It was a beautiful day for racing on a Sunday afternoon (April 17, 2016) at Harrah's Philadelphia. The temperature got into the 70's, and a nice crowd was on hand to enjoy a solid 14 race program.
Driver Tim Tetrick, who had 1 win on the program, made his way into the crowd to visit with 90-year-old racing fan Joe Wonder, who was celebrating his birthday on Sunday. Tetrick drove Rainbow Romance N to victory in race 8 on the program, a mid-level conditioned affair for pacers.
The 6-year-old gelding was making just his second start in North America, for owners Ted Gewertz, Charles Iannazzo, and Triple D Stables. He completed the mile in an in-hand 1:53.4.
There were two divisions of a NW of $17,000 in the last 5 starts on the pace. The first division was taken by the upset-minded Giant Sculpture (Allan Davis). The 8-year-old gelded son of Village Jolt was given a perfect drive, closing up the inside after saving ground on the final turn to win by a length in the day's fastest 1:50.3.
It was the 4th win of the season for the Eric Ell trainee, who rewarded his backers with a $35.60 mutuel. He is owned by Bill Emmons.
The second division went to Ron Burke trainee Rock N' Roll World. The 4-year-old son of Rocknroll Hanover was making his seasonal debut after a successful 3-year-old campaign that saw him bankroll just under $270,000.
Driver Yannick Gingras sat patiently in the pocket, angling out at three-quarters and out sprinted a closing True Blue Hall (Dave Miller) late to win in 1:51 for owners Burke Racing, M1 Stables, Larry Karr, and Jt45. He paid $2.80.
The upset of the day came in race 3, when Joie De Vie Farm's Nicko De Vie (Jim Meittinis) came up the passing lane to win at 26-1, prompting a 2 out of 3 payoff in the pick 3, and a $1,500 trifecta payoff despite the favorites finishing second and third.
Driver Brandon Givens continues his winning ways since returning to driving. He had 2 wins on the program, including Les Givens trainee Power Of A Cruiser, who remains perfect on the season (3 for 3).
Live racing returns Wednesday, with a first post of 12:40. Harrah's Philly races live Wed, Thurs, Fri, and Sunday with that starting time.
Driver Tim Tetrick (pictured below) poses for a pic with harness racing enthusiast Joe Wonder, who was celebrating his 90th birthday at the races.
by Mike Bozich, for Harrah's Philadelphia