by Mike Bozich, for Harrah’s Philadelphia

Chester, PA — It was a big day for driver Yannick Gingras on Sunday afternoon (June 28) at Harrah’s Philadelphia. Gingras had a natural hat trick, winning races five, six and seven. He followed that up by sweeping the late Pick-3 and the late double for seven wins on the program. He also swept the co-featured events on Sunday, Open affairs on both the pace and trot.

In the Open Trot, it was Gural Hanover getting his first victory of the year. The 4-year-old son of Crazed was parked out the entire first quarter (:27.4) before clearing to the lead. After rating the half (:56.4), he was able to maintain a solid lead throughout. He got to the three-quarters in 1:24.1 and the final time was 1:53 as he won by three lengths in the end. My Love Bi (George Napolitano Jr.) finished second, while World Cup (Joe Bongiorno) finished third.

It was the 12th career win out of 24 starts for Gural Hanover ($4.40), who is owned by Burke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi, Little E LLC and The Panhellenic Stables.

In the Open Pace, it was Brittany Farms and John Cherveny’s Allstar Legend winning his fourth straight. The son of Four Starzzz Shark led at the first quarter (:26.1), but was cleared by Doctor Butch (Tim Tetrick) who was three wide around the first turn. Allstar Legend drafted behind this pacesetter through a half in :54.1 and three quarters in 1:21.4 before engaging the leader in the stretch. Allstar Legend went on to win by a length, stopping the clock in 1:50.1 for his 17th career win out of 61 starts. Doctor Butch was second, while Fancyfreeshark (Allan Davis) finished third. The Ron Burke trainee paid $4.80 to win.