The Napolitano brothers accounted for the sulky success in the $22,000 twin features Saturday night at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono, with Anthony taking the trot with Swishnflick in 1:54 and then George winning the pace with Scott Rocks in 1:50.1.
The Kadabra mare Swishnflick was sent right to the top in the trotting headliner, putting down fractions of :28.1, :57.4, and 1:26 for Anthony Napolitano. There turned out to be only one stretch challenger for Swishnflick – the pocket-sitter My Love Bi, driven by brother George – and the latter pair were closing outside the leader with every stride, but Swishnflick held together gamely to the wire to get the nose nod for win for trainer Gus Scarpias and owner Kenneth Westerside.
“Pocket rocket” tactics proved more profitable for George Napolitano and Scott Rocks in the pacing feature. The pair quarter-moved after a :26.4 opener. As soon as they made the top, Great Artist completed a huge move (:26.1 individual second quarter) to go by before the half in :54, and keeping the lead through a 1:22.3 three-quarters clocking. The right-hand linetug at headstretch worked better for George in this event, as he rallied Scott Rocks, an altered son of Rocknroll Hanover, to catch Great Artist by a neck for trainer Chris Oakes and owners Susan Oakes and Chuck Pompey.
(With files from PHHA / Pocono)