Shecandance N went right to the early lead in the $11,200 distaff pacing feature during the Sunday (June 20) card at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono, backed off the half, then blazed home a safe winner in 1:52.3.
Anthony Napolitano got the daughter of A Rocknroll Dance away swiftly at the start, with Juxta Cowgirl and Georgie Martin N filling the two spots behind her to the :27.4 opener. With no pressure coming, Shecandance N got to back off the half to :57.3, and from there he flashed home in :55 to score by 1 1/4 lengths over Georgie Martin N, who caught Juxta Cowgirl for top minor honours. Jose Godinez trains the Kiwi import, winner 13 times in but 49 starts and an earner of $142,533, for Bukers Stable and Godinez Racing Stable LLC.
The American Harness Drivers Club visited Pocono for a second straight Sunday, and for much of the way it looked as if driver Tony Ciuffetelli might win for a second time. He guided Da Boogie Man, a fast but fractious type, and just let him roll down the road in hot fractions of :27.2, :56.3, and 1:26. Paul Minore got away second with French Moni, narrowed the gap behind the loose leader, then moved out at headstretch and went right on by to score a 4-1/4 length victory.
The victorious Love You gelding is trained by Paul Fusco and owned by Minore, who has been driving for 28 years and has had 113 victories, but probably never an easier one in the stretch.
Perennial leading driver George Napolitano Jr. won four more times here on Sunday, giving him 10 wins in the first two days of the local racing week.
The two-year-olds make their first pari-mutuel appearance of 2021 at The Downs on Monday (June 21). There will be four races for the babies, one for each grouping of sex and gait. Program pages for Monday’s card at Pocono, which begins at 12:30 p.m. (EDT), are available at the PHHA website.
(PHHA / Pocono)