A rare Monday card (Sept. 28) from Harrah's Philly featured two divisions of The Liberty Bell for 3-year-old filly pacers and a pair of upper-conditioned level events on the pace as well.
Linda Toscano trainee Better Said (S. Zeron) took the first division of The Liberty Bell. The daughter of Well Said was leading the compact field of five when top contender Well Hello There (Gingras) broke at the quarter pole. Better Said led every step of the way in 1:53.1. It was her fifth victory of the year, her first since a mid July overnight win here at Harrah's Philly. She is owned by Brittany Farms.
Steve Elliott charge Bodacious (S. Allard) continued her winning ways in division two. The daughter of Somebeachsomewhere took off the early pace, settling in fifth from post one. She was able to grind into striking position, holding off the upset minded Deli Beach (Geo. Napolitano Jr.) to win by a head in 1:52.2. She is owned by Conrad Zurich and Hauser Bros. Racing.
In other news, aged pacer Sky Is The Limit (S. Allard) was game in victory in a non-winners of $20,000 in the last 5 starts or non-winners of 9 races or $90,000. The 5-year-old son of Western Ideal drafted behind cover until three-quarters, edging wide to defeat pace-setter Bettors Glass in 1:51.3. It was career win 16 for the Shaun Vallee trainee, starting for the ninetieth time. Owned by Darius Oshidar, he paid $7.00 to win.
Richard and Dale Julich's Badix Hanover won his third straight on Monday. The 3-year-old gelded son of Western Ideal led at every quarter, completing the mile in a lifetime's best 1:50.3. The race was for non-winners of $15,000 in their last 5 or non-winners of 7 races or $70,000 lifetime. The Kevin Mc Dermott trainee was heavily favored in the event.