Vettel N scores lifetime mark

CHESTER, Pa. — Vettel N ($3.60), while hounded every step of the way by an ultra-sharp Aflame Hanover, recorded the fastest winning mile of his career by way of a 1:49.2 score in Sunday’s (July 25) $16,200 top-level  harness racing feature pace at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

Vettel N and driver Joe Bongiorno asserted themselves from the pole position from race’s outset, first rebuffing an early challenge from Tru Lou (Yannick Gingras) before then forcing Aflame Hanover — whom David Miller briefly angled out of the pocket — to again retreat at the end of a :26 first quarter.

After traveling unopposed through middle splits of :54.4 and 1:22.2, the 6-year-old American Ideal gelding accelerated clear by as much as 2-1/2 lengths through the far turn, but Aflame Hnaover worked to close that gap turning for home.

Undeterred, Vettel N held his ground while driven out to win by 1-1/2 lengths over Aflame Hanover. Tru Lou, another five lengths back, narrowly held off a late challenge from Slick Tony (Corey Callahan) for third.

VETTEL N REPLAY

Jenn Bongiorno trains 30-time winner Vettel N, who has now banked $209,806 in his career, for JB Racing and Robert Devine.

Allan Davis, Yannick Gingras and David Miller shared top driving honors with three wins apiece on the 14-race card.

Racing returns to Harrah’s Philadelphia on Wednesday (July 28); first post is 12:25 p.m. EDT.

For full race results, click here.

by James Witherite, for Harrah’s Philadelphia