Hall of Fame driver David Miller was on fire Thursday afternoon (August 18) at Harrah's Philadelphia, as he swept the three $63,291 divisions of Pennsylvania Sire Stakes races for two-year-old colt and gelding pacers.
The first division saw Emerald Highlands Farm's Fear The Dragon take advantage of a live cover flow to get the job done. The son of Dragon Again latched on to the cover of Blood Line (who was driven by Yannick Gingras), and was able to steer clear in the stretch to win by a length in the day's fastest division (1:51.2). It was his fourth consecutive victory in five lifetime starts. Huntsville (Tim Tetrick) re-rallied for second, while Blood Line settled for third. Fear The Dragon ($3.00) was one of two sire stakes winners for trainer Brian Brown.
In Division 2 it was the other Brian Brown trainee, Downbytheseaside, who held on for the win. The son of Somebeachsomewhere brushed to the top past the quarter and was able to hold off the bid of the pocket-sitter, Boogie Shuffle (Andrew McCarthy), by a neck in 1:52.4. Western Joe (Corey Callahan) finished third. It was the third career win for Downbytheseaside ($2.60) in what was his fifth career start. He is owned by Country Club Acres, Joe Sbrocco, and Richard Lombardo.
The third and final division went to Synerco Venture's Bettors Western. The son of Bettors Delight went to the top, but yielded the lead to Ron Burke trainee Filibuster Hanover (Yannick Gingras). Bettors Western was able to get up the passing lane to win in a blanket finish in 1:52. Summer Side (Tim Tetrick) was game in defeat while finishing second, while Normandy Beach (Matt Kakaley) rallied for third. It was the second career win for the Chris Oakes trainee in what was his fifth lifetime start. He paid $4.40.
(With files from Harrah’s Philadelphia)