CHESTER, PA – It was a beautiful Sunday (July 10) afternoon at Harrah's Philadelphia, with comfortable temperatures and little wind. Horsemen, fans, track employees, and friends gathered in the winner's circle after the fourth race to remember Ben Stafford Jr., who passed away earlier in the week.
Stafford, who had more than 650 driving wins in his career, was a frequent participant at the Chester oval.
The action was fast and furious as well, as the day saw two miles go under 1:50. Bamond Racing and J&T Silva Stable's Ideal Cowboy (Dave Miller) and Dylan Davis trainee Arque Hanover (Corey Callahan) both stopped the timer in 1:49.4 in their respective races.
The featured event was a Winners Over $25,000 lifetime, going for a purse of $25,000. The race featured free-for-all pacing superstar Rockeyed Optimist, who has maintained his sharp form, winning his last three. The top contender was Luck Be Withyou, who was coming off of a stellar performance in the Ben Franklin Consolation, with a gate-to-wire triumph in 1:47.4 at Pocono.
Luck Be Withyou (George Napolitano Jr) went right to the front, and was clear for most of the mile. Rockeyed Optimist (Brett Miller) came grinding first-over, inching forward for much of the final half. As the field straightened away for the stretch drive, Rockeyed Optimist completed his persistent grind, wearing down Luck Be Withyou inside the sixteenth poll to win in a time of 1:50.4.
Rockeyed Optimist is owned by Perretti, Berkner, A&B Stables, and Battaglia, and is trained by Steve Elliott. It was the 5-year-old gelding's 26th career win in start number 50.
by Michael Bozich, for Harrah's Philadelphia