CHESTER, PA – The $320,000 Pennsylvania Stallion Series Championships, held at Harrah’s Philadelphia on Sunday, showcased thrilling harness racing, featuring eight stakes divisions for Pennsylvania-sired horses. Each Championship went for $40,000, split between two-year-olds and three-year-olds.
Two-Year-Old Championships
In a remarkable performance, Twisted Destiny, a ridgling by Bettor’s Wish out of Tug River Princess, set a new record for two-year-old Championships, finishing in 1:51. This clocking eclipsed the previous record of 1:51.3 set by Lake Charles in 2019. Driven by Matt Kakaley, Twisted Destiny took the lead on the second turn and held off a strong challenge from I’m The One, winning by three-quarters of a length. This victory was particularly special for the ownership group, which includes Let It Ride Stables Inc., Odds On Racing, Alberg Racing, and Enviro Stables LTD, as they also have ties to the sire.
In the filly pace, Gigglingonthebeach, a daughter of Papi Rob Hanover out of Always Giggling, showcased her competitive spirit, reclaiming the lead for a 1:52.1 victory. This was her slowest win in a career that boasts three victories. With George Napolitano Jr. at the helm for trainer Juan Cano and Hot Lead Farm, Gigglingonthebeach fended off challenges from Stevie Hanover and Pilar Hanover.
Both trotting winners had standout performances, recording identical winning times of 1:57 while remaining undefeated in their Stallion Series preliminary rounds. Hey Porter, a gelding by Bar Hopping and Chelsees A Winner, won decisively by four lengths, driven by Tyler Buter for trainer Tony Alagna. The Saints Preserve Us, a miss by Greenshoe, remained perfect with a half-length victory over Pink Whiskey, guided by Tim Tetrick for trainer Jim Campbell.
Three-Year-Old Championships
In the three-year-old finals, Happy Chopper, a daughter of Father Patrick, achieved a new record time of 1:53.3, surpassing the previous mark of 1:54.2 shared by Choose Happy and Jezzys Legacy. Driven by David Miller for trainer Mark Harder, Happy Chopper won by a head against Dubai.
In the male trotting division, Activation, also by Father Patrick, captured the Championship in a time of 1:54.2, edging out Green Pastures by a head. This victory marked another Championship win for driver Tim Tetrick, who showcased his talent throughout the day.
The pacing Championships were dominated by drivers Joe Bongiorno and Tetrick, each achieving double wins. Bongiorno guided Pressure Cooker, a 10-1 shot, through a stretch seam for a winning time of 1:52.2, beating Staying With Emily. Trained by Linda Toscano, Pressure Cooker brought distinction to her ownership group, which includes Let It Ride Stables Inc., Odds On Racing, and Mac Nichol.
De La Hoya Hanover, a gelding by Stay Hungry, impressed with a new mark of 1:51.4, winning as a 12-1 shot following a strong move on the far turn under the guidance of trainer/driver Bongiorno.
Notably, no two-year-old Stallion Series winner successfully repeated their victory at three. However, filly winners Sambuca Hanover and Miki In Luv have both advanced to the upcoming Sire Stakes Championships at Pocono.
Twisted Destiny, Happy Chopper, and Saints Preserve Us all stood out as the leading point winners in the preliminaries, with Twisted Destiny being only the second horse in fifteen years to win from the top point position.
Upcoming Racing Events
Harrah’s Philadelphia currently hosts races three days a week, with cards on Thursday and Friday at 12:25 PM, and Sundays at 12:40 PM. The next event features a "Trottin’ Thursday" program highlighted by a $14,000 fast-class feature race.