from the PHHA /Harrah’s Philadelphia

Chester PA — Brunhilda, hard-used to get the lead by a fast quarter, withstood a game late charge by Dolphin Island to take the $16,000 distaff pacing feature on Friday (July 6) at Harrah’s Philadelphia in a lifetime best of 1:51.4.

The favored daughter of Well Said was pushed by second choice Dolphin Island to make the lead off the first turn after a :26.4 quarter, then put up middle splits of :54.4 and 1:23.3. In the stretch Dolphin Island made a charge up the inside, but Brunhilda kept it together to post a neck victory for trainer Eddie Sager and the Dead Crab Stable. Brunhilda was driven by Andrew McCarthy, and the triumph was No. 1,998 in the 32-year-old’s still-young career.

McCarthy looked to have a good chance to add No. 1,999 with the freshman pacing filly Odds On Naples, but the pair were caught late by Stonebridge Soul (Marcus Miller) in 1:53.3, equaling the divisional season’s record. Sweeter Lulu went in 1:53.3 in the 11th race here last Friday and Stonebridge Soul won in 1:53.3 in the 11th race this Friday.

Tim Tetrick had another big day with three victories, including putting a new mark of 1:51.2 on the Sportswriter mare Future Headlines in the $14,500 co-feature. Future Headlines parlayed a pocket journey into a visit to Victory Lane for trainer Jeff Bamond Jr. and the partnership of Bamond Racing and David Heffering.

The best day of all for a driver, however, was turned in by George Napolitano Jr., who came home first four times, three of them for trainer Gilbert Garcia-Hererra.