Thisguyisonfire had the racing gods smiling on him on Thursday (May 2) at Harrah’s Philadelphia, as he captured the $18,000 featured trot in a life’s-best 1:54.2.

First, a chief rival of Thisguyisonfire, Golden Son, was a scratch, which made the possibility of a crowded front end a bit lower. Then, Perseverance, who was on the outside while battling the favoured Scirocco Rob for the lead, broke stride at the eighth pole, which left Thisguyisonfire second at the :28.1 quarter. Driver Andrew McCarthy then moved Thisguyisonfire to the lead shortly thereafter.

After having cut the middle panels in :57.1 and 1:25.2, respectively, the victorious son of Yankee Glide was still in control when he was challenged by Rock Of Cashel in the stretch. Thisguyisonfire had enough to withstand the closer by one length. Chris Lakata trains the winner, who is now tasted success after three of his last four trips to the gate, for owner Richard Mishkin.

The other co-featured trots were won by Tight Lines (1:52.3) and Mosconi Hanover (1:54.3).

(With files from PHHA / Harrah’s Philadelphia)