Barimah A's overall lack of strong early speed was a non-factor in the featured event on Sunday (April 9, 2017) at Harrah's Philadelphia. The 7-year-old harness racing gelding by Bettor's Delight was making his third start for Trainer Scott Di Domenico, in what figured to be his toughest test to date, a pace for non-winners of $20,500 in their last 5 races.
Starting from post 8, Barimah A lumbered up wide of leavers Bettor Memories (Dave Miller) and Bushwacker (Brett Miller), but eventually got the lead after being parked the quarter (:26.2). After Driver Tim Tetrick rated the half (:55.1 / :29) a fresh challenger emerged in the form of Blaise MM Hanover (George Napolitano Jr.). The 4-year-old Bettor's Delight gelding pulled to within a head of the leader, tripping three-quarters in 1:23.1. The duel continued until the eighth-pole, when Barimah A edged away to win by one length, stopping the clock in 1:50.4. Blaise MM Hanover settled for second, while Bushwacker finished third. It was the gelding's 16th career win, and 4th of the season. "He raced really well I thought," said Di Domenico. "It looked like he was going to get collared in the last turn, but fought off the competition which was really good." Barimah A is owned by Brian Carsey, John McGill, and Adam Friedland. He paid $4.00.
There were also two divisions of a non-winners of $15,000 in their last 5 races. The first division (race 4) was taken by Joe Trice's Hall Bro (Brett Miller). The gelded son of Blissfull Hall was driven aggressively past the quarter. He brushed to the lead and held on gamely for the win in a day's fastest 1:50.1 for his 30th career win. He is trained by Brewer Adams. Hall Bro returned a handsome $18.20 to his pari-mutuel supporters. The second division (race 8) went to Lou Frascella's Phil Your Boots (George Napolitano Jr). The 7 year old gelded son of Shanghai Phil made the top before yielding to the speed of Trading Up (Dave Miller). As the outer flow started to labor, The Andrew Harris trainee abandoned his pocket position and out dueled the leader to win by a head in 1:50.3. He paid $2.80. Both division winners went over the $300,000 mark in career earnings with their respective victories.
Live racing continues Wednesday with a post time of 12:40. There is no live racing on Easter Sunday (April 16th).
Michael Bozich