Always B Naughty wins despite break

CHESTER PA – The backers of 2-5 favorite Always B Naughty (Always B Miki) got a bit of a scare as the filly made an early stretch break in the $14,400 featured harness racing pace at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Thursday afternoon, but she caught stride quickly and surged to win in 1:51.2 while recording her fourth straight victory.

She was parked much of a :27 opening stanza, then yielded the lead to Southwind Bella in front of the stands en route to a :54.4 half. “Bella” got stern first-over pressure from Ginger Tree Coco to and past a 1:23.1 three-quarters, while Always B Naughty and driver Yannick Gingras waiting for inside space.

Just as the sophomore cleared to the inside she went offgait for a couple of steps, but rebounded quickly and paced away to a 1¼ length victory over Ginger Tree Coco, who in turn was a neck ahead of Southwind Bella.

The judges reviewed the videotape of the stretch incident but did not place Always B Naughty for any rule violation, with the winner running her lifetime total to 7-5-2-0 for trainer Nancy Takter, who is also co-owner with JL Benson Stables Inc. and R.B.H. Ventures Inc.

ALWAYS B NAUGHTY REPLAY

David Miller was top driver on the Thursday Philly card, coming back to the winners circle four times.

The morning line favorites for the three $100,000 Invitationals that will be held here this “Super Sunday” at 12:40 are Racine Bell in the Betsy Ross Pace for distaffs, Hillexotic in the Maxie Lee Trot, and Lochinvar Art A in the Joseph Auger Pace. They will join with Pennsylvania-sired sophomore colts and many other fast animals in what may be the best card in North America in 2023 so far, with more than $600,000 in purses on the line. Program pages for Friday’s 12:25 card and the Super Sunday extravaganza are or will be available here.

For complete race results, click here.

From the PHHA / Harrah’s Philadelphia