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

Chester, PA — Dispatched as the prohibitive 1-5 favorite, Panmunjom turned in a stunning performance to headline Pennsylvania Sire Stakes action on Monday (July 28) afternoon at Harrah’s Chester Casino and Racetrack, scoring easily in 1:52.2 to keep a perfect 4-for-4 record intact.

With Buggsy Yankee (Sam Schillaci) and Absolutely Michael (Yannick Gingras) both showing early speed, driver Dave Palone floated Panmunjom out from his outside post position, finding a seat in mid-division on the first turn.

“Being the heavy favorite and having the eight hole, you almost have to anticipate that everyone’s going to look to follow you,” commented Palone about the race’s early development. “I was looking to let everyone settle, and I was lucky enough to find a spot in fourth.”

World Wide Racing Photos

Panmunjom set a track record 1:52.2 clocking in winning his PASS division.

Tracking the leaders through an opening quarter of :27, Panmunjom brushed aggressively to the lead, clearing Buggsy Yankee before the bridge turn. The 2-year-old son of The Panderosa-Pandalay Bay led while under minimal pressure through intermediate splits of :55.4 and 1:24 before kicking clear at the head of the stretch under no urging whatsoever. Panmunjom’s mile time of 1:52.2 set a new track record for 2-year-old pacing colts, and his 9-1/4 length margin of victory was made all the more impressive by the ease of his performance.

“He went all on his own,” confirmed Palone. “He’s a top colt and an easy horse to drive. He’s got plenty of talent.”

Erv Miller trains Panmunjom for the Peter Pan Stables, Inc.

Arctic Warrior ($4.00) also etched his name in the record books, turning in a 1:52.2 effort to become the fastest 2-year-old gelding to pace at Harrah’s Chester. Tim Curtin partnered the son of Blissfull Hall-Bret’s Grand Finale for Sam Beegle.

Battleship Kelly (Allamerican Native-Belle Sarah, 1:54.1, Yannick Gingras), Hail Storm (Four Starzzz Shark-Rain Drop Hanover, 1:53.4, Dave Palone), Spring Again (Dragon Again-Western Spring, 1:54.3, Bruce Clarke), Gallant Yankee (Western Hanover-Give Me Life, 1:54.1, Yannick Gingras), and Blue Shark (Four Starzzz Shark-Crystal Blue, 1:53.1, Andy Miller) also were victorious in their divisions.

Live racing returns to Harrah’s Chester on Wednesday, July 30, with first post slated for 12:25 p.m. (EDT).