The $28,000 Open Handicap for pacers at Pocono Downs on Saturday once again found Jim Morrill, Jr. in the winner’s circle with Mystery Chase
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Last week, it was Mystery Chase, a five-year-old Real Artist stallion trained by Donnie Russell, closing fast to win by a nose over Western Bay. The second time around it was Mystery Chase getting a solid trip in the pocket down the backside and edging Western Bay by three-quarters of a length. Longshot Mighty Young Joe finished third.
“I was a little concerned going down the backside because I didn’t know if George (Napolitano, Jr.) would carry us,” said Morrill, Jr. in the winner’s circle. “Everything opened up at the top of the lane and I took to the passing lane (Pocono Pike). This (Mystery Chase) is a special horse and Donnie Russell is a good horseman.”
Mystery Chase now has won five of 12 starts this season with three second-place finishes and more than $94,000 in earnings. The stallion earned in excess of $217,000 last year.
(The Meadows)