Big Bad John, a two-year-old Western Hanover colt, turned in an impressive 1:53 victory in the third division of the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes Wednesday night at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

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With David Miller in the sulky, Big Bad John sat second or third for three-quarters of the race before winning by a length and a quarter over Something For Doc (Brett Miller) with third-place going to 4-5 favourite McSocks (John Campbell).

“He’s coming along real well,” said Miller of Big Bad John in the winner’s circle. “He won very handily. I got to the outside and he took right off."

Miller said trainer Ron Potter and the owners are pointing this freshman pacer to the Breeders Crown that will be taking place at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs October 9.

In the most exciting finish of the four divisions, carrying purses of more than $73,000, it was Hugadragon (Matt Kakaley) edging Alsace Hanover (Jim Morrill Jr.) and Mystic Desire (Tetrick) at the wire. This mile was timed in 1:53.1.

Ron Burke trains Hugadragon, a 15-1 longshot winner.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better trip,” said young Kakaley. “I got into him a little bit at the top of the stretch. He raced super today.”

Reckless Ric, trained by George Teague Jr. and driven by Howard Parker, found the winner’s circle in another sire stakes race for the freshman pacers, winning in 1:52.4, the fastest of the stakes events.

“My horse couldn’t wait to shake loose after sitting second for three-quarters of the race,” said the veteran Parker.

“This was a big mile and he finished strong in the last eighth of a mile. He’s a big strong colt.”

Mr Carmine Fra (Brett Miller) finished second to Reckless Ric after being on the front end at the half and three quarters. Third went to Sky Mesa (David Miller), the opening quarter leader.

Twilight Artist, trained by Roger Hammer and driven by Tim Tetrick, overcame the eight-hole to win the final division in 1:53.1.

It was a wire-to-wire victory for Twilight Artist, who now has six wins in eight starts, winning the Arden at the Meadows, The Stallion Series at Harrah’s Chester Downs and fair races at Honesdale and Gratz.

Twilight Artist was quickly taken to the front in the race.

“Hammer’s horses could leave and I relaxed him on the front,” said Tetrick following the race.

Tetrick got to the half in :57.2 after the opening split was timed in :27.3.

It was a half length win over Movie Idol (Corey Callahan) while finishing third was Keystone Velocity (Kakaley).

(Pocono Downs)