Two take fifth wins in Philly features

Harrah’s Philadelphia held $14,400 co-feature pace and trot Thursday (Aug. 31) afternoon that saw each winner notch their fifth harness racing victories of the season.

The 10^th race Fillies and Mares Pace saw How Sweet Is That (Sweet Lou) have no trouble overcoming post eight for driver Todd McCarthy and was able to hold on in the stretch to win by a neck in 1:54.

The race favorite, How Sweet Is That cut fraction of :27.2 and :56.1 at the half before Split Pot (Simon Allard) came first-over to challenge, getting within a half a length of pacesetter How Sweet Is That by the three-quarters in 1:24.4.

How Sweet Is That fended off that challenge and was leading by two lengths at the top of the stretch when Hungry Lizzo (Tim Tetrick) started gaining ground approaching the wire, but How Sweet Is That held on for the victory. Tigers Watching N (Ivan Llopez) was third.

HOW SWEET IS THAT REPLAY

It was the fifth win of the year for the three-year-old filly. How Sweet Is That is trained by Robert Clearly and is owned by Oompa’s Farm, Robert Mondillo, Craig Henderson and Richard Gutnick. She paid $2.60 to win.

A Good Chardonnay (Walner) was given a perfect two-hole drive by Andy Miller in capturing the 11^th race co-feature trot.

Leaving from post five, A Good Chardonnay had to settle in second place after the start as they were out left by race favorite Ruth Honig (post 6) and driver Tim Tetrick to the opening quarter mile in :29.

They raced single file to the half mile in :58 when Street Smarts (George Napolitano, Jr.) came first-over but could not advance on the leaders as Ruth Honig led past the three quarters in 1:27.1.

Then in the stretch drive, A Good Chardonnay saved just enough to out sprint Ruth Honig to the wire, winning by a half a length in 1:56.2. Street Smarts was third.

A GOOD CHARDONNAY REPLAY

Trained by Julie Miller, A Good Chardonnay returned $13.60 to win. The three-year-old filly is co-owned by the Andy Miller Stable, Michael Anderson and Jean Goehlen.

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

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink