Chester, PA — After being hindered by severe road trouble in last week’s Open at Yonkers, Rodeo Rock ($5.40) found clear sailing and bounced back decisively in Sunday afternoon’s (Oct. 20) featured top-level conditioned pace at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

Rodeo Rock strode home strongly in Sunday’s featured pace at Harrah’s Philadelphia, posting a 1:50.3 win over sloppy going. Lauren Tucker/World Wide Racing Photos.

The 6-year-old Rock N Roll Heaven gelding floated into fourth on the first turn and patiently stalked a :27.1 first quarter set by Mike’s Z Tam (Pat Lachance). Only after American Boy N (Andy McCarthy) cleared from the outer tier with a circuit to go did Eric Goodell give Rodeo Rock his cue, angling him first-over just before a :55 half.

Rodeo Rock responded at Goodell’s first asking, powering away from American Boy N up the far side and sprinting off at will to win in 1:50.3 over sloppy going. Mike’s Z Tam emerged from traffic to save second, 2-1/4 lengths back, while 4-5 favorite Dealt A Winner (George Napolitano Jr.) sustained gradual progress after losing cover to take third.

Robert Cleary trains 28-time winner Rodeo Rock for Royal Wire Products Inc.

Rodeo Rock keyed a 6-1-4-5-8 combination in the afternoon’s 20-cent Jackpot Hi-5, and multiple players connected for a $72.84 dividend. The carryover for Wednesday’s (Oct. 23) fifth race mounts to $10,718.92.

Post time for the first of 13 races on Wednesday’s card is 12:25 p.m. Eastern.