Western Shore prevails in Chester feature
from Harrah's Chester publicity department
Heavy pressure from Pilgrims Toner on the backstretch wasn't enough to wear down John Cancelliere's Western Shore ($24.60) in Sunday (June 27) afternoon's $32,000 Open Handicap Pace at Harrah's Chester, as he narowly prevailed over the pocket-sitting Dial or Nodial in a 1:49.1 effort.
The seven-year-old son of Western Hanover made an easy lead on the first turn, setting sensible early fractions of :26.3 and :54.3 with odds-on favourite Vintage Master (Tim Tetrick) a lackluster last in the race's early stages. On the backstretch, Yannick Gingras moved Pilgrims Toner first-over, gaining to within three parts of a length of Western Shore, while Mega Lightning (George Napolitano) and Vintage Master were towed up with cover. Upon passing three-quarters in 1:21.3, Western Shore's biggest threat was all but knocked out of contention, as Vintage Master was carried four-wide around the breaking Mega Lightning.
Despite Vintage Master no longer being a threat, Western Shore had to brace for the challenge of the pocket-sitting Dial or Nodial, who gave a strong push up the open stretch. However, Western Shore just prevailed in the last strides, holding off Dial or Nodial by just a nose in 1:49.1. Vintage Master rallied to claim show honours, while Real Celebration finished fourth.
Brian Sears drove Western Shore for trainer Thomas Cancelliere.
(photo credit World Wide Racing Photos--Western Shore #7)
