Harrah's Philadelphia: Filibuster Hanover remains undefeated in 2018

Filibuster Hanover made his first start against older company a smash, capturing the $150,000 Commodore Barry Invitational at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Sunday afternoon.

The race to the first turn was intense, with Mach It So and Rodeo Romeo jetting from the outside and Filibuster Hanover and driver Yannick Gingras inside of them and pushing. Gingras was able to force Rodeo Romeo to retreat into a tuck, but Mach It So and George Napolitano Jr. forged ahead to an opening quarter in 26 seconds flat.

Mach It So was going to cut it, and that was assured through a half in 53 3/5, and when second choice Heaven Rocks A pulled at the half for David Miller, the pace intensified as the veteran Mach It So threw down the hammer, hitting three-quarters in 1:20 4/5 and leaving no outer flow to develop.

That set the stage for Gingras, who popped the pocket on the final turn and quickly engaged and disposed of the pace-maker. Filibuster Hanover, a 4-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere, opened ground under urging, with Miller finally energizing the import Heaven Rocks A late, but too late on this occasion, as Filibuster Hanover stopped the timer in a career-best 1:48 3/5 clocking. Rodeo Romeo came on for third, with McWicked fourth.

“My horse felt strong when I popped the two-hole,” said Gingras in the winner’s circle. “He’s come back sharp.”

Filibuster Hanover returned $4.40 as the betting choice for owners Burke Racing Stable, J. Di Scala Jr. J. & T. Silva Stables, and Weaver Bruscemi. Ron Burke trains the sport’s newest millionaire, now with career earnings of $1,016,153.