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

Chester, PA — With even-money favorite Master Pine tiring from a grueling first-over journey, Jim and Linda Meittinis’ Opal Mine ($99.80) caught a perfect combination of racing luck and solid cover, closing in the final strides for a head victory in the $90,000 Liberty Bell final at Harrah’s Chester Casino and Racetrack on Monday afternoon, Dec. 17.

The 6-year-old gelded son of Muscles Yankee started off slowly, backing off amid a host of leavers. Jabez (Cat Manzi) and Celtic Hall (Yannick Gingras) battled to an opening quarter of :27.2.

Settled in sixth past the stands at this point, Opal Mine was in good position to pick up cover moving into the bridge turn. As Tim Tetrick pulled from fourth with Master Pine, Opal Mine was able to catch an outside trip, staying on the back of King Rova (David Miller).

“Well, I wanted to get him into the flow, give him the racetrack on the outside, and let him trot home,” said trainer/driver Jim Meittinis.

With saving ground a moot point for Opal Mine (he finished within two lengths of the lead in his two prior starts, both after being parked the mile), he continued in the outer flow to the half of :56.4, now just five lengths off the lead. Continuing third-over up the backstretch, Opal Mine steadily gained on the leaders, following the live cover of Master Pine, who took the lead at the three-quarters in 1:25.1.

Through the far turn, The Federalist (Eric Goodell) who was fourth-over, tipped three-wide, boxing in Master Pine. But as the wide journey proved too tough for the Federalist, Opal Mine was able to shake free at the head of the stretch, kicking cover and closing through the stretch, nailing Master Pine in the shadow of the wire, stopping the timer in 1:54.2.

“About halfway through the turn, Eric’s horse just wasn’t trying anymore,” added Meittinis. “Coming out of the turn I was able to shake free. He loves to race, and he just keeps coming.”

In the $60,000 final of the Philadelphia Late Closing Series, Desmet ($4.60) and driver Tim Tetrick scored a wire-to-wire victory, fending off pressure the entire mile from Glors Boys (Daniel Dube) through a mile of 1:52.3.

Tetrick had six wins on the card.

Racing resumes at Harrah’s Chester on Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 19, with first post scheduled for 12:15 p.m. (EST).