Penn National: Philly Bound scores in sloppy Nepal

Philly Bound, racing at his home track for the first time since finishing fifth in the Pennsylvania Governor’s Cup in July, splashed his way to a 2 1/4-length victory in Friday night’s $90,000 Nepal Stakes for Pennsylvania-bred sprinters at Penn National.

A 5-year-old gelding ridden by David Cora for trainer Tim Kreiser, Philly Bound was coming off a third-place finish in the off-the-turf Mr. Jenney Handicap at Parx Racing on Sept. 10. His last win on dirt came against open company in a $32,000 claimer at Penn National on June 20.
In winning for the 12th time in 49 starts, Philly Bound covered six furlongs on a sloppy track in 1:11.34.

In the co-featured $86,250 Ligature for Pa-bred fillies and mares, Lenape Rim ($5.20) was elevated from second to first when Voodoo’s Argument, who crossed the finish line 3 1/4 lengths in front, was disqualified for lugging and bothering third-place finisher Tap Softly.

A 3-year-old filly based locally with trainer Mike Salvaggio, Lenape Rim got her first career stakes win in six tries. She had previously finished second in three stakes, most recently the 1 1/16-mile Malvern Rose on the Tapeta at Presque Isle Downs.

Tap Softly was elevated from third to second and Voodoo’s Argument was placed third by the stewards.