Second time's the charm for Chamberlain Bridge in Pa. Governor's Cup

Last summer, Chamberlain Bridge was narrowly beaten as the favorite in the Arlington Sprint Handicap and had to settle for third at 7-2 odds in the Pennsylvania Governor’s Cup at Penn National.

The now 6-year-old Chamberlain Bridge has now atoned for both of those defeats after holding off a belated bid from Phosphorescent to win the 38th running of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Cup upon his return to Penn National on Saturday night.

In winning the eighth turf sprint stakes of his career, Chamberlain Bridge ($4.60), the favorite in a field of 11 older horses, sat in second for most of the race under Jamie Theriot, ran down early leader Blue Sailor, and then reached the wire a half-length in front of Phosphorescent, a Philadelphia Park shipper who rallied from ninth at 10-1 odds. It was another half-length to Sneaking Uponyou in third.

Trained by Bret Calhoun, Chamberlain Bridge ran the five furlongs on firm turf in 55.06 seconds while improving his career record to 14 for 28. The winner's share of $112,800 raised his earnings to $486,107.

Five weeks ago, Chamberlain Bridge scored a four-length win in the $125,000 Arlington Sprint Handicap.

Theriot, who has ridden Chamberlain Bridge in his five races this year for trainer Bret Calhoun, said the Kentucky-bred son of War Chant loved the local grass course.

“This is absolutely one of the best turf courses in the country and my horse really took to the firm going," Theriot said. "He broke very sharp, but you have to keep after him to stay close in races like these.”

Phosphorescent, ridden by Victor Molina, had more than his share of bad racing luck. He was ninth after two furlongs and then was in tight quarters along the fence around the turn. Molina eventually got him out to the middle of the track but their late bid fell short.

Last year's winner, Cardashi, finished seventh. Heros Reward, who won the 2008 Governor's Cup, never threatened and wound up 10th.

Thunder Brew ($3.20) sizzled one mile on turf in a course-record 1:33.12 to win the $75,000 Capital City Stakes by three-quarters of a length over Bad Debt. Ridden by Anna Naprvanik for trainer Anthony Pecorino, Thunder Brew has now won 6 of 12 starts, including three stakes.

The previous course record of 1:33.19 was set by White Russian on aug. 16, 2008.

Awesome Son ($4.60) ran his winning streak to three races with an easy five-length victory over 9-5 second choice Peppi Knows in the $75,000 East Hanover Township for 3-year-old sprinters. The winning time for six furlongs on the main track was 1:08.92. The Monmouth Park-based Awesome Son was ridden by Francisco Maysonett for trainer Tim Kelly.