JJ Flynn rises, repeats at Harrah’s Philadelphia

CHESTER, Pa. — David Hamm and Rodney Long’s JJ Flynn ($13.80) braved a first-over grind to narrowly prevail in Sunday afternoon’s (Aug. 1) $16,200 top-level harness racing pacing feature at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

JJ Flynn tracked comfortably from fourth as 3-5 favorite Pyro (Daniel Dubé) traded shots with Aflame Hanover (Marcus Miller) through a :26.1 first-quarter duel.

Allan Davis gave the 8-year-old Western Ideal gelding his cue to advance as Pyro hit the half in :54.3, and he immediately worked his way alongside the leader before dueling him down in upper stretch.

After collaring Pyro, JJ Flynn gave his all in the stretch to withstand a late rally from runner-up Tru Lou (Yannick Gingras), who emerged out of traffic to miss JJ Flynn’s 1:50.1 mile by a neck. Pyro finished third.

JJ FLYNN REPLAY

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Chuck Crissman Jr. trains JJ Flynn, a 43-time winner who has earned $657,661 in his career.

Todd McCarthy and Joe Bongiorno led all drivers with three wins apiece on the 14-race card.

Racing at Harrah’s Philadelphia resumes Wednesday (Aug. 4); first post is 12:25 p.m. EDT.

by James Witherite, for Harrah’s Philadelphia