Saturday’s feature at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs was the $50,000 Van Rose Memorial, a race which honoured a very popular local sports writer who passionately covered harness racing during his career

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The inaugural event went to Special T Rocks in a spectacular 1:48.3. Not only was the time a new lifetime mark for the four-year-old gelding, but it also equalled the world mark on a five-eighths mile track, set in 2005 at Dover Downs by Maltese Artist.

After the initial quarter of :26.3, Big Bay Point took the lead, but was soon overtaken by Dial Or Nodial. The half was reached in :53.3 and the three-quarters in 1:21. At the top of the stretch, Daryl Bier moved Special T Rocks out from his second over trip and gunned him to the top for the win. Dancin Yankee finished second and Dial Or Nodial held on for third.

The new co-world champion is owned by Bier, Forest Bartlett and Joann Dombeck.

In the $25,000 Winners Over Trot, George Napolitano, Jr. guided Anders Bluestone to a wire-to-wire victory in 1:53.1 over Dont Know Chip and Cameron Chip.

Other winners on the speedy 16-race card included Mickey Hanover (1:50.2), Dinneratartsplace (1:50.3), Elusive Reward (1:51), Hurrikane Scotty J (1:51.1), Card Hustler (1:51.1), Katelyns Scott (1:51.1) and Adams Hanover (1:51.3).

(Pocono Downs)