the Pike but went inside a pylon late and was placed. SOMEWHERE ROCKIN immediately gapped the winner’s cover, didn’t show too much here. TACK ROOM CHATTER couldn’t rally from far back.

THIRTEENTH RACE – INDIGO ART was midpack, initially seemed to stay in then burst out before the 5/8 and went in 27 to go by at the ¾, then had another 27 to draw well clear. BETTOR MEMORIES stayed connected with the main pack, to the Pocono Pike and just there for the distant second. CASUAL COOL left well then quarter-moved, got a breather to the half, couldn’t handle the big move of the winner and then could not hold second late. PRINCE OF TIDES made the top at the 1/8, yielded for the pocket, backed out after the winner went by, in the fight for the deuce. BULLVILLE TERROR would have had great cover if he could have stayed with it. THE OTHER PAIR were near the rear throughout.

FOURTEENTH RACE – DRAGON CITY left, yielded but was quick to reclaim, drew clear ¾ and had no anxious moments thereafter. BULLVILLE FRANK gapped inside down the back, kept coming up the inside and was making progress late. YS DO IT RIGHT went to the front then yielded, stayed connected until just before the ¾, couldn’t save second late. HECANDANCENCRUISE moved uncovered off turn two, went 26.4 on the backstretch while gaining, but then tired. LOU’S BEACH was outside behind a struggler, was blindswitched then backed out three-wide after the top ones were long gone, a bit of pace on the end. SAMHARA N was mired behind dull cover, went three-wide ¾ but made no meaningful progress. C-BET HANOVER never surfaced. GROOVY MAN was uncovered into turn two, got cover not long off that bend but could not keep up at all.

FIFTEENTH RACE – ANDOVERTHEWINNINGS went uncovered into the backstretch, grinded, had the lead but not the inside on the turn, then opened some daylight early stretch, daylight that was almost entirely eaten up by the closing CHAPHEART. The latter moved behind the winner but gapped him, gradually began going faster, just missed with his late surge. RACER DAN was in the outer flow, got third ahead of AP HALL OF TRIX. The latter tucked third, was shuffled back, to the Pocono Pike and did OK. RED REDEMPTION had the early pocket then quarter-moved (that tactic had a low win ratio late in the card), under hard pressure from beyond the 5/8, couldn’t go on. BEER CHEESE pressed on to take over 3/16 then yielded for the pocket, went loose 3/4.

Connors’ Comments for Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Apr 16, 2023 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – Around 70 degrees today, with a stretch headwind … ROSALINE went right to the lead, forced an early mover to change that decision, stayed in control even as GRIZZ WYLLIE narrowed in late. The latter was double-looped early and settled third at the 1/8, moved outside nearing headstretch, found his best strides midstretch, closed well but couldn’t get there. U BAKE THE CAKE took the inner path, then went wide and edged a pair for third. BAR COINS went evenly inside. BY A HOFF HANOVER left well for the pocket, wanted to move past the ¼ but was forced to take back by the insistent leader, couldn’t do much in the last ¼. PHANNYS MATTER made a skip right at the start, righted herself but never reentered contention. MISS PRINCIPLE moved outside down the backstretch but didn’t gain. MALONE also went to the outside from far back and also never was a factor.

SECOND RACE – I’M BENICIO A was three-wide to the 1/8, tucked fourth, got jammed up behind the early trouble, straightened, uncovered 5/8 and grinded by WESTERN BEACHBOY late. The latter was away third, quarter-moved and thus missed the trouble, set a quick pace, almost lasted. SAULSBROOK HERO, jammed up early, got to second-over before the 11/16, couldn’t go with the top two but edged the others for third. SEND IT IN JEROME stayed in, gained between horses, not fully clear until nearing the wire. CAPTAIN CASH yielded for the early pocket, got jammed as the pacesetter slowed, rerighted, inside, Pocono Pike, so-so late. THE COOKIE MONSTER never entered contention; nor did ROCK THREE TIMES. CAVIART SAGE left well to get the front early, slowed off the first turn and caused confusion, sat the pocket, struggled the last ¼, was placed for the trouble off turn one.

THIRD RACE – A GOOD CHARDONNAY was three-wide leaving to the top at the 1/8, kept off her only rival, EEE Z WOW. The latter was three-wide with cover early, worked up to the pocket past the 1/8, stayed close with the fast winner. GADOT HANOVER avoided a breaker and sat fourth, errorless and a far-distant third. CHEROKEE JOY left between horses, made a break at the 1/8 and was taken to the infield, had caught the field by the half, decent recovery. NETWORK EXTENDER wasn’t close throughout, pushed a bit wide by the stretch breaker. BT BABE left, sat third, gapped far turn, then broke in the lane. GYPSY DONNA went offstride 3/16.

FOURTH RACE – NASEY yielded for the pocket, moved 5/16 to get to the front, went 27.3 down the back to open a huge lead which got only bigger late. R HERBIE BLUE CHIP moved with cover on the turn then left uncovered when his cover broke, a clear second. DAZZLNDASH HANOVER left well, yielded for the pocket, had no more forward gear the last 3/8. MOLLY’S JAIL was gapping before the half, stayed flat. HALL IT OFF sat third, outside past the 5/8, was bidding for second far turn when jumping. BEYOND THE LENS lost gait just before the start.

FIFTH RACE – OVERBOARD was three-wide to two-wide covered to tuck third at the 1/8, moved out 11/16 and progressed, powered away from these late. I CANT REFUSE maintained the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and up for second. KEYSTONE SWEETPEA took over before the first bend, slowed the second quarter then stepped up the third, not enough late. MARI gapped the last half. NINA HANOVER made a break going inside the breaking EVER HOPEFUL G just past the ¾ as both were out of it.

SIXTH RACE – DIEHARD SEELSTER got an excellent second-over trip, three-wide late turn, trotted away from these through the stretch. LADY’S IMAGE left, pushed a foe early then yielded for the pocket, Pocono Pike and was up for the distant second. ELEGANT DULUPIN FR was outside 3/16 in the fast opener before clearing, set the pace, not quite enough. SPREE was uncovered at the half and put in a spirited third quarter challenge, but could not sustain the gain. FAIR GLIDER stayed in, looked all-out to keep close most of the last 3/8, OK late. THE OTHER TWO were not part of the main proceedings.

SEVENTH RACE – QUITE FAST vacated fourth 5/8 and marched up to challenge, wore down LADY LIRA. The latter was four-wide early and three-wide 3/16, then dropped down to two-wide with cover until losing cover and going to the lead 3/8, rolled on the lead, held very well. ALLFORSOUTHWIND pushed the early action, inside then out late turn, won a photo for third. DEFACEMENT gapped most of the way, out in a blindswitch, had some gain between horses. JULIETTE was outside from far back, tried to split rivals late, gained some in very tight quarters if clear at all. I’M AMUSED was three-wide leaving then two-wide between horses, got the lead just past the ¼, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, empty ¾. BROADWAY SENSATION was not in the main picture.

EIGHTH RACE – SPEAKTOYOURMANAGER moved from the pocket near the ¼ to set the pace, rated quarter two, proved better than this opposition. IDEAL ALEXA moved uncovered ¾, gained but then briefly lost stride, regathered and came on well for second; an inquiry into the far turn break showed no cause for placing. LADY’S CHOICE K left and was on top at the 1/8, yielded for the pocket, not equal to the late challenge. ADULT SWIM was way behind into the backstretch behind gappers, did a good job to get as close as she did. MILLDOOKER MOLLY left between horses and took third at the 1/8, didn’t keep up from late backstretch. THE OTHER THREE were disconnected well before midbackstretch.

NINTH RACE – CAN’T SAY NO was four-wide early in a six-horse field, took back, outside (briefly with cover) before going up to press the issue, showed rare determination in defeating this group after the hard trip. CHING CHING LUCKY backed out to second-over 5/8, three-wide midturn and loomed, not quite enough late. JIVE NINETY FIVE was last, out behind cover and wider in the stretch, just third. WORTHY OF HONOR had the early lead, yielded but retook, was under pressure from the winner, couldn’t make the lead stand. FOREVERHILLREIGN was three-wide early, on top 3/16, yielded for the pocket, Pocono Pike, outtrotted. REAL MCCOY sat in, to the deep Pike, did not gain late.

TENTH RACE – MANOFMANYMUSCLES tucked third, quarter-moved, threw a 27.4 third quarter and then left the rest of these well behind. AWSOME PAUL gunned away from the rail for the lead, yielded for the pocket, kept up to the ¾ then steadily fell back from there, did hold on to second. GINGERTREE STAKIAS came off the rail far turn and just got third in the last step. LOUIS was uncovered to the ¾, not quite enough for major minor honors. CAMPBELLINI left, took the pocket, did not have much left the last 3/16. WAVELIKEAQUEEN was way back throughout. HL MAMMOTH broke at the ¼.

ELEVENTH RACE – BELLA MACCHIATO slid into third 3/16 but didn’t stay there along, moved off the first turn to the lead 3/8 in a slow second quarter, handled the bid of BABY OIL confidently in a 28 last quarter. The letter wound up sitting third, moved out ¾ and made a good challenge through the last stanza but was outsped. QUARANTINA came through at the start to the lead, yielded to the winner, not as much as the top two through the stretch but far ahead of the others. RHIANNON HANOVER stayed connected to the ¾ then gapped out. BINGO BRAIN was trying to rally when making a break far turn. GUCCI GIRL went offstride 5/8.

TWELFTH RACE – TOWN VICTOR was three-deep leaving to the front at the 1/8, strung the field out from just before the half and was much the best. NICE STUFF yielded for the pocket, had enough to last for the deuce. MUSCLE STAR showed some early speed, sat third, outside ¾, went on OK. DART GUY moved outside on the last bend, finished with some trot. SMART AS HILL raced along the inside and stayed with the second division. STEEL SCHOONER drifted outside near the back until the others had passed him. ARGENTO ran approaching the 3/8.

THIRTEENTH RACE – SIMON GOT LUCKY pulled behind the parked horse 3/8 then went three-wide on the second turn, to two-wide and onward to the lead past the 5/8 while going his third quarter in 27.1, opened up an insurmountable margin. TRUMAN JR HANOVER took the early lead and used inside positioning to advantage, yielded past the ¼, caught in when the pacesetter was passed but looked like he was going all he could, to the Pocono Pike and along for second late. WARRIOR WAY was between horses to the ¼ and soon after took the top, had no answer for the winner’s brush, battled on for second but couldn’t quite retain it. CREEMORE was inside, backed out ¾, had a bit of trot at the end. CRAZYCAT came out 5/8 well off the clearing brusher, grinded up, flattened a little bit. K J DIAMOND was never close. SCIROCCO PATRICK lost contact. REPLICA HANOVER left, was three-wide almost to the ¼ then was midpack in the two-path until entering the backstretch, where he fell out of it.

FOURTEENTH RACE – REGAL ESCAPE started an uncovered march 3/8, went 27.1 with the wind and cleared to the lead at the ¾, got pressure on the turn and more pressure late, but held in there gamely. URBAN RENEWAL was between horses to 3/16 command, yielded, able to back outside with cover midturn, wide and moving very well late. ALADDIN HANOVER was carried up by good cover, lost it ¾ and continued on to fight with the new leader, persevered very well to the line. TERRY A HANOVER was innermost of a three-way battle early, yielded, stayed in, Pocono Pike, so-so. AFLAME HANOVER was three-wide 3/16 (in a 26.2 opener) then two-wide to get the front 5/16, couldn’t keep the winner out ¾, didn’t fade too badly after hard early usage. MINDTRIP was outside, gapped and was blindswitched, cleared, evenly late. KEY ADVISOR sat in, didn’t offer too much. MOVE THE LINE was shuffled then fourth-over, three-wide 11/16 but never gained.

FIFTEENTH RACE – BEACH VIBES left strongly to take over early, looked comfortable on the lead and didn’t seem threatened even though DEMONS BOY was narrowing in late. The latter was between horses to the pocket at the 1/8, sat there, outside headstretch, didn’t immediately gain then found better strides nearing the wire. VICTOR CRUISE was close-up until the stretch, faded but well ahead of the rest. GALLIE GETAWAY moved a good uncovered move from far back down the back, couldn’t sustain. CAMLACHIE CHROME gapped. FAST CHAT backed out to follow cover but couldn’t go enough the last 3/16.

Connors’ Comments for Monday, April 10, 2023

Apr 15, 2023 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – Low to mid-60s … Mild stretch headwind to start … HOWTOTRAINURDRAGON was out 3/16 before making the lead, yielded for the pocket, came out of same 11/16 and had gotten the lead by headstretch, game to hold off three others. ADRENALINE RUSH was first on top, yielded, moved from third-in to the 11/16 and got cover, good but couldn’t quite get to the winner. SPINOUT joined the outer flow and finished steadily after the hot fractions. LOTTERY WINNER sat in, gained along the inside as many moved outside far turn, Pocono Pike, a step shy. PANTHEON HANOVER pulled 3/16 to pace to the top 5/16, kept up a quick pace, fought with the winner from late backstretch, didn’t have enough in the last 1/8. CAVIART STETSON never reached contention. DISMISSAL SLIP was away slowly and gapped a bit at the back throughout.

SECOND RACE – SWEET HOME left outside a quick foe and took the early pocket, stayed third-in, got clearance to her right early stretch and responded with a powerhouse last 1/16 that took her right by impressively. HUNGRY FOR KISSES was underway before the ¼ to gain control just past the 5/16, set the pace, good but outfinished. BLANK CHEEK left well for command, yielded to the early brusher, went to the Pocono Pike but could not gain. SQUARE DEAL came out of fourth off the second curve and gained until late on the turn, then backed off. EAZY HUNTING moved out second-over 5/8, gapped and ducked back in. THE LAST THREE lost contact down the back.

THIRD RACE – HUDSEN A was forwardly-placed early, moved at the ¼ and worked to the top just past the 3/8, drew clear in the last quarter though the last quarter was only 29.3. CAVIART SKIPPER was three-wide to the first turn, then two-wide to take over at the ¼, yielded just past the 3/8 for the pocket, a bit loose the last 3/16, just held second over PHILOSOPHIZER. The latter was on top into the first turn, yielded and sat third-in, went to the far inside in the lane and was just edged for the deuce. KILLER MARTINI was second-over, three-wide before the ¾, not far off second considering the extra ground covered. BRIGHTER DAYS was uncovered into turn two, was never a threatening presence. PAR INTENDED raced inside, not too much late.

FOURTH RACE – APPLE VALLEY ART left, briefly tucked third then went on before the ¼ to the lead 3/8 and rated the half, got hard pressure from the first-over then later from the wide-swinging second-over, but proved equal to the challenges. SAULSBROOK RAPTOR moved second-over from last and had excellent cover until past mid-far turn, swung wide and finished steadily in an improved mile. BASS PLAYER swung out and wide through the far turn, closed well. SPORTS TELLER was third-in, out in a blindswitch nearing headstretch, switched inside to midstretch, fair. PAPIAMENTO was raw early on turn two, went in 27.2 down the back to challenge, but couldn’t sustain the move. SPORTSMANSHIP cleared at the 1/8, yielded for two-hole 3/8, had little in the lane.

FIFTH RACE – SHARP CURVE was looped leaving, took over at the ¼ then yielded for the pocket, outside headstretch, just enough to whisker out WENTWORTH HANOVER. The latter went away quickly, wide into turn one then two-deep to be on top 3/16, yielded to two foes, gapped a little on the far turn but showed renewed vigor in the Pocono Pike late and was an unlucky loser. LEAST WEASEL was outleft and found no hole, had cover to the ¼ then pressed on to finally get the top 3/8, got soft middle fractions, but the early work caught up to him. TOMBSTONE was inside and blocked far turn, rallied some then flattened slightly nearing the wire. TOMMY BOY HANOVER made the early lead then saw three go by, uncovered 5/8, fair. FAWN DE SIGN had cover but couldn’t do much off it. IMPERIAL ZETTE was far back throughout. BATTLESHIP LANDING was far back outside when breaking ¾.

SIXTH RACE – Breeze would become calmer … CARIS went to early command, yielded to sit the two-hole, up the Pocono Pike and by in the final couple strides. DANCE NUMBER settled in third early, on the go again just past the 3/16 to the lead 5/16, shook off the first-over, lasted until the shadow of the wire. ILUVLOUCY left and tucked midpack, uncovered 9/16 and grinded, backed off a little the last 1/8 but still performed well. LAZ-A-FAIRE trailed most of the way, swung wide and finished solidly. COBBLER got a forward spot, couldn’t gain late. HUNGRY FOR MONEY gapped a little down the back, behind a wall headstretch, evenly late. BEAUTIFUL AMERICA was second-over but gapped late backstretch.

SEVENTH RACE – RIOT was last, gapped cover second-over, not in high gear until early stretch, then had a solid burst to be just up on the far outside. VINOVIO took the lead past the 1/8, yielded to sit in the two-hole, to the Pocono Pike, brief lead deep stretch, just caught to his far outside. SHARP RAZOR started a long uncovered grind on the second turn, one-geared strongly (own last half 55.3 raw). TODDLER TANTRUM made two speed moves, came up a bit short at crunch time. KIMANI N tucked early, blocked far turn, handled cautiously in the stretch as not appearing to have clearance. BLUEBERRY HEAVEN never surfaced. SAFENSOUND HANOVER fell far back in the last stanza.

EIGHTH RACE – B ON THE HUNT gapped inside much of the way, had the light bulb go on in the Pocono Pike midstretch and surged to defeat a well-matched group. EA AUDIT left, yielded to the favorite for the pocket, outside for the drive, at equal-front terms past midstretch, just missed. NAKED TRUTH got inside 3/16, moved two- and then three-wide late turn from third, right in the fight to the finish. KALYPSO was last and stuck in, waited for the deep Pike and had a good late kick. PEMBROKE SOUTHIE was uncovered before the 5/8 but never got close, but then was another who found some renewed life late. BIRDIE THREE was outside but never contended.

NINTH RACE – FRIDAY NIGHT BLUES insisted on the lead and strung the field out, came home in 55.4 and needed all of it to win the three-way photo. SOUTHWIND DREDGE was forwardly-placed third-in, kicked in in the Pocono Pike midstretch and just came up shy. GLOBALDOMINATION N left, went into the pocket at the 1/8 and trailed close-up, outside stretch, did very well. LORD OF MISRULE was raw off turn two, speed-grinded in 27.1 down the back but couldn’t sustain. THE OTHER PAIR were not prominent after racing in the back.

TENTH RACE – C IS FOR COOKIE moved in front of the stands, briefly had cover then went on to take over at the half and had no problem with “cameo” driver Zeron as still as a statue late. AMERICAN CRISPIN moved 5/16 to the lead just past the 3/8, yielded to the winner at the half, did well to stay as close as she did. TOTALLY RIGGED made the lead, yielded 3/8 as she saw three horses make the top between the 3/8 and the half, came again raw 5/8 and persevered in a fine showing, well ahead of the rest. PARTY LOUNGE had cover but gapped it. EXTREME Z TAM couldn’t enter the picture; nor did ALWAYS BE BEACHIN. LADYZAR was three-wide to the first turn, then moved up but needed until near the 3/8 to clear, quickly saw two go by, started gapping early backstretch.

ELEVENTH RACE – BARRIER dangled outside then got in gear at the 1/8 to make the lead at the ¼, slowed the half then handled these with 56 – 27.3. VORACIOUS stayed third-in, not bad up the inside late. KING KONG KALIBRE took the lead early, yielded at the ¼ for the two-hole, came outside ¾, got a little tired very late. FUN MUNKY came a long way uncovered before backing off a bit. BATTLEFIELD sat in, didn’t gain in the last ¼. BARNEY HANOVER took back early, never could make up enough ground. ROCKWELL gapped at a couple of points. COOL LUC lost contact at the back.

TWELFTH RACE – RELENTLESS JULIE moved into the backstretch and soon got cover but couldn’t stay tight on it all the way to headstretch, wider and found the needed steps to be just up on the wire. TEAM COLORS left well, yielded 5/16 for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, got to the lead and held it until late. BAMA BREEZE was uncovered off of the second turn, grinded up, did well. HURRIKANE LADY LOU was three-high to the 1/8 then two-wide to the front 5/16, set the pace, not quite enough late. SUNNY PASADENA left between horses and tucked third at the 1/8, stayed in, still pacing OK at the end without full clearance. ALL YOU CAN EAT edged out headstretch, didn’t quite have the necessary late kick. STAY SPECIAL was last throughout.

THIRTEENTH RACE – J B MAUNEY N left hard, pushed a 26.3 opener then yielded for the pocket, stayed close, came out nearing headstretch, got the better of HORSE. The latter was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide past the fast opener for the lead, rated the half, did well but had to settle for second. CALYPSO ROCK N was behind horses until tucking third at the 1/8, fair in the stretch. DANCING JOE went out behind wide cover far turn, wider yet in the lane and finished well. MAJOR SHOW went three-wide from third-over 11/16 as the outer tier wasn’t advancing, but himself never made much of a gain. COUNTER OFFER was inside, gapped down the backstretch. SOUTHWIND MOROCCAN tucked, went first-up on turn two but didn’t get close to the lead. PERFECT BET couldn’t stay with cover.

FOURTEENTH RACE – BRECKENRIDGE landed the pocket leaving then quarter-moved, went down the back in 27.4 to open up a clear lead that he never surrendered. JUSTIFY moved out of third midturn and was along for the distant second. FRAC stayed in and won a photo for third over WILLIE B WORTHY. The latter struck the front heading to turn one, yielded, couldn’t keep up in the pocket before the 5/8. TECH TITAN moved outside far turn but didn’t enter the picture. KEYSTONE SERGEANT was behind the gapping GREEK LEGEND; neither were prominent.

Connors’ Comments for Sunday, April 9, 2023

Apr 13, 2023 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – A drop from 57 to 46 degrees through the nighttime card … LATEST ERA was looped early and took the pocket past the 1/8, sat a tight trip, outside stretch and along easily. SHAZAM BLUE CHIP looped rivals to get the lead into turn one, set the pace without pressure, tired and just held second over PLAY THE ACE. The latter gapped at a couple of points, stayed inside and gained in the latter stages. HES REALLY KEEN was away for early position, no punch in the stretch. SEAL O’NEILL moved uncovered 5/8 but never made much of a forward move. THE OTHER TWO were off the main pack at the back.

SECOND RACE – A BETTER GAME crucially kept a horse shut 3/16, stayed plugged-in in third, moved wide in the stretch and finished sharply after the fast pace. BULLVILLE KARLA sat in a tight pocket behind the quick tempo, to the Pocono Pike, OK but outkicked by the winner. IMPRINCESSGEMMA A was taking no prisoners from the rail, had a challenger from the frontstretch and went big numbers to keep the lead, couldn’t sustain late. SOME KINDA ANGEL left, found no hole so raced raw the whole way, up to challenge entering the second turn, fell back on the far turn but kept trying doggedly. GOLDSTAR ROCKETTE and TRAFFIC JAM never reached contention after inside trips. HP XANADU had nonflowing cover. SIRI BLUE CHIP was four-wide leaving, took all the way back to sixth, then moved out behind the parked horse down the back, wide into the stretch but had no more left.

THIRD RACE – WON LAST FEELING came quickly 9/16 and rushed right by to open a big lead that was not cut into. STELLAR BB was at the back, wide in the stretch, not even in the TV picture until the second pylon from last but outkicked all the others. MISTER DAYTONA N went to the top past the 1/8, yielded to the 3/8 for the pocket, wasn’t tight on the pacesetter after that one was looped late backstretch, to the Pocono Pike and enough for third. BETTOR’S WESTERN was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide almost to the 3/8 in quick time, offered no resistance when the winner came calling. KEPT UNDER WRAPS A moved out on turn two, couldn’t go with the winner and was left raw, didn’t gain. CAPOZZO backed out 11/16 but couldn’t get involved. LITTLE POWER was away last, well off the pack by the ¼, then broke.

FOURTH RACE – A stretch tailwind had started … UNICO LEGEND N was pushed to the 3/16 to make the lead, then was in control the rest of the way. COWBOY COOL backed out to third-over, four-wide past midturn and came from last to pass the others. BLOW A CLOUD N left well, yielded for the two-hole, evenly. VIRGIN STORM moved into the second turn and caught cover at the other end of the bend, three-wide towards mid-far turn, closed OK but was outkicked by the one behind him. HASH-TAG SWAG sat in, was blocked on the turn, but came clear in the Pocono Pike and didn’t have all that much. CAVIART VAL was hard to take back early, out in a blindswitch late turn, never factored. PERKINS tucked early, uncovered off turn two, gained down the backstretch then backed up.

FIFTH RACE – CHEYENNE REIJANE left quickly for the top, kept going to a 26.1 quarter to make sure he led, slowed the half, had pressure from TOPVILLE OLYMPIAN 11/16, looked like he had repelled that early stretch only to find him coming on relentlessly, did hold. The latter gapped during the blistering opener, then narrowed in and was uncovered on the second turn, grinded up to reach the leader 11/16, looked to have been shaken off early in the lane but dug back down and found more. STICK WITH CRAMER moved out fourth-over 5/8 and soon was three-wide the duration, made up a lot of ground in a quality showing. DARTH FADER was second-over, blindswitched by the sweeper, came on in the stretch while looking to be in tight quarters. JD’S NOAH left hard, very reluctantly took the pocket at the ¼, held OK given the hard early use. SHES A SASSY BEACH left between horses, tucked third then gapped off the early war, stayed in, so-so in the stretch. SLICK RICHARD was never prominent. AIN’T IT FUN gapped early, moved third-over, blindswitched before the ¾, never in the hunt.

SIXTH RACE – MARINER SEELSTER was three-wide early, took back to fourth 3/16, moved raw 5/8 and gradually gained, with the 14YO making the lead before midstretch and racing grittily; four straight wins for Kalaley. MAKE SOME WAVES had great second-over cover, raced well but couldn’t get to the greybeard. ARTIFACT HANOVER filled a forward hole early, stuck inside, then outside to headstretch, finally got a little room to the inside of the winner deep stretch and beat out DRAGON ROARS AGAIN. The latter left well and got the pocket, had to wait fractionally to get to the Pocono Pike, OK. BLAKEMORE was third-over, proved best of the others. DING DING DINGER headed down the road at a good clip, was engulfed in the last 1/8. LAST MACH was way out of it then had some late pace wide. BLACKLIGHT gapped inside.

SEVENTH RACE – Wind back to calm … RED REDEMPTION made the lead at the 1/8, rated the half, got pressure around the final turn, dealt with that one then had to regather to hold off the inside thrust of GREAT MAGIC. The latter was away alertly for the pocket, had his chance in the Pocono Pike and tried hard but couldn’t quite reach. TEDDY BROSEVELT spotted third, came out raw 5/8 and had reached the leader by the ¾ pole, held on pretty well. BROOKROAD MASTER came out 9/16 and got cover 5/8, not enough late. MANWILLING never entered the picture. THE OTHER PAIR gapped inside.

EIGHTH RACE – BUSBOY HANOVER was three-wide early then two-wide almost to the 3/8 to get the lead, kept working hard and was safe for his sixth straight win. BLACK CHEVRON N was outside between horses with cover until tucking fourth 3/16, moved outside ¾, finished steadily. BAMSKI used his positioning inside a host of leavers well, finally relinquishing the lead 3/8 for the pocket, OK but not quite enough late. AMERICAN BOY N left and got the early pocket, pulled from third 9/16 and gradually advanced, held his position well. INTRIGUED AGAIN gapped inside. DAVIDS COMING HOME was last much of the way, blocked behind a tired one on the far turn, but didn’t have much once clear in the stretch. BRAVO TEX N was three-wide early then two-wide midpack, never factored. ODDS ON DELRAY did not feature here.

NINTH RACE – COMET CRUSADER N got underway 3/16 to go to the lead 3/8, got a moderate middle half, then had enough in a 27.3 sprint home. DONT GET SHOCKED left well to command to the first turn, pushed the winner a bit before yielding 3/8, went to the Pocono Pike and gained a little in the dash home, good. COALFORD BET ALINE angled down into the early pocket, stayed connected in third, but couldn’t gain in the late sprint. BAY CITY was second-over in the non-greatest of flows, wide and finished with pace. C-BET HANOVER was three-wide early, got in fifth 3/16, came out raw to the 5/8 but didn’t get near the winner. PINK FLOYD HANOVER raced inside, had stretch clearance but not too much response. THE OTHER TWO were not major players tonight.

TENTH RACE – TNT BLUE CHIP was in front before the 1/8, yielded but was out early for the reclaim, strung out the field and was well in control of this field. FRANK THE ELDER was three-wide leaving then two-wide to the top before the 3/16, yielded for the golden journey, could make no dent in the winner’s margin but raced excellently in his own right. AP HALL OF TRIX avoided any mishap for third. RACER DAN moved outside on the turn but didn’t gain. FAMOUS DAN stayed errorless. DELICIOUSSTONE DK vacated third ¾ and had gained some before miscuing late on the turn. RESOLVING had just moved outside entering the lower turn when breaking.

ELEVENTH RACE – SLICK ARTIST A worked out a fine two-hole journey, outside stretch and got the nod in a blanket finish. SHADOW ONE backed out to third-over behind early movers, ducked inside of cover far turn and to the Pocono Pike in the stretch, closed well to just miss. NOWHERE TO HIDE was out three-wide to the 1/8, made the lead 3/16, slowed the half, then had steady pressure from the first-over, held decently. TSM PRINCESS TEDDI was widest in the stretch and gained nicely. CRUSH ME was outside very early and wound up second-over, gapped during the quickening third quarter, spun wide nearing the stretch, OK though outkicked. FOR CHIPS SAKE moved raw 3/8, challenged steadily from the half, tired a little after a hard trip. RHYME N ROLL was between horses early, tucked third, gapped out before the ¾. BETTOR B SAWYER lost contact and was pulled up.

TWELFTH RACE – SOMBODYITREASURE left strongly, forced a quick quarter and yielded, came out of third 5/8 after fast fractions and went right by near the 3/4, won for fun. PUZZLING sat in, blocked far turn, then had the Pocono Pike and was along for the distant second. CLASSIFIEDMATERIAL went on to the front 3/16, hung out a challenger almost the next quarter mile before yielding, backed out after the winner cleared far turn and was left raw, OK. TERRITORY was three-wide in the early stages, slotted inside 3/16, shuffled with the lead change, outside and then three-wide late turn, couldn’t recover enough ground. DRAGON STRIKES was three-wide then two-wide with cover early then left raw 3/16, pressed on and took over before the second turn in hot fractions, had no response when the winner moved up to the ¾. A BETTOR BEACH (three-wide) and GUINNESS PANIC (two-wide) could make up no ground from far back. CAVIART MAX was not prominent when breaking midstretch.

THIRTEENTH RACE – ROMANTIC EVENING, a trifle rough mid-first turn, started uncovered at the half and paced in 27.1 down the back to clear ¾, tapped late to maintain the advantage over a good ON THE MONEY GB. The latter tailed the winner’s cover, uncovered around the far turn, held her ground staunchly. CATIE FAYE HANOVER defended the pocket, backed outside ¾, stayed well with a good top two. ST LADS BIJOU took control from the pole, slowed the half, but didn’t have enough quickfoot to stall the winner ¾, faded. THE LAST THREE weren’t factors in here.

FOURTEENTH RACE – DIAMONDTOOTHGERTIE was outleft, went on to gain control 3/16, had twin 28.2s coming home and drew clear in the last ¼. TIGERS WATCHING N was forwardly-placed, blocked on the far turn, to the Pocono Pike and got second over SIGSBEE. The latter was wide to the first turn and went to the top, yielded to the winner, went loose down the backstretch, couldn’t hold second late. PANATEE rode inside and ONE HAND KEG STAND went wide in the stretch in getting the last checks. COLORFUL SKY was uncovered at the half but didn’t threaten. TSM WESTERN SOUL gapped cover.

Connors’ Comments for Saturday, April 8, 2023

Apr 10, 2023 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – Mid 40s through the low 50s today, with a moderate stretch headwind … NOPEWASNTME moved outside 5/8 in front of the recovering breaker, grinded, proved the best in this group. IDIOSYNCRATIC took back to third then advanced to the pocket at the ½ when the leader broke, sat a great trip, did not have the necessary late kick. FIREBALL FREDDY gapped much of the way, then did better between horses late. MAYWEATHER HANOVER went out to defend the pocket, found himself on the lead after the breaker on turn two, did not have enough. RUSTY BEACH came out from last late on the far turn and finished steadily. WOODROW F CALL was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-wide to the 3/16 to get control, made a break nearing the half, tried to recover and picked up cover but gapped then broke again far turn.

SECOND RACE – SPRINGBRIDGE DUEL sat off the two early fighters then quarter-moved, not challenged until MAKE MY DEO came at him up the inside late but was equal to that task. The latter left well, forced a tuck, then yielded to the winner, couldn’t quite get there inside while well clear of the rest. Y S MATHIS BRO left well, took the two-hole just past the 1/8, inside, evenly late. A FEARSOME HANOVER gapped inside much of the mile, did avoid the outer tier. DILLINGER went up raw into turn two but never got close, faded in the last ¼. I’LL TAKE THE BET was not a factor. ALWAYS BETTER was second-over but gapped cover; BRUMBY was right behind that one third-over, never entered the main picture.

THIRD RACE – The mild wind looked to be changing direction … JOEMIKIYOURSOFINE went out for the pocket, responded when shown ground in the Pocono Pike and was drawing away late. BULLVILLE STEPHANO started a long uncovered mission at the half, steadily made up ground, got the lead turning for home, good second after a hard trip. WE SHALL SEA was second-over, gapped far turn, was best in a tight photo among the remaining four. YANKEE CLOUT looked at leaving but took back, was shuffled then third-over and wide in the lane, OK late. HIGH VOLTAGE DEO left well for the lead, set the tempo, was asked for more when the first-over got to him ¾ but had no more left. HURRIKANE HUNTER sat third, suddenly left a gap at the half, got straightened away but was then caught in and never saw full clearance the rest of the way.

FOURTH RACE – Breeze had calmed … SPORTS SECRET made the top just past the 1/8, yielded just past the ¼ but retook 3/8, got no pressure on the lead, sprinted in 27.1 to withstand CAPTAIN COWBOY. The latter was three-wide to the 1/8 then two-deep past the ¼ to reach the front, yielded to the winner and stayed close all the way, including in the stretch in the Pocono Pike, but couldn’t pass him while well-clear of the rest. KATIES BET sat in, got through on the inside for the distant third. GROOVY MAN left and yielded, sat third, stayed connected until the stretch then had no more. HECANDANCENCRUISE stayed in at the back and got the last payday. BULLVILLE FRANK was third-over in a bad flow. MASTER MIKI showed some speed, then gapped, then got closer, kicked the plugs 5/8 moving outside, but had little. JACKIE MOON was out before the ½, got cover but couldn’t stay with it, faded further.

FIFTH RACE – BESTFRIEND VOLO left to be able to sit second, waited until late turn, then moved off and drew away from these. BATTIN A THOUSAND came off the rail ¾, got cover late turn, went along steadily for the distant second. I GOT THE TAB left well for the lead, backed off the half, then came up with empty pockets when the tab was due nearing headstretch. ACTION SHOT left three-wide into turn one then tucked third 3/16, struggled to stay close from the 3/8 onwards. CASHIER was bothered by the breaker before the half and never recovered. F SCOTT’S MUSE could not avoid the trouble going into the lower turn and made an “ix.” YO CARTER ran up on a foe into the second bend and made a break, went to the infield and galloped.

SIXTH RACE – SOMEWHERE ROCKIN was three-high to turn one, went on to the lead just past the 1/8, pushed a bit then yielded for the pocket 3/8, moved to the Pocono Pike and easily went by. CRUISE HANOVER was away OK, on the move 3/16 to take over the lead 3/8, had no pressure, proved to be second-best. SHADOWS SHADOW left between horses for positioning, was under a drive much of the last half to keep his mind to business, a distant third in a three-way picture. GATOR HANOVER struggled to keep close, outside headstretch but couldn’t get to third. PARK STREET BLUES had nonadvancing cover, then was pushed wide ¾, came back some late. TRIFECTA HANOVER was loose on the inside much of the first half, moved out 5/8, gained a little but then lost momentum ¾.

SEVENTH RACE – Now a stretch tailwind … BULLY BOY HILL left, yielded, moved again in front of CHAPHEART, made the lead again then yielded to that one and stalked him, inside stretch and just got by. The latter went up with cover early, lost cover 5/16 and made the lead before turn two, dealt with the first-over, held very gamely to the line. COLLEGE TUITION was three-wide to turn one then two-deep to the front past the 1/8, saw two go by, stayed connected and did well late. HEART MATTERS avoided the clogged outer tiers. ADORE ME came uncovered at the half and made a good backstretch move, couldn’t sustain the progress. ANDOVERTHEWINNINGS had good cover, wide in the stretch but had no gain. SCOTTISH was never close. BEER CHEESE left a bit, backed out to third-over but gapped out.

EIGHTH RACE – PANETTONE HANOVER was outside with cover early, rejected tucking and carried on to the lead near the 3/8, appeared to have shaken off the righthand pressure headstretch when a new foe emerged to his left, paced home in 27.1 and gamely maintained the lead to the line. GHOST SHARK used the rail to great advantage, kept the winner out almost to the 3/8 before yielding, stayed close then went to the Pocono Pike, did very well but just couldn’t get by. I WAS TRICKED made a big uncovered move turning into the backstretch, challenged, appeared to be fading to headstretch but dug back in and went on nicely to the line. SIMPLY FAST backed out to follow cover 5/8, not enough late but well ahead of the rest. HUNTERS HERO gapped. ON DAYBOO offered little. TOMMY MANICOTTI left, tucked, started to gap early and faded more.

NINTH RACE – Wind had calmed … MONI BOOK went up steadily to get the lead at the ¼, had no problem at all thereafter. G LOAD left, yielded for the pocket, moved out near headstretch, didn’t gain but held second. CLYDEWEISER briefly considered a move outside to the ¾ before staying in, OK along the inside and way ahead of the others. KALEUN and SNOWMAN HANOVER did not make their presences felt. FOX HOLE bore out down the backstretch, stayed wide and broke far turn.

TENTH RACE – ALL CLASS had the early pocket then moved 3/16 to take over 5/16, unthreatened in the 27.2 last ¼. CONGRESSIONAL left well wide to make the lead to the first turn, yielded for the two-hole, not catching the winner but not to be caught for second. BINGE ON YANKEE stayed close until the latter stages. POSEIDON DEO came wide after a second-over trip and had some pace at the end. BULLVILLESPANDEMIC never was a factor. LUCKISONTHEWAY was wide early and took back, uncovered off turn two, faded from midturn.

ELEVENTH RACE —  MYSTICAL WYNN set sail, made the lead 3/16 and kept going in fast fractions stringing out the field (half of which broke behind him), all alone in 1:53, the fastest trot mile of the year at Pocono. MISTER BOINGA kept his poise and was best of the rest. MARION GONDOLIER was cautious on the second turn as the three in front of him all broke, recovered pretty well. ONE AFTER NINE was three-wide past the 1/8, briefly had two-wide cover then was left raw, couldn’t clear the steaming leader, tucked in far turn. BEYOND ORDINARY yielded 3/16, kept up well until late on the backstretch, then broke on the far turn. THE OTHER THREE all made independent breaks on the second curve.

TWELFTH RACE – A ROCKNROLL STAR left well, made a brusher work hard for a quarter mile before yielding nearing turn two, came up the Pocono Pike and went by midstretch en route to equaling the fastest pace mile of the year here, 1:50.4. There was an inquiry as the winner went by just as the leader broke, but there was no reason for placing. KEYSTONE STEAM was second-over, gapped cover a little then was closer, three-wide late turn, just up for second over PHOENIX OF FLUZZY. The latter left between horses and tucked, came first-over and made a big move that saw him gain a short advantage late backstretch but not clear, held very well. CASUAL COOL left well, took the pocket 3/16, inside, had to check midstretch as the breaker appeared to shove him inside a bit. TRACEUR HANOVER never entered the main action. DONTPASSME HANOVER pulled from fourth 3/16 but had to work very hard to make the lead nearing turn two in a fast half, got pressure throughout the last half, was looking for more pace when breaking midstretch, placed. REBELLIOUS was inside, had to check behind the breaker. BULLVILLE TERROR was never prominent.

THIRTEENTH RACE – WESTERN JOE was very wide early and then three-wide to the 1/8 to two-wide in pursuit of the lead, which he got at the 5/16, continued on at a good clip, prevailed. RIFLEMAN left between horses and tucked, moved uncovered past the 5/8 and went on, grinded really well for a nice second. SHVAIKO went right to the lead, forced a tuck then yielded 5/16 for the two-hole, didn’t have the needed steps late. I’LL DRINK TO THAT was uncovered off the second turn, got cover an 1/8 later, never tipped wide until midstretch, not too much power today. SILAS SEELSTER sat in, gapped some as the pace picked up down the back, not prominent. TUGGIN ON MY HEART, last most of the way, swung widest and had some late pace. TRUFFLE DOG was in the outer flow but didn’t show much. KILOWATT KID N failed to shine today.

FOURTEENTH RACE – MACMORRIS HANOVER pushed the 1/8 then yielded for the good pocket trip, to the Pocono Pike and had a little more than DANDY. The latter was unhurried early then got in gear raw into turn two, kept grinding and gaining with every step (his own last half = 56), lost out to the pocket rocket. ROBBIE PEV sat in, then moved out late turn and wide for the drive, closed well. DEE’S RED DELICIOUS went to the front at the 1/8, set the pace, gave a bit of ground in the lane. MISS MCGEE trailed throughout but was able to stay close to this good group.

FIFTEENTH RACE – HIS BEATS HANOVER left and was looped, took the pocket before the fast ¼, moved 9/16 uncovered and pressured the pacesetter the rest of the way, game to prevail in the finale. IMAGINARY LINE stayed in, behind a slight gapper inside on the turn, angled out early stretch and hit high gear midstretch, couldn’t quite make it though good. ROCKIN THE ACES moved past the ¼ but needed the length of the frontstretch to get the top, under pressure from the winner before the 5/8 but wouldn’t let that one cross over, held on well. REDBANK BLAZE A gapped second-over, did a little better late. CAPTAIN ROMANCE sizzled to the lead in the 26.1 opener, pushed the chalk before yielding into turn two, OK but couldn’t stay close at crunch time. DASH OF DANGER never factored. PRAIRIE PANTHER was far back when shoved wide by a breaking CRUNCH HANOVER, who had gone three-wide from third-over 11/16 then broke before midturn.