from the PHHA /Harrah’s Philadelphia

Chester, PA — Destiny Hanover, holding on bravely after having to come first-over, just withstood the inside charge of Belle’s Delight to be victorious in the $16,000 distaff pacing feature Friday afternoon (July 13) at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

Driver Tim Tetrick (five wins on the day) started his Somebeachsomewhere sophomore filly on the first-over route nearing the half and gained on Dolphin Island, who had rushed to the lead nearing the :26.3 opener then had gotten a breather to the :55.4 half. Destiny Hanover had gained ground but still had not caught up with Dolphin Island, who passed the three-quarter pole in 1:23.3, nor would she until nearing mid-stretch, when the pacesetting favorite tired some. But Destiny Hanover then had to stay game to hold off the passing lane move of Belle’s Delight, doing so by a nose in 1:53.2.

Jake Leamon guides the winning filly, whose career started but two months ago but has seen her amass four victories in seven starts including a Pennsylvania All-Stars victory, for David Van Dusen, Michael Cimaglio, and Stephen Demeter.

There were also a pair of $14,500 pacing events for seasoned fast-class distaffs. In the first, the occasionally-difficult Nerida Franco N had both her best manners and best speed, rolling on the engine in :26.3, :55, and 1:22.2, then holding off a late charge from On Your Six by a neck in 1:51. Allan Davis was behind the Lis Mara mare, now a winner of $185,405 for trainer Michael Hall, who is also the co-owner with David Hamm.

After the second co-feature, Tim Tetrick had as many wins on the afternoon (four in ten drives) as did the trailing post nine for the meet (four in 103 starts) when he guided the Roll With Joe mare Obvious Blue Chip off cover from the treacherous trailing spot to get home in 1:51.

Tetrick managed to get to third-over, saw the two horses in front of him get to the rail by mid-turn as the pacesetter fell back, then paced down the center of the track to catch Valuable Art, who had cleared on her raw bid, by a half-length. Hot trainer Gareth Dowse conditions the winner of $430,659 for the NLG Racing Stable and Stephen Klunowski. The wagering public was not fooled by the challenging starting spot, as they sent Obvious Blue Chip off as the even money favorite.

In the last ten cards during which he has participated here, Tetrick has won 29 races in 148 starts, including four triples, two quadruples, and Friday’s quintuple.