New Zealand Mares Fly At Philly
Despite being used hard early, Shes Pukka N held up well enough to take a 1:51.1 lifetime mark in the $14,400 featured distaff pace on Wednesday afternoon (July 22) at Harrah’s Philadelphia.
Simon Allard hustled Shes Pukka N early to get around Wishy Washy Girl, reaching the quarter in :26 before facing a challenge from Abigail Dawn, who got to the front approaching the second turn. With favourite Dont Think Twice A hustling forward, Allard moved Shes Pukka N outside again at the :55 half and quickly sent her to regain the lead.
Dont Think Twice A sustained a steady uncovered grind uncovered past three-quarters in 1:22.1, and My Last Bet tipped wide off cover to threaten midway on the final turn. But Shes Pukka N's speed held up to the finish for trainer Ross Croghan and the partnership of Let It Ride Stables Inc. and Bottom Line Racing LLC. The Betterthancheddar mare now has 10 lifetime wins and earnings of $140,563.
Elsewhere on the card, Shes Nun Bettor N posted a 1:52.4 victory despite post eight. George Napolitano Jr. drove the Bettors Delight mare to her second consecutive triumph after finishing second in her first North American start for trainer Kelvin Harrison and Curtin ANZ Stables.
(PHHA/Harrah's Philadelphia)