There were four divisions of the Liberty Bell Series at Harrah's Philadelphia on Thursday afternoon for two-year-old colt and gelding pacers, each going for a purse of $35,000.
In the first division, it was Erv Miller charge Mcdave (Marcus Miller) with a gate-to-wire score. The son of Mcardle set fractions of :27.1, :56.2, and 1:25.3, before sprinting away to win by a wrapped-up two lengths in 1:53. It was the fourth career win for Mcdave ($3.20), who is owned by Ron Michelon, and Dave and John Prushnok.
Race two featured Pennsylvania Sire Stakes winner Ideal Jimmy (Marcus Miller) as the heavy 1-5 race favourite. An upset was in the cards however, as Joe and Vince Barbera's JJ Flynn (George Napolitano, Jr.) used a pocket trip to pick up the win. The son of Western won by two lengths in 1:52.3. It was the first career win for JJ Flynn ($13.80) in eight career start. He is trained by Chris Ryder.
Division three saw Tony Alagna trainee Sam Mcsmith best the field. The son of Mcardle settled in behind the early speed of the outside leavers. He was able to successfully quarter-brush from that point, holding the lead until the finish, completing the mile in 1:54.1. It was the third win in four starts for Sam Mcsmith (Tony Morgan), who is owned by Andray Farms and David J. Miller. He paid $10.80.
In the fourth and final division, it was Hes Marvalous (Marcus Miller) springing the upset ($29.20). The son of Delmarvalous settled into the pocket behind the speed of favourite Pretty Boy Hill (George Brennan). He vacated the pocket at the top of the stretch, going on to a two-length win in 1:52. He is owned by Badlands Racing and The L.A. Express Stables, and trained by Erv Miller. It was one of four wins on the day for Marcus Miller.
(Harrah’s Philadelphia)