It was quite a day at the harness racing meeting at Harrah's Philadelphia on a beautiful Sunday afternoon (Sept. 13).
There were 3 divisions of The Liberty Bell Series for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers, as well as a winners over $25,000 lifetime pace which featured two pacers at the doorstep of one million dollars in career earnings.
Division 1 of the Liberty Bell went to upsetter Trading Up (Scott Zeron).
The son of Somebeachsomewhere was 3 wide much of the first quarter before finally clearing the lead just before the half. He was able to hold off the heavy favorite My Hero Ron (Matt Kakaley) by a length, stopping the clock in 1:51.4.
Blood Brother finished third. It was the 5th career win for Trading Up ($15.00), who is owned by Alagna Racing, John Fodera, Alan Alber, and Aaron Waxman. He is trained by Tony Alagna.
Tri County Stable's Wakizashi Hanover (Tim Tetrick) was a dominant winner in the second division.
The son of Dragon Again battled a game Badiou Hanover (Scott Zeron) the entire mile to secure the win in a time of 1:51.3, while in hand at the finish. It was the eleventh career win for the Joann Looney-King trainee, and his third straight. Jo Pa's Well Said (Dave Miller) was third.
It was a lifetime's best performance for Allbeef N Nobull (Matt Kakaley) in division 3 of the Liberty Bell.
The son of McArdle sat pocket behind the speed of Rise Up Now (Tim Tetrick), before roaring up the passing lane to win in 1:50.2. Paparazzi Hanover (Dave Miller) rallied for second, while McArdles Lightning (Corey Callahan) was third. It was the 8th career win for the Ron Burke trainee, who is also owned by Emond, Taylor, and Weaver Bruscemi. He paid $4.40.
Ken Jacob's Doctor Butch is harness racing newest millionaire.
The 5-year-old son of Art Major was victorious in a winner's over $25,000 lifetime pace, which pushed his lifetime earnings over the one million mark in his 94th career start.
He now has 26 career wins, 9 on the season.
The 8-year-old Nova Artist, who was also in the race (finished 7th) is also nearing the plateau. He has career earning of $961,267. Doctor Butch is trained by Linda Toscano.
Michael Bozich