Jacks Legend N withstood stout fractions and sustained pressure from Breeders Crown champion Sandbetweenmytoes to post a 1:49.1 win in Sunday's (May 23) $16,200 top-level pacing feature at Harrah's Philadelphia.
Dexter Dunn pushed forward with Jacks Legend N on the first turn, but the pair were strung out by 8-5 favourite Gardys Legacy A before clearing at the end of a :26.2 first quarter. After maintaining a spritely pace to a :54.2 half-mile split, Jacks Legend N braced for a first-over challenge from Sandbetweenmytoes, whom driver Tim Tetrick angled out of fourth, up the backstretch. Jacks Legend N held his ground past three-quarters in 1:21.3, and after dismissing Sandbetweenmytoes' challenge, evaded the wide bid of 13-1 shot Shoobee Doo A by a length at the winning post. Sandbetweenmytoes held third after leveling off.
Trainer Josh Green owns the victorious seven-year-old Bettors Delight gelding with Rich Lombardo Racing LLC, David Kryway and Eric Good. He paid $9.20 to win.
Dunn also won the afternoon's featured distaff pace, rallying Beyond Words N ($3.60) out of the pocket to collar Turnthefrownaround in 1:51 for trainer Richard "Nifty" Norman and owner Richard Poillucci.
Leading driver Tim Tetrick padded his advantage atop the local standings with five wins on the 14-race program. Dunn, Simon Allard and George Napolitano Jr. recorded two wins apiece. Scott DiDomenico led all trainers with a hat trick.
Racing returns to Harrah's Philadelphia on Wednesday afternoon (May 26). First-race post time is 12:25 p.m. (EDT).
(Harrah's Philadelphia)