The millionaire Dayson overcame adversity in starting position and racing fortune to win the $18,000 featured trot at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Thursday afternoon, able to rally after a fast half to win in 1:54.1.

The victorious Conway Hall gelding was part of the quick early tempo, as driver Yannick Gingras had him four-wide early, then backed off and tucked mid-pack as Sylvesteramericanit wound up on the lead after a :26.4 quarter, Armageddon Seelster wound up in the pocket, and Izoh had to take a lot of fresh Philly air in the two-path. Things proceeded in that fashion to the :55.4 half, and then Gingras moved his trotter quickly two- and three-wide to get by the embattled leaders before the 1:24.3 three-quarters. Dayson continued on authoritatively to win by two lengths over Armageddon Seelster, who came through between horses to claim the deuce.

Dayson pushed his career earnings to $1,136,677, and he furthered his reputation as a frequent winner, scoring for the tenth time this year and the 35th in his career, putting up a success ratio in the vicinity of 45% in both categories. Ron Burke conditions the talented veteran for Burke Racing Stable LLC and Weaver Bruscemi LLC, J&T Silva-Purnel & Libby and Lawrence Karr.

The Cantab Hall gelding Mississippi Storm, who actually was the favourite in last week’s top class while finishing second, saw the earnings combination break right for him, and he took advantage of a single-level drop to win the $14,500 co-feature trot in 1:54.2. Like Dayson, Mississippi Storm did not have it easy – parked early before tucking in for driver Marcus Miller, then having to move uncovered late in the backstretch – but he stayed on to get the job done by 1-1/4 lengths over closing Kinda Lucky Lindy. Mississippi Storm has now earned six figures in each of the last two seasons for trainer Tom Fanning and owner Joseph Smith.

Marcus Miller and George Napolitano, Jr. each recorded three wins on the Thursday card at Philly.

(PHHA / Harrah’s Philadelphia)