from harness publicists across North America

Thursday’s (Sept. 18) edition of Racing Roundup features results stories from Harrah’s Philadelphia, Vernon Downs and Saratoga Casino and Raceway.

Holy Halibut scores in Harrah’s Philadelphia feature

Chester, PA — Luca Derrico’s Holy Halibut picked up his third straight win in the featured event at Harrah’s Philadelphia, a winner’s over $25,000 lifetime trot.

Starting from post two, Holy Halibut (George Napolitano Jr.) took back off of the speed displayed by Ron Burke trainee Whata Donato (Andrew McCarthy). Just past the opening quarter in :27.2, Napolitano brushed to the lead with the favorite and went on to rate the second quarter in :29.2.

After surviving a first-over challenge from Crosbys Clam Bake (George Brennan), the leader kicked clear to win by three lengths, stopping the clock in 1:53.1. Whata Donato finished second, while Opening Night (Eric Carlson) closed mildly for third.

The winner returned $4.20 to win, keying a $30.40 exacta and an $83.60 trifecta.

Holy Halibut is also trained by owner Luca Derrico and was one of five driving wins for Napolitano.

— Mike Bozich

Vernon Downs
Arodasi (Western Terror-Do Me Justice) rallied in the stretch to score a victory in the featured $10,000 Open Preferred Pace at Vernon Downs on Thursday night. Park N Orchard (Claude Huckabone III) actually stormed to the lead when the gate opened and dictated the pace of :28 for the quarter, :56 for the half, and 1:24.1 for three-quarters. Arodasi (Joe Pavia Jr.), who had been in fourth place in the field of five throughout the early stages, moved to the outside at the top of the stretch and steadily wore down the leader to prevail in a final time of 1:52.3. Park N Orchard was able to hold on to second and Love You Bye (Jimmy Whittemore) finished third. The complete order of finish was Arodasi, Park N Orchard, Love You Bye, Air Miles Hanover and Asset Management. Arodasi is owned by Peter Shank, AGC Stables, Joseph Barbera and Joe Pavia Jr. Stables. Driver Joe Pavia Jr. doubles as the trainer.

Saratoga Casino and Raceway
Veteran trotter Gelato Man recorded his second consecutive victory at Saratoga Casino and Raceway on Thursday night. Recently returning to the stable of trainer Angus MacDonald who had plenty of success with the 10-year-old in the last few seasons, Gelato Man (Incredible Abe) wound up first over on Thursday night but had no trouble drawing out to a three length victory with Kim Crawford in the sulky. Gelato Man trotted in 2:00 in the open length score. It was the 41st win in the career of the veteran trotter.