Hambletonian eligibles dominated the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes events at Harrah's Philadelphia on Thursday, June 2. Twenty-five entrants were scattered throughout the four divisions, and 17 of those starters were Hambletonian eligibles.
The races were for three-year-old colt and gelding trotters. Each divisions carried a purse of just over $41,000.
In the first division, it was Marvin Katz and Al Libfeld's Hollywood Highway (driven by John Campbell) that went all the way for the win. The son of Muscle Massive got to the front and made every call a winning one. He won by three lengths and stopped the clock in 1:56. It was the third career win for the Staffan Lind charge. The Hambo eligible now has over $87,000 in career purse earnings. He paid $4.20 to win.
Last season's Pennsylvania State Champion, Lagerfeld (Yannick Gingras), got the job done in Division 2. The son of Yankee Glide sat a perfect trip behind the speedy Truemass Volo (Eric Goodell) and got by in the stretch for the 1:56.3 victory, which was his second win in a row. The score was the fifth of his career. He is trained by Jimmy Takter and now has over $372,000 in purse earnings on his card. Lagerfeld ($3.20) is owned by Christina Takter, Jim and John Fielding, and Herb Liverman.
Division 3 was the fastest of the four, as Stroy Incorporated's Milligans School (Andy Miller) came roaring up the passing lane to win. The son of Yankee Glide tracked the speed of Reigning Moni (Yannick Gingras) the entire way and made his move to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:54.4. It was the seventh win of his career, putting his career earning total just under $350,000. Milligan's School ($3.60) is trained by Julie Miller.
The fourth division was won from off the trot by Love Matters (Brett Miller). The son of Explosive Matter tracked the cover of Tyson (Trond Smedshammer) and was able to use a :28.3 final quarter to gun down his competition in 1:56.2. It was the seventh win of his career. The win pushed his earnings to over $196,000. He is owned by Christina Takter, John Fielding, Brixton Medical, and Herb Liverman, and is trained by Jimmy Takter. He paid $12.60.
(Harrah's Philadelphia)