On Thursday (Dec. 12) at Harrah’s Philadelphia, Yankee Glide gelding Max proved very strong on the front end, as he went on to win the track’s $18,000 featured trot.

Max fired to the lead early from Post 6 over the ‘fast’ track with driver Yannick Gingras. The Ron Burke trainee then cut the fractions (:27.4, :57.1, 1:26.1) before uncorking a :27.4 final quarter to seal the deal in 1:54.

Max held off a determined first-over onslaught by the mare Kenziesky Hanover (who was driven by Pat Berry) and posted three-quarter-length victory. The Dexter Dunn-driven Rubber Duck, who was in contention along the inside, ultimately finished third, one length in arrears of Max.

Max is owned by Burke Racing Stable LLC, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, and Frank Baldachino.

P L Ketchup posted hot fractions in the $17,000 co-featured trot, but he could not hold off the late kick of the Yankee Glide sophomore gelding Yankee Beast, who posted a new lifetime best of 1:55.4. Marcus Miller drove the fast-closing three-year-old for trainer Anette Lorentzon and owner Anna Kristina Lorentzon.

Driver George Napolitano Jr. recorded three wins during the afternoon, as did trainer Christie Collins. Also, driver Pat Berry scored career victory No. 3,999 when he won with Sortie Hanover. Berry is listed on seven horses Thursday at the Meadowlands Racetrack and nine horses at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Friday afternoon.

(With files from PHHA / Harrah’s Philadelphia)