Aintbluenomore avenged last week’s defeat by Special Menu big time in Saturday’s (July 22) Pennsylvania Sire Stakes (PASS) at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, scoring a 1:51 front-stepping victory at 12-1. The $169,520 event for freshman colt and gelding pacers, known as the Albatross, was contested over three divisions, with Lyons Rock and Tua Many Captains taking the other splits.
In a June 15 Pop Up Series leg at The Meadows, Special Menu got to the point cleanly and Aintbluenomore couldn’t track him down from the pocket. But in the Albatross, the Heston Blue Chip-Jennas Delight gelding turned the tables for Jeremy Indof, pocketing his rival. As they turned for home, the leader maintained his margin while Special Menu faded to fifth. Aintbluenomore triumphed for owner/trainer Mitchell York, 1-1/4 lengths better than Lous World, with Captain Fear Not third.
Things appeared bleak for Lyons Rock, trailing by six lengths at the half. But the son of Captaintreacherous-Planet Rock launched an impressive uncovered bid for Tim Tetrick that carried him to victory in a career-best 1:53. Sweet Beach Life was 1-1/2 lengths back in second while Swifty Lazar completed the ticket.
Jim King Jr., who conditions Lyons Rock for Threelyonsracing, said he wasn’t surprised by the power of the colt’s first-over move.
“He’s been progressing right along,” said King. “His manners aren’t exactly where we want them yet, but he’s a high-speed horse, and he likes what he does.”
Tua Many Captains (Capataintreacherous-Time On My Hands) won his division in 1:53.1 with Andrew McCarthy driving for trainer Julie Miller and Our Three Sons Stable.
Saturday’s Adios eliminations card also offered six divisions of the $120,000 Pennsylvania Stallion Series for two-year-old male pacers, with Gem Quality, Hunger Strike, Syed Ali K, Tyreek Chill, Mikis Best Shot and T H Tyson taking the splits. Trainer Chris Ryder enjoyed a stake double with Gem Quality and T H Tyson.
When first-timer Gem Quality peeled off cover for Dexter Dunn, he found another gear and drew off to prevail by 4-1/2 lengths in 1:53. Fredericktown Lad and Steam Play rounded out the ticket.
“He’s a nice two-year-old, pretty intelligent. He’s bred well, and he’s a good-looking horse as well,” said Dunn, who handled the son of Captain Crunch-Twinkle in both his qualifiers. “I didn’t even turn the stick on him in the race. He knows what’s he’s doing.”
Let It Ride Stables, Bottom Line Racing, Brad Grant and Enviro Stables campaign Gem Quality.
Indof piloted three winners on the 14-race card.
Live harness racing at The Meadows resumes on Wednesday (July 26) when the program features a $1,840.77 carryover in the Early Pentafecta (Race 4). First post is 12:45 p.m. (EDT).
(MSOA)