There were upsets a plenty in PASS action at Harrah's Philadelphia on Thursday afternoon. Two-year-old colt and gelding trotters were in action in five divisions, each going for a purse of just over $52,000.
In the first division, it was Jon Erdner and Martin Garey's Truemass Volo (Tim Tetrick) turning a pocket journey into victory. The son of Muscle Massive drafted behind the speed of Ake Svanstedt trainee (and eventual third place finisher) Dupree for most of the mile, before charging up the passing lane to win by a length in 1:57.4. Race favourite Lagerfeld (Jimmy Takter) grinded first-over to finish second.
It was the first career win for Truemass Volo ($26.40) out of 3 starts. He is trained by Doug Hamilton.
Hititoutofthepark (Corey Callahan) was the public's choice in division two, but the day belonged to Bill Mulligan's Alexander Hanover (John Campbell). The two-year-old son of Cantab Hall led at the opening quarter, but yielded to Jimmy Takter trainee Earn And Burn (Yannick Gingras). Hititoutofthepark made a brief bid, but tired at the top of the stretch. That opened the door for Alexander Hanover, who sprinted by leader Earn And Burn in the straight, stopping the clock in 1:57.1.
It was the second career win for the Bill Popfinger trainee, who paid $7.20.
In division three, driver Marcus Miller gave Erv Miller trainee Love Matters a clever steer to take the lion's share. The son of Explosive Matter used the cover of eventual second-place finisher Sutton (Andy Miller) to gain striking position, and eventually the win.
Love Matters is now undefeated in two starts for owners Erv Miller, Harvey Eisman, and the Paymaq Stables. He paid $21.20.
There was no catching Ron Burke trainee Make Or Miss (Yannick Gingras) in the fourth division. The son of Donato Hanover gained the front early from Post 6, and went on to make every call a winning one, stopping the clock in 1:56.2. It was the fastest of five divisions on the day. Mulligans School (Andy Miller) finished second, while Iron Mine Bucky (George Dennis) finished third.
Make Or Miss is owned by Burke Racing Stable LLC, Our Horse Cents Stables, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and J And T Silva Stables LLC. He paid $13.00.
In the final division, Randy Bendis trainee Sweettooth Hanover (Dave Miller) sprung the biggest upset of all ($55.20) The son of Donato Hanover was able to secure pocket position behind heavily favoured Staying Focused (Andy Miller). Sweettooth Hanover stormed up the passing lane to win in a time of 1:58.1. Staying Focused held place, while Landjack Hanover (Corey Callahan) finished third.
He is owned by Broadway, Pollack, Varney, and Bendis.
(Harrah’s Philadelphia)