Trotter Macmorris Hanover and pacing mare Part-Time Hanover were the winners of the twin $16,000 features at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Friday afternoon.
Driver Pat Lachance saw two hard-leaving rivals to his inside break early in the trot, and he guided the sophomore Cantab Hall gelding Macmorris Hanover up to sit a pocket trip. The winner had clearance along the inside in the stretch and had just enough to edge Raceace, who made a remarkable recovery after being one of the early breakers, by a head in 1:56.2 for trainer Robert Baggitt Jr. and the partnership of Ben Mudry, Doug Millard, Tim Murray, and Howard Taylor.
The Western Ideal mare Part Time Hanover, claimed for $12,000 four weeks ago, continued a big upturn in her form by taking her opposition virtually coast-to-coast in 1:53.3 to run her record to three wins in four starts for her new connections. Odds On Clearwater, a 56-1 shot, made a sweeping move off the final turn and appeared to get a short advantage in upper stretch, but Part Time Hanover gave a full-time effort and regained the lead to win by three parts of a length for driver Eric Goodell, trainer Marc Mosher, and owner Jordanna Roman.
The Somebeachsomewhere sophomore filly A Beach Cowgirl escaped a shuffle down the backstretch, then came roaring home to win a $12,500 pace for fast-class mares in 1:54.2. Pat Lachance was also in the sulky behind this winner, guiding her for trainer Brett Bittle and owner Yankeeland Partners LLP.
George Napolitano Jr. drove six winners on the Friday card -- he put two of them on the lead and maintained his advantage, and he came first-over with the other four.
(PHHA / Harrah's Philadelphia)