A field of eight classy trotters lined up behind the starter for the featured event on a chilly Thursday at Harrah's Philadelphia, a trot for winners over $25,000 lifetime going for a purse of $25,000.
It was a war right from the word 'go', as they battled three-wide to the opening quarter. Race favourite Luminosity (Yannick Gingras) emerged with the lead from post five, by an opening quarter in :27.4. Linda Toscano trainee Uva Hanover (Tim Tetrick) secured pocket position, while millionaire trotter Sevruga was forced to take back into third.
After a calmer half (:57.2/:29.3), Jim Campbell trainee Opening Night (John Campbell) moved up to challenge. After a third quarter timed in 1:26.1 (:28.4), Luminosity drew clear by a length, but was unable to hold off the passing lane bid of Uva Hanover, who won by a head in the end. The final time was 1:55.1.
It was the ninth win out of twenty-five starts for Uva Hanover (Cantab Hall-Up Front Laura). He is owned by Stake Your Claim Stables and Martin Sternberg. Luminosity was second, while Team Six (Marcus Miller) rallied for third. The winner paid $9.40.
(Harrah's Philadelphia)