'Phantom' shadow of old self

One-time stakes star Phantom on Tour, attempting a comeback after being sidelined for nearly three years, didn't fare well in his return to the races.

Entered in a six-furlong optional claiming sprint for a tag of $14,000 last Friday night at Penn National, Phantom on Tour beat only one horse in a nine-horse field.

Now 7 years old and trained by James Hinerdeer, Phantom on Tour was one of the nation's top horses in 1997 and 1998 when he was in the barn of Lynn Whiting. Phantom on Tour finished second in the 1997 Arkansas Derby and finished sixth, seven lengths behind Silver Charm, in that year's Kentucky Derby.

As a 4-year-old, he won the Grade 3 New Orleans Handicap at Fair Grounds and was third in the Grade 1 Oaklawn Handicap. Before coming to Penn National, Phantom on Tour had not raced since November 1998.

* If Penn State wins its football game against Miami on Saturday night, all fans 18 and older who paid admission to the track will be able to redeem a coupon for a $5 wagering voucher good any day between Sept. 2 and Sept. 22. Drawings will be conducted throughout Saturday night's card for prizes that include tickets for Penn State football games against Michigan and Ohio State.

- Joe DeVivo