by Mike Bozich, for Harrah’s Philadelphia

Chester, PA — Barimah A’s overall lack of strong early speed was a non-factor in the featured event on Sunday (April 9) at Harrah’s Philadelphia. The 7-year-old gelding by Bettor’s Delight was making his third start for trainer Scott DiDomenico, in what figured to be his toughest test to date, a pace for non-winners of $20,500 in their last five races.

Starting from post eight, Barimah A lumbered up wide of leavers Bettor Memories (David Miller) and Bushwacker (Brett Miller), but eventually got the lead after being parked to the quarter (:26.2).

After driver Tim Tetrick rated the half (:55.1) a fresh challenger emerged in the form of Blaise MM Hanover (George Napolitano Jr.). The 4-year-old Bettor’s Delight gelding pulled to within a head of the leader, tripping three-quarters in 1:23.1.

The duel continued until the eighth-pole, when Barimah A edged away to win by one length, stopping the clock in 1:50.4. Blaise MM Hanover settled for second, while Bushwacker finished third. It was the gelding’s 16th career win and fourth of the season.

“He raced really well I thought,” said DiDomenico. “It looked like he was going to get collared in the last turn, but fought off the competition which was really good.”

Barimah A is owned by Brian Carsey, John McGill and Adam Friedland. He paid $4.00.

There were also two divisions of a non-winners of $15,000 in their last five races.

The first division (race four) was taken by Joe Trice’s Hall Bro (Brett Miller). The gelded son of Blissfull Hall was driven aggressively past the quarter. He brushed to the lead and held on gamely for the win in a day’s fastest 1:50.1 for his 30th career win. He is trained by Brewer Adams. Hall Bro returned a handsome $18.20 to his pari-mutuel supporters.

The second division (race eight) went to Lou Frascella’s Phil Your Boots (George Napolitano Jr.). The 7-year-old gelded son of Shanghai Phil made the top before yielding to the speed of Trading Up (Miller). As the outer flow started to labor, the Andrew Harris trainee abandoned his pocket position and outdueled the leader to win by a head in 1:50.3. He paid $2.80.

Both division winners went over the $300,000 mark in career earnings with their respective victories.

Live racing continues Wednesday with a post time of 12:40 p.m. There is no live racing on Easter Sunday (April 16).