Chester, PA — Both Island Of The Sea and Hot Mess Express rode pocket trips to victory in the $16,200 featured paces on a hot Friday afternoon (June 30) at Harrah’s Philadelphia.
Island Of The Sea drew inside his main opposition in the event for males, and driver Todd McCarthy took full advantage of his positioning, keeping favorite Sport Secret out to a :26.3 quarter while forcing several other contenders in behind. The victorious Always A Virgin gelding sat in the two-hole through middle fractions of :55.4 and 1:23.1, popped up going to the far turn to challenge, took over the lead in the lane, then held off a second move from A Rocknroll Star by a head while taking his lifetime earnings to $390,120 for trainer Eric Ell, who shares ownership with Lisa Ell.
The Panther Hanover mare Hot Mess Express boosted her lifetime tally to $883,474 with a 1:51.1 success, making her two-for-two since coming to Philly. George Napolitano Jr. got the favorite to the front before the :26.4 quarter, pushed Always B First before surrendering the lead and sitting behind middle fractions of :54.2 and 1:22.3, then made her move and drew off to win by two lengths over In The Spotlight N for trainer Tony Alagna and owner Sam Bowie.
A pair of debuting 2-year-old pacing colts — Lyons Benjamin (1:55.4) and Lyons Rock (1:55.1) fueled the hopes of their connections by winning in most impressive style: both came home in :26.4 after advancing uncovered, both are sons of Captaintreacherous, and both won for the connections of driver Tim Tetrick, trainer Jim King Jr., and owners Threelyons racing.
Sunday’s (July 2) Pennsylvania Sire Stakes for 3-year-old trotting includes all five winners in the first two legs. Post time is 12:40 p.m.; that program will also have a $1,964.76 carryover in the Pick-5 (races 5-9). Program pages for all races at Harrah’s Philadelphia are or will be available on the PHHA website.