Hot Mess Express scores at Philly

CHESTER, PA – Both Island Of The Sea (Always A Virgin) and Hot Mess Express (Panther Hanover) were “pocket rockets” as they won the $16,200 featured harness racing paces on a hot Friday (June 30) afternoon at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

Island Of The Sea drew inside his main opposition in the event for males, and driver Todd McCarthy took full advantage of his positioning, keeping favored Sport Secret out to a :26.3 quarter while forcing several other contenders in behind. The victorious gelding sat in the two-hole through middle fractions of :55.4 and 1:23.1, popped up going to the far turn to challenge, took over the lead in the lane, then held off two-mover A Rocknroll Star by a head while taking is lifetime earnings to $390,120 for trainer Eric Ell, co-owner with Lisa Ell.

ISLAND OF THE SEA REPLAY

The mare Hot Mess Express boosted her lifetime tally to $883,474 with a 1:51.1 success, making her two-for-two since coming to Philly. George Napolitano Jr. got the favorite to the front before the :26.4 quarter, pushed Always B First before surrendering the lead and sitting behind midfractions of :54.2 and 1:22.3, then made her move and drew off to win by two lengths over In The Spotlight N for trainer Tony Alagna and owner Sam Bowie of basketball fame.

HOT MESS EXPRESS REPLAY

A pair of debuting two-year-old pacing colts fueled the hopes of their connections by winning in most impressive style: both came home in :55.1 – :26.4 after coming uncovered; both are sons of Captaintreacherous; and both are part of the “team” of driver Tim Tetrick, trainer Jim King Jr., and owners Threelyons racing. They are Lyons Benjamin (dam Square Dancer, 1:55.4) and Lyons Rock (dam Planet Rock, 1:55.1).

The Hambletonian is just over a month away, and Sunday’s third preliminary leg of the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes for three-year-old trotting colts will supply some answers for the connections of the top contenders, including all five winners in the PaSS’s first two legs, all of whom will be here Sunday for the card that starts at 12:40.That program will also have a $1964.76 carryover in the Pick-5 bet offered on races five through nine. Program pages for all races at Harrah’s Philadelphia are or will be available by clicking here.

For complete race results, click here.

From the PHHA / Harrah’s Philadelphia