Banner day for Bongiorno siblings

CHESTER, PA — J M Mandamin’s ($3.00) scintillating 1:49 harness racing victory in the Sunday afternoon (Dec. 26) feature at Harrah’s Philadelphia ignited a banner day for the Bongiorno siblings: It gave trainer Jenn Bongiorno the first of her four training wins on the Boxing Day card, and it was the first of five consecutive wins for driver Joe Bongiorno.

J M Mandamin, whom the Bongiornos campaign for owner Robert Weinstein, vaulted to the fore from his assigned outside post seven in the $22,500 Winners Over Handicap Pace to control a :26.2 first quarter over Mike’s Z Tam (Pat Lachance), who pushed forward at the pegs to secure the pocket.

After rating a :55.1 half, J M Mandamin dug in to parry a first-over challenge from Shadow Cat (George Napolitano Jr.) through three-quarters in 1:22 before sprinting 5-1/2 lengths clear in the stretch. Shadow Cat held second over Mike’s Z Tam, who gave futile chase from the pocket.

J M Mandamin, a 5-year-old Mach Three gelding, recorded his 10th win of the season and the 20th of his career.

J M MANDAMIN REPLAY

The Bongiornos also teamed up to win with Somebaddude ($6.60, 1:51.4), Captains Maid ($9.40, 1:52.2) and Ostro Hanover ($3.20, 1:50.3). Joe Bongiorno’s other driving win came with Ron Burke trainee His Beats Hanover ($4.20, 1:52).

The final week of the 2021 meet at Harrah’s Philadelphia commences Wednesday (Dec. 29); first post is 12:25 p.m. EST.

For full race results, click here.

by James Witherite, for Harrah’s Philadelphia