Machaholic, a good second after setting the pace last week after ascending to the highest level of claimers at Harrah’s Philadelphia, won Sunday's $13,000 top-level claiming handicap in wire-to-wire fashion at the riverside oval.
Machaholic was again sent to the front early, negotiating the initial quarter in :27.1 and then getting a :30 breather in the second split with the temperature only four degrees above freezing. Machaholic then picked up the pace and carried his speed in the wire, passing the three-quarters in 1:24.1 en route to a 1:52.4 triumph, a length clear of potential pocket rocket Snowballs Romeo.
Simon Allard was in the sulky behind the son of Mach Three. Trainer Michael Russo and owner Rock Racing LLC ended their five-week relationship with the pacer, who was claimed for $25,000 on Sunday after being haltered by his owner for $15,000, with $18,600 in earnings from a 5-3-1-0 tally.
Allard tied as top driver on the day at three winners with Scott Zeron, making the most of an infrequent stop at Harrah’s Philly.
Harrah’s Philadelphia will not host live racing this coming Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, but simulcasting will be available at the track and through the Harrah’s Philly platform. There will be racing on Friday at 12:25 p.m. and Sunday at 12:40 p.m. -- cards that are scheduled to be drawn on Monday and Tuesday.
(PHHA / Harrah’s Philadelphia)