Driver Brett Miller hit a personal milestone on Friday, September 18 at Harrah's Philadelphia, as he picked up career win number 7,000 behind five-year-old mare Spell To Cast in race eight on the harness racing program.
There were also three divisions of the Liberty Bell Series for three-year-old colt and gelding trotters on the Friday card, each going for a purchase of $35,000. Tom Jackson trainee Jackson's Minion upset in the first division. The three-year-old son of Explosive Matter was able to take the lead shortly after the quarter, never looking back, stopping the clock in 1:55.1 for owners Howard and Judy Taylor and Lou Frascella. He is also part owned by driver/trainer Tom Jackson. He paid $33.80.
The second division saw race favorite Whom Shall I Fear (Yannick Gingras) avoid a late scare to win. The son of Cantab Hall reached the front after the quarter, but had to fight off determined pocket sitter Colbert (Tim Tetrick) to secure the victory in 1:55.4. It was the colt's sixth career win, all accomplished this season. He is owned by the Whom Shall I fear Stables, and trained by Jimmy Takter.
Division three was highlighted by a gutsy performance, as the Hero Stable's Explosive Man (Tim Tetrick) battled back to win. The son of Explosive Matter managed to set the tempo from post 8, but lost the lead at the top of the stretch. John Butenschoen trainee Suit and Tie (Corey Callahan) surged quickly from second over position at three-quarters to take the lead turning for home. Explosive Man managed to battle back, winning by almost a length in 1:54.3. Explosive Man ($7.80) is now 4 for 5 in the win column lifetime. He is trained by Bob Krivelin.
Mike Bozich