There were four divisions of the Liberty Bell for two-year-old filly trotters at Harrah's Philadelphia on Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 23), each going for a purse of $35,000.
In the first division, Erv Miller and Paymaq Racing's Maker A Yankee (Marcus Miller) scored a come from behind victory. The daughter of Yankee Glide sat off the early duel while maintaining striking position throughout the middle half. She entered the stretch two lengths from a battle between race favourite Maeve Quaider (Geo. Napolitano Jr.) and Lookin Sharp (Mike Simons). She out-closed Lookin Sharp in the final steps, winning by a nose and stopping the clock in 1:57 for her second career win. She returned $13.40.
In the second division, Candy Lane (Ake Svanstedt) upset favourite Whitelake Hanover (George Napolitano Jr.). The daughter of Cantab Hall led the first quarter, but yielded to the heavy favourite soon after. They were one-two until the stretch, when Candy Lane drove out of the pocket to win by nearly a length, stopping the clock in 1:58.4. Twice A Night (Jackie Ingrassia) finished third. The win was the second straight for Candy Lane ($16.20), who is owned by Melby Gard Inc.
The Melby Gard/Ake Svanstedt connection struck again in division three, as Gracie Hanover sprung the mild upset. The daughter of Andover Hall followed the blueprint of the previous winner, leading the opening quarter and yielding to race favourite Twill Be Done (Mike Simons) shortly after. Gracie Hanover vacated the pocket, winning the sprint home by two lengths in the end, stopping the timer in 1:58.2. She paid $9.20.
The fourth and final division went to Jimmy Takter trainee Kathy Parker (George Napolitano Jr.). The daughter of Andover Hall drafted behind the determined speed of Windowshopper (Ray Schnittker) until three-quarters. At that point, she engaged the leader and was able to sprint away to win by three lengths in a series fastest 1:56.3. Hot Curry (George Brennan) rallied up for place, while Windowshopper held third. Kathy Parker ($2.20) has now won four of her last seven starts for owners Christina Takter, Joyce McClelland, Brixton Medical and R A W Equine.
(With files from Harrah's Philadelphia)