Strong Opinion, a winner of over $195,000 at two, achieved her first victory at three in her fourth seasonal start when she won the $16,000 featured pace for females Friday (June 22) at Harrah’s Philadelphia in a personal best of 1:51.1.
Corey Callahan worked out a good trip behind the strong backstretch cover of first-over Brunhilda, who cleared to the lead at the 1:23 three-quarters. The victorious daughter of Well Said continued forward, and in a long stretch drive collared her main rival to win by a half-length. Aldine Hanover, shuffled after the backstretch lead change, rallied for third.
Strong Opinion now has a lifetime bankroll of $207,764 for trainer Ron Burke and the partnership of Burke Racing Stable LLC, Jack Piatt II, Silva, Purnel, Libby and Weaver Bruscemi LLC.
Two-year-old pacing females were out for their pari-mutuel debuts, with the Well Said–Watercolor Hanover miss Art Lecture
closing strongly for driver Brett Miller off a pocket journey to trip the timer in 1:55.3. Art Lecture had won two qualifiers at Pocono and continues to develop for trainer Jake Leamon and the partnership of Old Block Stables Inc., Kenneth Klein and the A&B Stable.
(PHHA/Harrah's Philadelphia)