The 2024 Liberty Bell Stakes for Pennsylvania-sited two- and three-year-olds concluded at Harrah’s Philadelphia on November 3, showcasing standout performances across both pacing and trotting divisions for sophomore fillies.
Sweet Gal, a pacing filly by Sweet Lou, delivered a powerful run, finishing in 1:49, just three-fifths off the track and world record. Driven by Andrew McCarthy, Sweet Gal tracked Sarasota Hanover’s intense pace, then surged ahead to win by 3-3/4 lengths for trainer Brett Pelling and owners W Donovan and Mark Mullen.
In the other pacing division, Captaintreacherous filly Donegal Spirit, driven by Andrew Harris, pulled off an 8-1 upset, overtaking Canigetalouploup by half a length in 1:50.2 for a lifetime best.
On the trotting side, Upallnight Hanover, guided by George Napolitano Jr., used a well-timed move on the final turn to edge out favourite Draw The Line in 1:53.2. Meanwhile, Fannie Lipkowitz overcame an outside trip to catch Diamante Hanover in 1:54.4, winning for trainer Lucas Wallin.
Veteran pacer Need Ur Opinion equaled her lifetime best of 1:51.2, notching her 20th win of the season for trainer Dean Eckley and owner Ameer Major.
Sunday’s meet saw Yannick Gingras claim four wins, while top drivers Tim Tetrick and George Napolitano Jr. each scored doubles. Harrah’s Philadelphia resumes racing on Thursday and Friday at 12:25 p.m. and Sunday at 12:40 p.m.