Explosive Matter gelding Scirocco Rob took advantage of a bit of good luck at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Thursday, October 31 and went on to capture the track’s $17,500 trotting feature in 1:54.4.
Scirocco Rob, who was pressured around the final turn by the first-over Max, got a big break when his rival went off stride nearing the head of the lane. Scirocco Rob was able to go on to record the win in the race that was contested over a ‘good’ track.
George Napolitano Jr., who recorded four driving wins on the dank day, had sent the Mark Silva trainee right out to command. Armageddon Seelster couldn’t find an early hole, and therefore trotted on to the lead past the :27.3 quarter pole. Scirocco Rob immediately reclaimed the top well before the :57.2 half. At that point, Max started his first-over grind and was giving Scirocco Rob all he could handle before he lost his gait. Given that turn of events, Scirocco Rob stayed in control and went on to tally a three and a half-length win over the late-closing Ooh Rah.
Scirocco Rob, who is owned by Kathleen Whitaker and Lewis Whitaker Jr., has now banked $397,723 in career earnings.
Sumatra, who was handled patiently by driver David Miller through most of the $14,500 co-featured trot, proved to have the most late, and went on to record a 1:55.3 victory. Izoh finished a neck back in second.
Sumatra, who is a Muscles Yankee gelding that is trained by Tom Fanning, has amassed a lifetime bankroll of $790,172 for owner Joseph Smith.
(With files from PHHA / Harrah’s Philadelphia)