Your Guide To Handicapping Harrah's Philadelphia.

THE BEST CARD OF 2017 SO FAR—ANYWHERE—IS AT HARRAH'S ON SUNDAY

Welcome, fans of harness racing at Harrah's Philadelphia, to what is arguably the best card of harness racing to be presented in North America so far in 2017 -- the continent's best pacing mares join with N.A.'s best free-for-allers on both the trot and the pace in three $150,000 Invitational races -- the Maxie Lee Trot, the Betsy Ross Mares Pace, and the Ben Stafford Jr. Pace. The horses in these three fields have collectively earned over $21 million in their careers; there are 11 millionaires in the three fields of eight; and twelve have gone in 1:50 or faster -- including the trotter JL CRUZE! We devote today's ANALYSIS to these three top races.

Sunny skies and mild temperatures greeted fans at The Downs at Mohegan Sun for Preakness Day—which the racetrack turned into a weekend long patio with live music, live racing, and a special appearance by NFL legend Joe Montana. 

​One of the most anticipated races of the afternoon on Sunday, May 28th at Harrah's Philadelphia is the Ben Stafford Jr. Memorial for aged pacers. Stafford, a popular local horsemen who raced predominantly in Delaware and Harrah's Philly, passed away in July of 2016. He was 45 years old. Stafford won 693 races in his career as a driver, including Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund champion Badlands Jenna, Good Bet, Badlands Art, Mudslide and Scout Hanover.

Mother's Day is always huge at Harrah's Philadelphia, and this year was no exception. The combination of beautiful spring weather and the track's stunning waterfront location attracted families from all over the Philadelphia area and as far away as upstate New York, the Jersey Shore and Washington, D.C. And it seemed like every group had a different plan for their celebrations.

Many arrived early to enjoy the 11am brunch at the luxurious Cove Restaurant overlooking the track—and ended up staying for the races. "This is the first time we've been to horse races," said the patriarch of one extended clan from the Maryland/D.C. area. "We were just finishing up eating as the races started so instead of going home, we decided to move to the patio."

Others picked up pizzas, salads and sandwiches to go from the new Market fast casual eatery in the casino area. Also new is Guy Fieri's Philly Kitchen which you can enjoy two ways: grab some takeout and head to the patio, or enjoy a view of the track right from select tables inside the restaurant. The line for the trackside Philly Steak Shack was practically out the door, but patrons didn't seem to mind, as the line moved quickly despite the big turnout.

"My husband's parents drive up from Wildwood every year for Mother's Day and we spend it together at the track," said one woman who also enjoyed a ride in Harrah's famous Hummer H2 starting car. "In fact, we'll probably be back for Father's Day."

If you're also planning a trip to Harrah's to celebrate Dad on Sunday, June 18, post time is set for 12:40pm and here are links to more information, plus all of the mouth-watering dining options you can enjoy to make pop's special day as enjoyable as mom's.

Harrah's Dining Options
Racing Info
2017 Racing Schedule

Your Guide To Handicapping Harrah's Philadelphia.

LOCAL PENNSYLVANIA STAKES SEASON STARTS WITH STALLION SERIES 3YO PACING FILLIES

The start of the 2017 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes / Pennsylvania Stallion Series competition here at Harrah's Philadelphia begins today with five $20,000 divisions of the  Stallion Series event for three-year-old pacing fillies, to be conducted throughout almost the length of the card -- races 2, 5, 9, 11, and 13. Last year's divisional Stallion Series champion BRAZUCA is the program choice in the first of the five divisions ... Tomorrow, the Sire Stakes fillies go gateward: of last year's "Big Three" in the PaSS, national champion IDYLLIC BEACH meets BETTORS' UP in one of four divisions, with Sire Stakes champ AGENT Q in another section.