Harrah's Philadelphia: Impressive performances by winners in Pennsylvania Sire Stakes

Captain Crunch, Southwind Ozzi, and Lyons Night Hawk grabbed victories in the trio of $57,218 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes races for sophomore pacing males that took place on Sunday afternoon at Harrah's Philadelphia.

Competing in the last division, Captain Crunch improved to two-for-two this year with an authoritative 1:49 2/5 romp. Driven by Scott Zeron, Captain Crunch popped pocket to take command past the 26 4/5 opening quarter, kept the top spot through the 55 1/5 half and 1:22 1/5 three-quarters, and drew off to win by four lengths. Aflame Hanover (Tony Schadel) was the runner-up, with Warrawee Unique (Matt Kakaley) third.

"He went around really easy. He never even pulled the plugs or anything," said winning trainer Nancy Johansson. "He'll start next in the North America Cup eliminations."

Johansson trains Captain Crunch, a Captaintreacherous colt, for owners 3 Brothers Stables, Christina Takter, Rojan Stables, and Caviart Farms. He picked up his eighth career win, and he has now earned $673,931. He was the 1-9 favorite and paid $2.10 to win.

Southwind Ozzi (Brian Sears), who won the in the PaSS opener at The Meadows, then was second to Captain Crunch last time at Pocono, also posted a big win in the opening flight, stopping the clock in 1:48 4/5. Sears sent him to the point beyond the 26 4/5 first quarter, then backed down the half to 55 seconds flat. Southwind Ozzi then poured on the speed in the back-half, zipping through three-quarters in 1:21 4/5 and tacking on a 27 second final kicker to score by 3 1/4 lengths over Wild Wild Western. Semi Tough (Kakaley) grabbed third.

A colt by Somebeachsomewhere, Southwind Ozzi is trained by Bill MacKenzie for owners Vincent Ali Jr. and Alma Iafelice. Southwind Ozzi has won four times in his life, and he pushed his bankroll to $113,749. He was the 2-5 choice and returned $2.80 to win.

Lyons Night Hawk (Tim Tetrick) was also impressive in the middle split, tallying in 1:50. He swept to the lead after the 26 4/5 opening quarter, opened up a gap on the field through a 55 1/5 half and 1:22 three-quarters, and kept clear through the lane to win by a pair of lengths. Chaser Hanover (Dexter Dunn) raced well at 40-1 to get second, and early leader Escapetothebeach (George Napolitano Jr.) got third.

The victorious Sweet Lou colt is trained by Gareth Dowse for owner Geoffrey Lyons Mound. He made his third appearance in the winner's circle, and he has now pocketed $183,350. Lyons Night Hawk was the 4-5 favorite and paid $3.60 to win.