A ferocious open-stretch rally propelled Transcending to victory in the featured $23,000 conditioned pace on Friday evening's opening night card at Harrah's Philadelphia.
The Ron Burke-trained Transcending sat off a contested early pace before brushing to the lead and subsequently yielding the pacesetting duties to Rockin Robert (Eric Goodell) through a :55.3 half mile. As an uncovered Woodstock Hanover (Daryl Bier) offered mild pressure into the far turn, Transcending swelled with pace approaching the top of the stretch, and was guided to the inside by Tony Hall for a late rally.
The nine-year-old entire son of Grinfromeartoear prevailed over Rockin Robert by three-quarters of a length in 1:52.1. Transcending paid $3.40.
Tony Hall led all drivers with four wins on the evening.
Live racing resumes on Sunday afternoon, with first post at 12:40 p.m.
(Harrah's Philadelphia)