Harrah's Philly: Hambletonian eligibles perform well in Sire Stakes

Hambletonian eligibles dominated the PA Sire Stakes events at Harrah's Philadelphia on Thursday afternoon. Out of 25 entrants scattered over four divisions, 17 were Hambletonian eligible. The events were for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters, each going for a purse of just over $41,000.

In the first division, it was Marvin Katz and Al Libfeld's Hollywood Highway (John Campbell) going all the way for the win. The son of Muscle Massive was able to get to the front and make every call a winning one, winning by three lengths while stopping the clock in 1:56. It was the third career win for the Staffan Lind charge, putting the Hambo eligible over $87,000 in career earnings. He paid $4.20.

In division two, it was last year's Pennsylvania State Champion Lagerfeld (Yannick Gingras) getting the job done. The son of Yankee Glide sat a perfect trip behind the speedy Truemass Volo (Eric Goodell), getting by in the stretch in 1:56 3/5. It was the fifth win of his career and the second straight for the Jimmy Takter trainee, who now has earned over $372,000 in his career. Lagerfeld ($3.20) is owned by Christina Takter, Jim and John Fielding, and Herb Liverman.

Division three was the fastest of the four, as Stroy Incorporated's Milligan's School (Andy Miller) came roaring up the passing lane to win. The son of Yankee Glide tracked the speed of Reigning Moni (Yannick Gingras) the entire way before making his move to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:54 4/5. It was the seventh win of his career, putting his career earnings total just under $350,000. Milligan's School ($3.60) is trained by Julie Miller.

The fourth division was won from off the trot by Love Matters (Brett Miller). The son of Explosive Matter tracked the cover of Tyson (Trond Smedshammer), and was able to use a 28 3/5 last quarter to gun down his competition in 1:56 2/5. It was the seventh win of his career, pushing his earnings to over $196,000. He is owned by Christina Takter, John Fielding, Brixton Medical, and Herb Liverman, and is trained by Jimmy Takter. He paid $12.60.

--edited release (Mike Bozich for Harrah's Philly)