The Big Jim mare Stormtracker, second and third in Burning Point series legs at The Meadowlands and beaten only three lengths in the final, enjoyed the drop in company on Wednesday afternoon (May 2) at Harrah’s Philadelphia, lowering her mark to 1:51.3 in the $17,000 featured conditioned pace for distaffs.
Tim Tetrick, engaged in a hot battle with George Napoiltano Jr. for early meet supremacy among drivers, made an early move to the lead with Stormtracker and continued in command from there, with identical halves of :55.4 leaving her a clear winner. Linda Toscano conditions the winner – now 8 for 15 lifetime – for Enviro Stable Ltd., Camelot Stable Inc., The Bay’s Stable LLC, and John Mehlenbacher.
A pair of $16,000 conditioned races served as sub-featured events. The pace was won by the Bettors Delight gelding Commentariat, driven by Andy McCarthy to a new mark of 1:51.4 for trainer Noel Daley and the Caviart Farms, while the trot saw Moonshiner Hanover, a winner of over $400,000 at two and three, make his 2018 debut a triumphant one. The son of Andover Hall finished in 1:53.4 for driver David Miller and trainer Christopher Beaver, who co-owns with Synerco Ventures Inc. and Bill Manes.
Harrah’s Philadelphia will be hosting a special Kentucky Derby Day card on Saturday (May 5) at 12:40 p.m., with a pair of $30,000 Great Northeast Open Series contests for trotters (Opulent Yankee, Meladys Monet, Rock Of Cashel) and pacing mares (Darlinonthebeach, Nike Franco N, Lispatty) headlining the 14-race card.
(PHHA/Harrah’s Philadelphia)