Extender N is like a fine wine. The 12-year-old pacing gelding just keeps getting better with age
.
Trained by Nat Varty and driven by Joe Pavia, Jr., Extender N captured the $28,750 Open Handicap Pace Friday night, July 17 at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.
Leaving from the four post, Pavia Jr. seized the early lead, taking the seven-horse field to the opening panel in :26.3 followed by Caerleon Hanover (Tom Jackson), Sailing Cruise (Andrew McCarthy) and Keystone Rideau (Howard Parker).
But the new leader at the half was Sailing Cruise, the 4-5 race favourite, with Pavia Jr. sitting in the pocket and Caerleon Hanover third. Half was registered in :55 seconds and three-quarters in 1:23.1 with Sailing Cruise and Extender N, one-two.
Pavia Jr. took to the Pocono Pike (passing lane) coming down the stretch to nip Sailing Cruise with third going to fast-closing Quality Western. Time of the mile was 1:51.4 over a track listed as good with rain falling.
This was the sixth win of the 2009 season for Extender N with five seconds and two thirds.
The victory was also one of five on the 15-race card for Pavia Jr.
(With files from Pocono Downs)