Art Official, Mister Big win Ben Franklin elims

Art Official (1:49.2) and 2008 Ben Franklin runner-up Mister Big (1:49.1) turned in impressive performances to clinch their respective eliminations for the third edition of the Ben Franklin on Sunday afternoon at Harrah's Chester Casino and Racetrack.

 

Sawgrass Farms' Art Official wasted no time finding the front, crossing and clearing Won the West (David Miller) and Winbak Speed (Jim Morand) through a :26.4 first quarter before backing the pace down considerably. Despite a pedestrian half in :56, Art Official wouldn't face any pressure until the pocket-sitting Won The West angled out at the head of the stretch.

 

"I knew Won the West was on my back, but when I asked my horse, he responded," commented winning driver Ron Pierce. "I didn't have to chase him that much."

 

Art Official won under wraps in a seasonal best 1:49.2, posting a :53.2 last half with plenty in reserve. Won The West was second, Winbak Speed was a ground-saving third, and Western Shore (Tim Tetrick), who pursued first-over up the backstretch before stalling, finished fourth.

 

Joe Seekman handles the training duties of Art Official, who recorded his 15th career win. The effort tied the world record for 4-year-old pacing entires on a five-eighths mile track, while breaking the track record for the same.

 

While Art Official saw minimal pressure throughout and finished well clear and well in hand, Mister Big took a much different path to victory in his elimination. Presented with the inside post, Mister Big did not leave, allowing Dali (Richie Silverman) to dictate the early pace, brushing to the quarter in :26 before reaching the half in a pressured :54.2.

 

With Foiled Again (Yannick Gingras) pressing the pace up the backstretch, Mister Big had sufficient cover up the backstretch.

 

Mister Big (2) outkicks Bettor Sweet (3) and Foiled Again to win his $50,000 Ben Franklin elim at Harrah's Chester in 1:49.1.

 

"I was going to be as patient as I could until I felt the pressure from John (Campbell, driver of Bettor Sweet)," said Brian Sears.

 

The pressure came from Bettor Sweet just after Mister Big tipped three-wide coming off the far turn, but Mister Big held in through the stretch, just holding off Bettor Sweet's late charge for a 1:49.1 triumph.

 

"There was more speed than I thought, and I was able to take advantage of that," continued Sears.  "There are some really nice aged pacers this year, and it's going to be a battle."

 

Bettor Sweet and Foiled Again finished second and third respectively, with Noble Falcon (Tim Tetrick) finishing fourth after enduring traffic trouble on the far turn.