A pair of well-bred three-year-old maidens made their 2020 pari-mutuel debuts on Monday (June 22) at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono, and each hit the wire first in their respective assignments.
One of the maidens in question, Party Whip, a bay colt, headed into his Monday tilt off of three consecutive qualifying victories. Party Whip is a Somebeachsomewhere colt out of Hedgie Blue Chip, whom is a full sister to the $1.7-million winner Hypnotic Blue Chip. After the word 'go' was given, Party Whip was looped out of the gate, but then raced up to the lead. Party Whip set a fast pace with pressure from odds-on Lous Sweetrevenge, but was still able to hold off his rival to notch a one-length victory in 1:51.4. Party Whip was driven by Corey Callahan for trainer John Butenschoen and owners William Wiswell, Jean Goehnlen, and Eugene Schick.
Trainer/driver Åke Svanstedt is known for having his charges ready to fire as soon as they get to the races, and that was the case Monday with Harley K, a colt by Sebastian K. On Monday, Harley K went first-over, drifted out a bit towards the head of the stretch, but was straightened out before he caught a tough Solar by a head in 1:54.2. Harley K is out of Caviar Session, whom is a full sister to world champions Triumphant Caviar and Centurion ATM. Harley K is owned by Knutsson Trotting Inc., Little E LLC, and Kenneth Kjellgren.
(With files from PHHA / Pocono)