Harrah’s Philadelphia and The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono both presented live cards on Monday (Sept. 7), and longshots provided their share of Labour Day fireworks at both tracks.
At Harrah's Philadelphia, Quick Fun N set the tone for the day in a $20,000-$25,000 claiming handicap pace, rallying from last at the half to win as the longest shot on the board in 1:53.3 while paying $28.60. Corey Callahan drove the the Real Desire gelding for owner-trainer Pete Vumbaca. In the seventh race, Pepper Guy rallied up the far inside to win while paying $51.80 for driver Victor Kirby. Prices stabilized a bit in the second half of the day, but the card’s average win mutuel was still $18.37.
Simon Allard, George Brennan and Daniel Dubé led all drivers for the day with three wins apiece.
At Pocono, the chalk was a much more visible presence, with eight of the card’s 14 races won by favourites. The major exception to the rule was Show Me The Magic ($24.00), who has now won three of his last seven starts for trainer Jim Ray — his last two wins with Kevin Wallis guiding him home.
Anthony Napolitano drove four winners at Pocono for the second straight card; Tyler Buter also checked home first four times on Monday.
The most impressive winner on the Pocono card was the Muscle Massive sophomore gelding Focus Pocus, who trotted a :27.3 third quarter to reach the lead and then held off a late bid by Celebrity Rolex by 1-1/4 lengths to break maiden in 1:55.2. Focus Pocus, co-owned by driver Tony and trainer Linda Schadel.
Pocono will be back in action Tuesday afternoon (Sept. 8), with a $188,882.98 carryover for its Rainbow Pick-5. Harrah’s Philadelphia resumes its normal schedule on Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 9).
(PHHA)