NLG Racing Stable's Nocturnal Blue Chip (George Napolitano Jr) went gate-to-wire in Sunday's featured event at Harrah's Philadelphia on Sunday, June 17, a pace for non-winners of $22,500 in their last 5 starts going for a purse of $18,000.
Starting from post 1, the five-year-old gelded son of Bettors Delight made the lead uncontested, setting fractions of :27.1, :55.3 and 1:23.1. The Gareth Dowse trainee withstood a first-over push from Christen Me N, but was able to turn back the challenge en-route to a one length win in a time of 1:50.4. Christen Me N was second, while Makasi rallied for third.
It was the 12th win career for Nocturnal Blue Chip, his fifth of the season and his third of his last four. The gelding triggered a Jackpot Hi-5 payoff of $250.86, which now has a carryover of $501.75 headed into Wednesday's program.
(With files from Harrah's Philadelphia)