Driver Tyler Buter held the hot driving hands during another frosty card at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania, with $59.20 bomber Smooth Landing taking the $22,973 featured trot as one of six winners on the Saturday afternoon, Feb. 24 program for the 38-year-old, who is fast approaching 4,500 career wins.
Buter had the victorious Tactical Landing gelding out behind grinding heavy favourite Buddy Earl in the feature, then moved on to challenge raw after that one got by at the three-quarter pole under some urging. Through the stretch, it was no contest as Smooth Landing (pictured above) went on to a 1:58 final time for trainer Jennifer Bongiorno and owners Glenn Goller and Stephen Demeter. Enola closed steadily to take second ahead of Buddy Earl.
A trio of $22,297 contests were co-featured on the card, with the fast-class trot also going to Buter and the 51-time career winner Rich And Miserable in 1:55. The Todd Buter-trained altered son of Explosive Matter was the easiest of winners while taking his career bankroll to $831,278 for Buter Farm Inc. and Lynette Buter.
Tyler Buter pulled another upset with 12-1 choice Panettone Hanover in the top-level starter allowance pace, tipping wide off the cover of Francis Underwood and prevailing in 1:53.2. The Captaintreacherous gelding is co-owned by trainer Cote Keim in partnership with El Dorado Stables and Buzzy Sholty.
In the fast-class pace, the Always B Miki gelding Maximus Miki won his second straight race at Pocono via a pocket journey, launching up the inside to gain into a :55.4 back half and win in 1:53.3. George Napolitano Jr. again guided the pacer to success for Team Cancelliere -- trainer Tom and owner John.
Racing returns to Pocono on Monday for a 14-race card beginning at 1 p.m., with a pair of showcase events for developing horses at each gait. Pocono programs are available free of charge at phha.org.
(With files from PHHA/Pocono)