Matt Kakaley reclaimed the lead in the Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania drivers derby with a six-win performance on Saturday, Aug. 3, including a sweep of the three $23,611 featured trots, whose times went down as the track conditioned was re-rated to a lesser condition.  

Two of Kakaley’s featured trot wins came with horses conditioned by Travis Alexander, who in all combined with Kakaley four times on Saturday. The fastest time in the featured events was 1:53.4, achieved when the track was ”sloppy,” by the Pitagora Bi mare Cristal Trio IT, ahead at every pole for her second win in her last three starts for owners Tar Heel Racing.

Engine tactics also proved successful for another Kakaley/Alexander-backed diamond-gaiter, the International Moni gelding Frenchy Hanover, who won in 1:55 over “good” going to take a new mark for owner Sandi Lawrence. 

Kakaley’s third win in “the big trots,” achieved over a “fast” oval, was with the Muscle Massive gelding Downhome Punch, who lowered his mark to 1:55.1 in winning his second straight start after a backstretch brush took him to the lead. Dan Gill conditions the winner for owners 1812 Racing LLC. 

Harness racing resumes at Pocono on Sunday, Aug. 4, with a 6 p.m. first post and a High 5 carryover into the last race bet.

(PHHA / Pocono)