by Mike Bozich, for Harrah’s Philadelphia
Chester, PA — There were three divisions of Pennsylvania Sire Stakes races for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers on Thursday afternoon (June 1) at Harrah’s Philadelphia, each going for a purse of just under $50,000.
Fear The Dragon (David Miller) was razor sharp in the first division. The son of Dragon Again-Armbro Cinnamon sat patiently to the half, before unleashing an uncovered offensive at the five-eighths pole. The Brian Brown trainee then came home in :27 to overtake pacesetter Ocean Colony (Tim Tetrick) to win by a length in 1:49.1. The clocking equaled his lifetime best. Ozone Blue Chip finished third. It was the fourth straight win for Fear The Dragon, who remained undefeated (four-for-four) on the season. He is owned by Emerald Highlands Farm.
Division two saw Summer Side (Tim Tetrick) make good on his even-money status. The son of Well Said brushed past the quarter, and was able to maintain his one length advantage across the wire. The mile was timed in 1:50.2. Filibuster Hanover (Yannick Gingras) finished second, while Machiavelli (David Miller) was third. It was the first win of the season for the Ray Schnittker trainee, who was coming off a solid second place finish to Downbytheseaside in the Art Rooney final at Yonkers. He is also part-owned by Howard Taylor.
2016 Breeders Crown champion Hunstville (Tim Tetrick) took no prisoners in the third and final division. Eleven days after being handed a rare defeat, the son of Somebeachsomewhere took his frustrations out, winning by seven lengths in 1:49, equaling his lifetime’s finest. Bobby Weiss Series champion Highalator (George Napolitano Jr.) finished second, while Boogie Shuffle (Scott Zeron) settled for third. It was the ninth career win out of 14 starts for the Ray Schnittker trainee, and his second of the season. He is also owned by Ted Gewertz, Charles Iannazzo, and Steve Arnold.