by Michael Bozich, for Harrah’s Philadelphia

Chester, PA — The headline going into Sunday’s (April 15) featured Winners Over event at Harrah’s Philadelphia centered around 2015 Pepsi North America Cup winner Wakizashi Hanover. The now 6-year-old gelding by Dragon Again came into the race with career earnings well over $1.4 million and a mark of 1:47.3 set last year at The Meadowlands.

The day however would belong to Matias Ruiz trainee Statesman N (George Napolitano Jr). Starting from post five, the 11-year-old New Zealand-bred gelding was able to work out a perfect second-over trip, winning by a neck in 1:52.4 for owner Joe P Racing of Delray Beach, Fla. Race favorite Awesomeness (Jim Marohn Jr) was second, while Super Imposed N (Corey Callahan) finished third. Wakizashi Hanover got away last and finished sixth.

Statesman N ($19.40) picked up his 40th career win in start 199, while surpassing $700,000 in career earnings. The upset produced a $72.40 exacta, while the trifecta returned $195.40.

The upset also played a role in the Pick-4 payoff, which returned $6,069.00.

The trainer/driver combination of Ron Burke and Yannick Gingras combined for five wins on the program.

Live racing returns Wednesday with a post time of 12:25 p.m. Eastern.