Trio of co-features at Harrah’s Philly

CHESTER, PA – A trio of $13,500 harness racing contests for up-and-coming younger horses were at the top of the bill of fare at Harrah’s Philadelphia on a warm Thursday afternoon (April 20).

The contest for male pacers featured three sophomores making their debut after displaying promise at two; they were the 1-2-3 choices of the crowd, and they finished 1-2-3. The Betting Line gelding Just Bet It All moved to the lead after Captain Mikey led the field past the quarter in :27.4, then posted middle splits of :56.2 and 1:24.3 as Lyons Surfing came on the scene first-over.

JUST BET IT ALL REPLAY

Through the lane Just Bet It All proved ready in his bow, winning in 1:52, last quarter :27.2, with Lyons Surfing, second, back a neck, and Captain Mikey another half-length behind in third. The winner was driven by Todd McCarthy for trainer Per Engblom for Zippett Racing Stable, Evan Katz, and Amos Lengacher.

The filly and mare pace saw an exciting four-horse battle down to the wire, with the Always A Virgin mare Top Honors overcoming being uncovered the last half mile to just catch pacesetting Pasta Momma by a neck in 1:53.2. Tyler Miller drove the winner of $100,455 for trainer Scott Di Domenico and the partnership of Foulk Stables Inc. and Triple D Stables Inc.

TOP HONORS REPLAY

In the trotting headliner, the Sebastian K S gelding Donzel Hanover was moved to the lead early by Tim Tetrick and had no problem from there, winning by 2¼ lengths over Dyladmar in 1:55. All four of Donzel Hanover’s previous victories came in the spring, and this one will force him to next face better foes in his “prime time” of the year for trainer Clifton Green and owners Ashley Burslem and Steven Mullen.

DONZEL HANOVER REPLAY

The fastest mile of the local season, 1:49.2, was equaled when Mullinax (American Ideal) equaled Ruthless Hanover’s time in last week’s Open while here winning a $9900 pace.  A winner of $451,348, sat behind fast fractions then darted home strongly for driver David Miller, trainer Mark Ford, and owner William Varney.

If you wanted to visit the Harrah’s Philadelphia winners circle Thursday, it sure helped if your last name was “Miller.” The Ohio “branch” saw Hall of Famer David drive four winners; from Illinois, there was Tyler Miller, who had three wins and a second with a 50-1 shot within four races; his father and mother, driver Andy and trainer Julie, who combined on a winner; and cousin Marcus, who also guided a horse home first.

Both winners in the Open handicap paces at Philly last Friday will have to overcome the outermost posts during this Friday’s 12:25 card: the speedy Ruthless Hanover may have an easier time in his $20,000 event for males than Kickupyaheels N might face from post eight in the top class for distaffs. There will also be a $3,917.11 carryover into the third race Hi-5 bet. Program pages for all Philly cards are or will be available by clicking here.

For complete race results, click here.

From the PHHA / Harrah’s Philadelphia