A pair of $16,216 contests for horses looking to work their way up the ranks, one on each gait, were the headline races on a warm afternoon of harness racing at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Friday, June 20.
The feature for up-and-coming pacing distaffs saw the Courtly Choice mare Verity Blue Chip moved to the lead past the quarter by driver Bradley Chisholm, and she then maintained an unassailable lead through the last half with coming home in :55.3 to complete a 1:53 mile. Jeffrey Smith conditions the chalk winner for owner Strideline Racing.
In the trot headliner, the Walner colt Brulee yielded for the pocket, was itching to go most of the last three-eighths, and when the inside opened up in the lane the sophomore trotted right to command to reduce his mark to 1:55.4. Andy Miller drove the favoured winner of two of his last three starts for trainer-wife Julie Miller and the ownership of Andy Miller Stable Inc., Patrick Hoopes, and Plouffe Racing.
In a $14,865 pace for distaff pacers, the Sweet Lou mare Absolute Power went to the lead early, kept an early-moving contender outside in a spicy 55-second middle half duel, and then drew off in the stretch for a fine victory in 1:50.4. Andy Miller handled the driving duties for Team Cancelliere, trainer Tom and owner-brother John.
Besides his two feature wins, Andy Miller added a third sulky victory, tying him with Troy Beyer for the Philly honours for the day.
The racing week concludes on Sunday at 12:40 p.m.; featured will be a pair of $12,000 USD contests for developing horses, one on each gait. Philly races the following week on Thursday and Friday at 12:25 p.m. and Sunday at 12:40 p.m., and then on Wednesdays at 12:25 p.m. a live card will be added for five programs in July.
(PHHA / Harrah’s Philadelphia)