Vettel N ($3.60), while hounded every step of the way by an ultra-sharp Aflame Hanover, recorded the fastest winning mile of his career by way of a 1:49.2 score in Sunday's (July 25) $16,200 top-level pacing feature at Harrah's Philadelphia.
Vettel N and driver Joe Bongiorno asserted themselves from the pole position from race's outset, first rebuffing an early challenge from Tru Lou before then forcing Aflame Hanover — whom David Miller briefly angled out of the pocket — to again retreat at the end of a :26 first quarter. After traveling unopposed through middle splits of :54.4 and 1:22.2, the six-year-old American Ideal gelding accelerated clear by as much as 2-1/2 lengths through the far turn, but Aflame Hanover worked to close that gap turning for home. Undeterred, Vettel N held his ground while driven out to win by 1-1/2 lengths over Aflame Hanover. Tru Lou, another five lengths back, narrowly held off a late challenge from Slick Tony for third.
Jenn Bongiorno trains 30-time winner Vettel N, who has now banked $209,806 in his career, for JB Racing and Robert Devine.
Allan Davis, Yannick Gingras and David Miller shared top driving honors with three wins apiece on the 14-race card.
Racing returns to Harrah's Philadelphia on Wednesday (July 28); first post is 12:25 p.m. (EDT).
(Harrah's Philadelphia)