Mares on display in Philly features

CHESTER, PA – The highest-quality distaff harness racing pacers at Harrah’s Philadelphia took their turns in the spotlight during Friday afternoon’s (April 26) card.

The Sweet Lou mare Absolute Power won for the second consecutive time since coming in from The Meadowlands, taking a $13,500 contest for developing distaffs in 1:52.4, just a tick behind her lifetime best.

Todd McCarthy sent the filly to the lead approaching a :27.1 quarter, posted midrace fractions of :56.1 and 1:24.3, then found enough to repulse EA Audit, who had moved up rapidly around the far turn, by 1¼ lengths.

Tom Cancelliere trains for his brother, owner John Cancelliere.

ABSOLUTE POWER REPLAY

In a $13,000 handicap for fast-class mares, Golden Quest N (Bettor’s Delight) also became the winner of two straight starts, with the mare overcoming the outside starting spot while taking a new mark of 1:51. Tim Tetrick tucked the mare during a :26.1 opener then was second-over behind contested middle fractions of :54.3 and 1:22.2, swinging wide for the drive and just catching favored Turn On The Charm, who lasted with tenacity after long first-over duties, by a nose for trainer Ashley Bako and owner Carmen Iannacone.

GOLDEN QUEST N REPLAY

Corey Callahan guided winners in three consecutive races late on the card, including $108.80 bomber Happy That, to come away with the day’s honors among horsemen.

The week closes out with a Sunday card at 12:40, headed by a $14,500 “non-winners of nine races” pace which has Santana Hanover as the morning line favorite, and a $13,000 fast-class handicap pace where the early choice is 2024 debutant Sport Secret.

Next week there will be a variation in the basic schedule due to a Thoroughbred event to be held in Kentucky, as Philly will not race on Thursday, then go on Friday at 12:25, Saturday (Derby Day) at noon, and then Sunday at 12:40. Free program pages for all Philly races are or will be available at www.phha.org.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

From the PHHA / Harrah’s Philadelphia