69-1 longshot upsets in AHDC action

CHESTER, PA — Harness racing amateur driver Neil Glasser lasted on the lead and Raymond Burt pulled a massive surprise to win their respective $7,500 divisions for the American Harness Drivers Club (AHDC) at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Sunday afternoon (June 23).

The longest shot on the board later landed a winning blow on 1-5 favorite Major Makover (Yogi Sheridan) in the pacing division when Raymond Burt guided Wilsons Vinner (Sunshine Beach) to a 1:55.1 win at odds of 69-1.

Burt planted his charge in a stalking spot behind pocket-sitter Duckies Dynasty (Neil Glasser) as Major Makover sped through fractions of :26.3, :55.4 and 1:24.2. He seemingly bottomed the barrel with a four-length lead turning for home but instead bottomed the well as Sheridan tried to get him over the line in front.

Burt came charging with Wilsons Vinner off the covered ride and dashed up to grab the win by a length at odds of 69-1. Transfer The Era (Tony Beltrami) finished third and Duckies Dynasty faded to fourth.

Raymond Burt owns and trains Wilsons Vinner, a 7-year-old gelding. He returned $140 to win.

WILSONS VINNER REPLAY

In the trotting division, Neil Glasser grabbed the top from post 8 with 2-1 favorite Common Parlance (Crazed) and clung to victory in a 1:58 mile.

Common Parlance blasted forward to lead by a :28 first quarter and stroll through middle sectionals of :58.4 and 1:27.1 with no challengers looming. And while Common Parlance coasted on an easy lead, his competition dawdled behind as they waited to make their move in the homestretch.

Common Parlance spun for home on a two-length cushion but rolled in evenly as Infinite Zette (driven by Frank Tsipouras) launched off a pocket ride and A Majorsmakin (Tony Beltrami) lunged into action late. Their attacks came short, leaving Common Parlance with a head up on Infinite Zette. A Majorsmackin settled for third and Love This Bar (Bruce Baker) kicked from last for fourth.

COMMON PARLANCE REPLAY

Joseph Eisenhower Sr. trains Common Parlance, a 10-year-old gelding, for owner Henry Ottinger. He paid $6.20 to win.

AHDC action is scheduled again at Harrah’s Philadelphia for Sunday (June 30). First-race post time at Harrah’s Philadelphia is 12:40 p.m. (EDT).

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

by Ray Cotolo, for the AHDC