Frank Tsipouras and Jim King Solomon decimated their competition with front-stepping performances from their respective pacers take $9,900 dashes of the American Harness Drivers Club (AHDC) Pace at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Sunday (Oct. 29).
In the first division, Tsipouras cleared command with Meadowbrook Flash through confusion struck by Aintnosunshine (Jim King Solomon) breaking stride through the first turn. After the :28 first quarter, Meadowbrook Flash sailed like gravy while scooting farther and farther away from his rivals. He clocked a :58 half to lead by two lengths, clicked past three-quarters in 1:26 to lead by four lengths and stormed home to stop the timer in 1:55 with a 13-length gap back to runner-up Pet Shark (Eugene Robinson). Western Bayama (Raymond Burt) finished third and 6-5 favourite Mr Kelly (Jacob Stillwell) settled for fourth.
Anthony DeFrancesco IV trains Meadowbrook Flash, a seven-year-old gelding by Real Desire, for owners Louis A. Di Tullio and Louis M. Di Tullio. He paid $9.60 to win.
Bionic also bolted to an open-length victory in rein to Jim King Solomon in the other division, clocking a 1:53.3 victory to wrap the card. Solomon seized the point to a :27.1 first quarter and repelled a challenge from Jonah (William Clark Jr.) to race uncontested to a :56.2 half and then coasted through the remainder. He strode by three-quarters in 1:25 and widened his advantage through the lane to cross the beam 6-1/2 lengths better than pocket-sitter Cheyenne Ryan Lee (Wyatt Long). Seize Control (Eugene Robinson) finished third and Caffeine Buzz (Frank Tsipouras) took fourth.
Michael Shults conditions Bionic, a five-year-old gelding by Always B Miki, for owner Blazer One Racing. Off as the second choice in the wagering, he paid $6.60 to win.
AHDC action resumes at Harrah’s Philadelphia next Sunday, Nov. 5 with the club’s next preliminary for the Fall Trotting Series. First-race post time at Harrah’s Philadelphia is 12:40 p.m. (EST).
(With files from AHDC)