Some promising three-year-olds and a well-remembered three-year-old from last year were among the winners in Tuesday morning qualifiers at Harrah’s Philadelphia.
Portulaca, a Donato Hanover trotting filly who was a multiple Pennsylvania stakes winner at two, fronted a field in 1:57.3 for driver David Miller and trainer Kathleen La Montagne, the latter co-owner with Donald La Montagne. It was her second straight winning qualifier.
Inter Mischief, an International Moni colt who was the leader of his Massachusetts trotting group, led at every pole in 1:55.3 in his sophomore debut for driver Tony Morgan and trainer Jamie Sullivan, co-owner with Frank Chick.
Tres Cher Deo, an unraced Captaintreacherous-Western Gallie pacing filly with a wealth of pedigree on her dam’s side, won in her second career charted line in 1:55 for driver Andrew McCarthy, trainer Robert Cleary and Deo Volente Farms.
Vici, a maiden North America Cup eligible colt by Lazarus N, charted his first mile of the season in 1:57.3 with a :27.3 final quarter for driver Todd McCarthy, trainer Brett Pelling and owners Buckstone Land Livestock and Robert Mondillo.
Night Hawk, a four-year-old Betting Line gelding who earned $366,088 racing among the best of the “glamour boys” division at three, prepped for his 2023 campaign by coming home in :55.1 - :27 in a 1:54.3 win while now campaigning for Team Bongiorno – driver Joe and trainer Jenn – and the ownership of JB Racing, Crawford Farms Racing, James Crawford IV and Howard Taylor.
All of the Tuesday qualifying races can be seen on the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen's Association Youtube page.
(With files from PHHA/Harrah's Philadelphia; Photo of Night Hawk at Woodbine Mohawk Park)