Checkered Past got the jump on the field and went on to her second straight victory, winning the $17,000 featured distaff pace Wednesday (Aug. 29) at Harrah’s Philadelphia in 1:52.3, equalling the lifetime best she recorded in victory a week ago.
Driver Andy McCarthy, a three-time winner on the card, made two moves with the sophomore American Ideal filly and had it easy after gaining control, with a five-length lead at head-stretch and finishing three lengths ahead. Checkered Past, a winner of $137,323, campaigns for trainer Peter Foley and All Star Racing Inc.
The winner of the $16,000 sub-featured trot was also a repeat winner. Cantab Hall gelding Scirocco Imsosmart worked to the lead past the quarter and won in 1:55.4 for trainer John Butenschoen and owners Kathleen and Lewis Whitaker Jr.; driver David Miller went McCarthy one better with four wins.
A full brother to Ariana G who is 4-for-5 to date at three after not starting at two also rates a mention. Trainer-driver Jimmy Takter seems to have the Muscle Hill colt Fleet Admiral finally on track, bringing the horse home nearly ten lengths to the good. In matching the two feature winners with two straight wins, Fleet Admiral tied his mark of 1:54.4 for owners Marvin Katz, Al Libfeld and the S R F Stable.
(PHHA/Harrah's Philadelphia)