Joe Pavia Jr. and Super Eighty Eight pulled off a stunner at 20-1 in the featured Open pace at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs on Friday night

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Pavia put the seven-year-old gelding from the barn of trainer Mark Ford on the front end early, and endured strong winds without any cover. Even-money favourite Extender N (Tony Morgan) drew close to the front-runner on the final turn but went off-stride. From there, Super Eighty Eight was just able to hold on to his big lead, which dwindled to a half-length at the wire. Crawdad (Brandon Simpson) finished second and Civil Attack (Dave Palone) was third. Super Eighty Eight crossed the line in a winning time of 1:57.

Owned by All Star Racing Inc. of Towaco, New Jerset, Super Eighty Eight won for the third time in 11 starts this year and the 29th time in his career. The winner’s share of the $25,000 purse pushed the gelding’s career earnings over $419,000.

(Pocono Downs)