by James Witherite-Rieg, on-course commentator, Harrah’s Chester Casino and Racetrack

Chester, PA — Despite a dominant (though much expected) performance by Lear Jetta in Wednesday’s (June 18) Pennsylvania Sire Stakes at Harrah’s Chester Casino and Racetrack, it was In Focus who was most impressive among five $41,728 divisions raced for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings.

In Focus ($2.80) left for early contention in the first division, along with NF Rivertown (Joe Pavia, Jr.) and Reputation (Roger Hammer). After NF Rivertown made a break in stride, Reputation was able to gradually close up the pocket spot, tracking In Focus through fractions of :27.1, :58, and 1:27.1. On the far turn, Reputation pulled the pocket on In Focus, applying steady pressure before making a game effort in the stretch, with In Focus prevailing by a neck in 1:56.3.

“He didn’t handle the turns as well as he did at the Meadows and Pocono, but he’s a quality horse,” commented winning driver Dave Palone. “I wasn’t really concerned when we leveled off the turn and Hammer came to me. I thought I could hold him off.”

Jimmy Takter trains the 3-year-old gelded son of S J’s Photo for owners Christina Takter, John Fielding, and Jim Fielding.

“He’s a quality animal,” continued Palone. “He’s one of those horses that likes to win races, and so far, so good.”

All eyes were on Lear Jetta ($2.10) in the day’s fourth division. He rated a :58.4 middle half before winning by 3-1/2 lengths under wraps in 1:57.3. The Lindy Lane colt easily made the front for driver Tim Tetrick before backing into the field and opening up steadily on the far turn.

From the sidelines, Palone commented, “Lear Jetta’s a quality horse. He won in hand today, and he’s very versatile.”

Production (1:57.1) and Casperdfrendlyhors (1:57) gave Tetrick a Sire Stakes driving triple, with An Honorable Man (1:56.4) winning for Tony Morgan in the final division.