Corey Callahan led all drivers on Friday, April 7 at Harrah’s Philadelphia with four victories, including putting a new mark of 1:51 on Captain Crusader A in the $20,000 Open Handicap Pace.
Grand Cayman sprung right to the lead and established fractions of :27 and :55.3. Captain Crusader A launched an uncovered bid late in the backstretch and was moving up by the 1:22.4 three-quarters. Nearing the finish, the winning son of Captaintreacherous wore down the pacesetter, having a half-length advantage at the wire for owners Jeff Cullipher and Pollack Racing. Cullipher, who is also the trainer, has had a hot start at the Philly meet, sending out six winners in the first three days.
Kickupyaheels N, a daughter of A Rocknroll Dance, raced in a prime cover spot behind argued fractions of :27.1, :55 and 1:23, then closed to capture the companion $20,000 Open Pace for mares while equalling her mark of 1:51.2. Dresden, who was part of the early battle then was shuffled back to fifth, came on again to be second, 1-3/4 lengths behind the winner, who was driven by Joe Bongiorno for trainer Chris Choate and owner Timothy Drag.
In the $15,300 pace for developing horses, the crowd sent off Fearful Intent at 4-5 and Luckbewithalex at 1-1, and the favoured duo provided the major fireworks. Fearful Intent set fractions of :27.2, :56 and 1:23, but could not hold off the determined late bid of the Luck Be Withyou gelding Luckbewithalex by a nose. George Napolitano Jr. (who drove sire Luck Be Withyou to many major victories at Pocono, including the 2015 Franklin FFA Pace) was in the sulky behind his son for trainer Lance Hudson and owner William Hartt.
There will be no live racing at Harrah’s Philadelphia this Easter Sunday, but simulcasting will be available The next live card at Harrah’s will be Thursday, April 13.
(PHHA / Harrah's Philadelphia)