The Explosive Matter gelding Suits Me, a consistent cheque-getter, had not made the breakthrough to the winner's circle in 2024 until the $20,833 featured trot on Monday, July 29 at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania, when he beat the heavy favourite Sainthood by a neck while taking a new mark of 1:55.1.
Jim Pantaleano sent Suits Me away quickly, and with the inside holes filled, challenger Soncando was parked well past a :27.4 opener, making the top in front of the stands; however, the latter would soon yield to a brushing Sainthood, coming off a Pennsylvania Stallion Series victory, who was on top by the :57 half. Pantaleano brought Suits Me out for more down the back and gradually was able to work up to the pocket as Sainthood passed the three-quarters in 1:25.3. The battle boiled down to these two in the stretch, and coming up the inside Suits Me trotted past the chalk for trainer/owner Austin Brubacker.
The toteboard may have short-circuited after the posting of the results of Monday’s last race, which had the two favourites make breaks: Youcomehereoften (56-1) decisioned Padre (52-1), with Tailgate Buzz (23-1), Mystical Wynn (23-1) and Chamba (18-1) next in line under the wire. With a $115.60 winner and an exacta returning $2,651.40 for $2, it was no surprise that the race’s High 5 betting yielded no 5-1-2-7-8 tickets, which means a carryover into Tuesday’s last race.
The week’s racing winds down on Tuesday with a 1 p.m. post, which will offer both developing horses in a $17,000 USD pacing feature and a carryover into the Pick 3 wager beginning in race four, along with the carryover in the last race High 5 wager mentioned above.
(PHHA / Pocono)