The Somebeachsomewhere gelding Random Hanover, who paid $49.20 rallying for the win upon coming in from Dover in his last start, stepped up in class in the $16,200 featured fast-class pace at Harrah’s Philadelphia Friday (April 15), but another strong late burst enabled him to lower his mark to 1:51 – and return $52.60 to his scattered backers.

8-5 co-favourites Lyons Steel, from the pylons, and Groovy Joe, from post 4, had a long argument before the latter took the top nearing a :26.1 quarter. When Lyons Steel moved to soon regain command, their drivers stared down one another before Lyons Steel got back to the top before a :55 half. Shake That House, sitting just off these fireworks, blasted first over and got the lead at the 1:22 three-quarters, with Gumption, Random Hanover, and eventually Groovy Joe joining in the wide action.

Random Hanover went out to midtrack, took over the lead going to midstretch, then held off the gritty Groovy Joe – by this time to his right – by a length, driver Russell Foster, trainer Eric Foster and owner Arty Foster. Besides the Fosters, happy were holders of a 3-4-2-5-7 Super Hi-5 ticket on the race, which was worth $7,031.80 for a 50-cent base wager after a double carryover.

Longshots were the order of the day at Philly as Fast Gun ($81.40) and Caffeine Buzz ($62.80) also provided a bonanza for their win backers. Friday was the first day since Aug. 7, 2019 that Philly saw three winners pay more than $50, and with Caffeine Beach immediately following Random Hanover, a consecutive-race bomber pair was posted for the first time since Aug. 21, 2020.

In the $13,000 fast-class sub-feature, the Courage Under Fire gelding Benhope Rulez N rushed away quickly, controlled the throttle, but still was extended by pocket-sitting Mad Man Hill before winning by a neck in 1:52.2. Benhope Rulez N, who was driven by Andrew McCarthy (top driver on the day with five victories), is now two-for-two over the local oval while raising his winnings to $328,349. He’s sponsored by trainer Darran Cassar and owners Windemere Stable LLC.

In a $14,400 subclass for developing pacers, the Sweet Lou gelding Whole Lotta Lou brushed to the lead in front of the stands, then gave his 2-5 backers an anxious couple of moments late before withstanding the inside thrust of 16-1 shot Lincoln Boulevard by a nose in 1:53. Todd McCarthy drove the winner for trainer Stacey Chiodo and Timothy Tobias Stable LLC.

Harrah’s Philadelphia will be dark on Sunday in observance of Easter, with the next live card set for this coming Thursday (April 21) when Robbie Pev will be looking to run his seasonal record to three wins in four starts as he headlines the $15,300 featured trotting class. Program pages will be available on the PHHA website.

(PHHA / Harrah's Phildelphia)