CHESTER, PA – The Muscle Massive sophomore harness racing gelding Jackie's Jim, trainer Neal Ehrhart, and driver George Napolitano Jr. continued their recent "in-form" style, combining to win the $16,000 featured trot on Wednesday afternoon at Harrah's Philadelphia in 1:56.2.
Napolitano, who swept the first four races en route to five victories on the day, reserved Jackie's Jim off the early pace, then sent him uncovered before the half.
He showed sharp acceleration to make the lead at the 5/8, then opened up just enough ground on two rivals who had been caught inside when he powered to the lead, Lindsey's Pride and Presidential Zette, who dead-heated for second, a neck behind the winner, who recorded his third straight victory.
Ehrhart, clicking at a 24% rate since October 19, trains the winner for Virginia Ehrhart, Leta Deatrick, and Jacqueline Dobson.
In the $14,000 pacing co-feature, Tony Morgan sent the Bettor's Delight sophomore gelding Bettor Than Spring to the lead past the quarter and held sway the rest of the way, but the winner had to be game to withstand the late burst of 40-1 shot Gideon Seelster by a neck in triumphing in 1:55.1.
Bettor Than Spring has now won three of four trips behind the gate since pairing with trainer Scott Di Domenico and the ownership of Joseph Bongiorno LLC and Triple D Stables Inc.
In the $14,000 trotting co-feature Wednesday, the Conway Hall sophomore gelding Flyhawk El Diablo took advantage of the "eligible at time of entry" rule after winning his last start, making it two straight while equaling the lifetime mark of 1:57.2 that he notched in his last race.
Andrew McCarthy guided the winner to the lead going under the wire the first time, and the pair had more than enough to keep pocketsitting First Class Act in arrears by 2¾ lengths under the wire the second time for owner/trainer James DeLucia.
The early move to command also was a successful route for the Majestic Son mare Majestic Presence, who handled a $12,500 fast-class field in 1:55.4. Marcus Miller got away with a relaxed 58.4 half, then sprinted home in 57 with the winner of $180,310 to be 1¼ lengths of pocketsitting Royal Surprise for aunt/trainer Julie Miller and owner Kapildeo Singh.
From the PHHA / Harrah's Philadelphia