CHESTER PA – After getting a rude parked-the-mile reception in New York, the Mach Three mare Machnhope returned to Harrah’s Philadelphia, a track where she had been doing well, and promptly won the $14,000 feature distaff handicap pace in 1:50.2.
Andrew McCarthy got an early tuck with the winner of $296,301 as Caviart Cherie and Imprincessgemma A argued the :26.3 first quarter, then was underway in front of the stands, claiming the lead after some hard work to the :55 half. But Machnhope called the tune from there, passing the three-quarters in 1:22.1 and then drawing off to have a five length margin at the wire for driver Pat Berry and trainer Noel Daley, the latter co-owner with Deo Volente Farms LLC, Thomas Pontone, and L A Express Stable LLC.
The Well Said mare Apple Hanover disappointed as the favorite in the $11,600 distaff pacing class last time after a hard trip; this time she took all the variables out of play by going wire-to-wire for driver Marcus Miller in 1:51.3, finishing 1½ lengths clear. Now a winner of $226,884, Apple Hanover is trained by Katricia Adams and owner Benjamin Gordon.
Andrew McCarthy and George Brennan tied for day’s honors among drivers with three triumphs each.