In Focus impressive, Lear Jetta also wins PASS split

Despite a dominant (though much expected) performance by Lear Jetta in Wednesday's Pennsylvania Sire Stakes at Harrah's Chester Casino and Racetrack, it was In Focus who was most impressive among five $41,728 divisions raced for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings.

In Focus ($2.80) left for early contention in the first division, along with NF Rivertown (Joe Pavia Jr.) and Reputation (Roger Hammer). After NF Rivertown made a break in stride, Reputation was able to gradually close up the pocket spot, tracking In Focus through fractions of :27.1, :58, and 1:27.1. On the far turn, Reputation pulled pocket on In Focus, applying steady pressure before making a game effort in the stretch, with In Focus prevailing by a neck in 1:56.3.

"He didn't handle the turns as well as he did at the Meadows and Pocono, but he's a quality horse," commented winning driver Dave Palone. "I wasn't really concerned when we levelled off the turn and Hammer came to me, I thought I could hold him off."

Jimmy Takter trains the 3-year-old gelded son of SJ's Photo for owners Christina Takter, John Fielding, and Jim Fielding.

"He's a quality animal," continued Palone. "He's one of those horses that likes to win races, and so far, so good."

All eyes were on Lear Jetta ($2.10) in the day's fourth division, who rated a :58.4 middle half before winning by 3 1/2 lengths under wraps in 1:57.3. The Lindy Lane colt easily made the front for driver Tim Tetrick before backing into the field and opening up steadily on the far turn.

From the sidelines, Palone commented: "Lear Jetta's a quality horse. He won in hand today, and he's very versatile."

Production (1:57.1) and Casperdfrendlyhors (1:57.0) gave Tetrick a Sire Stakes driving triple, with An Honorable Man (1:56.4) winning for Tony Morgan in the final division. (Harrah's Chester)

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