Marietta Hall, with Jim Morrill Jr. in the bike, captured the $24,000 Open Handicap Pace for fillies and mares Wednesday night at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs
. Time of the mile was 1:52.4.
Leaving from the five post in the eight-horse field, Morrill Jr. saved ground for just under three-quarters of the race before his six-year-old Cambest mare outpaced favourite Omen Hanover (Jim Pantaleano) coming down the stretch, winning by a length and a quarter. Third was Breakheart Pass (Matt Kakaley).
Special Sweetheart (Andrew McCarthy) left quickly from the seven post to take the lead with Omen Hanover second, followed by Marietta Hall, with the opening quarter clicked off in :26.4.
The new leader at the half was Omen Hanover in :56.3 with the eventual winner sitting along the pylons fifth.
Down the backstretch it was Four Starz Horndog (George Napolitano Jr.) challenging Omen Hanover for the lead and getting it briefly at the three-quarter pole, registered in 1:24.2.
Morrill began making his move with Marietta Hall and she was flying down the lane to win for the second time in 12 starts this season for trainer Mark Harder.
In her last appearance at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Marietta Hall finished second to Omen Hanover.
Mike Simons collected his 100th win of the year at the Northeastern Pennsylvania racetrack by winning the ninth race with Vondean for trainer Peter Foley.
(Pocono Downs)