George Napolitano Jr. made a trip to the hospital on Wednesday (November 5) after being involved in a racing accident at Pocono Downs, but that didn’t stop the reinsman from sending five mounts to the winner’s circle Thursday (November 6) at Harrah’s Philadelphia.
On Thursday, Napolitano made trips to the Harrah’s winner’s circle with Smoother Ride, Pilgrims All In, Lex Lugar, Political Desire and Bold And Brave.
Three $17,000 divisions of a mid-conditioned-level trot headlined Harrah’s rainy Thursday afternoon card.
4 Leaf Racing's Smoother Ride (driven by Napolitano) recorded a victory in the first division. The son of Yankee Glide made a quarter-pole move past early leader (and eventual second-place finisher) Muscolo (Tim Tetrick). Smoother Ride didn’t look back, as he splashing to a two-length victory in 1:55.3. Hoosier Park invader Time Will Tell All (Corey Callahan) emerged first-over from the three-hole past three-quarters, but flattened out to finish third. Smoother Ride ($2.40) picked up his 15th victory of the year for trainer John Mc Dermott.
In the second division, it was Howard Jacobs' Political Desire (also driven by Napolitano) that went gate-to-wire for the victory. The eight-year-old son of Tom Ridge was well-rated in the opening half (:58.1) and had plenty left in the tank for the stretch drive. He went on to win by a length and a quarter and stopped the timer in 1:56. Wind Neath My Feet (Marcus Miller) finished a game second in his debut for the Jake Huff barn, while Way Outta Here (Andrew McCarthy) rallied for third. Political Desire ($3.40) was one of three training wins for Kevin Carr. The gelding is one win away from notching his 40th career victory.
The third and final division went to J&T Silva Stables' Omnipotent (Andrew McCarthy). The daughter of Donato Hanover watched an early battle that saw Il Mago (Daryl Bier) and Bastille (Andy Miller) exchange leads. Omnipotent (8.40) worked out a solid second-over trip and was able to out-close the leaders in the final steps. She won by a neck and stopped the clock in 1:56.2. Il Mago had to settle for second, while Bastille faded to third.
(With files from Harrah’s Philadelphia)
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