Connors’ Comments for Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Apr 9, 2023 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – In the 70s, with a stretch headwind, mild to start … ALTUS HANOVER came uncovered 5/8, kept advancing and had started to pressure the leader when that one broke midturn, leaving him with a clear lead, tiring late but held together over CHING CHING LUCKY. The latter moved behind the winner, slightly loose of him midturn, left briefly uncovered after the breaker then inside late turn, out again stretch, couldn’t quite eat up all of the winner’s margin. DAGON HANOVER went away right to the top, saw two go by and stayed third-in, avoided the far turn confusion with only minor difficulty, clear third. WOODSIDE EMILEAH left and took the pocket, inside and jammed up some far turn, not a late factor. ARGENTO couldn’t stay with outside cover. PADRE gapped, was bothered far turn, had a little in late recovery. GRAPPLE HANOVER moved nearing the ¼ to get the lead, pushed a foe to almost the second turn before letting him go to sit second, then was wiped out by him when he broke midturn. NICE GUY EDDIE made a “shake and bake” (delayed then go) start, went up at the 1/8, briefly had cover from an early mover then worked to clear going into the second turn, was trying to find a response when the winner came up midturn but broke.

SECOND RACE – LINCOLN JAMES came out of fourth at the 1/8 and worked up to the top 5/16, under bigtime pressure from the 11/16 but wouldn’t let that rival go, then held off the inside charger in hand. BRIGADOON went away well to take over, yielded for the pocket, came after the winner up the inside but couldn’t get to him. THEFREEDOMFIGHTERN moved uncovered just off the second turn, reached the leader 11/16 and battled, even getting a small advantage to the ¾, but was shaken off in the stretch. REDHOT ROMEO left for the early pocket, looked to be going all he could to keep up third-in the last 3/8. MACH’S DELI never surfaced. I SOAR HIM FIRST gapped cover second-over past the 5/8, three-wide late turn but didn’t gain. RIPPLESONTHEBEACH was a little off the gate, couldn’t feature from third-over.

THIRD RACE – ANDOVER CONTESSA went uncovered going into the backstretch and cleared 11/16, seemed in charge to the line. CRAZYCAT got into the flow third-over, ducked inside on the turn and came up the inside in the stretch, took second. EMMA TOWN BUD tailed the winner, tucked in the pocket ¾ then came back out on the turn, drifted a bit wide while holding evenly, lost gait right at the wire. AP HALL OF TRIX was in a hard duel before yielding before a 27.2 quarter, was shuffled in the pocket while the leader gave way 11/16, backed out far turn, fair late. TECH TITAN was away slowly, did get the last check. PISTOLS ASPIRATION sat in, was shuffled, backed outside but couldn’t keep up far turn. CUPID HANOVER was hung in a 27.2 opener for the lead, rated the half, but had no response when challenged late backstretch. FRAC was off the gate and trailed throughout.

FOURTH RACE – ITS A HORSE left well, forced a tuck, then let a parked rival go to stalk him behind a fast pace, outside ¾, made the lead nearing headstretch and drew away. TOWN VICTOR left between horses, accepted a spot behind the winner 3/16, followed that one out ¾, enough for second. SIMON GOT LUCKY gapped midrace in the fast pace, then had a better last quarter in finishing third. CREEMORE went evenly along the inside. SAYLOR was off the gate until bursting through as it sprang, was left out three-wide to the 3/16 then onward two-wide to the top to the 3/8, set a fast pace, nothing in reserve for late. THE LAST TWO gapped at the back.

FIFTH RACE – HURRIKANE LADY LOU forced a tuck early and benefitted from that enormously as that foe broke and scattered the others, slowed the half then sprinted home in 55.4 – 27.2 to keep control. EAZY HUNTING spotted, probably the least-affected by the breaker and came through for third, stayed connected in the top three, outside stretch, very nice race in recovery (1:24.4 last ¾). BEAUTIFUL AMERICA was right behind the first turn breaker and “ix”d but caught back quickly and got the pocket, tried to come on in the stretch but was a bit foul-gaited early stretch and didn’t gain while an ocean ahead of the others. SWEET GADGETS went past BABY BUGATTI G; both were bothered early, and then the latter, who was off the gate, couldn’t stay with the top three. RELENTLESS JULIE left and had just taken the two-hole when making a break which bothered all save the winner; placed. KALYPSO had nowhere to go behind the breaker, made an “ix” and was taken to the infield.

SIXTH RACE – ELEGANT DULUPIN FR shut the pocket early, then came out at the ¼, soon uncovered and to the lead before the 3/8, withstood the late burst of DART GUY. The latter did not have great cover second-over, three-wide midturn, came on very strongly late. HALL IT OFF was looped early, pressed on to the lead off the first turn, yielded to the winner, swung outside headstretch but could go only evenly. LADY’S IMAGE sat in and was shuffled to last, a bit of vigor in the Pocono Pike late. TRUMAN JR HANOVER was uncovered towards turn two but never got near the front. CAMPBELLINI outleft everybody and cleared, yielded past the ¼, was sitting third-in when making a break mid-far turn.

SEVENTH RACE – GADOT HANOVER stayed with the main pack throughout, still had a ways to come in the stretch but gained as the pace slowed and was up on the money. BUDWEISER GIRL was away well, three-wide to the first turn then two-wide to take over 3/16, yielded for the two-hole, came out midturn and had the lead in early stretch, just nipped in the shadow of the wire. RHIANNON HANOVER was between horses early and took the 3-tuck at the 1/8, gapped the top two a bit on the turn, evenly inside. I’M AMUSED came through for the early pocket then quarter-moved, was challenged midturn and could not respond. BINGO BRAIN was outside far back down the back, beat the others. MISCHIEVOUS G couldn’t go with these. BUMPY JACK started gapping just past the half and broke 11/16. STRIKING TACTFUL gapped, then went offstride 9/16.

EIGHTH RACE – WORTHY OF HONOR was first to command, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, shuffled far turn and out into a blindswitch, found a seam between horses midstretch and burst through (in a slowing last ¼). FOREVERHILLREIGN backed out to follow cover 11/16, three-wide midturn, steadily but caught to his inside late. K J DIAMOND was last, out in a blindswitch late turn then ducked back inside and to the Pocono Pike, OK. JIVE NINETY FIVE grabbed the early pocket just past the 1/8, in, shuffled, outside ¾, three-wide with cover late turn and four-wide in the lane, evenly. TRUMP THIS started uncovered to turn two, made a big move to challenge the pacesetter from heading into the backstretch, caught by fresher horses. R HERBIE BLUE CHIP settled fourth early then quarter-moved, was under hard pressure almost the entire last half, not enough. SCIROCCO PATRICK moved outside but immediately started to gap.

NINTH RACE – DECOY left, accepted the pocket 3/16, pulled out 11/16 to challenge, game and took a three-way stretch battle. MY WISH CAME TRUE was third-in, up to the pocket as the winner pulled, to the Pocono Pike, almost. WAIMAC ATTACK N made the top and forced a tuck in a quick opener, set the pace, lasted very well. SOHO CHELSEA A didn’t have too much response throughout. ALADDIN HANOVER was badly bothered early, made a huge recovery to catch the field by just past the half, couldn’t quite sustain the regain but showed lots of energy. K J MICHAEL also was bothered by the breaker and never did recover. NORTHERN REIN went offstride midfield at the 1/8.

TENTH RACE – MANOFMANYMUSCLES took the pocket at the 1/8, moved coming out of the first turn with cover he soon lost and went on to claim the front before turn two, drew away in the last 1/8. WARRIOR WAY left, had cover early, on to the lead 5/16, yielded before turn two, popped the pocket before the 5/8, never gained on the leader but just did hold second over AWSOME PAUL. The latter was the first to show, yielded, stayed in, went to the pocket 5/8, not that much late. GINGERTREE STAKIAS gapped inside at a couple of points. PAYMAQ never made an impaqt. REAL MCCOY was way back when breaking far turn. QUINCY MARKET showed nothing throughout the mile.

ELEVENTH RACE – BEACH VIBES moved raw out of third 9/16, went up in 27.2 and had a short lead on the turn but couldn’t clear, finally made the clear lead midstretch. SOLAR BOLT was outside from last soon coming off the first turn, got to second-over but couldn’t stay tight in the fast third quarter, wide and resilient late. FOUT sat in, shuffled a little then between horses early stretch, fair. KING KONG KALIBRE was three-wide to the first curve then two-wide to take over 3/16, rated the half then worked to keep the winner outside, faded only in midstretch. DAVID’S IDEAL left, yielded for the pocket, couldn’t offer much late. VORACIOUS had a touch of pace late from far back. WATCH U R BACK never offered much. RAYRAY fell back badly the last half.

TWELFTH RACE – NICE STUFF left and relinquished for the two-hole trip, a trifle loose late backstretch and on the turn, to the Pocono Pike and had to work but got the job done. DAZZLNDASH HANOVER was in front at the 1/8 and set the pace, rejected the first-over foe, did as much as he could. BANZAI AS was a bit loose of the top two much of the first half, moved uncovered 9/16 and challenged, fell back but still a clear third. SPREE avoided trouble. STEEL SCHOONER broke just after the start, had caught the field by the ¼, came between horses late to get the last check in a decent recovery. MR CRIMSON was no factor here. HL MAMMOTH broke just before the ½ and was taken inside.

THIRTEENTH RACE – CIGAR SMOKING TONY went in front at the 1/8 and dusted these with a 55.2 back half. SEAL O’NEILL moved uncovered 11/16 then got cover to the ¾, came along pretty well for the distant second. OHARE HANOVER settled third early, moved out ¾, just won a three-way photo for third. BIG BOSS HILL, who suffered “b.e.” early and did not look at his best on the turns, left for the pocket, disconnected from the leader down the back. CALYPSO ROCK N didn’t achieve prominence. OUTWIT OUTRUN never entered the main picture. OCEAN BLUE lost contact the last half; so did GUMPTION after starting a move outside into turn two.

FOURTEENTH RACE – CHARLIE BAR patiently worked his way to the top at the 1/8, slowed the half, never had the first-over get closer than his wheel, looked confident the last half of the lane. WAVELIKEAQUEEN rode a great pocket trip, narrowed in slightly but did not appear a threat. HOLY BEING moved outside 11/16, four-wide off the final bend and unwound with good trot. MISS PRINCIPLE went along evenly. PHANNYS MATTER moved second-over but gapped down the back, three-wide late turn, not all that much. RUFFLES N LACE squeezed in fourth just past the 1/8, on the go again early backstretch but as noted could only get to the winner’s wheel before backing off.

Connors’ Comments for Monday, April 3, 2023

Apr 8, 2023 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – High 50s to low 60s as the card progressed … Stretch headwind … HURRIKANE HUNTER was between horses early then tucked, went uncovered 9/16 and gained steadily, went by before midturn and opened up an unassailable margin. CONGRESSIONAL spotted, moved at the ¼, a bit steppy in clearing past the 3/8, couldn’t keep the winner out past the ¾ but held well for second. CAPTAIN ALBERT G was three-wide early and got to the top, yielded past the ¼, came out with cover past the 5/8 and lost that cover on the turn, did OK. FIREBALL FREDDY gapped backstretch cover, evenly late. AXION HANOVER never got into the main action; nor did WARRAWEE XTREME. NOPEWASNTME was three-wide near the back into the first turn then decided to gun up to the top past the ¼, yielded at the end of the frontstretch, tired before the ¾.

SECOND RACE – GLOBALDOMINATION N was wide early, went up at the 1/8 and cleared to the lead off the first turn, set fast fractions with pressure from the 5/8, on a line pretty badly turning for home, but dug in and paced clear late. VINOVIO was in front at the 1/8, yielded and stayed close in the pocket as it turned into basically a three-horse race the last 3/8, inside stretch, couldn’t gain. ADRENALINE RUSH got early position, moved uncovered off turn two and battled hard with the leader in fast fractions from the 5/8 to headstretch, held his ground well. CAVIART SKIPPER gapped cover and went back inside, no factor. KIMANI N rode outside near the back past the half, went inside, didn’t totally fade. PAR INTENDED could not keep up. CAVIART STETSON was four lengths off the pack by the 1/8, fell way back.

THIRD RACE – DIVINE SPIRIT was three-wide to the 1/8 then tucked third, could wait until nearing the ¾ to go up uncovered, took the lead towards midstretch and proceeded on to the wire. MUSCLE GENE moved outside ¾, ducked back in after a breaker, thought about the Pocono Pike then angled out behind the winner before midstretch and finished steadily. VELVET STYLE went down the road, rated the half, didn’t have much pressure until the ¾, couldn’t sustain in the lane. ARCH CREDIT and JUSTIFY weren’t factors but got the final checks. TUIS SHADOW was between horses then tucked at the 1/8, started to fade on the turn then made a break. CELEBRITY SERENA could not go with these. BRECKENRIDGE made a nasty break as the field approached the backstretch before the start.

FOURTH RACE – KOOTENAY SANTANNA was in front just past the 1/8, yielded past the ¼ and sat a fine journey, responded quickly when shown the Pocono Pike and won easily. Tight three-way battle for second: AFLAME HANOVER moved uncovered into turn two, fought very hard with the leader from the 5/8 on, held for a DH2 with TERRY A HANOVER; the former’s former stablemate got the front early then yielded, stayed third-in, deep Pike, evenly for the tie for second. TJ’S INDY PACER was third-over behind a dull one, swung wide and closed well to just miss place. I’M BENICIO A was outside early, got in gear before the 3/16 and motored up to command 5/16, had to deal with a persistent first-over foe, not quite enough. AS ALWAYS gapped early, gained long after the main issues had been decided. YUPPER struggled inside. NO QUARTER was second-over but gapped out 11/16.

FIFTH RACE – FASHION KEN pushed away then yielded, moved from third into the backstretch and grinded up, didn’t reach the leader until into the stretch but then quickly trotted to the top. KNIGHTS GUARD, wide early, got a spot, moved past the 5/16 to the lead past the 3/8, maintained a clear lead into the stretch, but couldn’t sustain his advantage. YO CARTER dodged breakers and went along steadily. NETWORK EXTENDER came through at the start and took the top, yielded past the 3/8, gapped in the two-hole down the back, tired further late. TOP DOWN made a break midturn. DONATELLO HANOVER moved second-over but gapped, then miscued far turn. THE BLACK ACE was three-wide early and couldn’t clear, broke, recovered and settled fourth, broke again early frontstretch, recovered and moved out raw but broke a third time at the half. MONI’S HEAVEN CENT jumped it off 3/16.

SIXTH RACE – APPLE VALLEY ART left and would not yield, clear the last 3/8. PHILOSOPHIZER had some speed, stayed connected, split horses in the lane and along for second. KILLER MARTINI came out towards the second turn, soon three-high off that bend to clear a fading parked horse, then two-wide raw, never reached the winner, just edged for second. TODDLER TANTRUM was three-wide early, kept going between horses until taking the pocket at the ¼, started going loose from beyond the 5/8. BLUEBERRY HEAVEN got the final payday. BELIEVEINTHESPIRIT couldn’t keep with the early backstretch sweeper. LOTTERY WINNER was no factor before breaking; came back with “b.e.” SCRAPPIN GOLD was four-wide early and three-wide most of the ¼ before being left out two-wide raw, was looped early backstretch and faded.

SEVENTH RACE – QUARANTINA raced forwardly-placed, could move out behind the first-over 5/8, snapped into a higher gear past the ¾ when her cover made a break, won handily. DIGNITY HANOVER took the pocket at the 1/8, gapped on the far turn but fought on to take second. WILD KAT G headed down the road, under pressure from the 9/16, saw the first-over break, couldn’t hold off the winner, just missed second late. CHEROKEE JOY made up good ground down the back but could not sustain the gain. JULIETTE went evenly inside. CREA STAR rode outside the first half, then moved inside and faded. SANTA MONICA AS was uncovered into turn two and made a long challenge at the leader, still fighting when offstride ¾. BROADWAY SENSATION miscued just past the start; returned with “b.e.”

EIGHTH RACE – JAGGED LITTLE PILL went right to the top, yielded for the pocket and had a great view behind the protracted front-end duel, to the Pocono Pike and along as the tempo slowed. HUNGRY FOR KISSES moved from the pocket at the ¼ and took over, under pressure from towards the half and went big middle fractions, couldn’t hold off the pocket rocket but did well for second. EA AUDIT gapped down the back, gained some on the far turn and came on steadily as the pace slowed. ALL YOU CAN EAT also made up some late ground. WILD BLUE YONDER tucked third before the 1/8, moved sharply into the second turn, soon right at and occasionally ahead of the leader but was left outside, battled on after the tough trip and still was third deep stretch. ROLL WITH SHORTY gapped down the back. TRULY was last throughout.

NINTH RACE – TEST MY WILL tucked third, quarter-moved and was able to get the potential QM#2 into the pocket behind him 3/8, saw that one coming again late but held on. SHARP CURVE followed the winner out at the ¼, left raw and able to get in the two-hole 3/8, followed along to early stretch, then tipped wide, couldn’t find his best strides until too late. WENTWORTH HANOVER grinded a long way for a distant third in a good mile of his own. UNCLE NINO went to the lead, yielded early frontstretch then gave the pocket 3/8, struggled to stay close the last 3/8. F SCOTT’S MUSE checked outside the breaker far turn while not in contention. TOMMY BOY HANOVER left for the pocket, wound up fourth-in, was behind a tiring horse when breaking at the ¾ causing interference, placed. WINE BAR was not a factor. CASHIER suffered an “ix” past the ¾ while far back.

TENTH RACE – HUDSEN A left for the two-hole, stayed close in the third quarter fight, to the Pocono Pike and along in time. SPINOUT was uncovered into turn two, went 27.1 with the wind to challenge the leader from past the 5/8, may momentarily have had the lead midstretch, caught to the inside but good. PAPIAMENTO cleared at the 1/8, rated the half, had pressure from past the 5/8, not enough late. SAULSBROOK MENTOR tucked third, gapped down the back, angled out in the stretch, went on gamely while rough almost to the point of a near-break late. WILSONS VINNER avoided trouble and got the last check. LUZIANA backed out to follow cover 5/8 but gapped. BASS PLAYER never made a sound here. OUTDAMAGNOLIAMUD moved 3/8 but immediately gapped, then broke.

ELEVENTH RACE – TIDQUIST was second-over, gapped, was blindswitched late turn, but swung wide early stretch and was handled with confidence to the line. GLIDE IN THE WIND gained up the inside the last 3/8 and was along for second. KEYSTONE THUNDER went out raw to challenge 5/8, evenly as the tempo slowed late. BLOGMASTER took control from the pole, didn’t have enough to last to the line. WILLIE B WORTHY was third-over, three-wide late turn, couldn’t overhaul these. LINDYS GOIN CRAZY was last, between horses without room at the wire. BROOKROAD MASTER left for the pocket in the lineup, not enough response late.

TWELFTH RACE – MOVE THE LINE secured the pocket, moved out midturn, won easily. PICTONIAN THUNDER moved outside 11/16, had cover on the turn, along for second. BUTTER UP sat in, then moved wide and gained late. CAVIART SAGE left well to get control early, slowed the half, couldn’t carry his speed to the line. SPORTS TELLER sat in third, gapped down the back, to the pocket midturn, had a good trip but didn’t show much. THE OTHER TWO disconnected early in the backstretch.

THIRTEENTH RACE – HAVEHORSWILTRVEL N got in third at the ¼, moved early backstretch and could get into the pocket to the 11/16 while still not close to the leader, did draw closer on the turn, methodically grinded that one down late. WHAT THAT IS had the pocket then the lead when the fast starter ran, got a slowed half then sprinted off down the back, held gamely but had to settle for second. SMART AS HILL went past the others on the far outside for the distant third. KASEVILLE wound up in the pocket, couldn’t keep up the last 3/8. EXCHEQUER moved outside 11/16 but didn’t gain. MUSCLES JARED had little to offer. ASKMELATER HANOVER outsprinted everybody while four-wide early, had a clear lead when breaking 3/16.

FOURTEENTH RACE – PARMESAN N was second-over, gapped a little during the fast third split, three-wide late turn, not strong late (last quarter 30) but won on back class. KEY ADVISOR yielded for a two-hole trip, outside headstretch, didn’t miss by much. FRISKIE ALL NITE came off the rail past the ¾, swung four-wide into the lane, picked up ground. WON LAST FEELING stayed in and came up all the way to the pocket, clear in the lane but didn’t have the needed kick. HORSE was three-wide leaving en route to 1/8 command, slowed the half then really picked it up to keep a charging attacker at bay, paid the price for the fast quarters late. SEND IT IN JEROME never surfaced. FOLLOW YOUR HEART came with a big rush at the half, went his own third quarter in 26.3 raw to battle the frontstepper, tired midturn. ROCK THREE TIMES gapped throughout.

Connors’ Comment for Sunday, April 2, 2023

Apr 8, 2023 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – The first nighttime card of the year … Yesterday’s high was 70; by the end of this card, it was 35 (Kakaley had abandoned his short sleeves for his regular colors) … Wind at the start the exact opposite of yesterday: a stretch tailwind, although diminishing through the card … ROMANTIC EVENING came uncovered from fourth at the half, went 27.2 into the wind to clear into the far turn, but had to stay good to defeat a resilient ON THE MONEY GB. The latter spotted third into turn one, quarter-moved, could not hold the winner out in the big backstretch fight, but never let her get away in a fine showing of her own. FOX VALLEY CACHET was second-over, tighter on cover late backstretch, uncovered far turn, gave way a little but saved third over a bunch. BLAZING RAMONA made the top 3/16, was shuffled due to lead changes, out in a blindswitch headstretch, had pace coming through a tiny hole late. BLANK CHEEK was forwardly-placed early, took the inside route including in the stretch, evenly. CATIE FAYE HANOVER gapped third-over, a little better in the latter stages. ST LADS BIJOU was too far back to enter contention. INTO THE UNKNOWN made a break going to turn two.

SECOND RACE – RUSTY BEACH was three-wide to the first turn then two-high to 3/16 command, rolled along, was passed just past midstretch but fought on and reclaimed the lead in the shadow of the wire. TRIFECTA HANOVER got early position, slightly loose midrace but closer on the turn, to the Pocono Pike and took the advantage midstretch, just lost the edge approaching the finish. THORN TOAD was between horses early to the front, yielded for the pocket, outside to headstretch, neither gained nor lost stretch ground. FUN MUNKY went uncovered off the second turn, didn’t reach the leaders but kept on going determinedly. PARK STREET BLUES wound up second-over, a bit on the end. CAPTAIN WHO could not enter contention from far back. BARNEY HANOVER trailed most of the way. ROCKWELL had problems staying tight most of the race.

THIRD RACE – TOPVILLE OLYMPIAN was third-over, four-wide and still sixth headstretch, but had a fine stretch kick and was along in time. KEPT UNDER WRAPS A made two speed moves, not under great pressure but still had some daylight at the 3/4, through the turn, and into the stretch, outblasted late. LORD OF MISRULE advanced inside, blocked far turn, to the Pocono Pike and was moving well late although not with the momentum of the winner. IT’SGOODTOBEDAKING was first-over at the half, one-geared well. PACK YOUR BAGS was second-over, a bit loose behind backstretch cover, three-wide to headstretch, evenly. PLAY THE ACE gapped at the back, then came on well in the stretch and was shut off at the wire. AIN’T IT FUN moved quickly to the top, yielded for the pocket, loose down the back, evenly late.

FOURTH RACE – MONEY BOOK secured the pocket early, waited, then snapped home and closed strongly looking all business in his debut. ACTION SHOT got the lead without much incident and set his own pace, outkicked home but far ahead of the rest. LEAST WEASEL gapped but stayed out of trouble and preserved third. HILLASVIVA gapped second-over after a foe broke to the 5/8, wide stretch, didn’t gain. BATTLESHIP LANDING was between horses early and tucked third at the 1/8, uncovered 5/8, tired far turn and broke midstretch, placed for LOB. FAWN DE SIGN got in fifth 3/16, broke just past the half, recovered and was outside, then ducked in, not much late. IMPERIAL ZETTE and FOX HOLE were never prominent.

FIFTH RACE – YOUNONOTHINJON left and sat third until coming raw 5/8, crucially got in the pocket ¾, out again late turn and wore down IMPRINCESSGEMMA A. The latter was three-wide leaving, made the top, yielded but retook, got a breather to the half, stayed clear until past midstretch, caught late. BETTE TINA left but took back, came out far turn then got cover as the winner moved back out, best of the rest. FOR CHIPS SAKE paced her last half in 55.2 from far back. VICIOUS CIRCLE was four-wide nearing the first turn, needed most of the ¼ to clear, yielded for the pocket, all done at the ¾. THE REST did not factor in this one.

SIXTH RACE – ILBENEEDINSTITCHES allowed an outside foe to grab the front early then worked on to 3/16 command, got a slow half, stayed in control throughout. HOT SUMMER KNIGHT left crisply to quickly get the top, yielded for the pocket, a bit loose through much of the mile though a bit closer on the turn, outside stretch but didn’t gain though clearly second. ALL CASHED OUT edged out to follow cover midbackstretch then went back in when that one didn’t advance, just along for third over TEDDY BROSEVELT. The latter ducked in fourth early, gapped the last 5/16. CRITICAL MASS and EVERYONE’S TALKIN were always far back. KEYSTONE SERGEANT broke just past the start, couldn’t recover. MANWILLING spotted third, uncovered of the second turn but did not take a forward step.

SEVENTH RACE – SPITTING IMAGE sat third early then quarter-moved to command, strong to the wire. THE GYPSY QUEEN IR forced all outside leavers to get in behind her, then yielded to the winner, had her chance and did well but couldn’t get threateningly close. A BETTER GAME checked briefly after the backstretch breaker, moved outside ¾, gapped a bit on the turn then did better late to get a DH3 with LOOKATMYART. The latter ducked in fourth, started uncovered off turn two, got to tuck third after the breaker, fair late. BALFAST N had cover but lost it, moved up well to challenge but flattened out. THE NEXT TWO were always near the back. SARA JANE left, took a tuck second, was sitting in third when making a bad break before the 5/8.

EIGHTH RACE – KEYSTONE SWEETPEA was three-wide early en route to command, set a fast pace and opened a huge lead down the backstretch, tiring and chased after late but having too much of an advantage to overcome. WAVERLY HANOVER gapped in third much of midrace, outside to the 11/16, retucked in the pocket, gradually ate into the winner’s margin. I CANT REFUSE tucked, followed cover then left raw far turn, far ahead of the others. FASHION’S WAY and RAVIOLI were behind the first turn breaker, never got close. MY BELFAST ANGEL left well and yielded for the pocket, started to fall further and further back most of the last half. EVER HOPEFUL G broke 3/16.

NINTH RACE – COMET CRUSADER N went out well, pushed a foe almost to the ¼ before yielding for the two-hole, stayed connected, to the Pocono Pike and gained into the 55 back half for a nice victory. IDIOSYNCRATIC was out most of the initial panel to get the lead, rated the half, then stepped it up as a serious challenger was coming on, held her ground well in losing to a trip horse. COALFORD BET ALINE backed off early to tuck third, tried to gain between horses but was shut off with horse nearing the wire. ERINWOOD YVES went 26.4 down the back without cover to pose a serious threat, stayed in the thick of it to the line. BAY CITY stayed in, was doing well late while having too far to come. BUILDING BOOST wasn’t prominent. SLICK RICHARD gapped second-over. DANCING JOE was on the move early but couldn’t enter the main action.

TENTH RACE – Wind had calmed down … PRAIRIE WESTERNGAL started quickly, yielded to the favorite to sit the pocket, went to the Pocono Pike and outbattled that one in a good contest. FRANTASY HANOVER went on to 3/16 command, challenged by the tough first-over from the 11/16, held that foe to her right off but couldn’t withstand the foe to her left. CRAZY CUTE made a very fast uncovered bid from far back, reached the leader 11/16, battled into the final steps before tiring after a big effort. THE STUNNING NUN N sat in and gapped down the back, evenly inside late. NEWSY N stayed in third, moved out headstretch but could only hold her position. PEARL HARBOUR N was not prominent. REACHTHRUTHESKY AS followed the dull cover of BRILLIANT BEAUTY, with neither threatening.

ELEVENTH RACE – MOLLY MCARDLE made two speed moves, slowed the half, then had twin 28.2s coming home which was more than enough for these. LADY’S CHOICE K was out to the ¼ to take over, yielded for the two-hole, not a threat to the winenr but did hold second. ALEXA’S SUNSHINE stayed connected in third. SUMMER DREAMS vacated fourth 11/16 but never went forward. ADULT SWIM went evenly. THE OTHER DUO disconnected soon after and at the half, respectively.

TWELFTH RACE – ZETTE FLAME moved with cover then lost it as it ducked back in, kicked into gear to the ¾ and gradually ate into the big margin of BRIGHT SIDE UP, going by that one confidently late at 35-1. The latter was three-wide leaving, made the lead 3/16, yielded off the first turn but came back to regain by the half, opened a big lead late backstretch hitting the ¾ in a good time for these, but didn’t have enough to resist the winner while far head of the others. U BAKE THE CAKE came off the rail in the lane and was the distant third. BY A HOFF HANOVER left and yielded, moved uncovered down the back but didn’t gain and ducked back inside. GINA’S ON FIRE left very wide, three-wide past the 1/8 then two-wide to command past the ¼, yielded to the half, was tired before the ¾. SKYWAY PROFESSOR was never heard from. SAULSGOOD made a break ducking inside of a breaking LOU’S LANCELOT at the 1/8.

THIRTEENTH RACE – REGAL ESCAPE was underway raw from midpack into turn two, brushed in 27.2 down the back and went right by ¾, drew far clear of these. NOTA REPLICA A stayed in until midturn, moved out then wide and had some late pace to just get second ahead of SPORTS BOX. The latter was away third, initially wanted to challenge for the lead 3/16 but then took back to tuck third, moved out behind the winner 11/16 and soon was left raw as that one went by, evenly. THE COOKIE MONSTER left for the pocket, shuffled back behind the tired pacesetter far turn, to the Pocono Pike but not a great recovering response. HOT DEUCE made the lead at the 1/8, slowed the half, but was not prepared for the winner and faded after being passed. THE LAST THREE never got into the main action.

FOURTEENTH RACE – SOME KINDA ANGEL sat third-in, got Pocono Pike clearance as the pocket horse moved out headstretch, responded well to take the finale. ROCKNROLL NELLA left well three-wide to claim the top by the 1/8, yielded past the ¼, moved outside headstretch, never was in front but had steady pace. SHADOW ONE was third-over, three-wide with cover then four-wide far turn, came on OK. CRUSH ME was second-over, three-wide late turn, fair. ROSEY TIME was blocked last-in, gained stretch ground while in tight quarters. BETTOR B SAWYER left between horses and was looped, went on to the lead past the ¼, rated the half, was faced with pressure, wilted in the lane. DIAMONDTOOTHGERTIE spotted fourth just past the 1/8, then was raw going into the club turn, challenged, stalled midturn. NARINA HANOVER gapped in last.

Connors’ Comments for Saturday, April 1, 2023

Apr 4, 2023 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – No, it’s not April Fool’s: the temperature went up through the card from the mid-60s to 70 … The stretch headwind seemed to sap the leaders: only six of fourteen horses ahead at the ¾ went on to win, and all six were favorites … CAVIART VAL dropped in fourth, gapped from the 3/8 until past the 5/8 then edged outside under urging, didn’t gain much until early stretch, but then showed courage (in a 30.2 kicker into the wind) to put his nose up on the line. DROPTHERAKEFREDDY left well to defend the pocket, then quarter-moved, didn’t get pressure until the winner’s late charge, just failed to hold him off. UNICO LEGEND N was three-wide early then two-wide to the front past the 1/8, yielded for a two-hole ride, outside headstretch, narrowed in a little but not quite enough. DRAGON ROARS AGAIN sat in then backed out to third-over ¾, swung wide and was moving very well late into the wind. BLACK CHEVRON N didn’t get much help from his cover, then gapped it. DERECHO wanted to leave between horses but took back and sat third, gapped out ¾. HASH-TAG SWAG was not heard from.

SECOND RACE – BETTOR MEMORIES came out before the 5/8 with good cover, left uncovered midturn as the first-over went by, determined and got the nod. PRINCE OF TIDES went a fast 1/8 to clear the pole horse, yielded for the two-hole, backed outside late turn and went wide early stretch, finished very well. MOTIVE HANOVER gapped in the second quarter, then came uncovered before the 5/8 and quickly engaged the leader, was kept out much of the turn before clearing, tired just a little bit late. THE WALL gapped badly down the back, then gradually narrowed in through the stretch. HIS BEATS HANOVER had late pace from an impossible spot. TUGGIN ON MY HEART yielded at the 1/8 then came right back out to take over the racetrack, set a fast pace with pressure from the 5/8, gave way the last 3/16. SILAS SEELSTER gapped from the 3/8. IM A GIGOLO N was always far back.

THIRD RACE – CLASSIFIED MATERIAL tucked fourth, then led the outer tier from going into turn two, grinded determinedly, made the lead towards headstretch and tenaciously held off this crew. A BETTOR BEACH was third-over, gapped cover three-wide late turn, then hit overdrive four-wide in the lane and made up a lot of ground into the wind. PLAY THE FIELD pushed the fast ¼, yielded then regained the throttle in front of the stands and got a rest to the half, came under pressure, not equal to this challenge. SAMSON BLUE CHIP had a great second-over trip, three-wide late turn, outpaced late. PUZZLING was shuffled to last, did OK in the stretch. ASTON HILL DAVE was used hard to gain control at the ¼, yielded for the pocket, not too much in the latter parts. GUINNESS PANIC stayed in and was shuffled badly, didn’t appear to have a clear path at crunch time.

FOURTH RACE – MARINER SEELSTER went to the top at the 1/8, slowed the half, fought with the first-over and gradually gained a little separation from that one. PERKINS spotted fourth, started raw into turn two and went up in 27 to challenge the winner, weakened only a little. DING DING DINGER left well then yielded to sit second, a bit loose down the back, Pocono Pike, evenly late. BAMSKI was hustled away and got third, stayed connected to the top ones but couldn’t gain much on them late. BLACKLIGHT moved outside but then ducked back in, got the last check. SIMPLE KINDA MAN was behind gappers much of the middle of the race. DAVIDS COMING HOME gapped early, moved outside but immediately had no forward gear. AMERICA’S GUEST developed a problem past the 3/8 and was pulled up.

FIFTH RACE – TNT BLUE CHIP exploded off the gate to hit the top past the 1/8 in a 27 opener, rated the half, didn’t have pressure until CHAPHEART narrowed in late, and broke his own record for fastest 2023 trotting mile at Pocono, 1:53.2. The latter went up belatedly and grabbed a four-tuck, went uncovered before the 5/8, didn’t really get close until late, when he showed a strong stretch kick. BULLY BOY HILL left strongly inside the winner and sat in the pocket, went a nice mile of his own. HEART MATTERS was forwardly-placed, struggled to stay semiconnected the last 3/8. DELGADO sat in and never factored. THE LAST THREE gapped while not able to get involved in the race.

SIXTH RACE – PARK OFFICIAL was three-wide to the 1/8, then briefly with cover then went on to take control past the ¼, rated the half, didn’t seem to have any problem in the latter stages. MUDVILLE did not have great cover third-over, three-wide midturn, finished strongly. BELLOWS BINGE left well, got in front 3/16, yielded for the pocket, came out of the hole early stretch but went sideways and needed to recalibrate, third. BRAVO TEX N went evenly inside. MINDTRIP started the outer flow then got cover but couldn’t stay with it. MAKE MY DEO never factored. ALWAYS BETTER was last most of the way, wide in the stretch but couldn’t get into the picture. CAVIART LUCA pushed the early fight to the 3/16 and yielded, back uncovered at the half, grinded but couldn’t really get at the leader, then tired in the stretch.

SEVENTH RACE – AMERICAN BOY N was second-over, swung three-wide past midturn, drew away while not looking like a 36-1 shot. CAVIART MAX advanced his way up the inside down the back, picked his way through traffic late turn/early stretch, had to move out to the path behind the second-over then go wider, finished well. INTRIGUED AGAIN gapped cover until early stretch, then found better steps. VIRGIN STORM was last, had traffic trouble on the turn, didn’t have the momentum of the outside ones once clear. ROCKIN THE BLAZE yielded for the pocket past the 1/8, horribly shuffled late turn as the pacesetter stopped, then finally to the Pocono Pike but not a sharp response once clear. HELTER SKELTER backed out to third-over, couldn’t muster much late. TUXEDO BAY left very well from PP8 and headed down the road, had no more left to give in the last 3/16. CAPTAIN T HANOVER moved raw at the half and battled the leader, empty through the lane.

EIGHTH RACE – SPORT SECRET went out for the early lead, yielded to the 5/16 but retook just past the 3/8, had a clear lead in early stretch then held off the late bid of LUCKBEWITHALEX. The latter was second-over, crucially blindswitched from before the ¾ through the turn, finally could swing wide to headstretch and finished with a full head of steam. MAXIMUS MIKI left and tucked midpack, underway to challenge before turn two, battled during a fast third quarter, then couldn’t keep going enough. LOU’S BEACH gapped then moved to third-over, three-wide 11/16, gained some but flattened midturn, came back a little late. BLUESVILLE kept a hole closed before the ¼, sat in, had room up the inside in the lane but didn’t gain. FOUR MORE YEARS left, found no hole so pressed on to 5/16 command, yielded for the two-hole, weakened before the ¾. IMA HAPPY FELLA GB was gapping at the back by the half.

NINTH RACE – BENJI’S BEST ducked in fourth to the 1/8, followed cover at the half, three-wide midturn as cover failed, determinedly for the tally. DRAGON STRIKES set the pace with two moves into turn two, dismissed the first-over with a fast third quarter, lasted a long way. HOMESTRETCH WES had room to improve up the inside, gapped a bit, then steadily in the Pocono Pike. TERRITORY was three-wide to the 1/8 to make the lead past the 5/16, yielded at the end of the frontstretch for the pocket, nothing left to offer late. IDEAL SON N had a little pace at the end. A FEARSOME HANOVER left a big gap down the back, then was moving well belatedly. URBAN RENEWAL also didn’t keep from midbackstretch, never in it. ELWELL left and pushed, yielded, uncovered top the half, went 27 down the back but then faded.

TENTH RACE – BETTORS DONTTELL improved position early, vacated third to go raw 9/16, grinded vs. the pacesetter as those two drew away in the last quarter, outpaced the leader to the line. PHOENIX OF FLUZZY left very hard, yielded in front of the stands but quickly regained, was in a hard battle from just past the 5/8, came out second-best but raced well. JUSTA LITTLE BIT A initially sat in but then was able to back out to follow cover, three-wide headstretch and closed very nicely. INDIGO ART gapped significantly from early backstretch, evenly late. MR DS ROCK was three-deep to the first bend, then two-wide challenging, came off the first turn on a line, advanced to the front then yielded, not much in the last quarter. CAPTAIN ROMANCE was not in a good cover flow. MIGHTY SANTANA N was outside early then got inside, not heard from again. DASH OF DANGER left a big hole from the 5/8.

ELEVENTH RACE – MACMORRIS HANOVER was three-wide towards the 1/8, then fell behind cover to the 5/16, left raw there and was hustled to clear into the second turn, kept up the fast pace, bottomed out the opposition. MARION GONDOLIER had cover, followed it three-wide then went four-wide when the cover broke late turn, made up a lot of ground as the pace decelerated. DELICIOUSSTONE DK was out past a 27 opener to get the lead, yielded towards turn two and stayed with the fast pace, OK+ in the Pocono Pike. MISTER BOINGA got an early forward spot, sat in, so-so late. THE LAST CHAPTER pushed very hard early, yielded past the fast ¼, back out raw 11/16, couldn’t gain much on the second bid. SAY YOU DO had cover, three-wide far turn but broke late on the turn. MUSHANA broke 3/16.

TWELFTH RACE – The stretch headwind was still blowing, but the day’s last three races yielded the fastest last quarters … BUSBOY HANOVER was outleft, refused the two-hole and went on to the top past the ¼, rated the second split, then had plenty left in reserve. SHORE OF HIMSELF whooshed right to the top, let the winner go by, came out strongly near headstretch but couldn’t make much of a dent. MODERN ROCK sat third all the way, all-out late, a clear third. I’LL TAKE THE BET was second-over behind nonflowing cover, three-wide before headstretch, next in line. BLAKEMORE came out of fourth before the 5/8 but never threatened. THE LAST THREE gapped at or near the rear of the field.

THIRTEENTH RACE – DRAGON CITY was three-wide before the first curve, then onward to make the top 3/16, pushed a brusher a bit before yielding for the ultimate trip, stayed tight in the brutal third quarter, to the Pocono Pike, and kicked in midstretch to go by the embattled pair. SAMHARA N roared out of fourth at the half and paced 26.1 to challenge and got the better part of a length ahead to the ¾ but could not clear, caught by the pocket rocket, game for second. C-BET HANOVER left, yielded, quarter-moved, was pushed a bit before reclaiming the top, rated quarter two, then had to go into full sprint mode to deal with the first-over, gamely held that one outside far turn, big mile. THE OTHERS could not keep up with the front three during the last 3/8, though BOARDWALK BET had some late kick.

FOURTEENTH RACE – REBELLIOUS got a forward spot, third-in, behind a wall until past midstretch, then found a seam and strongly burst through to get the decision. I’LL DRINK TO THAT moved out at the ¾ to second-over, wide and finished well in a quick last quarter into the wind. SHVAIKO left strongly to get the lead, yielded for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, OK but a step shy. BEAUMOND HANOVER made two speed moves, couldn’t hold the advantage to the wire. DOUBLEORNOTHING N was first-up 9/16 and went 26.4 with the wind, kept gaining on the turn, flattened out just a little. MR PROFETA gapped inside. WHITECOOKIE was looped leaving and was hung with no hole, taken back 3/16 and went back to last. SOMETHING BETTOR A broke way before the start, caught the field but didn’t enter contention.

Connors’ Comments for Monday, March 27, 2023

Mar 30, 2023 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – Temperature dropped from 60 to the mid-50s through the card … Rain came before race 13 – what had been a “fast” track all day became a “good +1” track for the last two races … CONGRESSIONAL left, was a trifle rough into turn one then settled down, to the lead 3/16, rated the half, came home in 55.4 – 27.3 looking very good. CRUISE HANOVER took over early then yielded for the pocket, went to the Pocono Pike and raced well. I WAS TRICKED, looking a bit hard to handle at points, stayed third-in, kept up right behind the top two late in the stretch. SIMPLY FAST was third-over past the 5/8, four-wide into the stretch and had some late speed. AXION HANOVER was second-over, tipped three-wide but could only go evenly in the sprint home. GATOR HANOVER commenced a big uncovered move off turn two but flattened out mid-far turn. METAL MAN was off a step or two behind the leavers, tucked fourth, moved to the outside before the half but was soon offstride.

SECOND RACE – LINCOLNJAMES was three-deep to turn one, in front before the ¼, rated the half then sped up to hold out the first-over from into the backstretch to into the frontstretch, drew clear. DISMISSAL SLIP was second-over, gapped a bit down the back, three-wide headstretch, along for second. I SOAR HIM FIRST went uncovered from before the clubhouse turn, battled the winner hard for almost 3/8 of a mile before backing off a bit, still a good outing. THEFREEDOMFIGHTERN was shuffled to last, circled a gapper then advanced along the rail through the last ¼. WESTERN TYRANT got the top into turn one, yielded for the two-hole, couldn’t keep up on the far turn. RIPPLESONTHEBEACH was outside before the 3/8, wound up third-over, bore out down the backstretch, couldn’t enter contention. SKYWAY BILLY offered little. SAMMY THE BULL N offered some speed, then started gapping by the 3/8.

THIRD RACE – Stretch headwind for a short while … CAVIART REAGAN was away quickly and forced a tuck, picked up the pace when the first-over challenged, proved to be the best. MR CENSI was double-looped and three-wide early, tucked third at the 1/8, uncovered into the backstretch, not enough but good enough to take second over CAVIART SAGE. The latter left well, accepted the two-hole 3/16, to the Pocono Pike, was second midstretch but couldn’t sustain that position. LOUKES PERRY had a fine second-over trip, gapped a little down the back, had aim headstretch but went only evenly. SPORTY DRAGON was far back, split horses in tight quarters to get the final payday. SUNKEN TREASURE was not a threat inside. THE LAST TWO were far back in the two-wide tier, couldn’t get into the picture.

FOURTH RACE – RUFFLES N LACE sat a loose third until the 5/8, then narrowed in, came out nearing headstretch, inherited the win as the leader broke. WILD KAT G, 106-1, was away well to sit the pocket behind the fast fractions, held well for second after a foe misbehaved. NETWORK EXTENDER moved uncovered from midpack 11/16 and made up some ground. THE BLACK ACE headed straight down the road and had the field strung out, clear when making a break late on the far turn, righted and came back on well; an inquiry into the break revealed no reason for placing. KNIGHTS GUARD tucked fourth, was inside in the lane but had no gain. CHEROKEE JOY, off the gate, moved outside off turn two but couldn’t get in the first half of the field. TOP TUXEDO offered little. MEGA PINT broke early.

FIFTH RACE – HIGH VOLTAGE DEO left well but let outside leavers go, moved raw from third early in the backstretch and paced a 27.2 third quarter to go by the leader, maintained a safe margin in a big mile. RUSTY BEACH was looped early, had cover to the 3/16 then went on to grab the top 5/16, couldn’t keep the winner out down the back, stayed close, tried to come back in the Pocono Pike but didn’t have quite enough. PARK STREET BLUES joined a pretty good flow off turn two, three-wide midturn, up for third at the wire over TRIFECTA HANOVER. The later was away well to 3/16 command, yielded, couldn’t go with the top two ¾ and just missed show. WATCH U R BACK offered little. KING KONG KALIBRE tucked fifth, gapped out inside. CAPTAIN WHO stated outside to turn two, caught cover, couldn’t stay with it but still paced a third quarter of 27.1, then flattened the last 3/16. CRÈME DE LOU CRÈME misstepped going into turn two.

SIXTH RACE – GINGER TREE BRAD worked his way to the lead 5/16 after a fast ¼, had clear advantage from the 5/8 to the wire, good time for this class. AWSOME PAUL was away well, hung the winner well into the frontstretch then yielded, started to get a bit loose 5/8, still a clear second. KEYSTONE THUNDER took a tuck, inside, outtrotted KEYSTONE SERGEANT for third. The latter sat in, advanced on the rail, was blocked far turn, then to the Pocono Pike and his rally almost got him third. DART GUY was stymied by nonflowing cover around the far turn, got the last check. TEDDY BROSEVELT moved uncovered at the half but never got close. COMMON PARLANCE was second-over, three-wide 11/16 but just clogged that tier. GREEK LEGEND fell far behind early and kept falling further behind; came back with “b.e.”

SEVENTH RACE – TWIN B ALLURE made two speed moves then yielded to the favorite, moved out headstretch, found a higher gear midstretch and was along into the 27.4 kicker. DANCE NUMBER sat outside early, went up behind the winner and took over 3/8, got a moderate middle half, then just lacked the requisite sprint home. ALEXA’S SUNSHINE was three-wide to the initial bend and made the lead 3/16, saw two go by, sat third, not quite their caliber today but a clear third. MOLLY MCARDLE got early positioning, faded. IDEAL ALEXA gapped early then got closer, uncovered 5/8 and moved up to the point of almost being equal with the pocket horse past midturn, but then made a break, made a good recovery once regathered. BIRDIE THREE had good cover but gapped midturn. SWEET GADGETS was a slinky nearing the backstretch before the start. KALYPSO got a slow start then broke soon after the word was given.

EIGHTH RACE – NASEY was between horses to the ¼, didn’t want the pocket so went on to 3/8 command, set a fast pace, clear on the turn, had enough to withstand DIVINE SPIRIT. The latter looked at leaving but took back, moved out with cover, three-wide midturn, made up a lot of ground with good late trot. CAMPBELLINI used the rail to keep foes three-wide to the ¼, yielded for the pocket, fell back in the last ¼. BEYOND THE LENS moved around a gapper late backstretch, outside late turn, didn’t gain. BLOGMASTER was three-wide almost all the ¼ before backing off to tuck third, gapped, so-so inside late. SANTA MONICA AS, wide, and MUSCLE GENE, inside, was affected by the break of JUSTIFY at the ¾ while all three looked out of contention.

NINTH RACE – KING JAMES N was widest of five leavers, three-wide to the 1/8 then gained to get the lead 5/16, rated quarter two then had a challenger to his right down the back, whom he shook off, then had two foes gaining on him inside in the lane but held them off gamely. STONEBRIDGE DUEL grabbed the racetrack at the 1/8, made the winner work for the lead and sat the pocket, had his chance in the Pocono Pike, couldn’t quite make it. KILOWATT KID N got a forward early spot, sat third-in, blocked on the turn, went right to the deep Pike, did well but couldn’t gain enough. DONT JUDGE A BOOK left well and yielded, started uncovered into turn two and made a big challenge, won fourth in a three-way picture. TERRY A HANOVER was third-over, had to circle wide at the ¾, finished OK. BIG BOSS HILL gapped early and was never prominent. KEY ADVISOR did not factor. GLOBALDOMINATION N moved outside 3/8 and soon picked up cover, but then was soon gapping that cover, reported “b.e.”

TENTH RACE – BETTOR’S WESTERN was three-wide early, briefly tucked third 3/16 but then came again with a quarter-move, opened some clear space late backstretch, made a brief break to the 3/4 but immediately righted, retained enough to win the GOC Championship; an inquiry into the break gave no cause for placing. PANTHEON HANOVER grinded up from the 3/8 until reaching a vacant pocket ¾, tried very hard to the line while far ahead of the others. CAVIART SKIPPER was second-over, uncovered on the far turn, beat out several rivals in a picture for third. BELIEVEINTHESPIRIT utilized the rail early, third-in, blocked behind a tired horse far turn, backed out late turn and then swung wide, only evenly late. REDHOT ROMEO was far back, a bit of pace on the end. PHILOSOPHIZER sat in, didn’t gain prominence. SOMWHERENBROOKLN N was shuffled, never entered the main picture. BRIGADOON was hard-used to clear the pole horse, yielded to the winner, started gapping out in the pocket 5/8.

ELEVENTH RACE – CHOCO CHARLIE tucked at the 1/8, then was second-over before the 5/8, three-wide late turn, just caught WHAT THAT IS on the end of it. The latter took control from the pole and rolled right on, saw off the first-over, just caught in the final steps. SMART AS HILL gained along the inside down the back, locked in on the turn, angled clear midstretch and finished nicely. ARCH CREDIT protected the two-hole, not enough late. R HERBIE BLUE CHIP came uncovered from third off the second turn, reached the leader’s wheel just before the ¾, then started to fade. TUIS SHADOW never featured. SCIROCCO PATRICK pulled third-over but went backwards.

TWELFTH RACE – RIFLEMAN was looped and outside, looked to tuck then thought he might try going on when a foe moved early, but finally did tuck when that one received resistance bidding for the top, out again 5/8 to grind, just got by in a gritty effort. AFLAME HANOVER defended the pocket early then came out of the hole 3/16 in front of the winner, was used to clear to the lead 3/8, had only the one major challenger and almost defeated that one. MOVE THE LINE was second-over, couldn’t keep up mid-far turn, distant third. PICTONIAN THUNDER didn’t have enough. CAPTAIN CASH swooped the field before turn one, was very reluctant to yield when challenged before the 3/8 but did so, backed up in the pocket the last ¼. PHANTOM SHADOW was caught behind the fading pocketsitter but had no recovery once clear.

THIRTEENTH RACE – Rain before the race; the track was rerated to “good +1” … SECRET OR NOT got out to third-over 3/8, followed cover, went three-wide just past midturn, had the most trot late. GINGERTREE STAKIAS trailed, moved out to the four-path late turn, solidly late. ELEGANT DULUPIN FR emerged with the distant pocket behind the runaway early horse, then almost came up over the back of the driver of that one as he caught up, squeezed out to second-over before the second turn, left uncovered 11/16, got the lead early stretch and held it to past midstretch. CAN’T SAY NO was parked with cover until past the 3/8, went on to grind uncovered, got in the pocket 11/16, to the Pocono Pike, a very good showing. CHIEF JUSTICE was shuffled to last, finally got going midturn and had to angle out to five-wide early stretch for a clear path, finished in overdrive. HAMMER CREEK gained along the inside, then was shuffled far turn, out in a blindswitch, couldn’t recover enough ground. TRUMAN JR HANOVER couldn’t reach the gaping hole behind the early runaway and was parked, urged to clear past the 3/8, tired in the stretch. ASKMELATER HANOVER bolted out and opened a big lead mid-first turn, had the field catch up 3/8, folded badly. … There was a general inquiry as to the conduct of the race near the 3/8 pole, but no action was taken.

FOURTEENTH RACE – FOLLOW YOUR HEART mustered enough early for the pocket, the only one keeping up behind the quick pace, pulled ¾ and went right on by, tons the best today. A STUD NAMED SAM got a forward spot, gapped from the 1/4 to the 5/8, moved outside to the ¾, briefly had cover then lost it, enough for second. SPORTS BOX was the first outside 11/16, got cover, three-wide midturn, edged out SEND IT IN JEROME for third in the quick mile. The latter moved out on the far turn, outkicked for third late. BUTTER UP spotted early then was not heard from. HIGHRTHANANEAGLE A made the lead 3/16 and was flying on the lead with only the winner staying connected, had that one shoot right by midturn, faded. THE LAST TWO were gapping by the half.

Connors’ Comments for Sunday, March 26, 2023

Mar 29, 2023 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – The warmest day of the year so far – temperatures in the mid-50s – and the wind “back at its normal stretch headwind” … ERINWOOD YVES went in fourth at the 1/8, could wait until the ¾ to move outside as there was no forward flow, followed cover on the turn then tipped wide, ate up the ground voraciously late to be just along. PANETTONE HANOVER was looped early, got command at the ¼, slowed the second quarter then sprinted in 27 hoping to get away, almost did but just missed. COALFORD BET ALINE made a big start to get by everybody early, yielded at the ¼ for the two-hole, kept up well in the 55 back half. WHISKEY BREAK gapped inside on the far turn, fair late. GONE BEFORE DAWN had an excess of cover, wide and paced his own last half in 54 in a solid try. ALADDIN HANOVER came out from third 5/8 and went in 26.4 down the back to try to get close, continued his efforts around the turn but then couldn’t sustain them. DANCING JOE moved outside off the second turn but never reached late-developing cover. SWEET SHUNEY MOON got an early spot, not heard from thereafter.

SECOND RACE – VICIOUS CIRCLE was inside of the big leavers, saw them go by then moved at the quarter to regain the throttle, dashed clear down the back and wasn’t threatened despite the slowing last quarter. BETTE TINA was second-over, left uncovered far turn, so-so to get a DH2 with DIAMONDTOOTHGERTIE. The latter retucked around a gapper, moved out again on the turn, had some late gain to achieve the tie for second. ROCKNROLL NELLA was very wide early, challenged then settled for the pocket at the ¼, moved out down the back, gained some then flattened a little, far ahead of the rest. TIGERS WATCHING N left between horses to take the front, forced a tuck, then yielded to the winner 3/8, couldn’t keep pace from the 5/8 and fell back. NARINA HANOVER was never prominent. TSM WESTERN SOUL started gapping early.

THIRD RACE – RIOT started uncovered just off turn two and went 27 with the wind to battle the leader, put that one away early stretch and was a very good winner. SPORTSMANSHIP came off the rail ¾, three-wide and closed nicely to be a very clear second. TODDLER TANTRUM was looped out of the gate, went on to get the lead at the ¼, slowed the half then added a second fast odd-numbered quarter down the back dueling with the winner, quite tired very late. BEACH BLANKET BOOK was last, outside down the back, wide, made up good ground while drifting way out towards the grandstand side. KIMANI N was outside early but had little to offer. SCRAPPIN GOLD yielded for the early pocket, vacated third-in past the 5/8 to follow cover but to no avail. IC A FREE SPIRIT gunned away for the lead, yielded, started to struggle to keep up 11/16. WILSONS VINNER had no impact in this contest.

FOURTH RACE – THE GYPSY QUEEN IR got a very good second-over trip, rarin’ to go when tipped three-wide midturn, drew clear. CATIE FAYE HANOVER stayed in, went to the path behind the winner headstretch and outclosed the others. ST LADS BIJOU was outleft, slid into the early two-hole, came out of third with a rush 3/8 to get the lead by the half, not too far off second. BLANK CHEEK left well for the early top spot, yielded, back uncovered early backstretch and challenged, tired a bit late. YOUNONOTHINJON moved out from last before the ¾, weaved through stretch traffic with horse. FOX VALLEY CACHET, outside early, refused a three-tuck and pressed on to the front 3/8, yielded at the half, started unplugging on the far turn. SHES A BULLVILLE gapped. FOX VALLEY HADLEY was third-over, gapped then narrowed in 3/4, then gapped on the turn before breaking.

FIFTH RACE – QUARANTINA gradually worked through past the start to the lead, forced an opponent to take a hole, rated quarter two, opened a big lead around the far turn, coasting late. GADOT HANOVER closed the gap to the winner after inheriting the pocket, couldn’t keep up far turn but was doing better late. STRIKING TACTFUL came out in a blindswitch far turn and was the distant third. RAVIOLI avoided incident. MY BELFAST ANGEL was always far back. LUCKY LIMERICK left, wanted the lead but had to settle for the two-hole, broke 5/16, recovered and was making up ground well before breaking again 5/8. MISCHIEVOUS G was always far back. BINGO BRAIN gapped throughout, then broke headstretch.

SIXTH RACE – ROCKIN THE BLAZE made his intentions clear throughout, forcing tucks, rating quarter two, then sprinting off the last 3/8 as if it were a drive in the park. ER VEGAS sat third, gapped the pocket horse early on the turn, then narrowed in some and went by that one late for the distant second. MY WISH CAME TRUE left, took the pocket 3/16, couldn’t stay with the winner 5/8, couldn’t hold second late but was an acre ahead of the rest. PLAY THE ACE gapped midrace inside, outfinished the others. RYCROFT N was wide early, spotted fifth 3/16, moved with ineffective cover but gapped it anyway, then was left raw ¾, little. ARTACHE HANOVER never entered the picture. HEARTLANDBANYSBRO started raw into turn two but never got anywhere near the winner, ducked in far turn, faded. LITTLE POWER was away last from the rail, no factor.

SEVENTH RACE – SYLVESTERAMERICAIT moved outside behind the first-over ¾, left raw when that one broke late turn, trotted by for the biggest price of the year at Pocono, $135.40. ONE AFTER NINE left quickly to take the top, yielded to the chalk 3/8, loose ¾, then suddenly with the lead late turn as the pacesetter and first-over next to him went offstride, held second as maybe a fast pace caught up with him. CHUCKY DE VIE was outleft and tucked third, came out in the stretch, evenly. SWEET HEART AS and DAGON HANOVER got the last checks. MASSIVE OPULENCE started a good uncovered move 5/8, alongside the pocketsitter midturn when the leader broke, suffered an “ix” in the momentary confusion while looking to have a good chance with the favorite out. ARGENTO had lost contact by the half. HARRY KNOWS IR defended the pocket, moved at the ¼ to the lead 3/8, opened up a big advantage to a fast ¾, but made a break just past midturn, just beyond where a lightpole shadow crossed the track (?), to the infield.

EIGHTH RACE – HIGH IMPRESSION got an early forward spot then quarter-moved, overpowered these the last 5/16. IT’SGOODTOBEDAKING emerged uncovered early on turn two, grinded, never close but second over SPORTS BETTOR. The latter first sat in then backed out behind the cover of the place horse, was moving a little better late. MAJESTIC KIWI N was originally second-over but gapped early backstretch letting a horse out, next in line. WON LAST FEELING left for control, seated a rival, then yielded for the pocket, unplugged 11/16. JONAH was wide early, raced into the pocket 3/16, blocked on the far turn but then had little once clear. ISITFRIDAYYET never factored.

NINTH RACE – FASHION KEN was looped but remained outside early, got in gear nearing the ¼ and took over 3/8 in a slow half, held off this crew in a fairly slow mile even for maiden trotters. TEST MY WILL was away well for the early pocket, yielded, backed out ¾, three-wide headstretch, had enough to grab second ahead of the inside-charging WENTWORTH HANOVER. The latter moved up from last two-wide, ducked in ¾ and finished steadily in the Pocono Pike to just miss the deuce. UNCLE NINO left well to take over early, yielded 3/8 for the pocket, couldn’t keep up the last 3/16. FAWN DE SIGN gapped, still got the last check. WINE BAR gapped down the backstretch. FULL SCALE was outside before the second turn, went three-wide around the parked horse 5/8 and continued to advance until past mid-far turn, then tired and got a little rough. IT IS WELL was caught three-wide most of the ¼, then got cover to the 3/8, then was left raw while not threatening before fading.

TENTH RACE – CLASSIFIEDMATERIAL was third-over, three-wide to the ¾ through the turn, benefited from the protracted front-end duel and finished the best. TERRITORY left, forced a tuck, momentarily bore wide late first turn but steadied, yielded 3/8 and stayed in the pocket, to the Pocono Pike, didn’t miss it all by much. MISTER DAYTONA N was fourth-over, gapped, wide in the stretch and came on with pace. BLOW A CLOUD N left, took the pocket 3/16, backed out to second-over 5/8, was blindswitched while slightly gapping, evenly late. MAKE SOME WAVES wasn’t fast away from the gate then rolled up, had cover until the chalk cleared past the 5/16, was head-to-head with that one in good fractions the rest of the way, held courageously. P L LEEROY came out of third just before the ¼ to the lead past the 5/16, had no rest battling the parked challenger the rest of the way, tired. BRUMBY never entered contention. DL’S BIG ELVIS disconnected in the last half.

ELEVENTH RACE – MAN DONTFORGET ME left for the early pocket, moved before the ¼ to take the top off turn one then pushed her main foe almost to the second turn before releasing for the pocket, waited for the Pocono Pike, then utilized it well to take it all. FRANTASY HANOVER was outleft and settled third, pulled out 5/16 and worked to the lead towards the bottom curve, set the rest of the pace, just caught on the inside while far ahead of the rest. GEORGIE MARTIN N gapped inside down the back, stayed inside and just got third over PEARL HARBOUR N. The latter burst right to the lead, saw two go by in quarter two, couldn’t quite keep up late turn and couldn’t quite hold third. CRAZY CUTE gapped in last early, then followed cover 5/8 but never was prominent. THE STUNNING NUN N was raw at the half and moved up well in the third quarter and much of the turn, then tired. BETTERB CHEVRON N never was on the radar.

TWELFTH RACE – SOUTHWIND ARTURO got position leaving, stuck inside until headstretch then out in a blindswitch, saw room develop between horses midstretch and shot right through for an easy victory. HAND DOVER DAN had great cover, three-wide headstretch and may’ve drifted a little wider than that through the lane, steadily to grab second from RACER DAN. The latter was uncovered on turn two, made a big 27.2 move down the back to engage the leader, momentarily ahead midstretch, caught by closers but still an impressive showing. FIREINSIDEMYVEINS made the lead at the 1/8, slowed the half then had to pick it up 5/8 in the face of the tough first-over bid, not enough late. INFINITE ZETTE raced in the pocket, got a little loose late backstretch. DONZEL HANOVER joined a good outer tier but couldn’t stay with it. K J DIAMOND gapped out before the 5/8. RESOLVING broke nearing the backstretch before the start and ran the entire mile.

THIRTEENTH RACE – PRAIRIE WESTERNGAL left well, pushed a foe, yielded but came on the retake 5/16 to take control again and rate the half, opened up down the back and was a very impressive winner. BELFAST N was uncovered from sixth at the half and roared up in 26.3 to get into the pocket late on the backstretch, to the Pocono Pike, couldn’t make any further inroads. SHES PUKKA N was three-wide to the first turn, then two-wide to command off that bend, yielded, couldn’t keep up late backstretch, stayed on evenly. A BETTOR GAME got early position, outside on the far turn, OK. BULLVILLE KARLA struggled from the 5/8. NONE OF THE LAST THREE were ever major contenders.

FOURTEENTH RACE – BE BEST moved up to the top 3/16, yielded for the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and just by SPEAKING OF COFFEE very late. The latter made two speed moves to control the throttle, came up just shy. BETTOR B SAWYER sat in, didn’t appear to have a path between the top two late. SOME KINDA ANGEL started uncovered 3/8, did better from the 5/8 to mid-far turn, hung in there pretty well. SHADOW ONE was third-over behind dull cover, four-wide in the stretch and finished well. ICARUS FALLS N was shuffled, not a late factor. PLEASURE SEEKER was last most of the mile. FOR CHIPS SAKE was second-over at the 3/8, gapped cover late backstretch.

FIFTEENTH RACE – NICE GUY EDDIE got a great second-over trip from the 3/8 onward, tipped wide for the stretch and trotted right away from these. BY A HOFF HANOVER was looped and used to clear past the 1/8, got pressure from the half continuing down the back and into the turn, did well to hold off the others for second. LOUS LANCELOT stayed in, locked in on the turn, to the Pocono Pike and just missed second. CHARLIE BAR moved raw 3/8, battled the leader hard the third quarter and to midturn, lost a little momentum from there. GINA’S ON FIRE was three-wide to the first turn, looped a parked foe, let that one go past the ¼ to sit the pocket, struggled in the last ¼. PHANNYS MATTER looked at leaving but took back; that one and THE OTHER TWO were not heard from again.

Connors’ Comments for Saturday, March 25, 2023

Mar 27, 2023 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – Low 40s throughout the card … Stretch tailwind … After earlier rain, the track rated “good” for the first 11 races, and “fast” thereafter; the track was rated “+1” for the first four races, and “+0” thereafter … A very rough day for anybody trying to race in the two(+)-wide tier(s) during the second half: the headwind down the back often inhibited first-over moves and flow … HIS BEATS HANOVER was the one pacer on the day who won after being two-wide during the last half: he moved uncovered at the 5/8, went by midturn, and drew away. THE WALL joined the outer flow ¾ and was a distant best of the rest. TJ’S INDY PACER left to garner the pocket, shuffled some late turn then to the Pocono Pike, evenly. HEARTBEAT HILL moved behind cover, saw it get away from him when left raw on the turn, evenly. NO QUARTER dashed away from the pole and went three :27.4 quarters on the lead (reflecting the atypical wind pattern), had the winner go by on the turn and faded. YUPPER was not factor. GENERAL MONTANA N was actually the fastest off the gate but took back when he saw a bunch of others looking for early position, no factor thereafter. NORTHERN RAIN gapped at times at the back.

SECOND RACE – PERKINS tucked early then hustled to maintain the two-hole, sat behind an embattled half, outside midturn and went to the lead early stretch, held off ODDS ON DELRAY. The latter slid in fifth behind parked horses, stayed third-in until coming out behind the winner past midturn, wide in the lane and was doing well late. MODERN ROCK set the pace with parked horses hounding him most of the way, shook them off at the ¾ but then had fresh attackers coming at him, tired. DAVIDS COMING HOME gapped early, Pocono Pike, not too much to offer here. VIRGIN STORM had to swing wide around the decaying middle tiers on the turn and finished OK. CAPOZZO was four-wide before the ¾, got to three-wide on the turn while gaining, but was tiring in the stretch. SEAL O’NEILL rode behind the parked ROYHILL, tried to go three-wide around him before the 11/16 but faded alongside him; possibly the pair were in close quarters.

THIRD RACE – AMERICAN CLASSIC was in front at the 1/8, rolled under a hold, a most impressive winner in a fast time. BLUESVILLE yielded to sit a perfect two-hole, didn’t give much stretch ground. LUCKBEWITHALEX was behind a struggler, circled him and went to the Pocono Pike, very strong finish. C-BET HANOVER gapped midrace then got closer, couldn’t gain late. THE OTHER THREE were never prominent in this quick mile.

FOURTH RACE – DRAGON STRIKES avoided the “dreaded” outer tier, swung wide in the stretch and gained strongly late to catch BELLOWS BINGE. The latter moved from second 3/16 to take over 5/16, set the pace, drew clear upper stretch but couldn’t keep going to the finish. ALWAYS BETTER left well with urging, on top at the 1/8, yielded for the pocket, a bit loose ¾ into the lane, but fought on to the wire. A FEARSOME HANOVER gapped in last, then found room between horses in tight quarters and was gaining late in the stretch. PUZZLING sat in, was not prominent. SOMBODYITREASURE was second-over but like so many today was not well-served by his cover, went three-wide but didn’t have much himself. DILLINGER came uncovered at the 3/8, never headed the pocket horse before tiring. TUXEDO BAY did not make his presence felt.

FIFTH RACE – DONTPASSMEHANOVER was underway from fifth before the ¼, had cover to before the 3/8 then went on to the lead into the second turn, overpowered these in the fastest mile of the year so far at Pocono, 1:50.4. VETTEL N outleft everybody, yielded but moved again at the ¼ in front of the winner, took the top again then let it go to the winner, couldn’t keep up on the far turn, but stayed game to be best of the rest. BETTORS DONTTELL was looped early, kept going to the lead near the ¼, saw two horses go by in quarter two and stayed in third, had nowhere to go far turn, finally to the Pocono Pike, OK but couldn’t quite make second. JUSTA LITTLE BIT A stayed in, evenly late. MR DS ROCK moved raw at the half but couldn’t get close to the lead. PRINCE OF TIDES never surfaced. TUGGIN ON MY HEART was rough after the start and finally made a break, recovered, followed nonflowing cover, couldn’t recover any more ground. LISBURN checked with the early breaker, was disconnected.

SIXTH RACE – More “all inner tier” … BUSBOY HANOVER quarter-moved, didn’t have pressure, held off the late move of UNICO LEGEND N. The latter went to the point, forced a tuck before the ¼, then yielded to the winner, stayed close and moved out in the lane, may have drifted out a bit but still was doing well late. DROPTHERAKEFREDDY wanted the lead but had to take the pocket 3/16, eased out on the turn, didn’t gain but held off a bunch for third. DRAGON ROARS AGAIN was four-wide early, dropped down to tuck fourth at the 1/8, evenly in the stretch. ARTIFACT HANOVER was second-over, three-wide through the far turn, fair late on a day where outer-tier horses struggled. BAMSKI ducked inside, deep Pocono Pike, evenly. BLAKEMORE moved three-wide ¾ from last, couldn’t get in it. HASH-TAG SWAG moved raw into turn two, never reached the leader before tiring.

SEVENTH RACE – CODE CRACKER looped this group four-wide early for the lead, yielded to sit the two-hole and stayed close, to the inside in the lane and had the punch to catch IMA HAPPY FELLA GB. The latter was looped and three-wide to the 1/8, then two-wide to the ¼, set the pace, tried hard but didn’t have the late steps of the winner. SAMHARA N went three-wide at the ¾ from third-over, finished better than many today with his kind of trip. HECANDANCENCRUISE was second-over, inside past midturn, evenly. GROOVY MAN left some but took back, gapped in quarter two then was uncovered off turn two, dropped in third near the ¾, not too much left. DRAGON CITY never factored here. NOCH TEN left some, was roused at the half but faded from that point.

EIGHTH RACE – BENJI’S BEST left for command just before the 3/16, made mincemeat of these in the last panel. OUR MAJORDAN N was second-over, three-wide far turn and got to be the distant second over a tight group. HOMESTRETCH WES was trapped in when the pocket horse unplugged far turn, to the Pocono Pike and regained some ground. URBAN RENEWAL pushed early then yielded for the two-hole trip, started to go loose 11/16. THE NEXT THREE were moving OK at the wire after having to come from w-a-y out of it. ELWELL grinded into a 4-tuck at the 1/8, first-over into turn two, went 27.2 against the wind down the back making some gain, but then tired.

NINTH RACE – MISS MCKEE left some, moved 3/16 to take over 5/16, in firm control here. GRAPPLE HANOVER left well, had the early pocket then sat third, along the inside in the stretch and outclosed ROCK OF CASHEL for second. The latter raced three-high towards turn one, in front at the 1/8, yielded to the winner, came out headstretch but didn’t have all that much late; still far ahead of the rest. ARCHIBALD sat in, gapped far turn, evenly inside late. LEVITATION vacated fourth ¾, lost fourth in a picture. EXCHEQUER never was on the radar. TRICKY DICK moved out down the back but couldn’t get close. KASEVILLE was gapping before the ½.

TENTH RACE – PARK OFFICIAL left but was looped, got on top at the ¼, had a serious challenge from first-over DIVISION BELL, but after that one went offstride to headstretch had things fairly easy in the lane. FRONTIER ROLLO got early forward position, sat in, came up the inside with pace for second. PLAY THE FIELD quickly circled the field from post eight, yielded at the ¼ to the winner and sat tight, outside stretch but had no more gain. A BETTOR BEACH was far back and stuck inside on the turn, beat the outer tier horses. BRAVO TEX N sat in then backed out to second-over 5/8 but gapped, blindswitched, so-so once clear. MUDVILLE was in a dull flow, tried a three-wide maneuver 11/16 but never gained much. CAVIART VAL moved second-over but soon started to gap. DIVISION BELL started up raw into turn two, gained while going 27.1 down the back and was still in the fight for the win when making a break just before headstretch.

ELEVENTH RACE – SONNY WEAVER N, briefly four-wide early, went out to take control before the 3/16, got company past the half and fought that raw challenger off, had a pair of 27.2 back quarters in him to be a confident winner here. STOP STARING went on early to the top then yielded or the pocket, swung out for the drive, neither gained nor lost ground in the sprint home. NICHOLAS BEACH sat in third, had room up the inside, paced well but couldn’t go enough. PAT MCGARRY A looked at leaving but took back, was second-over and tightened in on cover in the fast third split, three-wide midturn, did well against the bias late. KEYSTONE STEAM gapped at the back, a little better late. SOUTHWIND PETYR couldn’t get involved from third-over. INDIGO ART charged out at the half and went 26.3 full-out down the back to put big-time pressure on the winner, but paid for his efforts in the last ¼.

TWELFTH RACE – SHORE OF HIMSELF left quickly, yielded for the pocket, came out with a rush 9/16 to get the lead 11/16 as the top two drew away, bore out in the stretch but managed to beat out WAR DAN DELIGHT N; an inquiry into whether SHORE OF HIMSELF’s drifting bothered the place horse enough for a placing revealed no cause for doing so. WAR DAN DELIGHT N left three-wide to two-wide to clear before the 3/16, did not fight too hard when the winner when past down the back but was kept alert to stay close, came out in the stretch and was wide in the lane, just missed. CAPTAIN T HANOVER was away near the rear, sat in, up the Pocono Pike for a very distant third over a bunch. SIMPLE KINDA MAN left, sat third, unplugged from the top two 5/8, so-so. JK OBJECTION tucked early, was uncovered into turn two, left behind by the top two 5/8, evenly. OH K MAN had cover which never reached the front. CENTURY FURY was not in the main picture; nor did NEWBIE enter the main picture.

THIRTEENTH RACE – CAPTAIN ROMANCE left, yielded past the 1/8 and stayed right in the action in the pocket, to the Pocono Pike and just got the measure of his opposition in a close finish. CAVEMAN A took back early, started uncovered past the 3/8 (an especially hard trip today), grinded with no surcease, unlucky to be pictured out. CRUNCH HANOVER was outside 3/8, gapped a bit second-over down the back and on the far turn, then was pacing well as the line approached. IMAGINARY LINE went to control things past the 1/8, slowed the half then had an unshakeable first-over coming at him, gave way a little late. MULLINAX sat third-in, had no clear path late. WHITECOOKIE didn’t keep with cover third-over. THE LAST TWO were the last two throughout.

FOURTEENTH RACE – TNT BLUE CHIP was four-deep early, three-wide to the 1/8, then onward to two-wide to the lead 3/8 in very fast early splits, kept up the denuding tempo and found no one who could go with him as he went the fastest trot mile of the local season, 1:54.1. BULLY BOY HILL needed much of the quarter to clear a stubborn polesitting BEER CHEESE, relinquished for the pocket, wasn’t in the class of the winner but did well to be a clear second. BEER CHEESE dashed away, then finally yielded, sat third, couldn’t stay with the pocket horse to the ¾, just maintained third late against closers. HEART MATTERS had nongaining cover, finished with trot. CHAPHEART was uncovered at the half but didn’t get untracked today. THE NEXT TWO were no factors. AP HALL OF TRIX got a 4-tuck, gapped 11/16 and broke late on the turn.

Connors’ Comments for Monday, March 20, 2023

Mar 25, 2023 | Connors’ Comments

FIRST RACE – Temperature rising through the 40s through the card … Stretch headwind … SPRINGBRIDGE DUEL got early forward position, moved 5/16 but was left out to dry, looking to be falling back on the turn but found renewed strength and put his nose on the wire just ahead of DONT JUDGE A BOOK. The latter headed right down the road setting a very quick pace, bravely held until the last step. MR CENSI left, backed off to fourth 3/16, vacated the rail into a blindswitch 5/8, cleared early stretch and had some late pace; an inquiry as to whether his coming off the rail down the back pushed a foe wide resulted in no placing. LOUKES PERRY moved quickly off the second turn and went out to the three-wide path before the 11/16, stayed wide thereafter, did well. A STUD NAMED SUE never factored. MOVE THE LINE gapped down the back. PICTONIAN THUNDER left well, yielded for the pocket, nothing left for the latter stages.

SECOND RACE — I’M BENICIO A tucked, then followed a parked horse 3/8, three-wide 11/16 to the lead to the ¾, ran away. CAVIART REAGAN dashed out to the lead, set the pace under pressure, no answer for the sweeping winner, did manage to hold the distant second. SPORTY DRAGON sat in the pocket, came out headstretch but couldn’t get by the pacesetter for second. LUZIANA sat in, no factor. BUTTER UP was last, four-wide off the final turn and gained a little on the rest of the field. LITERL LAD HANOVER was three-wide to the 1/8, tucked third 3/16, backed outside down the back, three-wide ¾ but no gain. SKY CAPTAIN moved outside early but never advanced. HIGHRTHANANEAGLE A was caught four-wide early, dropped behind cover then was left raw 3/16, found no hole so went up to battle the leader, looped and faded.

THIRD RACE – BETTOR’S WESTERN came out on the grind 11/16 and steadily advanced, paced away from his opposition late. BRIGADOON was on the move before the ¼ to the lead 5/16, set the pace, no match for the winner but fought on for second in a photo decision over POINTSMAN. The latter took control early, yielded for the pocket, got to second in the Pocono Pike deep stretch but hung a trifle late. ADRENALINE RUSH moved second-over ¾, not far off second. FIRE SHINE sat in, to the far inside stretch, not enough. CALVERY HILL gapped past the 5/8. WHERES MY MONEY made a brief break earlier, quickly recovered and caught the field, but had no more left to give 5/8.

FOURTH RACE – STEEL SCHOONER spotted, then was out behind good cover, uncovered midturn, kept on trotting strongly through the line. SMART AS HILL tailed the winner throughout and did well late in his own right. NASEY wanted the top and took it with two speed moves, got a bit tired past midstretch. HOT SUMMER KNIGHT moved uncovered 11/16, could tuck back into the pocket, up the inside late but didn’t have too much. GINGER TREE BRAD broke early, caught the field, three-wide ¾, not too bad in recovery. UPFRONT STONE was near the back in a blindswitch midturn when shoved wide by the trouble inside. JUSTIFY was no factor inside when suffering an “ix” running up on the breaker. PAULIE WALNUTS left and was parked 5/16 for the front, yielded for the two-hole, was struggling from down the backstretch, made a break on the far turn causing trouble.

FIFTH RACE – PACK YOUR BAGS sat last, moved three- and four-wide on the turn, finished like LE BARON ROUGE overwhelming this field. LINCOLNJAMES spotted, moved 5/16 but immediately rethought the maneuver and went back in, back out raw at the ½, challenged, went by late turn and went clear briefly midstretch, but outpaced, just saving second. PHILOSOPHIZER was second-over, gapped his cover, one-geared in the lane. THOR was stuck inside, a mild rally deep in the Pocono Pike. SCRAPPIN GOLD utilized the pole for his goal of setting the pace, got pressure, done past midturn. RUNWITHTHEBIGDOGS gapped third-over, three-wide midturn while doing a little better, then flattened. FRITZIE PIC UP MAN couldn’t outstep the rail horse early and took the pocket, had little to offer late.

SIXTH RACE – WARINER tucked in what turned out to be the three-hole, moved at the ½ and went by late backstretch in a 29.4 quarter with the wind, in hand late. UNCLE NINO left well to get the lead, set the pace until being passed by the winner, stayed tight, Pocono Pike, grabbed second. TEST MY WILL moved out before turn two, got cover at the half, left uncovered to the ¾ and challenged, tired a little late after being overland a long way. FAWN DE SIGN backed out and was three-wide far turn, next in line. WINE BAR maintained the pocket until not being able to keep up before the 5/8. DINKY WINKY drifted out then hit a high gear just past the 1/8, broke going up to challenge nearing the ¼. BULLVILLE REGGIE was never on the radar. FOX HOLE, off the gate, went outside but gapped.

SEVENTH RACE – DONT GET SHOCKED took a hole early, moved from third 5/8 and went 27.1 (with the wind) to clear past the ¾, kept on going with strong strides for a crushing win in very fast time for these. RIOT was outside while far back to get around a breaker, kept coming far turn, drifted wide some late but still was up for second. PANTHEON HANOVER quickly moved from third 3/16 to take over control, couldn’t keep the winner out ¾, a decent mile in the fast fractions. P H KENNY darted away from the rail, yielded for the pocket, so-so the last ¼. THE OTHERS were left way behind in this very fast mile.

EIGHTH RACE – HAMMER CREEK went right to the top, put the hammer down past the half and lost this field in the fast ¾, only home in 31 but way way ahead. BANG BANG BOINGA spotted, then moved outside from far back, three-wide far turn, trotted on well to defeat the mere mortals in here. KEYSTONE SERGEANT was also way back, also made up ground wide on the turn and through the stretch. KEYSTONE THUNDER sat in and was shuffled, went widest towards midstretch and passed tired horses. WILLIE B WORTHY got the pocket, already going loose not much off the second turn. TEDDY BROSEVELT dangled in the back early then moved up uncovered, never got close before tiring. CREATE MYSTIQUE was very wide early and three-wide to the 1/8, took back to settle third at the ¼, gapped from the 3/8, Pocono Pike in the lane but had little to offer. SUNDAE FUNDAY dropped further and further back.

NINTH RACE – BELIEVEINTHESPIRIT was uncovered at the half, hit a better gear 11/16 and advanced, ducked in as the pocketsitter came out late turn, through in the Pocono Pike and went on to a nice victory. SOHO WALLSTREET A left for the pocket, pulled out to headstretch, never had the lead but went on to take second late. MONTY MONO took the top at the 1/8, set a steady tempo of his choosing, couldn’t make the lead last in the stretch. I SAW HIM FIRST followed cover, not in that one’s league but OK. SOMWHERENBROOKLN N tucked fourth, inside, stuck inside until angling out late turn, wide but free too late. PAR INTENDED never surfaced. SKYWAY BILLY gapped in the three-hole. MAYBE NED came out from last, was third-over, not enough the last ¼.

TENTH RACE – SUNDOWN KID went away well to control from the pole, had REAL PEACE at his throat from the 5/8, paced on tenaciously for the success. The latter tucked third past the 1/8, moved quickly off turn two and was at the leader by the 5/8, paced his third quarter in 26.4, was at least equal to the winner at several points, came up just shy in a big outing. RIFLEMAN was second-over, gapped a little in the fast third quarter, kept coming to the wire. TEXAS MIKI gapped midpack down the back, moved wide in the stretch and was OK. AFLAME HANOVER defended the pocket, didn’t offer much through the lane. WAIMAC ATTACK N never got close. CALYPSO ROCK N gapped from early in the mile. CENTURY ENFORCER took back at the start and never reentered the picture.

ELEVENTH RACE – LADY’S IMAGE quickly established command, slowed the second quarter, held off a tightly-packed field. MASSIVE OPULENCE left well and took the pocket at the1/8, awaited the Pocono Pike, got his chance, but couldn’t quite make it. NICE STUFF was second-over, blindswitched on the far turn, went inside the first-over in the lane, found enough room very late to take third in a four-horse picture. SPREE came grinding on the second turn and made a gradual advance, held his ground well in the drive. ARCH CREDIT had speed and was third-in, looked to want to split horses midstretch but may not have had enough room and appeared shut off. DIVINE SPIRIT gapped down the back, then did better on the turn and four-wide headstretch, narrowed in. RED REDEMPTION looked to leave but took back early, fourth-in, couldn’t gain contention. AMBERS CHAMPION was third-over past the 5/8 but gapped, then went three-wide late turn but didn’t have enough.

TWELFTH RACE –THREE WAYS N took instant command, rated quarter two while on a line on turn two, then sprinted in 27.3 down the back to open a huge lead he never relinquished. REDHOT ROMEO tucked fourth, made with cover 11/16 and then three-wide nearing headstretch, had the most late of the rest of this field. SAMMY THE BULL N was away for the pocket, went loose 5/8. CAVIART SKIPPER moved uncovered after the two-holer started gapping but couldn’t get closer. IMIDEAL HANOVER gapped down the back then caught the main bunch but couldn’t improve along the inside. THE OTHER DUO lost contact to the ¾.

THIRTEENTH RACE – COALFORD BET ALINE made a big 27.3 backstretch move raw to get the lead ¾, continued on nicely to the finish. CONGRESSIONAL, steppy at times again, was very wide leaving then took back to follow cover and then tuck, came uncovered into turn two, picked up cover from the winner and stayed with it, saw that one clear ¾ and was left raw again, continued to try hard. AMERICAN ZESTAR had the early pocket, moved in front of the stands to get the front, didn’t keep the winner out ¾, but continued to battle to the line. NOPEWASNTME had the best early speed, yielded, shuffled, evenly. WARRAWEE XTREME was third-over and not well-served by his cover, swung three-wide and was doing OK late. AXION HANOVER was in a dynamic cover flow but gapped far turn. LYONS PRIDE was three-wide to the 1/8, got in fourth towards the ¼, little in the second half. LYONS SWIFT was not so swift today.

FOURTEENTH RACE – MISTER BOINGA left for the pocket at the 1/8, stayed close in extremely fast fractions, popped up 11/16, went by in the stretch and equaled the local season’s fastest trot mile of 1:54.2. ONE AFTER NINE stayed closely-placed, outside past the 5/8 and soon had cover, second-best. SAYLOR streaked down the road at a wild pace, held pretty well. KOSHER MAHONEY was four-wide to the 1/8, backed off to tuck fifth before the ¼, couldn’t go with the top trio. TRUMAN JR HANOVER, wide early, slid in fourth just past the 1/8, couldn’t gain. THE REMAINING THREE were well off the top ones connected to the searing pace.

FIFTEENTH RACE – I WAS TRICKED was three-wide early, raced up to take over before the 1/8, slowed the half then was tapped entering the backstretch, responded by coming home in 56.2 – 28 in an impressive debut while holding off EL YERNO with encouragement. The latter moved with cover 5/8, three-wide headstretch, had very solid late kick. RUSTY BEACH moved into third at the 1/8, came outside past the 5/8 and advanced some, but couldn’t sustain that advance, next-best. MIGHT BE RIGHT left and got the pocket, not enough in the last ¼. RAYRAY gapped 11/16 but still got the last check. CRÈME DE LOU CRÈME was a bit off the gate when breaking 50 yards before the start, caught the field but was tired in the last ¼. ALEKSANDER was already losing contact by the ¼. HURRIKANE FERRIGNO broke at the ¼.

SIXTEENTH RACE – HAILEY’S SISTER went right to the front, held out the first-over and then the potential pocket rocket in a good showing. BLANK CHEEK was first to the lead then yielded for the two-hole, stayed close, had her chance in the Pocono Pike, not quite enough. HUNGRY FOR KISSES made third before he 1/8, moved uncovered 5/8 while going her third ¼ in 27.3, challenged hard and may have gotten to even terms early stretch, but couldn’t quite sustain her bid. BIRDIE THREE gapped 11/16. MARTARITAONDAROCKS was wide to the first curve, went in fourth at the 1/8, stayed connected with the top bunch most of the way but then gave way. IDEAL ALEXA and TRULY never entered the picture. BULLVILLE MEMORIAL had lost contact by the 3/8.