Thisguyisonfire recorded his third straight victory in the featured $18,000 trot on Wednesday (Nov. 21) at Harrah's Philadelphia.
Andy McCarthy had the the son of Yankee Glide well-positioned in the two-wide tier behind the game veteran Crosbys Clam Bake, who moved to the lead in the lane, only to be caught in the latter stages by a half-length after a good stretch battle.
Chris Lakata conditioned the streaking Thisguyisonfire, who won in 1:55.1, for Fashion Farms LLC.
The co-featured $17,000 trot was taken in strong fashion by the Kadabra mare Tymal Reign, who was reined by McCarthy to victory in 1:55.2, just a tick off her lifetime best. The favourite was sent right to the top, coming home in :57.2 to easily withstand pocket rival Exarch by 1-3/4 lengths for trainer Noel Daley and Harbor Racing Stable LLC.
A pair of Muscle Hill freshman colts costing $530,000 at the Harrisburg sale made their debuts and finished first and second. The $320,000 purchase Sheer Muscle was limbed out four-wide through the first turn, but McCarthy knew what he had under the hood, and the colt went on to the top and won in 1:58. Sheer Glide, his dam, is a full sister to Flex The Muscle, and trainer Lucas Wallin and owner Mario Mazza have a colt to keep an eye on. Finishing second was the $210,000 purchase Hillofamistery, who raced steadily for trainer Jimmy Takter in his career debut.
(with files from PHHA/Harrah's Philadelphia)