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

Chester, PA — Rating off a pressured early pace, then grinding out a first-over journey, Harold Brocklehurst’s Simmichacha ($10.40) proved victorious in the $80,000 final of the Delaware County Late Closing Series on Wednesday afternoon (Dec. 19) at Harrah’s Chester, closing through the final strides for a half-length victory.

The 4-year-old Dream Away mare had a conservative beginning, rating well behind a contested early pace led by Binions (Daniel Dube). With Day After Day (Andy Miller) and Nidya A (Cat Manzi) pressing, Binions cut an opening quarter of :26.4.

As the pace settled down through the stretch the first time, David Miller angled Simmichacha out from fourth, going first-over out of necessity more than intent.

“I didn’t want to get away where I had to race first-over,” said Miller. “I was hoping that maybe (Ulrica Bromac N) would leave and maybe follow in front of me.”

Unlike in weeks past, 4-5 public choice Ulrica Bromac N (Tony Morgan) raced last through the first half of the race.

“I thought my mare had a shot, and she’d raced well in the preliminaries,” added Miller. “I just wanted to make sure she had enough.”

Simmichacha continued to stay strong first-over through intermediate splits of :56.2 and 1:24.3, steadily applying the pressure to Binions as the field reached the far turn. Approaching the far turn, Simmichacha began to fade, giving up minimal ground through the far turn. She dug in again at the top of the stretch, overtaking a fading Binions and passing Nidya A, who gave a strong run in the open stretch, in the final strides, stopping the timer in 1:52.3.

“As soon as she got straightened away, she dug right in,” continued Miller. “She’s a nice mare; very easy to get along with.”

The winner’s share of $40,000 increased her lifetime earnings to $151,708.

In the $50,000 final of the Constitution Late Closing Series, Fox Valley Armor ($3.20) took the lead past the three-eighths and never looked back, scoring by 3-1/4 lengths in a time of 1:52. Yannick Gingras handled the driving duties for trainer Mickey Burke.

Racing returns to Harrah’s Chester on Thursday, December 20. The closing day card kicks off at 12:15 p.m. (EST).