Flirtiscape sensational in Chester distaff

[jrstark]

Flirtiscape sensational in Chester distaff
from Harrah's Chester publicity department

Coming in from a successful three-race stint at Pocono Downs, John Darrah, Nick Ruscigno, and Lawrence Keethe's Flirtiscape ($6.20) turned in a powerful pillar-to-post performance in the $32,000 Mares Open Pace on Thursday (May 6) afternoon at Harrah's Chester.

The six-year-old Artiscape mare wasted no time making the front, clearing immediately as she had done in her past three starts.  With no other leavers, and 3-5 favorite Cuz She Can (Tim Tetrick) situated well off the pace, driver George Napolitano, Jr. was at liberty to rate Flirtiscape through deliberate early fractions of :28 and :56.2.  Moving up the backstretch, Flirtiscape was forced to pick up the pace, as Knock Three Times (Yannick Gingras) offered mild first-over pressure, towing Cuz She Can within striking range.  Upon reaching the three-quarter split in 1:24, Flirtiscape began to draw away from the field, powering on to win by a handy 2-1/2 lengths in 1:51.3.  Cuz She Can kicked tiring cover to finish a strong second, while Omen Hanover (Jim Pantaleano) was an all-out third.

Lou Peña trains Flirtiscape, who surpassed the $300,000 mark in career earnings with her 23rd victory.