The most frequent question asked in the paddock on Friday (May 20) at Harrah’s Philadelphia was, “When are those McCarthys leaving to go to The Meadowlands?”
Brothers Andrew and Todd McCarthy left the southeast Philadelphia oval on Friday afternoon to head north for evening action, but not before dominating entry into the winner's enclosure. Andrew got five winners in 10 races before heading north; at that point the score was Andrew five, Todd four. Todd, who stayed through the 13th, would add one more win to finish honours even with his brother, and would give the McCarthy clan 10 wins on the day.
Top race of the day was a $14,400 conditioned pace which was won by the impressive sophomore gelding Camouflage Money, now the winner of two straight after a 1:52.2 victory. A son of Betting Line out of the $1 million+-winning mare Shelliscape, Camouflage Money was moved from fifth at the half by Todd McCarthy and the pacer just kept eating up racetrack, going his own last half in :54.4 to defeat 108-1 shot Bad And Boujee by three lengths. Linda Toscano trains the fast three-year-old for the partnership of South Mountain Stables, Camelot Stable Inc., and JAF Racing LLC.
For the meet, Tim Tetrick — who was not at Philly on Friday — is still on top with 56 wins, with the brothers in the 2-3 slots: Andrew has 47, Todd 42.
On Sunday, a field of eight pacers who have collectively earned over $5 million in their careers and who have an average speed mark of 1:48.3 will knock heads in the $22,500 featured handicap pace, slotted as the eighth on a 14-race card. No Lou Zing is tabbed as the early 2-1 favourite for the brother/sister team of driver Joe and trainer Jenn Bongiorno. Program pages are available at the PHHA website.
Some of the horses in Sunday's feature may be back next week for the $100,000 Commodore Barry FFA Pace, one of three Invitationals on the traditional pre-Memorial Day card on Sunday, May 29 at Harrah’s Philly, joining the $100,000 Maxie Lee FFA Trot and the $100,000 Betsy Ross for top pacing mares. This year the $500,000 card will also feature a gathering of the Pennsylvania three-year-old fillies for Sire Stakes and Stallion Series action. The draw for next Sunday’s card will be held on Wednesday.
(PHHA / Harrah's Philadelphia)