The highest-quality distaff pacers at Harrah’s Philadelphia took their turns in the spotlight during the Friday, April 26 afternoon card.
The Sweet Lou mare Absolute Power won for the second consecutive time since coming in from The Meadowlands, taking an $18,493 contest for developing distaffs in 1:52.4, just a tick behind her lifetime best. Todd McCarthy sent the filly to the lead approaching a :27.1 quarter, posted mid-race fractions of :56.1 and 1:24.3, then found enough to repulse EA Audit, who had moved up rapidly around the far turn, by 1-1/4 lengths for the brother team of trainer Tom and owner John Cancelliere.
In a $17,808 handicap for fast-class mares, Golden Quest N also became the winner of two straight starts, with the daughter of Bettors Delight overcoming the outside starting spot while taking a new mark of 1:51. Tim Tetrick tucked the mare during a :26.1 opener then was second-over behind contested middle fractions of :54.3 and 1:22.2, swinging wide for the drive and just catching favoured Turn On The Charm, who lasted with tenacity after long first-over duties, by a nose for trainer Ashley Bako and owner Carmen Iannacone.
Corey Callahan guided winners in three consecutive races late on the card, including $108.80 bomber Happy That, to come away with the day’s honours among drivers.
The week closes out with a Sunday card at 12:40 p.m., headed by a $14,500 USD pace for non-winners of nine races, which has Santana Hanover as the morning line favourite, and a $13,000 USD fast-class handicap pace in which the early choice is 2024 debutant Sport Secret.
Next week, there will be a variation in the basic schedule due to a Thoroughbred event to be held in Kentucky, as Philly will not race on Thursday, then go on Friday at 12:25 p.m., Saturday (Derby Day) at noon and then Sunday at 12:40 p.m.. Free program pages for all Philly races will be available at phha.org.
(PHHA / Harrah’s Philadelphia)