Remainder of Super Card Filled with Records and Upsets

After covering Races 2-4, we decided to do a full story for the remainder of the Harrah’s Philadelphia card.

Kiss Dont Bite held Marty Party and Moonlit Dragon at bay to win the $150,000 Valley Forge Consolation I in 1:51. Marty Party was second and Moonlit Dragon was third. Moonlit Dragon lead the field by the opening quarter, while Kiss Dont Bite was first over in third. Kiss Dont Bite took the front at the three-eighths and was unchallenged until the stretch drive, where Marty Party and Moonlit Dragon fought hard, but didn’t have enough to beat Kiss Dont Bite.  

Money On My Mind held off a closing Solvato to win the $200,000 Colonial Consolation I in 1:53.2. Upfront Billy was third. Magic Tonight was the leader for most of the mile, while Money On My Mind was in the pocket. “Money” pulled the pocket at the top of the stretch and took the lead, fending off all challenges to win.

Easy Again won the $200,000 Battle of the Brandywine in 1:50.2. Bettor’s Edge was second and I Like Dreamin was third. Bettor’s Edge was the tempo setter and I Like Dreamin was the main threat for most of the mile. Easy Again was in seventh and took advantage of their duel and closed.

Chapter Seven did not disappoint the public as he went gate to wire in the $150,000 Maxie Lee Memorial Invitational in 1:52.1. Anders Bluestone was second and Looking Hanover was third.

Romantic Moment held off a closing American Jewel to win the $350,000 Valley Forge Final in 1:50.1. Dream Of Winning was third. Economy Terror lead the field for most of the mile and Romantic Moment was in the pocket. Major Look applied pressure to “Economy” at three-quarters, while American Jewel was second over and Romantic Moment was at the rail.

Turning for home, Romantic Moment found room and took the lead, while American Jewel and Big Mcdeal were closing on the outside. But Romantic Moment made a perfectly timed move and won.

Googoo Gaagaa returned to his winning ways in the $500,000 Colonial, winning in a stakes record 1:52.1. Market Share was second and Little Brown Fox was third. Making a move at the half-mile, Googoo Gaagaa was first over for most of the mile and still managed to defeat this bunch.

A Rocknroll Dance rebounded from his loss in the Adios and won the $500,000 Battle of the Brandywine in 1:48.1. Pet Rock was second and Sweet Lou was third. Hurrikane Kingcole was the pacesetter through blistering fractions of :25.3, :52.3 (:27) and 1:20.1 (:27.3). A Rocknroll Dance challenged “Kingcole” at three-quarters, took the lead and started drawing away. Pet Rock was closing down the middle of the track and Sweet Lou was holding on for third. A Rocknroll Dance was home free in the final eighth of a mile, Pet Rock was second and Sweet Lou was third.  

Simply Business Takes Battle of the Brandywine Consolation Two

CHESTER, PA— Simply Business sat a pocket trip for most of the mile and paced on by I Fought Dalaw to win the $100,000 Battle of the Brandywine Consolation II in 1:50.1. I Fought Dalaw was second and Take A Walk was third.

Friday At Five took the lead, with Simply Business on the outside in second and Mortal Zin at the cones in third. Simply Business took the top at the quarter in :26.3. I Fought Dalaw went right on by and was the new leader into the clubhouse turn. Back in third was Friday At Five and Escape The News was first over in fourth. I Fought Dalaw went by the half in :53.3 (:27).

Down the backstretch, I Fought Dalaw was unchallenged. Escape The News was fading first over and Verdad came three wide. Simply Business found racing room and came first over at three-quarters in 1:21.2 (:27.4).

Into the stretch, Simply Business took the lead. I Fought Dalaw was back in second and Take A Walk was closing down the middle of the track. But Simply Business had a lot left in the tank and held off I Fought Dalaw and Take A Walk to win in 1:50.1.

Simply Busisness is a three-year-old colt pacer by Rocknroll Hanover, out of the mare Cathedra Dot Com by Presidential Ball. He is owned by Brixton Medical, Order By Stable, Louie Camera and Marvin Katz, trained by Jimmy Takter and Ron Pierce was in the bike. 

Nothing But Class Narrowly Wins Colonial Consolation Two

CHESTER, PA— Nothing But Class took the sophomore trotters wire-to-wire to win the $100,000 Colonial Consolation II. Lindys Jersey Boy finished second, Appomattox was third and No Frosting finished fourth.

Nothing But Class went for the lead, with Lindys Jersey Boy in second and Appomattox in third. Dandover and Go Tapaigh both went off stride approaching the opening quarter. Nothing But Class took them by the quarter in :27.3.

Appomattox came first over approaching the half-mile. Lindys Jersey Boy was sitting right behind Nothing But Class at the half in :56.3 (:29). Muscolo was gapping cover in fourth and Fashion Astral was locked at the pylons. No Frosting was the trailer of the pack into the backstretch.

Nothing But Class had a 2 length at the three-quarter pole. Appomattox moved into second and Lindys Jersey Boy was at the rail in third. Three-quarters went in 1:25 (:28.2).

Into the stretch, Nothing But Class was drifting off the rail. Lindys Jersey Boy was closing at the inside and Appomattox was fading in third. Approaching the wire, Lindys Jersey Boy and Nothing But Class were nose to nose, but Nothing But Class held on to win. Appomattox was third and No Frosting closed to finish fourth.

Nothing But Class is a three-year-old colt trotter by Andover Hall, out of the mare Bold Dreamer by Donerail. He is owned by Christina Takter and John Fielding and he was trained and driven by Jimmy Takter.  

Persistent Takes Valley Forge Consolation Two

CHESTER, PA— The Casie Coleman trained Persistent held off several challengers to win the $75,000 Valley Forge Consolation II in 1:50.2. Rockaround Sue finished second, Mikeleh was third and Lightning Paige finished fourth.

Rockaround Sue was the tempo setter through a :26.2 opening quarter. Persistent pulled the pocket and took the top from Rockaround Sue heading into the clubhouse turn. Lightning Paige was in third and Mikeleh was fourth.

Persistent paced the half-mile in :54.1 (:27.4). Down the backstretch, Persistent was unchallenged. Mikeleh moved into fourth as Air Guitar Hanover made a break at three-quarters in 1:22 (:27.4).

Lightning Paige came first over around the far turn. Persistent was drawing away slightly and Rockaround Sue was stuck at the pylons. Persistent was drifting wide into the stretch, as Lightning Paige was also steering to the grandstand side. Rockaround Sue was coming up the rail and Mikeleh came up the lightning lane. At the finish, Persistent held off Rockaround Sue to win. Mikeleh was third and Lightning Paige was fourth.

Persistent is a three-year-old pacing filly by Western Ideal out of the mare Cams Leading Lady by Million Dollar Cam. She is owned by Robert Hamather, trained by Casie Coleman and David Miller was in the bike to win in 1:50.2, a lifetime mark. 

Michaels Power Takes Confederation Cup

The Casie Coleman trained Michaels Power, who finished second to Pet Rock in the first heat, got a pocket trip to win Confederation Cup XXXVI in 1:52.4. Dynamic Youth closed from last to finish second and Pet Rock was third.

Michaels Power was the tempo setter until Pet Rock cleared the lead at the three-eighths pole. After a :26.1 opening quarter, Pet Rock started to slow down the pace. I Found My Beach came first over to challenge Pet Rock at the half. I Found My Beach and Pet Rock were wheel to wheel after a :54.4 (:28.3) half mile.

Michaels Power was stuck at the inside in third and Secretsoftheknight was following the hoof prints of I Found My Beach approaching three-quarters. State Treasurer came third over from the back of the pack. Pet Rock was under pressure from I Found My Beach, Secretsoftheknight and Dynamic Youth at three-quarters in 1:23.4 (:29).

Pet Rock started to kick away at the top of the stretch, until Michaels Power found racing room and started his bid up the passing lane. Dynamic Youth was closing on the far outside and Secretsoftheknight had no rally. Michaels Power’s last threat was Dynamic Youth, but the line came just in time and Michaels Power was crowned champion. Dynamic Youth was second and Pet Rock was third.

Michaels Power is a three-year-old colt by Camluck, out of the mare Michelles Jackpot by Artsplace. He is owned by Jeff Snyder, trained by Casie Coleman and Scott Zeron was in the bike to win the Confederation Cup in 1:52.4. 

Trotters and Pacers shine on Hambo Card

The first Saturday in August is known for the Hambletonian. But, freshmen and sophomore, pacers and trotters, got their chance to shine today.

Captaintreacherous made a backstretch brush and drew off by 10 lengths to win the $309,050 Woodrow Wilson in 1:49.3. Hail The Taxi closed to finish second and Martini Hanover passed a fading Muscles Beachboy to finish third.

Captaintreacherous winning the Woodrow Wilson

To Dream On used her gigantic strides to chase down tempo setter Royal Assets to win the $354,450 Merrie Annabelle in 1:54. Raring To Go S trotted by tiring rivals to finish third and Miss Steele faded to fourth.

To Dream On winning the Merrie Annabelle

Aperfectyankee recovered the lead late in the mile and held off a storming Corky to win the $387,250 Peter Haughton Memorial. Fashion Blizzard closed from the back of the field to finish third and Caveat Emptor closed to finish fourth.

Aperfectyankee holding on to win the Peter Haughton Memorial

Chapter Seven returned to his winning ways in fine style, winning the $250,000 Nat Ray Invitational in a world record 1:50.1. Mister Herbie finished second, Daylon Magician held for third and Sevruga settled for fourth.

Chapter Seven winning the Nat Ray

Personal Style pulled off the 55-1 upset to win the 87^th edition of the Hambletonian Oaks in 1:53.1. Win Missy B settled for second, Sassy Syrinx closed from the back of the field to finish third and Holier Than Thou settled for fourth. Favorites Maven and Check Me Out went off stride at the top of the stretch, blowing the race wide open.

Personal Style says bye bye to Win Missy B and wins the Hambletonian Oaks

Market Share bared a first over trip to win the $1.5-million Hambletonian in 1:52.1. Guccio was charging down the middle of the track to finish second, My Mvp was closing with him to finish third and Archangel faded to fourth.

Market Share winning the big tango, the 87th Hambletonian in 1:52.1

Golden Reciever lead the pack around the mile oval to win the $242,500 U.S. Pacing Championship in 1:48. Aracache Hanover was closing to finish second, Meirs Hanover rallied for third and We Will See settled for fourth.

Golden Reciever taking the field wire-to-wire to win the U.S. Pacing Championship

Panther Hanover paced behind super-fast Hurrikane Kingcole to win the $275,000 New Jersey Classic in 1:47.2. Hurrikane Kingcole finished second, Rollnlikeabigshot was third and Ideal Champ closed for fourth. Note that Hurrikane Kingcole paced the fastest three-quarters in harness racing history, 1:18.2! Devonshire Hanover, where he paced 1:19, held the previous record.  

Panther Hanover took advantage of the fast fractions and flew on by Hurrikane Kingcole
to win the New Jersey Classic

Jerseylicious Upsets in Sweetheart

He $268,300 Sweetheart Final was won in the stretch as Jerseylicious paced down top-choice Nikki Beach in 152.1.

Nikki Beach took command just after the 1:23.2 third split in an effort to glide home safely but was challenged wide by Jerseylicious’s late kick. Winning driver Corey Callahan had saved Jerseylicious second over behind Nikki Beach and then sprung around her to win my a neck.

Wayne Givens trains Jerseylicious, who paid $20 for the win.

Shebestingin, an early choice along with the top one, was a late scratch from the race. Also scratched wsa Acquavella and Banner Beach Day.

Sarandon Blue Chip Crowned Miss New Jersey on Hambo Undercard

Sarandon Blue Chip traveled first over for half the mile and found a late burst of energy to draw off by 3 lengths and win the $125,000 Miss New Jersey Final at the Meadowlands on Aug. 4. Mikeleh was second and Pirouette Hanover finished third.

Blackjack Princess left quickly and Childs Play came after her in a brief duel before that one found the catbird seat. Then, Rockaround Sue made a move to the top, the half cut in :54.

“Sue” cut three-quarters in 1:21.4 as Sarandon Blue Chip was making her way first over and taking advantage of the speedy shuffle. She passed the top three and went on to win easily, drawing away to win in 1:50.1.

David Miller drove for trainer Casie Coleman.

Mare ‘Puts On A Show’ In ‘Liberty’ Final

Put On A Show caught the field late to win the $253,700 Lady Liberty Final on Saturday, August 4. Rebeka Bayama was second and Anndrovette was third.

Put On A Show got away behind the leader Anndrovette at the quarter pole. Rocklamation was in third and the even money favorite Drop The Ball was pacing fourth. Drop The Ball made the first move, going first over after Anndrovette, supplying a :53.2 half mile.

Into the far turn, Anndrovette still had the lead, with Drop The Ball to the outside in second and Rebeka Bayama pacing behind Drop The Ball in third. Anndrovette paced by three-quarters in 1:20.3.

Into the stretch, Anndrovette was holding off the pressure from Drop The Ball. Rebeka Bayama came three wide and Rocklamation flew off the pylons to the middle of the track. Put On A Show was looking for room to race in the final sixteenth. At the line, Put On A Show came up the pylons to defeat a closing Rebeka Bayama and game Anndrovette.

Put On A Show is a five-year-old mare by Rocknroll Hanover out of the mare Stienam’s Place by Artsplace. She is owned by Craig Henderson and Richard and Joanne Young, trained by Chris Ryder and Jody Jamieson was in the bike to win in 1:47.3, a world record performance. 

Meadowlands Features Stakes to Coincide with Hambletonian

This weekend is the biggest weekend of the harness racing calender, as the best horses in the world visit the Meadowlands to race in the top stakes events of the year. The Hambletonian, Hambletonian Oaks, Duenna, U.S. Pacing Championship, Woodrow Wilson, Lady Liberty, Sweetheart, New Jersey Classic, Miss New Jersey, Merrie Annabelle and Peter Haughton add up to nearly $5-million in stakes purses on the 15 race card.

Race 1

$30,000 DUENNA 3YOFT

Picks: 8/10/2

(8) Riverfest- Coming off a good third place effort against Win Missy B, a Hambletonian Oaks finalist, in the Reynolds on July 6. She is coming off a short layoff and should be sharp and flat today.

(10) Oasis Dream- I’m not psyched about post 10, but this is a talented filly. She defeated Superstar Hanover in the Pennsylvania Sires Stakes and with her strong gate kick, she should get away in the top five and get a great, ground saving trip to sum out the exacta.

(2) Talbotcreek Jewely- She raced very well against conditioned trotters, getting caught wide early, clearing the top, getting shuffled and closing for second. If she wasn’t ready to take on these gals, she wouldn’t even be entered against this group. 

Race 2

$253,700 LADY LIBERTY FFA MARE PACE

Picks: 6/1/5

(6) Rocklamation- She will likely be underbet since names like Drop The Ball and Put On A Show dropped into the box. Rocklamation paced first over late and cleared, but then was surpassed by Anndrovette into the stretch. She should be sharp and ready to pace today.

(1) Anndrovette- She was drastically under bet in the Roses Are Red, where she took the field wire-to-wire at 13-1. She won’t be that big of a price this week, but should get a good spot and come closing late.

(5) Put On A Show regained a lot of ground in the Roses Are Red, but finished a disappointing fourth as the favorite. She will have to get a good spot early, then take over around three-quarters to have a chance to finish in the top three.

Race 3

$30,000 DUENNA 3YOFT

Picks: 9/6/1

(9) Bluff- She is coming off a tough mile against this group in the Pennsylvania Sires Stakes at Pocono. She’ll have to get away second or third and hold that position until the top of the stretch, where she should pop the pocket and trot right on by.

(6) D’orsay- She is returning after a disappointing effort in the Hambletonian Oaks eliminations. But, she was runner up to Win Missy B in the Reynolds three starts back. Since she is going up against weaker, she should be fairly under bet from her unappealing starts and finish in the top three, blowing up the exotics.

(1) Starglow Hall- Call me crazy but this horse showed she was very live last week, going three wide into the first turn and was caught wide for the rest of the mile. She draws post 1 this week and may be able to get a pocket trip and finish in the trifecta.

Race 4

$125,000 SBOA MISS NEW JERSEY 3YOFP

Picks: 3/10/5

(3) Air Guitar Hanover- She seems to have gotten her groove back as she finished third at 37-1 in the elimination. From post 10, she got away sixth and regained about 7 lengths in the mile. She should get off the gate and get a spot in the top three and she should come out of the pocket and close to win.

(10) Pirouette Hanover- Even though she was not given the luck of the draw, she should be able to coupe. She got away fairly slow at the beginning and regained 10 lengths to finish fifth as the favorite. The Sweetheart champion should be able to leave fast, get a good spot and come out late.

(5) Notreadytobenice- She is in the same situation as Pirouette Hanover, except she has a better post. She left the gate last and gained 12 lengths to finish sixth. She’ll have to get away mid-pack and not go first over so she’ll have that late kick for the final 3/16ths.

Race 5

$268,300 SWEETHEART 2YOFP

Picks: 10/8/4

(10) Shebestingin- She is the best in the field, but will be ignored from her post. Remember though, last year Pirouette Hanover won the Sweetheart from post 10. She is improving in every start and will finally let the beast inside of her be unleashed.

(8) Jerseylicious- She has finished second to Shebestingin in her first two starts, clearing the lead in one and getting a pocket trip the next. She too is an under rated freshman gal that will be unleashed today and show us how well she can pace against this bunch.

(4) Cult Status- She lost to Morning Line favorite Nikki Beach by only a length in the prep as Cult Status closed from fifth to just come up short in the end. She should get started a little earlier and blow up into the stretch.

Race 6

$309,050 WOODROW WILSON 2YOP

Picks: 6/9/2

(6) Rocky Mountain Guy- He will most likely take advantage of this bunch as I see a speed duel. Captaintreacherous and Muscle Beachboy will likely duel for the top and Rocky Mountain Guy will be in the pocket. The two will burn out into the stretch and ‘Rocky’ will climb up the victory stairs as he is romping in the stretch.

(9) Source Of Pride- This closing colt should have his ‘groove’ back after qualifying in 1:54.1. He’ll likely be sitting off the pace and come storming down the middle of the track down the stretch.

(2) Martini Hanover- It took him awhile to find his rally into the stretch last time. Chances are, he’ll be coming late to finish third.

Race 7

$354,450 MERRIE ANNABELLE 2YOFT

Picks: 4/8/3

(4) To Dream On- She reminds me of Poof She’s Gone and Check Me Out as 2yo, where they romped in the Merrie Annabelle. To Dream On won by 10 lengths in her elimination and if she is 1-1 or higher, she’ll be an overlay.

(8) Royal Assets- She is a strong front running filly. If she can hold off a challenge, she may have a chance or may just give way to Raring To Go S and To Dream On.

(3) Raring To Go S- She won the other elimination of the Merrie Annabelle, but she wasn’t the favorite. She won at 7-1 in 1:55.4. She’ll need to pull that same move, get a pocket trip then come late.

Race 8

$387,250 PETER HAUGHTON MEMORIAL 2YOCT

Picks: 2/3/4

(2) Dewycolorintheline- He won his elimination going a tough first over and won it by a length. He is one tough colt following the same path as his dad, Deweycheetumnhowe. I’d be shocked if he wasn’t first or second.

(3) Corky- The only threat to Major Athens in his elimination, where he was closing late, but lost by half a length. Today, he should get away in the front, get a pocket trip and start closing into the stretch.

(4) Aperfectyankee- The one fault in the Yankee Glides are that they can break sometimes. That’s exactly what this guy did, but trotted an amazing recovery to finish fourth. If he gets away mid-pack, his late rally will be very useful when they turn for home.

Race 9

$50,000 VINCENNES INVITATIONAL TROT

Picks: 8/3/10

(8) Likeabatouthell- Seems to have come back after his last start, where he closed from last to finish third in the Invitational at 43-1. If he gets a good spot, second or third over and comes wide into the stretch, he’ll stride home.

(3) Zooming- Trotted a hell of a mile at Pocono last time, going first over for most of the mile and won. He won’t be bet as much as he should be, so make sure you watch his price.

(10) Swan In A Million- He has won the last three out of four races. He can trot first over, second over, third over, so it’s not a matter of I knowing what he’ll do, but more along the lines of seeing it and knowing that they have a plan.

Race 10

$250,000 NAT RAY INVITATIONAL TROT

Picks: 5/3/4

(5) Mister Herbie- He is the best trotter in the division. He generally closes and there is a lot of speed in this race, so he’ll likely take advantage of that.

(3) Sevruga- The only reason he lost to Anders Bluestone last time was because of the post. This week, he draws a better position and should still be at the top of his game.

(4) Chapter Seven- The only rivals he has in here are Mister Herbie and Sevruga, since they can close well. ‘Chapter’ will have to either get a pocket trip or not duel for the front to win.

Race 11

$714,050 87^TH EDITION OF THE HAMBLETONIAN OAKS 3YOFT

Picks: 3/2/5

(3) Maven- The only horse in this race that has come remotely close to beating Check Me Out. She has not lost the fight inside of her and this is intending to be a two horse race.

(2) Check Me Out- The obvious choice. She is 20 for 23 and following the path of Moni Maker. If she gives Maven a pocket trip, it will be a tough stretch battle like it was in the Elegant Image.

(5) Uncommon Night- She knows how to get through traffic. She is improving with every start and should get away mid-pack. With that late rally of hers, she’ll likely finishin the trifecta.

Race 12

$1,500,000 87^TH EDITION OF THE HAMBLETONIAN 3YOT

Picks: 6/1/8

(6) Prestidigitator- He is the best trotter in this field. If he didn’t get that horrible trip he did in his elimination, he may have beat Uncle Peter. R. Dustin Jones also trained Martiniontherocks, who went wire-to-wire in the Breeders Crown in 2010. I see Prestidigitator pulling the same move, but getting away fourth or fifth. With a spot like that, he’ll save ground and get a chance to close into the stretch.

(1) Uncle Peter- He is definitely a factor to the Hambletonian equation. This tough sophomore made two moves in his elimination and came out victorious. Pierce will likely either take the lead or sit second and let the race set up from there. But I’m seeing they’ll do the same thing as they did with Muscle Massive two years ago.

(8) Stormin Normand- He is still the talented three-year-old trotter that everyone watched in awe almost beat Googoo Gaagaa in the Beal. The only reason he almost didn’t make the final was that he trotted a tough first over trip versus Riccolo, a fast, front end trotter. He should get away mid-pack and get into the cover flow. Then, he’ll come closing late and will blow up this trifecta.

Race 13

$242,500 U.S. PACING CHAMPIONSHIP FFA PACE

Picks: 4/12/5

(4) Aracache Hanover- Remember last year, when he almost beat We Will See in the U.S. Pacing Championship? Well, it will happen this year as ‘Aracache’ has matured over the last few months. If he doesn’t win this, I’d be shocked.

(12) Foiled Again- He just lost the Battle of Lake Erie by half a length about three weeks ago. Before that, he just lost the Des Smith. This week, I see him finishing second to Aracache to complete a likely large exacta.

(5) Meirs Hanover- This pacer gets less credit than he deserves. He always finishes on the board in these kind of races. He should get a pocket trip and have enough late in the mile.

Race 14

$275,000 SBOA NEW JERSEY CLASSIC 3YOP

Picks: 5/6/7

(5) Hurrikane Kingcole- He is a monster! One week, he’ll pace a super fast mile, then not the next. It seems though he has gotten his act together and may explode with speed into the stretch.

(6) Panther Hanover- He usually gets away first or second in the beginning of the mile. He’ll have to do that if he has any remote chance against Hurrikane Kingcole.

(7) Simply Business- Raced unusual than he normally does last week. He took the lead instead of coming from off the pace. If he gets away third or tries to close, he should finish in the trifecta.

Race 15

$22,000 NW $16,000 L5CD

Picks: 10/1/3

(10) Malak Uswaad N- He has shown so much talent in his first four U.S. starts. He has won all of them! He steps down and will be a great value from post 10.

(1) Great Vintage- He worked hard to get the lead last week, which made him burn out. With the rail, he should get away first or second and have something left in the stretch.

(3) Risk Management- Its round two for this pacer. He should’ve raced so much better in his last start, but since he didn’t, he gets one more chance and we are very confident that he will light up the toteboard in this race.