Chester, PA — Big Nudge continues to find his best lifetime form late in his 4-year-old season, overcoming a tough first-over trip with relative ease for a 1:55.4 win in Thursday afternoon’s (Nov. 11) $15,300 featured trot at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

A son of Donato Hanover out of the $700,000-winning mare Victors Vicky, Big Nudge got away fifth in the six-horse field and started uncovered in front of the stands the first time. Guided by George Napolitano Jr., who had three victories on the day, Big Nudge ground up to pacesetting SVF Blushingbride on the backstretch, claimed the lead on the turn, and then withstood a closing Cocktails N Dreams by 1-1/2 lengths for trainer Symon Spicer, also co-owner with George Beck and Michael Sherman Jr.

In the $14,400 co-featured trot, Melania moved to the lead with a lap to go and maintained her advantage for another circuit of the Philly oval, with this second consecutive victory for her coming in 1:54.1. Åke Svanstedt trains and drives the freshman Donato Hanover filly for owner Dr. Patty Hogan.

Hayek went a powerhouse mile to take the $11,200 fast-class trot in a new mark of 1:52.3. The 4-year-old E L Titan gelding tucked in midfield for David Miller, moved uncovered up the backstretch, then got cover as favored Winnerup pulled from the two-hole to challenge leader and second choice Sylvesteramericait. Neither favorite proved to have as much as Hayek did late as he raised his lifetime earnings to $241,601 for trainer Per Engblom and owners Evan Katz, David Rovine Stable LLC and Frank Canzone.

A trio of $12,600 events top the Friday action at Philly: one for trotters, and one each for pacing males and pacing females. Post time is 12:25 p.m.; program pages are available on the PHHA website.