Prana, a three-year-old colt from the barn of Jimmy Takter, was made the 3-1 morning line favourite for Saturday’s Max C. Hempt Memorial Stakes
at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. The race, Pocono’s premiere event for three-year-old colts and geldings on the pace, will carry a purse of $300,000.
Prana was made the favourite despite finishing fifth in last Saturday’s Hempt elimination, which was marred by two horses breaking stride at the top of the stretch and scattering the field. Prana, who will have Dave Palone in the bike, was one of the ones whose chances were damaged when he suffered late interference. He’ll leave from the six post in a field of nine in the final.
Powerful Mist, whose fourth-place finish in the elimination also included some interference issues, was made the second choice at 7-2. Joe Pavia Jr. will drive for trainer Wayne Givens. Movie Idol, who avoided all the breaking horses and won the elimination as a 26-1 shot, is the third choice on the morning line at 4-1 and is leaving from the five post. Trainer Shaun Callahan once again will have brother Corey in the bike.
The complete field, along with drivers, trainers and odds are as follows:
1. Sharp West Hanover (Tyler Buter, Don Swick), 20-1
2. Pan From Nantucket (Aaron Merriman, Casie Coleman), 10-1
3. Vegas Rusty (George Napolitano Jr., Steve LeBlanc), 9-2
4. Reckless Ric (Howard Parker, George Teague Jr.), 15-1
5. Movie Idol (Corey Callahan, Shaun Callahan), 4-1
6. Prana (Dave Palone, Jimmy Takter), 3-1
7. Powerful Mist (Joe Pavia Jr., Wayne Givens), 7-2
8. Smile A Little (Andrew McCarthy, Michael Hall), 8-1
9. Custard The Dragon (Montrell Teague, George Teague Jr.), 6-1
AE. Danas Sharp Smart (Matt Kakaley, Linda Toscano)
The Max C. Hempt Memorial, held in honour of the legendary Pennsylavia-based owner and breeder, who was a giant in the sport of harness racing, will be the 10th race on the card. Pocono has a special 5 p.m. ET post time on Saturday. A few races will be run ahead of the simulcast of The Preakness Stakes, and the remainder of the program will be held after the completion of the Preakness, the second leg of thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown.
(Pocono Downs)
Related Stories
Movie Idol A Star For Callahan Clan
Movie Idol Springs Upset In Max Hempt Elim