by Mike Bozich, for Harrah’s Philadelphia

Chester, PA — The 2016 racing season at Harrah’s Philadelphia got underway on Friday (April 1). The rain held off just long enough to get the 14 race card in, although there was a consistent headwind in the stretch of 20-30 mph.

The featured event, which was an upper-conditioned level filly and mare pace going for a purse of $17,500, went to Bradley Grant’s Sandbetweenurtoes (Brett Miller). The 5-year-old daughter of Somebeachsomewhere was coming off of disappointing efforts in the Blue Chip Matchmaker Series at Yonkers.

She appeared to enjoy the move to the bigger oval, as she was able to grind first-over to win by a head in 1:52.1. It was her second win of the year, and the 15th of her career. She paid $5.40.

Driver Brett Miller also won the meet opener with favorite Mystical Nectar. He had two wins on the day.

Yannick Gingras led all drivers with three tallies on the afternoon. Driver Brandon Givens won two races on the day, including a 44-1 shot in race 12 (Dark Pool).

Driver Montrell Teague picked up his 900th career driving win, piloting 3-year-old filly Destiny’sbeachbabe to victory in the finale. The Clyde Francis trainee is a perfect four-for-four on the season.

Harrah’s Philadelphia has lowered the minimum wager on its Pick-4 to 50 cents. The takeout remains 15 percent.

Harrah’s Philadelphia races Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, with a post time of 12:40 p.m. (EDT).