by Mike Bozich, for Harrah’s Philadelphia

Chester, PA — There were four divisions of the Liberty Bell for 2-year-old filly trotters at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 23), each going for a purse of C$35,000.

WorldWideRacingPhotos.com photo

Maker A Yankee (2) came from behind to take the first division (1:57) of the Liberty Bell for 2-year-old filly trotters at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 23).

In the first division, it was Erv Miller & Paymaq Racing’s Maker A Yankee (Marcus Miller) scoring the come from behind victory. The daughter of Yankee Glide-Maker A Laker sat off the early duel while maintaining striking position throughout the middle half. She entered the stretch two lengths from a battle between race favorite Maeve Quaider (Geo. Napolitano Jr.) and Lookin Sharp (Mike Simons). She-out closed Lookin Sharp in the final steps winning by a nose, stopping the clock in 1:57 for her second career win. She returned $13.40.

The second division saw Candy Lane (Ake Svanstedt) upset favorite Whitelake Hanover (Geo. Napolitano Jr.). The daughter of Cantab Hall-Almond Joy led the first quarter, but yielded to the heavy effort soon after. They were one-two until the stretch, when Candy Lane drove out of the pocket to win by nearly a length, stopping the clock in 1:58.4. Twice A Night (Jackie Ingrassia) finished third. It was the second straight win for Candy Lane ($16.20), who is owned by Melby Gard Inc.

The Melby Gard / Ake Svanstedt connection struck again in division three, as Gracie Hanover sprung the mild upset. The daughter of Andover Hall- Girls Gone Lindy followed the blueprint of the previous winner, leading the opening quarter, and yielding to race favorite Twill Be Done (Mike Simons) shortly after. Gracie Hanover vacated the pocket, winning the sprint home by two lengths in the end, stopping the timer in 1:58.2. She paid $9.20.

The fourth and final division went to Jimmy Takter trainee Kathy Parker (Geo. Napolitano Jr.). The daughter of Andover Hall- Mallelujah drafted behind the determined speed of Windowshopper (Ray Schnittker) until three-quarters. At that point, she engaged the leader, and was able to sprint away to win by three lengths in a series fastest mile, 1:56.3. Hot Curry (George Brennan) rallied up for place, while Windowshopper held third. Kathy Parker ($2.20) has now won four of her last seven starts for owners Christina Takter, Joyce Mc Clelland, Brixton Medical and R A W Equine.