A 1:50.1 score from Vettel N ($6.20) in Sunday (Oct. 25) afternoon's $14,400 top-level pacing feature at Harrah's Philadelphia was the cornerstone of a hat trick for the sister-brother team of trainer Jenn Bongiorno and driver Joe Bongiorno.
The seven-year-old American Ideal gelding sealed the pocket behind early pacesetter Beach Boogie when the gate sprung, then angled out to seize command at the end of a :27.2 first quarter. From there Vettel N traveled virtually uncontested through middle splits of :55.2 and 1:22.3—only having to contend with a mild first-over challenge from Shneonucrzydiamnd A on approach to the far turn.
After parrying that first foe, Vettel N found himself in the crosshairs of 6-5 favourite Itsrockandroll A off the home turn. Vettel N rose to that challenge as well, prevailing by a diminishing half length while driven out. Itsrockandroll A was a strong second, another half length better than Beach Boogie, who rode the pocket for third.
Jenn and Joe Bongiorno co-own 24-time winner Vettel N with Brent Hershberger and Robert Devine.
The Bongiornos also won with Alex Tye ($2.20, 1:51.3) and Peace Out Posse ($4.00, 1:50.1).
Trainer Ron Burke and driver Yannick Gingras teamed up for three wins on the 14-race card as well, accounting for Semi Tough ($3.40, 1:51), Pyro ($4.60, 1:51.1) and Ginger Tree Marty ($3.80, 1:52).
Live racing returns to Harrah's Philadelphia on Wednesday afternoon (Oct. 28). The 15-race card will be led by a half-dozen John Simpson Memorial divisions for three-year-old colts and geldings, the final stakes events of the 2020 meet. Post time is 12:25 p.m. (EDT).
(Harrah's Philadelphia)