by MIchael Bozich, for Harrah’s Philadephia

Chester, PA — There were three divisions of Pennsylvania Sire Stakes Races for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers on a muggy Thursday afternoon (July 13) at Harrah’s Philadelphia. They each went for purses of approximately $53,000.

Chris Tully photo

Wild Bill, shown here at The Meadowlands, defeats budding rival Nutcracker Sweet on Thursday in PASS action at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

The first division was taken by Jimmy Takter trainee Pro Beach (Yannick Gingras). The 2-year-old colt by Somebeachsomewhere – Darlin’s Delight used the pole position to his advantage, making the lead and rating the quarter in :28. The controlled tempo continued through the half (:57.3), but picked up dramatically closer to home. Aleppo Hanover (George Brennan) attacked first-over, with Chris Ryder trainee This Is The Plan (Dave Miller) riding his coattails. In the stretch, Pro Beach held off the fast closing This Is The Plan to win by a nose in 1:53.3. It was his first career start. Suddenly Sam (Marcus Miller) finished third. Pro Beach ($3.20) is owned by Brixton Medical, Marvin Katz, and The Hatfield Stables.

Division two saw Wild Bill (Scott Zeron), the full brother to world champion Huntsville, power past Nutcracker Sweet (Tim Tetrick), who is a full brother to world champion Bettor Sweet, to win under wraps in 1:52.3. The son of Somebeachsomewhere – Wild West Show sat early, as Julie Miller trainee Hayden Hanover (Andy Miller) made the lead. He was immediately confronted by Nutcracker Sweet, who cleared just after the quarter. Wild Bill pounced past the half, unleashing a strong uncovered initiative to seize command at the three-quarter pole. Nutcracker Sweet was second, while Hayden Hanover finished third. Wild Bill is owned by trainer Ray Schnittker.

In the third division, Done Well grinded gamely en route to an easy victory. The son of Well Said-Dagnabit Hanover let the speed develop in front of him early, as Jimmy Takter trainee Decoy (Dave Miller) brushed to the top. Done Well, the second foal of the half-sister to 2012 Jugette and Matron winner Darena Hanover, confronted the leader at the three-quarters, and went on to a willing victory in a day’s fastest 1:51.2. Karpathian Kid (Marcus Miller) finished second, while Decoy held third. Done Well is owned by the conglomerate of James Stambaugh, the Wingfield Brothers, Milton Leeman, and Alan Keith and is trained by Brian Brown.