Autumn Escapade, racing at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs for the first time since a near-miss in the Breeders Crown, dominated an Open Trot for fillies and mares

on Friday night. It was the first distaff Open Trot at Pocono in the 2011 season, carrying a purse of $60,000.

In last year’s Breeders Crown for aged trotting mares at Pocono, Autumn Escapade, trained by Jonas Czernyson, finished second behind Buck I St Pat. On Friday night in her second start of 2011 after finishing third in an Open at Chester, the six-year-old mare left from post position No. 6 in a field of seven as the 3-5 favourite and grabbed the lead a few steps into the race. Driver Ray Schnittker barely had to lift a finger from there as Autumn Escapade was never seriously challenged en route to a win by two and three-quarter lengths in 1:53.2. Summertime Yankee finished second while Mystical Starlight picked up the show.

Autumn Escapade, sired by Victory Sam and owned by David and Misty Miller of Cream Ridge, New Jersey, won for the 22nd time in her career. Her lifetime earnings now stand at $604,249.

In Friday night’s Open Trot for the boys at Pocono, also carrying a $60,000 purse, Anders Bluestone, driven by Ron Pierce for trainer Eric Ell, chased down pacesetting Winning Mister in the final strides to win by a half-length in a career-best 1:52.3. All About Justice finished third.

(With files from Pocono Downs)