The fastest mile in eastern Pennsylvania this season was recorded at 9:35 a.m. on Tuesday morning at Harrah’s Philadelphia, as Ruthless Hanover was ultra-impressive in stopping the timer in 1:50 flat.
George Napolitano Jr. sent the six-year-old Somebeachsomewhere gelding right to the front in the morning's first qualifier, reaching the quarter in :26.4 and then backing off the half to a pedestrian :56. But there was nothing pedestrian about the back half of the mile, as Ruthless Hanover zipped the third quarter in :26.3 to freeze that timer at 1:22.3, then finished out in :27.2 to complete the 1:50 package nearly 15 lengths of his nearest rival.
Ruthless Hanover, who had qualified in 1:52.2 at Philly last Tuesday, looks set for another big campaign among the sport’s fastest horses for brothers, trainer Tom Cancelliere and owner John Cancelliere.
There will be two days of live racing at Philly this week, Thursday and Friday at 12:25 p.m., as the track will be dark for live racing on this Easter Sunday, although simulcast opportunities will be available. Sundays will resume on April 16 at 12:40 p.m. There will be a special live card on Kentucky Derby Saturday, May 6, at 12:40 p.m. and Wednesdays at 12:25 p.m. will be added on May 17.
(With files from PHHA/Harrah's Philadelphia)