CHESTER PA – The Betterthancheddar mare Shes Pukka N, despite hard usage in a fast pace, was durable to the wire to take the victory in the $14,400 featured pace for distaffs on Wednesday afternoon at Harrah’s Philadelphia in a lifetime best 1:51.1.
Simon Allard hustled Shes Pukka N early to get around Wishy Washy Girl, reaching the quarter in :26 even before Abigail Dawn progressed up to challenge. The last-named finally got to the front approaching the second turn, but with race favorite Dont Think Twice A hustling forward, Allard moved the winner outside again at the :55 half time, and quickly sent her to regain the lead.
Dont Think Twice A continued a steady grind uncovered to and past a 1:22.1 three-quarters; midturn My Last Bet tipped wide off her cover to loom. But Shes Pukka N made her speed stand up to the wire for trainer Ross Croghan and the ownership of Let It Ride Stables Inc. and Bottom Line Racing LLC. The Kiwi mare now has ten lifetime wins and earnings of $140,563.
She’s Nun Bettor N also honored the pride of New Zealand pacing mare imports with a 1:52.4 mile despite post eight. George Napolitano Jr. drove the Bettor’s Delight mare, second in her first U.S. start and now with two consecutive triumphs, to victory for trainer Kelvin “Red” Harrison and Curtin ANZ Stables.