A field of eight lined up for the featured harness racing event on a rainy Thursday afternoon (June 18) at Harrah's Philadelphia. It was an upper-conditioned level trot going for a purse of $18,000.
The heavy favorite was Thomas Cooke's BWT Taj (Tim Tetrick). The 5-year-old son of Broadway Hall was coming off of an impressive win against easier in his last outing. The favorite was able to secure a good early seat shortly after the start, landing in the three hole behind outside leavers. Long shot Pointe Of Honour (Brett Miller) had the lead at the quarter pole (:28.1), but was quickly passed by other speed. The first half (:56.2) saw several lead changes, including BWT Taj overtaking Calipari (Joe Bongiorno) heading towards three-quarters. The race favorite was immediately challenged by Chris Oakes trainee Auspicious Hanover (Yannick Gingras) at the three-quarter pole (1:25.3).
These two entered the stretch on even terms, with the latter asserting himself in deep stretch to win by a length, stopping the clock in 1:54.3. BWT Taj held second, while long shot Lazurus (Marcus Miller) finished third.
It was the seventh career win for Auspicious Hanover ($16.20), and the third this season.
The 4-year-old son of Andover Hall is owned by Susan Oakes.
Live racing resumes on Friday with a post time of 12:40 PM.
There is a Pick four carryover of just over $3,000 heading into Friday's program. The pick four starts in race seven.