George Nap takes two of four features

CHESTER, PA – Harness racing driver George Napolitano Jr. guided four horses to victory at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Wednesday afternoon, including one on each gait among the four $12,600 featured events.

On the trot, Napolitano sent the Father Patrick sophomore filly Sister Christina to the lead, then was able to withstand a strong closing burst by Givem The Goo by a head in 1:55.4, a new mark. Jim Campbell trains the winner for Coyote Wynd Farms.

SISTER CHRISTINA REPLAY

“George Nap” also captured one of the two features for male pacers with the Always B Miki gelding Bionic in a career best 1:53.2. Napolitano’s aggressive style aided his horse here, as he was challenging raw against pacesetter Gretzky on the far turn.

There was massive confusion behind them, caused by horses who hooked wheels, but the front two were well clear of that, and Bionic went on to pace away from the pacesetter by five lengths for trainer James Brown and Blazer One Racing.

BIONIC REPLAY

The other division of the features for male sidewheelers also went to a three-year-old altered son of Always B Miki, as pacesetter Mikibytheseaside got passed by Louie The Looper going to the far turn, yet stayed on the bit and came back to catch that rival by a half-length in 1:52.2.

Simon Allard did the driving for trainer Ron Burke and the ownership of Burke Racing Stable LLC and Weaver Bruscemi LLC, Joseph Critelli, and William Switala.

MIKIBYTHESEASIDE REPLAY

The Art Major three-year-old filly Major Houlihan sat in the pocket behind Waterboard most of the way in the feature for distaff pacers, then outkicked her late to win by a length in 1:54.1. Marcus Miller drove the sophomore, now with two wins and two seconds in her last four starts, for trainer/owner Jeffrey Webster.

MAJOR HOULIHAN REPLAY

Two $14,400 events for “n/w 5 races lifetime” are the features on the “Trottin’ Thursday” card at Harrah’s Philadelphia; fast-class performers will have two $11,200 divisions on the program. Post time is 12:25 p.m.; program pages are available by clicking here.

For full race results, click here.

From the PHHA/Harrah’s Philadelphia