Five-bagger for Tim Tetrick at Harrah’s

CHESTER, PA – Destiny Hanover, holding on bravely after having to come first-over, just withstood the inside charge of Belle's Delight to be victorious in the $16,000 distaff pacing feature Friday afternoon at Harrah's Philadelphia.

Driver Tim Tetrick started his Somebeachsomewhere sophomore filly on the first-over route nearing the half and gained on Dolphin Island, who had rushed to the lead nearing the 26.3 opener then had gotten a breather to the 55.4 half.

Destiny Hanover had gained ground but still had not caught up with Dolphin Island, who passed the ¾ pole in 1:23.3, nor would she until nearing midstretch, when the pacesetting favorite tired some. But Destiny Hanover then had to stay game to hold off the passing lane move of Belle's Delight, doing so by a nose in 1:53.2.

Jake Leamon guides the winning filly, whose career started but two months ago but has seen her amass four victories in seven starts including a Pennsylvania All-Stars victory, for David Van Dusen, Michael Cimaglio, and Stephen Demeter.

There were also a pair of $14,500 pacing events for seasoned fast-class distaffs. In the first, the occasionally-difficult Nerida Franco N had both her best manners and best speed, rolling on the engine in 26.3, 55, and 1:22.2, then holding off a late charge from On Your Six by a neck in 1:51. Allan Davis was behind the Lis Mara mare, now a winner of $185,405 for trainer Michael Hall, who is also the co-owner with David Hamm.

After the second co-feature, Tim Tetrick had as many wins on the afternoon (four, in ten drives for 40%) as did the trailing post nine for the meet (four, in 103 starts, 4%) when he guided the Roll With Joe mare Obvious Blue Chip off cover from the treacherous trailing spot for her to get home in 1:51.

Tetrick managed to get to third-over, saw the two horses in front of him get to the rail by midturn as the pacesetter fell back, then paced down the center of the track to catch Valuable Art, who had cleared on her raw bid, by a half-length. Hot trainer Gareth Dowse conditions the winner of $430,659 for the NLG Racing Stable and Stephen Klunowski. The wagering public was not fooled by the challenging starting spot, as they sent off Obvious Blue Chip as the even money favorite.

Tetrick wound up the day with five sulky successes. In the last ten cards during which he has participated at Philly, he has won 29 races in 148 starts (20%), including four triples, two quadruples, and Friday's quintuple.

From the PHHA/Harrah's Philadelphia