by James Witherite-Rieg, track announcer, Harrah’s Chester Casino and Racetrack

Chester, PA — With driver Eric Goodell working out a perfect trip, Mister Mystic N ($25.20) prevailed in the final of the Commodore Barry Late Closing Series at Harrah’s Chester on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 16, clearing by 1-1/2 lengths in the final strides to secure a 1:52.2 victory.

The 5-year-old In The Pocket gelding was unhurried early, allowing Dark Sign (Brian Sears) and Jaguar Jet (Andy Miller) to contend the early pace, with Jaguar Jet yielding the lead to Dark Sign at a quarter of :27. Mister Mystic N was sitting sixth at this stage, and joined the outer flow when Tiger Tinch (Tony Morgan) pulled from fourth just before the three-eighths.

“Today I was going to race him (Mister Mystic N) with cover,” commented winning driver Eric Goodell of his strategy. “The first week I drove him, he raced well first-over. Last week, he was used a little too hard. (Mister Mystic N was parked first-over through a half of :54.1 last week, managing to finish fourth, beaten two lengths.)”

Continuing to follow live cover through intermediate fractions of :55.2 and 1:23, Mister Mystic N moved three-wide, still on the back of Tiber Hanover (Jim Meittinis) until mid-stretch. Three Of Spades (Jonathan Roberts) made a four-wide bid, but faded at the top of the stretch, enabling Mister Mystic N to kick cover with 70 yards to go.

The New Zealand-bred is owned by Robert Di Nozzi and trained by Josh Green. The $60,000 winner’s share increased his lifetime earnings to $137,783.

In the final of the William Penn Late Closing Series, 6-1 shot Brokaw (David Miller) upset odds-on favorite Third Day (Tim Tetrick), advancing steadily first-over and taking the lead at the head of the stretch, drawing clear by a length to win in 1:52.4.

Monday’s 13-race card kicks off at 12:15 p.m. (EST).