Special Kay Deo is in the form of her young career, taking a new mark of 1:52 in the $16,000 featured distaff pace Friday afternoon (Aug. 31) at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

Odds-on favourite Believe In Me brushed to the lead after a 2:7.4 initial split, and many then thought the race was for place behind a horse who had several decent recent finishes, with Youaremycandygirl and Kissin In The Sand sprinkled in her competition lines. But Special Kay Deo started her uncovered bid by the :56.2 half, and was within a length of the leader by the 1:24.3 three-quarters after pacing her own third panel in :27.1 to get to that point.

Special Kay Deo kept right on gaining, having another :27.1 quarter in her to wear down Believe In Me by three-quarters of a length. The public choice held for second in a photo over early leader Zutopia.

Corey Callahan drove for trainer Chris Oakes and owner Northfork Racing Stable.

In the $14,500 co-featured distaff pace, Heavenly Bet, who as recently as 22 days ago was racing at the bottom level, had enough in the stretch to overhaul million-dollar winner and favourite Regil Elektra to lower her mark to 1:51.2 for trainer Susan Marshall, who co-owns with John Marshall.

Heavenly Bet’s driver was George Napolitano Jr., who recorded five wins on the day. Eric Carlson also had a fine day, guiding home four winners.

(with files from PHHA/Harrah's Philadelphia)