A two-time divisional champion mare and a driver who is undefeated in his entire racing career dead-heated for the win in a $30,000 Great Northeast Open Series at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Sunday afternoon, and came very close to the divisional world record for a trotting tie.
Broadway Donna, tops in her class at two and three, was driven aggressively by Tyler Buter, spotting early then making a move after the :28 quarter to follow Lagerfeld, driven by Josert Fonseca, who had cleared to the lead in front of the stands. Broadway Donna went on to the lead before the half in :56.2, shook off the first-over bid of Fashion Creditor near the 1:25 third quarter pole, then braced for a stretch battle as Fonseca moved Lagerfeld outside for the dash to the wire.
Broadway Donna held her ground staunchly even as the margin of advantage was eaten into by Lagerfeld with every step, and on the wire the pair could not be separated in 1:53.2. A check of what materials are available on this phenomenon showed a 2014 trotting dead heat in 1:53 between Crosbys Clam Bake and World Cup – also at Harrah’s.
Broadway Donna, a daughter of Donato Hanover, is now 19 for 35 in her career, with earnings of more than $1.3 million for trainer Jim Campbell and Fashion Farms LLC. Josert Foseca, now three-for-three lifetime, guided Lagerfeld, a son of Yankee Pride, as he equalled his mark and brought his bankroll to $718,400 for trainer Jimmy Takter and the ownership of Christina Takter, John Fielding, Herb Liverman, and Jim Fielding.
The $17,000 pacing co-feature saw Last Gunfighter circle wide off of cover on the far turn, then stride away in the lane to record a victory in 1:52 over a track that had been downgraded to “sloppy.” Vinnie Ginsburg handled the son of Rocknroll Hanover as he won impressively for trainer Jake Leamon and owners David Van Dusen and Michael Cimaglio.
Tony Morgan had five wins on the card, adding to his three yesterday -- that's an eight-bagger on the weekend for the second-winningest driver in North American history.
(With files from PHHA/Harrah's Philadelphia)