Trainer Anthony De Francesco III had four training wins on the Wednesday afternoon (July 1) card from Harrah's Philadelphia.
The first of which came when Joseph Laino's ER Room (Yannick Gingras) survived a :26.2 opening quarter to get the job done. The six-year-old son of Cambest won for the 13th time in his career. It was his third win of the season, setting a lifetime's best 1:52 in the process. He paid $4.20.
Six races later, Louis A. and Louis M. Di Tullio's Red Carpet Dude (Dave Miller) scored the upset victory ($57.20). The six-year-old son of Camluck tracked live cover up the backstretch, establishing prime position for his final push, which ended in a two length victory, and a 1:53.1 clocking. It was his first win for De Francesco III, who is also part owner.
Once again the Di Tullios reached the winner's circle, this time with six-year-old gelded pacer Special Blend (Eric Abbatiello), who won the 12th race. The son of The Panderosa drafted in the pocket spot after leading the first quarter-mile. He was able to punch through the passing lane for his 11th career victory out of 99 career starts. It was his first win of the season, paying $33.00 to win.
Just two races later, in the live finale, Dante Scattolini Sr.'s Sonny McDreamee overcame post eight to score the upset win. The 10-year-old trotting gelding sired by Angus Hall went right to the front and made every call a winning one, stopping the timer in 1:57.4. It was his 22nd win out of 160 lifetime starts, and his first win in the De Francesco barn. He paid $21.40 to win.
There was no winner in the Pick 4. The carryover for Thursday afternoon is $1,935.43. Post time is 12:40 p.m., with the Pick 4 getting underway in race seven.
(With files from Harrah's Philadelphia)