Vlos, a six-year-old Dragon Again stallion, put on a pre-Breeders Crown “show” Friday night at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, winning the $24,000 Open Handicap Pace in 1:48.2
.
The time of the mile equaled the all-time track mark held by Shadow Play and Pilgrims Toner.
With George Napolitano Jr. in the sulky, Vlos left from the nine-hole and was fourth at the opening quarter with Dial Or Nodial (Jim Morrill Jr.) showing the way.
However, shortly thereafter, it was Golden Receiver (Joe Pavia Jr.) taking the nine-horse field to the half with the timer scorched in :53.2. Vlos was still a couple of lengths back, sitting fourth.
Vlos was first over down the backside and motoring with Golden Receiver getting to the three-quarters in 1:20.3.
The two horses battled to the wire with Vlos nipping Golden Receiver by a neck.
“He [Vlos] showed up tonight,” said Napolitano Jr. afterwards. “He went a big, big mile.”
Trainer Eric Mollor said his six-year-old Dragon Again-Sweet Tender stallion has been getting better and better since June.
“He has been rock solid,” added Mollor. “I feel great for the breeder and I’m glad the little guy got a shot.”
Michael J. Cavallo Farms LTD of New Jersey bred Vlos, a winner of nine of 24 starts this season and earnings of more than $124,000.
(With files from Pocono Downs)