Belmont Major N, after getting a big second-quarter breather, prevailed in the $22,603 claiming handicap pacing feature on Sunday evening, May 25 at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania.

A career winner of more than $485,000, Belmont Major N left from the outside post and still secured the lead, though there was a :26.1 price to pay for the top. But then the pacesetter was able to get to the half in :56.1, a fraction which made the winner of two out of his last three tough to catch. After the field passed the three-quarters in 1:23, it proved to be second-over Intimidation (Ridge Warren) who would pose the biggest threat to the winner to the finish, but that one’s closing kick left him three-quarters of a length short of Belmont Major N in the 1:50.4 mile. The first-over favourite, Real Surreal (Tyler Buter), rounded out the top three.

The victory by the nine-year-old Art Major gelding was the third straight on the card for driver Anthony Napolitano, which gave him the evening’s top driving honours. His triple was bookended by successes for trainer Lou Pena and owner Todd’s Auto.

Following an inquiry that resulted in the disqualification of 31-1 shot Mamy Wata for interference to the 3-5 favourite past the first quarter, runner-up Big Nudge landed in the victor’s seat at odds of 20-1 in the $13,699 trot for the American Harness Drivers Club. Mike Polansky drove the 1:56.4 winner for trainer Veronica Spicer and co-owner Michael Sherman Jr.

Three-year-old trotting fillies will go for $30,000 USD in each of three divisions of a Pennsylvania All-Stars event during Monday’s 1 p.m. card, with Ms Prada, Goodgirl Bi IT and Blueberry entering their respective contests in the favourite’s role. 

(With files from PHHA/Pocono & AHDC)