Machnhope game in Philly

CHESTER, Pa. — After setting a stout pace, Machnhope ($4.60) had just enough to determinedly prevail in a three-mare battle to the winning post in Sunday’s (July 11) featured $22,500 winners-over distaff harness racing pace at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

The 6-year-old daughter of Mach Three and Hope For Life used a :27 first quarter to clear for the lead from post seven, and she remained uncontested through splits of :55.3 and 1:23 in line to Andy McCarthy while shaded by pocket rival Major Occasion A. With three-sixteenths to go, Dexter Dunn angled Major Occasion A out of the pocket to engage Machnhope, which enabled Eclipse Me N (Simon Allard) to claim the pocket and take aim up the open stretch.

Despite being surrounded by challengers in the lane, Machnhope found the finish line in time, keeping Eclipse Me N a neck at bay in 1:50.4. Major Occasion A leveled off late but maintained third, while Warrawee Ubeaut — a 21-time winner with earnings approaching $1.8 million — only mustered a fourth-place finish, beaten 2-1/4 lengths, in her 2021 debut.

MACHNHOPE REPLAY

Trainer Noel Daley co-owns Machnhope, a 34-time winner with over $591,000 in career earnings, with Deo Volente Farms, Thomas Pontone and the L A Express Stable.

McCarthy and Tim Tetrick led all drivers with three wins apiece on the 14-race program.

Live racing at Harrah’s Philadelphia resumes Wednesday (July 14) with a 14-race card and a $2,185.13 carryover in the first Super Hi-5 of the day, which occurs in race three. First post is 12:25 p.m. Eastern.

For full race results, click here.

by James Witherite, for Harrah’s Philadelphia