Tim Tetrick, one of the premier catch drivers in North America, has stamped Cassis as the one to beat in the 2010 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes following the thee-year-old Cantab Hall colt’s victory in Tuesday’s $35,000 Wyoming
Valley Trot final at Pocono Downs.
“He’s very easy to drive,” said Tetrick in the winner’s circle following his victory with Cassis. “I never really asked him for more . He's a very nice colt and I believe will be tough to beat in the Pa. Sire Stakes."
Trained by Ray Schnittker, Cassis left from the one post in the seven-horse final with three of the trotters being trained by Schnittker. It was Schnittker grabbing the early lead from the two post with Homerun Hitter, who rolled the field to the quarter pole in :28 seconds.
But before the three-eighths pole, Tetrick took command of the Wyoming Valley Trot final, getting to the half in :58 followed by a three-quarter clocking of 1:27.4. Cassis was followed by Schnittker and Homerun Hitter, who finished second some three and one-half lengths back. Third in the final went to 31-1 longshot Telephoto (Don Irvine Jr.).
Cassis is now a perfect 3-for-3 in 2010 and 4-for-5. The 1:56 performance matched Cassis’ lifetime speed record.
(Pocono Downs)