Harrah's Philadelphia: JK First Lady posts track record in PASS victory

Two groups of four contested a pair of Pennsylvania Sire Stakes for 3-year-old filly pacers at Harrah's Philadelphia on Thursday afternoon, with $93,142 on the line for each. Rocknificent started off the action and JK First Lady was the showstopper, setting a track record in victory.

In the opener, Rocknificent used post one to her advantage and led at every call through fractions of 28, 57 and 1:24 1/5. She faced a stiff challenge from the first-over Lyons Sentinel through the final quarter sprint, but held that foe at bay by a neck in 1:50 2/5. Alexis's Beach sat the pocket and finished third.

Rocknificent, who was scratched out of Saturday's Fan Hanover eliminations at Woodbine Mohawk Park in favor of this spot, was driven by Scott Zeron for trainer Linda Toscano and owners Enviro Stables LTD, South Mountain Stables and Little E LLC. The daughter of Captaintreacherous paid $4.20 to win as the second choice.

The second division saw New Year wrestle away the early lead from Drama Act through a quick 26 2/5 first quarter. With Tim Tetrick at the controls, New Year posted fractions of 55 and 1:22 through the middle portion of the race. Then driver Andrew McCarthy said GO with JK First Lady and she uncorked a wicked turn of speed to easily blow by the pacesetter, winning by open lengths in 1:49 2/5.

Drama Act was third in the record mile, which destroyed the previous track mark by 3-year-old filly pacers of 1:50 1/5 (Put On A Show - 2010).

JK First Lady ($3.20) is owned by 3 Brothers Stables and trained by Nancy Takter. The victory was her first of 2020 in five starts.