The Sunday harness racing action at Harrah's Philadelphia was centered around upper-conditioned level pacers, featuring two divisions of both non-winners of $21,500 in their last 5 starts and non-winners of $15,000 in their last 5, going for purse monies of $17,500 and $15,000 respectively.
The first division of the non-winners of $21,500 went to the Ron Burke trainee Rock N' Roll World (Yannick Gingras). The 5-year-old son of Rocknroll Hanover was able to clear the lead before the quarter, before yielding to Blaise MM Hanover (George Napolitano Jr.). After a slight second quarter rating (28.2), Rene Allard Trainee Crafty Master (Simon Allard) floated out first-over, but was unable to make serious headway. As they turned for home, Rock N' Roll World used the passing lane to get up in time over Blaise MM Hanover (2nd) and a closing Fashion Bythebeach (3rd), stopping the clock in 1:51, a seasonal mark. Rock N' Roll World is owned by Burke Racing, M1 Stable, Larry Karr, and Silva Stable 45.
The second division went to the upset minded Mattamerican (Dave Miller). The 6-year-old son of Allamerican Native was able to use the cover of Validus Deo (Yannick Gingras) to get into position, before unleashing a sweeping move in the stretch to score by a head in 1:52.1. Second place finisher Hall Bro (Brett Miller) had powered his way to the front past the quarter, but came up just a head short. Dojea Solo (George Napolitano Jr.) settled for third. It was the second straight win for the Andrew Harris trainee, who payed $24.00 to win, keying a $130 exacta payoff. He is owned by Rob Key.
Robbins Nest Farm's Gallic Beach sprung the upset in the first of two divisions of the Non-winners of $15,000 in their last 5 races. The John Wilkerson charge went right to the front and set a deliberate pace (:26.4, :55, 1:22) before stopping the clock in 1:50.2. That clocking was tied for the fastest of the day with Bettor Memories (Dave Miller) victory in the second division. Bettor Memories enjoyed a pocket journey behind the speed of Katies Rocker (Andy McCarthy) before powering away to win by 5 lengths in the end. The 4-year-old gelded son of Bettor's Delight is owned by Gus Dovi and trained by Nifty Norman.
Drivers Tim Tetrick, Dave Miller, and George Napolitano Jr. each had three wins on the program. Trainers Ron Burke and Matias Ruiz each had two.
Live racing returns Wednesday, with a first post of 12:40 PM.
Michael Bozich