by James Witherite, for Harrah’s Philadelphia

Chester, PA — Following a pair of runner-up efforts since arriving in North America, the third time was a charm for Heaven Rocks A ($2.60), who stubbornly held his ground to parry Bettor’s Edge a quarter-mile from home en route to a 1:50 score in a $30,000 Great Northeast Series event on Sunday afternoon (June 3) at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

Photo courtesy of Harrah’s Philadelphia

Heaven A Rocks collects his first North American win at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Sunday afternoon.

The 6-year-old Rock N Roll Heaven gelding began his brush from midfield as Sicily (Montrell Teague) completed a :27 first quarter, put in motion by David Miller to slipstream the cover of Bettor Memories (Tim Tetrick) off the first turn before pushing clear with a circuit to go. After maintaining a stout pace through a :54.3 half, Heaven Rocks faced a stern first-over challenge from Bettor’s Edge (Andy Miller) up the far side. Bettor’s Edge — a winner last week — worked to within a head of the leader, but was sternly rebuffed at the conclusion of a :28.1 third quarter.

Heaven Rocks A powered clear off the far turn and handily maintained 3-1/2 lengths of clearance over Always At My Place (Corey Callahan), who circled three-wide off cover to just nab Bettor’s Edge for second.

Heaven Rocks A, who defeated Australian sensation Lennytheshark earlier this year, increased his career record to 13 wins in 30 starts. Ross Croghan trains Heaven Rocks A for Let It Ride Stables Inc., Mr. Dana Parham, and Misty Miller.