Corey Callahan kept his mare in fourth to the half as Shezallapples A and the favoured Machnhope disputed the lead. Callahan then moved behind the cover of early three-hole 'tucker' Baron Remy. Apple Bottom Jeans swung three-wide nearing headstretch and proved the best late in 1:51.1. The margin of victory was one and a quarter lengths over Machnhope. Shezallapples was close behind in third.
Veteran Mr Apples pacing mare Apple Bottom Jeans has usually been an early-speed threat through much of her high-level career. The lass has recently been able to switch tactics with success, as she did when she won the $14,400 pacing feature for distaffs Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 2) at Harrah’s Philadelphia.
Apple Bottom Jeans is trained by Dylan Davis for owners Howard Taylor, Robert Cooper Stables LLC, and Edward Gold. The mare took a nice step towards the millionaires club with the wins, as her lifetime earnings are now $991,732.
Tim Tetrick led the Philly driving contingent Wednesday with four winners.
The best of the Pennsylvania-sired three-year-olds will be at Harrah’s Philadelphia this coming Sunday, as they will contest over $1.2 million on their Pennsylvania Sire Stakes Championship card. Each of the four finals is worth $252,000; there is also a $50,000 consolation for each of the four groups.
Perhaps the overall quality of the gathered sophomores is best reflected by the Filly Pace Championship (Race 12), where the undefeated Party Girl Hill will face the likes of Rocknificent, JK First Lady, and defending champion Lyons Sentinel. JK First Lady set a divisional track record of 1:49.2 in the last 'sires' prelim, but that time could be under serious pressure to stand up if the weather cooperates.
(With files from PHHA / Harrah’s Philadelphia)