CHESTER PA – Way To Go Captain got himself into a good cover flow, then kept going strongly late to edge out Steven’s Saloon in the $12,000 pacing feature at Harrah’s Philadelphia as Wednesday afternoon program joined the basic four-card-a-week schedule.
Jack Pelling had the Captaintreacherous sophomore gelding midpack early as War Machine looped the field leaving and set early numbers of :27 and :55.4. Steven’s Saloon moved uncovered down the back, with Way To Go Captain right on his tail, and the uncovered challenger cleared the pacesetter to the 1:23.4 three-quarters, with the “Captain” keeping up his gaining to engage the new leader.
It took the length of the stretch, but in the 1:52.4 mile Way To Go Captain had a neck edge on his rival on the money while posting his second straight victory. Ron Burke conditions the three-year-old for Burke Racing Stable LLC and Weaver Bruscemi LLC and Scott Dillon.
The “green and yellow” took the day’s driving honors, as both Corey Callahan and Tim Tetrick drove three winners Wednesday.
Wednesday has yet to establish its own local “identity,” but this week it will be followed by the regular features of “Trottin’ Thursday,” “Filly and Mare Friday,” and “Speedy Sunday” (for the track’s fast-class performers). First post each day is at 12:25 except Sunday, when they go to the gate at 12:40. Free Philly programs are or will be available at www.phha.org.