Harrah's Philadelphia: Smedshammer strikes twice in PA Sire Stakes

Trond Smedshammer ended up with wins in both $94,467 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes dashes for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters that took place on Sunday afternoon at Harrah's Philadelphia, though they came in unique fashion for him.

In the first division Smedshammer got a rare catch drive behind EL Ideal and took advantage, although he had to share top honors with Maesteraemon (Tony Morgan) in a 1:53 dead-heat. EL Ideal yielded to sit in the pocket behind Amigo Volo (George Napolitano Jr.) after the 28 second opening quarter and stalked him through a 56 2/5 half and a 1:25 1/5 three-quarters.

Smedshammer and EL Ideal took the outside path in the lane, leaving Maesteraemon and Morgan the passing lane from the three-hole. In the end, they both went by Amigo Volo, and the photo finish camera couldn't separate them, resulting in the tie for the victory. Amigo Volo had to settle for third, half a length back.

EL Ideal, a Muscle Hill colt, is trained by Ake Svanstedt for owner Emp Invest Oy. This was his sixth career win, and he has now earned $601,324. He paid $4.00 to win.

Marcus Melander trains Maesteraemon, a colt by Andover Hall, for owner S R F Stable. Maesteraemon is now a five-time winner, and he has pocketed $104,597. He returned $8.60 to win.

The other flight saw Smedshammer return to his more customary role as trainer and driver of Hillexotic, and they would win easily in 1:53 4/5. Hillexotic took charge passing the 28 3/5 opening quarter, was unpressured through middle-half sections of 57 4/5 and 1:25 3/5, and drew off in a 28 1/5 final kicker to prevail by 7 1/4 lengths. Gangster Hanover (Svanstedt) was the runner-up, with Beyond Kronos (Napolitano Jr.) third.

The victorious Muscle Hill colt is owned by Purple Haze Stables LLC. Unraced as a rookie, Hillexotic has a record of 2-0-1 from five appearances in 2020 and pushed his bankroll to $84,416. He paid $5.80 to win as the 9-5 favorite.