The Claw reaches out and grabs third straight

CHESTER, PA – The Claw (Huntsville) took a firm grasp on the throttle in the $14,400 pacing feature at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Wednesday afternoon (Aug. 3), going on to stop the timer in 1:50.4 while recording his third straight harness racing victory.

A recent winner at The Meadowlands in 1:49.4, The Claw and driver David Miller let outside post rivals argue during a :27.3 first quarter, then moved up to the lead in front of the stands, reaching the half in :56.

From there the winning sophomore colt showed a high turn of closing speed, pacing his third quarter in :27.3 and then finishing out in :27.1 to be 2¼ lengths to the good over pocketsitting Hecandancencruise; favored Stonebridge Reef, five lengths back at the half and thus needing to gain into a :54.1 back half, grinded uncovered well to be third, 1½ lengths behind Hecandancencruise.

Unraced at two, The Claw has now won six of eleven lifetime starts, and looks on his way to better things for trainer Jake Leamon and the partnership of Kenneth Klein, Michael Cimaglio, William Salmeri, and Stephen Demeter.

THE CLAW REPLAY

Hall Of Famer Miller, the leading money winner among active drivers by guiding the winners of almost $265 million, led his rivals this Wednesday at Philly by visiting the winners circle four times.

Carryover situations in the Pick-4 and Pick-5 wagers led Harrah’s Philadelphia, in conjunction with the USTA’s Strategic Wagering program, to offer $20,000 guaranteed pools on the initial Pick-4 of the day and the only Pick-5. Play was brisk, and a handful of bettors did very well indeed: the Pick-4, which had three winners at odds of 3-1 or less surround a $59.00 bomber, resulted in a $1204.20 payoff for the 50-cent base wager; the Pick 5 started with two favorites, then had 9-1, 9-1, and 12-1 shots win the next three contests, with the 50-cent base bet returning $11,192.60.

The card on Philly’s “Trottin’ Thursday” will feature a $16,200 fast-class event, matching talented males against two of the better mares around: P L Notsonice, who had three straight wins against “mere mortals” before bumping heads with Alrajah One IT, Atlanta, and When Dovescry in her last two starts, and Sorella, who will be looking to edge her $987,262 lifetime bankroll closer to seven figures. Program pages are available by clicking here.

For complete race results, click here.

From the PHHA/Harrah’s Philadelphia