by Mike Bozich, for Harrah’s Philadelphia

Chester, PA — A field of eight upper-conditioned level filly and mare pacers took the stage for the feature on Friday afternoon (April 17) at Harrah’s Philadelphia. The wagering public got behind 4-year-old mare Gallie Bythe Beach (Tim Tetrick) installing her as the 4-5 favorite. The daughter of Somebeachsomewhere is coming off of a successful 3-year-old campaign, in which she banked just shy of $200,000 in 17 starts.

At the start, longshot Star Keeper (Marcus Miller) left best for the lead, with the favorite being urged along to drop in fourth, by an opening quarter in :27.2. That lead was short lived however, as second favorite Twin B Elite (Andy Miller) brushed to the top, by the half in :55.2 (:28). Pressure arrived just beyond 5/8ths, as Chris White’s Fashion Showdown (Corey Callahan) muscled her way to the lead by three quarters 1:23 (:27.3). Fashion Showdown went on to an easy four length win, stopping the clock in 1:51.2. Bazooka Terror (Yannick Gingras) closed up the inside for second, while Gallie Bythe Beach was third.

It was Fashion Showdown’s 10th career win, and 7th of the year. The 1:51.2 clocking was a lifetime best for trainee of Craig Mc Innis. She returned $16.00 to win, keying a $97.80 exacta and a $433.80 trifecta.