The Yankee Glide gelding Tight Lines enjoyed not having to go first-over against the likes of Hannelore Hanover and Rich And Miserable, as he had to in the Great Northeast Series Final in his last start, winning in 1:53.1 in the $18,000 featured trot at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Thursday afternoon.

Trainer/driver Jeff Gregory got away third with Tight Lines in the :28.1 opener, then brushed to the lead in front of the stands, hitting the midpoles in :56.1 and 1:25 before drawing away to a 2-3/4 length victory over Armageddon Seelster. Owned by Jeff Gregory Inc., Jesmeral Stable and William Richardson, Tight Lines joined the Half-Million Dollar Club with the victory, raising his lifetime earnings to $506,246.

Fans watching the live Philly racing might have thought they were watching the Little Brown Jug card at Delaware, Ohio at times, as twelve of the fourteen horses who led at the half at Harrah’s went on to victory. It looked like that total of 12 would be reduced by one in the $14,500 co-featured trot, as first-over Jack Vernon went past pace-setting Crazy About Pat nearing the three-quarters, but the latter was able to keep the outside challenger on the rim throughout the turn, then fought back in the stretch to earn a 1:55.1 victory.

George Napolitano Jr. held the Crazed gelding together for Gilbert Garcia-Owen, the meet’s leading trainer, and owner Gilbert Garcia-Herrera. Crazy About Pat went over $900,000 lifetime with his 43rd career win, with his lifetime bankroll now at $903,855.

(PHHA / Harrah’s Philadelphia)