The Always B Miki gelding Maximus Miki was ready for a maximum performance despite being away 22 days, winning the $19,178 fast-class handicap pace at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Sunday afternoon, July 21 in 1:50.1.
Corey Callahan got away third with Maximus Miki as South Beach Star and Camara Moment secured the early one-two spots, with second choice South Beach Star getting to the quarter in :26.4 and then getting a major breather to hit the half in :56.2. Maximus Miki, the favourite, came out of third on fire, though, going his own third quarter in :26.2 to attack uncovered to the 1:23.2 three-quarters, and then continuing on to overall the pacesetter by a length while maintaining a :26.4 rate to the wire.
Maximus Miki is managed by Team Cancelliere, trainer Tom and owner/brother John. As a five-year-old, this was the 39th career start for Maximus Miki, who has compiled a strong 19-11-7 board record, with earnings now at $297,615.
The $18,463 co-featured pace, with females handicapped inside, went to the Bettors Delight sophomore colt Legal Attack in 1:52.1 for his second straight triumph. Legal Attack sat second for driver Johnathan Ahle while Hard To Catch tried to live up to his name before tiring, then went into the passing lane to get take over and hold off the trapped-to-mid-stretch filly On The Watersedge by a neck. Per Engblom trains the winner, who earned a new mark, for Morrison Racing Stables CA.
The leading drivers at Philly on Sunday were Johnathan Ahle, who brought home four winners, while Simon Allard was victorious in three races.
Racing resumes at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Wednesday, July 24 at 12:25 p.m.
(PHHA / Harrah's Philadelphia)