Sheridan, Tsipouras claim victory in Philly AHDC events

CHESTER, Pa.— Yogi Sheridan rolled down the road and Frank Tsipouras catapulted to a decisive harness racing victory in their respective $9,900 American Harness Driver Club (AHDC) events at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Sunday afternoon (Jul. 23).

In the trot, Sheridan secured the lead with Bang Bang Boinga (Explosive Matter) and had things mostly his way. He plodded by a :28 first quarter and :58.4 first half before facing a challenge up the backside from Allindotime (driven by John Calabrese) as he launched a bid along the rim out of third. Allindotime levelled off at the bottom corner while Real Mccoy (Wyatt Long) sprung to life off the pocket ride, but Bang Bang Boinga held firm to the line to keep a nose up in a 1:57.4 mile with Allindotime holding third. Odds-on favorite Smart As Hill (James Slendorn) closed for fourth.

Joe Poliseno trains Bang Bang Boinga, a 6-year-old gelding, for owner Mary Sarama. He paid $15 to win.

Despite leaving the gate at 7-1, Jollity (Roll With Joe) and Frank Tsipouras spurted away with the authority of an odds-on choice in the pace to post a 1:55 blowout.

Jollity found himself last in the field of eight after breaking stride behind the gate. He chased pacesetter Magazine Theme (Anthony Verruso) with about a nine-length deficit by a :28.1 first quarter before lifting from last. Henry The Dragon (Yogi Sheridan), the 4-5 favorite, pressed first over to match strides with Magazine Theme by a :58.3 half while Tsipouras blitzed three wide with Jollity.

In a matter of strides, Jollity abandoned the competition. Past three-quarters in 1:26.2 with a five-length advantage, Jollity only widened the margin and crossed the beam 14 lengths better than Stews Watching (John Calabrese) in second. Warrawee Total (James Slendorn) survived a wide trip to take third and Henry The Dragon settled for fourth.

Crissy Crissman-Bier trains Jollity, a 5-year-old gelding, for owners Vincent Ferriero, Vincent Ferriero Jr. and JP Longueil. He paid $16.20 to win.

AHDC action continues next Sunday (July 30) with another preliminary for the club’s summer series at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania. First-race post time at Pocono is 6 p.m. (EDT).

By Ray Cotolo, for AHDC