Entering from a string of respectable off-the-pace efforts in Open company at Dover Downs, a change of tactics proved beneficial for Tiger Thompson N in his Harrah's Philadelphia debut on Sunday afternoon, April 14, as he delivered a crushing seven-and-three-quarter length blow to his rivals in the featured $18,000 top-level conditioned pace.
"He's been finishing off really well; his last quarters have been really strong," said Dexter Dunn, driver of the six-year-old Big Jim gelding who could only muster a third-place finish in his previous effort at Dover after being hemmed in.
In his local debut, Dunn angled Tiger Thompson N out from third early to brush clear of Bettorever after a sharp :26.3 quarter. After clearing with a circuit to go, Tiger Thompson N controlled middle splits of :55.1 and 1:22.2 before drawing off through the final turn to lead by six at the head of the stretch. Tiger Thompson N capped his lifetime-best 1:50.3 mile with a :28.1 closing split and plenty of energy in reserve.
"He still had the plugs in; he was doing it pretty easily," Dunn said of Tiger Thompson N's local debut. "He went a strong mile today on the front and hopefully he can keep that form up."
Jack Roger circled a collapsing second flight to take second at 23-1 while Dash Of Danger emerged from last at the top of the stretch to finish third.
Trainer Josh Parker acquired Tiger Thompson N in November along with co-owners Nanticoke Racing Inc., Stephen Messick and the Prestige Stable. So far, the eight-time winner has won three times for his American connections. He paid $3.20 to win.
For Dunn, the featured win was the cornerstone of a driving hat trick: the New Zealand national also teamed up with Final Justice ($13.00, 1:54.3) and Zampara ($21.00, 1:53.3).
Live racing returns to Harrah's Philadelphia on Wednesday, April 17 with first post set for 12:25 p.m. Eastern and a $4,507.07 carryover in the 20-cent Jackpot Hi-5 in race five.
(Harrah's Philadelphia)