A field of eight lined up behind the starter in the featured event on Sunday afternoon (September 14) at Harrah's Philadelphia, a pace for winners over $25,000 lifetime.
The wagering public made Wake Up Peter (Brett Miller) the post time favourite, starting from post position five.
At the start, Emeritus Maximus (Ron Pierce) got the first call off the wings, but his lead was short-lived, as Scott Rocks (George Napolitano Jr.) brushed just beyond the quarter, which went in :26.1.
After a second split in :28.1, Scott Rocks faced a challenge from the first-over Speed Again (Yannick Gingras). They battled to three-quarters, which went in 1:21.3 (:27.1).
Just beyond that point, Speed Again overpowered Scott Rocks, with pocket-sitter Emeritus Maximus picking up the chase. At the finish, Scott Rocks narrowly held on to win by a nose, stopping the clock in 1:49.2, returning $11.60 to win. Emeritus Maximus finished second, while favoured Wake Up Peter rallied for third.
The winner keyed a $32.40 exacta. The trifecta paid $190.20, while the Superfecta returned $1,045.20.
Speed Again is owned by Burke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi, and Rtc Stables, and was trained by Ron Burke.
(Harrah's Philadelphia)