CHESTER PA – The Always B Miki gelding Maximus Miki was ready for a maximum performance despite being away 22 days, winning the $14,000 fast-class handicap pace at Harrah’s Philadelphia Sunday afternoon in 1:50.1.
Corey Callahan got away third with “Miki” as South Beach Star and Camara Moment secured the early 1-2 spots, with second choice “Star” getting to the quarter in :26.4 and then getting a major breather to hit the half in :56.2. Maximus Miki, the favorite, came out of third on fire, though, going his own third quarter in :26.2 to attack uncovered to the 1:23.2 three-quarters, and then continuing on to overall the pacesetter by a length while maintaining a :26.4 rate to the wire.
Maximus Miki has been managed carefully by Team Cancelliere, trainer Tom and owner/brother John: as a five-year-old, this was only his 39th career start, but he has an admirable 19-11-7 board record, with earnings now at $249,549 and a deserved reputation as a fighter deluxe.
The $13,500 co-featured pace, with females handicapped inside, went to the Bettor’s Delight sophomore colt Legal Attack in 1:52.1 for his second straight triumph. Legal Attack sat second for driver Johnathan Ahle while Hard To Catch tried to live up to his name before tiring, then went into the passing lane to get take over and hold off the trapped-to-midstretch filly On The Watersedge by a neck. Per Engblom trains the winner, who earned a new mark, for Morrison Racing Stables CA.
The leading drivers at Philly on Sunday both got an “A” for the day – Johnathan Ahle brought home four winners, while Simon Allard was victorious in three races.
Racing resumes at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Wednesday afternoon at 12:25. Free Philly programs are or will be available at www.phha.org.