The Explosive Matter gelding McMatters, making his debut for Andy and Julie Miller, went a giant first-over mile to catch heavy favourite Bluffinner in a division of the twin $14,400 trotting features at Harrah’s Philadelphia Thursday in 1:54.2.

Bluffinner moved to the lead with a lap to go and looked like he might be tough to catch after getting a :59 half. But nobody told this to McMatters: the four-year-old started uncovered at the race’s midpoint, gained into a fast third panel and got a tuck in the pocket past the 1:26.4 three-quarters, then came out again for the stretch battle and went on by Bluffinner by 1-1/4 lengths for his first win of the year for owner Denise Dennis.

In the other headliner, the Muscle Massive gelding President was able to flush out favoured Cocktails N Dreams, follow that one into the stretch, and then come home well to hold off the horse on his back, Blue Carats, by 1-1/4 lengths in a lifetime best of 1:55.4. Marcus Miller engineered the 7-1 upset for trainer Jody Riedel and Super Mile LLC.

Fast-class trotters were featured in a $13,000 event, in which Rock Of Cashel made it two straight with a 1:53.3 triumph. Todd McCarthy gradually moved the 11-year-old Majestic Son entire to the lead in front of the stands and dominated in the last quarter, with the veteran now having earnings of $778,954. Mark Harder trains for owners Joseph Jannuzzelli and Jeffery Ruch.

(PHHA/Harrah's Philadelphia)