Under all sorts of pressure from Lanson throughout the mile, Lucky Jim prevailed and held off a late charge from Michaelrowyourboat to take the Maxie Lee Memorial at Harrah's Chester Racetrack on Sunday
afternoon.
The four-year-old gelded son of S Js Photo – Hawaiian Sierra, who was sent off as the 1/9 favourite, extended his win streak to twelve with a 1:52.3 effort under regular driver Andy Miller. With Prayer I Am and Four Starz Speed leaving, Miller eased off to mid-pack on the first turn with Lucky Jim, but was parked by Lanson.
After a quarter of :27.1, Lucky Jim brushed to the front, but never caught a breather, as Lanson tipped and advanced first-over. That foe matched strides with Lucky Jim for much of the backstretch and pressed him through splits of :55.4 and 1:23. Despite Lanson poking a neck in front on the far turn, Lucky Jim battled back to regain the lead at the top of the stretch before holding off a late charge from Michaelrowyourboat. Prayer I Am was third.
"I was concerned about the pressure, but I know my horse was good,” said trainer Julie Miller. “I felt that he would be able to overcome the pressure from Lanson. He didn't seem to take a liking to the track, and Andy had to really be conservative. The track wasn't suited to him today, but he overcame it."
Lucky Jim is owned by David and John Prushnok of Punxsutawney, PA with William Gregg of Indiana, PA. The $125,000 winner's share of the purse pushed Lucky Jim’s bankroll to $504,028.
(Harrah’s Chester Racetrack)