Luca Derrico's Holy Halibut picked up his third straight win in the $30,000 featured event at Harrah's Philadelphia, a winner's over $25,000 lifetime trot, on Thursday.
Starting from post two, Holy Halibut (George Napolitano Jr.) took back off of the speed displayed by Ron Burke trainee Whata Donato (Andrew McCarthy). Just past the opening quarter (:27.2), Napolitano Jr. brushed to the lead with the favourite and went on to rate the second quarter in :29.2. After surviving a first-over challenge from Crosbys Clam Bake (George Brennan), the leader kicked clear to win by three lengths, stopping the clock in 1:53.1. Whata Donato finished second, while Opening Night (Eric Carlson) closed mildly for third.
The winner returned $4.20 to win, keying a $30.40 exacta, and a $83.60 trifecta.
Holy Halibut (Holy Guacamolie-CR Gone Fishin) is also trained by owner Derrico and was one of five driving wins for Napolitano Jr.
(With files from Harrah's Philadelphia)