from the PHHA /Harrah’s Philadelphia

Chester, PA — Trotter Century Empress and pacer Uffizi emerged victorious in the $16,000 featured events on the Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 26) card at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

The Donato Hanover sophomore filly Century Empress took a new mark of 1:55.4 in the spotlight trotting event. Trainer/driver Jeff Gregory had her in perfect stalking position behind the first-over Muscle Fashion, then caught that foe by a half-length for the ownership of Jeff Gregory Inc., Dumain Haven Farm, and Carlo Lattinelli.

Uffizi, a son of American Ideal, opened up a big lead down the backstretch and through the far turn in the pacing contest, and although favored Torrin Hanover methodically reduced the margin in the stretch, Uffizi was still clear by 1-3/4 lengths at the finish in 1:51.2 for trainer Chris Ryder and owners Robert Mondillo and Craig Henderson.

Uffizi was guided by New Zealand sensation Dexter Dunn, who wound up his afternoon with four driving triumphs. Dunn has already worked his way up to 14th in wins for the yearlong driving statistics here, and his local UDR is hovering in the .300 range and may go even higher as local trainers grow to appreciative his aggressive style and impressive results.

The next two days, Harrah’s Philadelphia welcomes 2-year-olds contesting their action in the John Simpson Sr. stakes series, honoring the late Hall of Fame horseman and Hanover Shoe Farms executive. Fillies will be in the spotlight on Thursday, with colts featured on Friday; both days will have action on both gaits.

Both the Jackpot Hi-5 and the Pick-4 will carry over to Thursday’s (Sept. 27) card. The carryover for the Jackpot Hi-5, a 20-cent base wager offered in the fifth race each day, has grown to $2,728.84, while the Pick-4 (races seven through 10) has a $1,863.24 carryover. Post time for the Thursday program is 12:25 p.m.