The International Moni sophomore colt Inter Mischief welcomed a drop down from stakes company on Thursday (July 20) at Harrah’s Philadelphia, capturing the $14,400 featured trot in 1:54.4 on the hot day.
Driver Anthony Morgan, second in the North American annals with 17,332 victories, let outside leavers find their spots before taking the three-year-old to the outside before a :28.3 opener, then moved to the lead and got a big breather after reaching the half in :58.3. From there, Inter Mischief increased the speed to avoid being caught by his pursuers, reaching the three-quarters in 1:26.4 and then stepping home in :28. Portulaca won a three-way photo for second, 2-1/4 lengths back, with Swanky Hanover (a full brother to Manchego) third just ahead of Jokic.
Jamie Sullivan trains the winner, and she also co-owns him with Frank Chick.
Morgan also produced the fastest mile of the day in the very first race, with the Captaintreacherous gelding Revelry, who ripped off fractions of :26.4, :55 and 1:21.4 at the second-lowest conditioned level, then withstood the inside rally of Literl Lad Hanover by a nose in 1:49.2, a career best. Gareth Dowse conditions Revelry for his Dowse Racing Inc.
Andrew McCarthy and Tim Tetrick each brought home three winners during the Thursday action.
Older horses will be spotlighted this weekend at Philly: on Friday’s 12:25 p.m. card, there will be a fast-class handicap pace for both males and females, while Sunday’s 12:40 p.m. action will feature an Open Handicap Trot. Program pages for all races at Harrah’s Philadelphia will be available on the PHHA website.
(PHHA / Harrah's Philadelphia)