On a Sunday afternoon (Sept. 15) when speed often did not hold up as well as it normally does at Harrah’s Philadelphia, Sport Secret overcame the grueling first-overland route to win the $18,919 fast-class handicap pace in 1:50.
Shoobee Doo A, off a win here two back and a close second at Pocono last week, was sent off as the favourite despite the outside post eight, and he rocketed to the front around Lyons Steel to claim the top spot in a demanding opener of :25.4. Shoobee Doo A reached the half in :54, just as Corey Callahan gave the victorious son of Sportswriter his outside marching orders.
Sport Secret put in the long tough grind, inching closer by the 1:21.4 three-quarters, closer yet on the far turn, and then gaining the advantage in the stretch. Da Delightful came flying off cover late to be second, a half length behind the winner and a half length ahead of third-place Lyons Steel, with just 3-1/4 lengths covering the field of eight at the finish.
Sport Secret, owned by Pollack Racing LLC, has now won three straight races for trainer Jeff Cullipher, and his lifetime earnings have risen to $446,108.
Callahan won the day’s driving honours with three visits to Victory Lane.
Yogi Sheridan snatched two wins with Select Friday (1:53.4) and Aussie Scooter A (1:51.4) while Frank Tsipouras scored a victory at double-digit odds with Racing Money (1:54.3) through the three $10,135 pacing divisions for the American Harness Drivers Club.
Harrah’s Philly will have a slight alteration in its racing schedule this coming week – the trotters and pacers will still face the gate on Thursday, Sept. 19, with a first post of 12:25 p.m. (with a $2,232.92 carryover into the first race Pick 4). The Friday evening action will begin at 6:30 p.m. both this Friday, Sept. 20 and next (Sept. 27).
(With files from PHHA / Harrah's Philadelphia and American Harness Drivers Club)