Strong local bow for Muscle Hill son

CHESTER, PA – On a blustery Friday afternoon at Harrah’s Philadelphia where the track was rated “fast” but a one-second allowance was given for the elements, Jula Muscle Pack introduced himself to local harness racing fans in fine style, with the sophomore son of Muscle Hill winning in 1:57.1 in the $15,300 featured trot.

George Napolitano Jr. moved the colt to command past a :29 quarter, backed off the half to :59, passed the three-quarters in 1:27.4 and then darted home without much trouble, with Bang Bang Boinga coming out second, three lengths behind. Per Engblom trains the winner of $145,201 for Jula Racing Inc.

JULA MUSCLE PACK REPLAY

Co-featured were a pair of $14,400 events, one on each gait. The pace was restricted to males, and it went to the Sweet Lou sophomore gelding Dance It Out in 1:54.

Driver Tim Tetrick, who led all Philly drivers with three victories on the day, sent the three-year-old to command early, yielded to Stunners Wish to sit the pocket, saw the pacesetter keep the first-over parked, then had enough time to rally up the inside to catch that speedy rival by 1½ lengths while winning his second straight for trainer Bill Mac Kenzie and owners Vincent Ali Jr. and Alma Iafelice.

DANCE IT OUT REPLAY

On the trot, the Guccio gelding Bluebird Rocky handled the rough tuck-then-first-over trip, grinding down leader Givem The Goo en route to a 2½ length tally in 1:57, with the favorite coming his own back half in :56.4.

Tony Morgan drove the talented winner for trainer Ron Burke and the partnership of Burke Racing Stable LLC and Weaver Bruscemi LLC.

BLUEBIRD ROCKY REPLAY

Sunday’s 12:40 card featured a pair of $16,200 paces, one for each sex, with higher moneywinners handicapped outside; a pair who have enjoyed much success at Philly, the distaff Shes Pukka N and the 2019 Jug winner Southwind Ozzi, are the early favorites. Free pProgram pages for Sunday’s card will be available by clicking here.

For full race results, click here.

From the PHHA/Harrah’s Philadelphia