from Harrah’s Chester publicity department

Chester, PA — Although Shark Gesture has garnered much of the attention in Sunday’s (July 11) Ben Franklin eliminations, trainer Ron Burke is looking to make quite a bit of noise with his three entrants in the race.

Foiled Again and Won The West both drew into the second elimination, which will be contested as race 12 on the Sunday program.

USTA/Ken Weingartner photo

Trainer Ron Burke sends out a trio of starters in the Ben Franklin eliminations.

“I think that’s the toughest division,” noted Burke. “My biggest worry there is getting both of mine qualified from that division. Trip’s going to play a huge role in that division, especially concerning who makes the final and who does not.”

Foiled Again recently took his second George Morton Levy title at Yonkers, and comes in off a third-place effort in the Battle of Lake Erie.

“He got a very rough trip, but he seems to bounce back,” commented Burke. “As far as health goes, he’s been in excellent shape. It’s all about getting him in the right spot. Chester’s his favorite track. He really races well here and he likes it.”

Likewise, Won The West comes in from the Battle of Lake Erie, taking runner-up honors behind Hypnotic Blue Chip.

“He comes in off a little bit of a disappointing performance in the Dan Patch at Hoosier, but he was better in the Battle. He raced from the back; he had his pace back.”

Joining Foiled Again and Won The West in the second elimination are Dial Or Nodial, Vintage Master, Dali, and Keep It Real.

Burke sends Atochia into the first elimination (race 9), where he will square off against division leader Shark Gesture. And though Atochia doesn’t have the renown as Foiled Again and Won The West, Burke remains high on his chances.

“He might not be as good a horse as the other two, but I certainly think he’ll make the final. He’ll follow anyone no matter how fast they’re going.”

Mr Wiggles, Hypnotic Blue Chip, Three Of Spades, and Annieswesterncard complete the first elimination.

The $500,000 final will be held on Sunday, July 18.