Chester, PA — Harness racing returned to southeastern Pennsylvania on Sunday afternoon (April 3) as Harrah’s Philadelphia opened its gates for the 2022 harness racing season.

Shake It kept his seasonal record perfect in three starts with a 1:52.2 victory in the $14,400 pacing feature over a track rated good. Dexter Dunn made an early move with the sophomore Heston Blue Chip gelding and maintained control throughout the :55.2 back half, defeating pocket rival Ilderton AM by a measured length. Chris Ryder trains the winner for Let It Ride Stables Inc., Bottom Line Racing LLC, Lawrence Rosen and Jeffrey Bell.

Ryder, Dunn and a “Shake” horse also tried to annex the $13,000 fast-class pacing co-feature, but their Shake That House, making his 2022 debut, was caught by the Somebeachsomewhere gelding Shadow Cat in 1:52. David Miller moved the winner of $401,978 to the front early, yielded to sit behind the Shake That House, and then went past him in the lane, finishing 1-1/2 lengths clear at the end for trainer Tom Fanning and the ownership of David Rovine Stable LLC and Howard Taylor.

Drivers David Miller, Trae Porter and Tim Tetrick recorded doubles, as did trainers Chris Ryder and Chris Temming.

Harrah’s Philadelphia will race in April on Thursdays and Fridays with a 12:25 p.m. post time and on Sundays at 12:40 p.m. The lone exception this month is a dark day on Easter Sunday (April 17). The next card will take place this coming Thursday (April 7), featuring a large range of talented trotters. Program pages for all Harrah’s Philadelphia racing will be available on the PHHA website.