Jimmy Connor B went to command before the half, and it was “game, set, match” at that point as the Big Jim gelding went on to win the $15,300 featured pacing event at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Sunday afternoon (July 10).
Southwind Petyr had put JMs Final Treasure in behind him well before the :27.4 quarter but driver Anthony Morgan decided to bid for the top in front of the stands and took over control with Jimmy Connor B going past the half in :56.1 and the three-quarters in 1:23.3. Stretch activity on both sides of the winner may have given those horses’ backers a surge of adrenalin, but Morgan sat calmly to the wire, knowing his horse could stay in charge, and indeed the favourite won by a length over Southwind Petyr. Jimmy Connor B is trained by Scott Di Domenico for owners Triple D Stable Inc., M G Stable Inc., Toby Rekoon and Frank Canzone.
In the $14,400 co-featured pace, the Captaintreacherous five-year-old Rouser Hanover, making only his 12th career start, won for the fifth time this year and the seventh lifetime with a 1:52.3 effort. Andrew McCarthy sent 'Rouser' past his brother Todd and All The Chips early and to the top, loafed to the half in :57.4 then came home in :54.4 and needed all of it to withstand the late-charging pocket-sitter by a length. Rouser Hanover has now won his way out of this class at Philly and will be looking for new worlds to conquer for trainer Tony Alagna and Big Als Stables.
Corey Callahan and Andrew McCarthy both guided home three winners to lead the Sunday drivers.
(PHHA/Harrah’s Philadelphia)