Racin Hungry made no fewer than three separate moves to the lead in the $15,278 feature, a fillies and mares conditioned handicap pace, on Saturday, May 3 at Harrah’s Philadelphia, but she still had enough in reserve to win handily in 1:50.4 while posting her third straight success.
The five-year-old Stay Hungry mare Racin Hungry was sent to the lead by driver Mark Herschberger, yielded to Celia B Money (Johnathan Ahle) but was on the retake by the :26.2 quarter. Racin Hungry quickly regained control but almost as quickly yielded it to Misty Coast (Corey Callahan), who had $10 less on her to win than the successful favourite, and Misty Coast continued the blistering pace to a half in :53.4.
Just as Celia B Money came out down the backstretch, Herschberger and Racin Hungry were making their third move, which took them to the top by the three-quarters in 1:21.2. That supersonic tempo could not hold up, but Racin Hungry could, as the winner of more than $300,000 was safe to the wire for trainer Joe Bongiorno and the ownership of Glenn Goller and Stephen Demeter.
Russell Foster led the drivers with four triumphs on the day, including both for the only doubling trainer, Eli Scott Jr., while Herschberger had three trips to the winner's circle in all.
The local racing week ends on Sunday with a 12:40 p.m. card featuring a fast-class handicap pace, an event that may generate a 1:50 mile if the forecast rain does not come to pass.
(With files from PHHA / Harrah's Philadelphia; photo of Racin Hungry from a previous win at The Meadows)