A sloppy track couldn't slow down Maximus Miki. The five-year-old gelding pacer turned in the fastest mile of the year, stopping the clock in 1:49 to win the $34,246 Open Pace at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania on Saturday (June 29).
After contested early fractions of :26.1 and :54.1, driver George Napolitano Jr. sent Maximus Miki up to challenge leader Big Skewy N, and the two hit the three-quarters in 1:21.2. Their battle continued all the way to deep stretch, where Maximus Miki finally gained the definitive advantage. Big Skewy N held well and crossed the wire second, but he was placed fifth for drifting down into the passing lane and blocking stretch foes.
Maximus Miki now sports a 2024 record of 14-7-4-3. He has bankrolled $170,772 just this year. Maximus Miki races for Team Cancelliere – trainer Tom and owner John.
The track was still rated good for a pair of $23,287 high-level trots earlier on the card. Father Stosh, a son of Father Patrick who had to go on the first-over grind, still won easily in an impressive 1:54 mile. Jason Bartlett guided the victorious Jill Roland trainee for owner Bernard O’Brien.
The other $23,287 trot saw Cant Help Myself refuse to yield from the rail, staying strong to the finish while matching his mark of 1:53.3. Bartlett completed a sweep of this class while handling the driving duties behind the winner of three straight for trainer/owner Don Niccum.
A $22,602 fast-class event for trotters saw another horse shrug a first-over journey, as the Cassis gelding On Higher Ground carried on to win in a 1:53 mile. A lifetime winner of $603,292, On Higher Ground was driven by Joe Bongiorno for trainer/sister Jenn Bongiorno, also his partner in the JB Racing ownership.
Infllation Proof also wasn't fazed by the muck. The two-year-old Tall Dark Stranger – Economy Terror pacing colt got the win in his pari-mutuel debut in a strong 1:53. Bartlett was at the reins for the victory for trainer Hunter Oakes and owners Howard Taylor and Chuck Pompey.
Racing resumes Sunday (June 30) at 6 p.m. There will be three $30,000 US divisions of a Pennsylvania All-Stars event for freshman trotting males.
(With files from PHHA / Pocono)