It was only fitting that Vlos would be winning the $24,000 Open Handicap Pace Saturday night at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs
as the 12th race of the 13-race card honoured Vlos after being named Pacer of the Year along with Golden Receiver. Both pacers have excelled in the $24,000 Open Handicap Pace throughout the season.
Vlos didn’t arrive at the Northeastern Pennsylvania racetrack until late in the meet but still managed to win six of the track’s top overnight races and finish no worse than second or third in 11 starts since August 31. One of the wins equaled the all-time track mark of 1:48.2.
In the final one at Pocono, Vlos, driven by Tom Jackson and trained by Eric Mollor, stopped the timer in 1:50.2. It was a wire-to-wire victory with the fractions reading :26.1 for the opening split, half in :54.3 and three-quarters in 1:22.
Dragon Again (George Napolitano Jr.) finished second to Vlos while third-place went to Amillionpennies (Matt Romano).
“Vlos is the best horse I have ever trained,” said Eric Mollor in the winner’s circle following the win Saturday night. “He’s one tough horse and I’m grateful Nancy Spaziani gave me the opportunity to train him.”
Spaziani and family members were also in the winner’s circle to celebrate along with the breeder of Vlos, Michael Cavallo and his wife.
(Pocono Downs)