Classic Martine was sent off as the public’s top choice in a Thursday afternoon trotting tilt at Harrah’s Philadelphia, and the superstar square-gaiter dug down deep and posted a track record-setting performance.
As the wings closed it was the Ron Burke trainee Quick Deal firing to the top, while Classic Martine ducked into the pocket. They remained in that order until three quarters, when Opening Night emerged out of third, but his bid was short lived. In the stretch, Quick Deal and Classic Martine dueled, with Classic Martine narrowly winning in 1:52, a track record for four-year-old trotting mares. Uncle Peter finished third.
Classic Martine, a 19-time winner, is owned by Hauser Bros Racing, Susan Oakes, Conrad Zurich and Edwin Gold. The mare is trained by Chris Oakes and was driven by Tim Tetrick.
There were also four divisions of Stallion Series races for two-year-old colt and gelding pacers, each going for a purse of $20,000.
In the first division, it was Phil Peavyhouse's PV Dragon (Dragon Again-Jin Millie) living up to his favourite status. At the start, it was longshot Rock Springs sprinting away for the lead, arriving at the quarter in :27. Shortly after, driver George Napolitano, Jr. sent PV Dragon out of third, forcing the lead change just before the half. He received mild first-over pressure from May I Cruise West, but kicked away in the stretch, stopping the clock in 1:53.4. Sambestmckee came charging hard up for second, while Pennyforurthoughts finished third. PV Dragon is trained by Amber Buter.
In division two, Kevin Switzer's Letsmakeawish (Western Terror-Dynamite Donna) made it three straight with an easy victory, stopping the timer in 1:54.1. He brushed to the lead just past the quarter, which went in 27.2. He was unchallenged until three-quarters, when eventual third place finisher Redneckyachtclub attacked first-over. In the stretch, Letsmakeawish drew clear, holding off a late rally from B Well who went on to finish second. Letsmakeawish is trained by Ron Burke, and was driven by Yannick Gingras.
In the third division, Up Front Racing's UF Larry Alltheway (Dragon Again-Varbo) lived up to his 4-5 favourite status. Off the wings, it was This Time driving for the lead, with the favourite settling into fourth. The fractions were pedestrian (:28.3, :59.3) before things picked up in the back half. UF Larry Alltheway drove up first over, and was on even terms with the leader at the top of the stretch, before pulling away under Tim Tetrick taps in 1:54.3 (:55 last half) for the win. My Hero Ron rallied for place, while This Time held show. UF Larry Alltheway is trained by Kelly O'Donnell.
In the fourth and final division, Erv Miller trainee Hall Of Terror upset the field for his third career win. At the start, Mcjagersonthemove drove up to take the lead, with Cabo Sunshine dropping into the pocket. Just before three quarters, Parklane Eagle moved first over to challenge for the lead. In the stretch, Hall Of Terror swung off cover, and swept by for the win, stopping the clock in 1:53.1. He is owned by Ervin Miller Stables, Paymaq Racing, R. Michelon, and L. Willinger, and was driven by Marcus Miller.
(Harrah’s Philadelphia)