After one of the most exciting stretch battles of the season, Typhoon Banner N emerged the winner from a three-horse photo finish in a $22,603 pace at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania on Saturday (July 6). Stopping the clock in 1:48.4, he established the fastest Pocono mile of 2024.
Congressional took advantage of the rail and forced Pat McGarry N to finally retreat to the two-hole, long after a :26.2 opener. They continued on to the half in :54.3. There was certainly no breather down the back, as favoured Boiling Oar roared up uncovered to challenge and even gain a slight advantage to a 1:21.2 three-quarters.
One thing Boiling Oar did not have, though, was the rail, as Congressional refused to let him clear on past. Sitting second over, Typhoon Banner N was perfectly placed off the front-end battle. Driver Ridge Warren tipped Typhoon Banner N wide in the lane and wore down the embattled leaders late for the win. Boiling Oar wound a head behind the winner and a head ahead of third-place Congressional.
Typhoon Banner N has now won two straight and four of his last six starts. Joe Bongiorno trains Typhoon Banner N for JB Racing, Philip Steinberg and Barbara Bongiorno Stable LLC. Taking a new lifetime mark, the eight-year-old Bettors Delight gelding improved to 4-0-1 in 11 starts this season, with earnings of $40,877. Typhoon Banner N shows a lifetime bankroll of $231,307.
Also highlighting the card were a pair of $23,288 contests for developing trotters. The faster of the two races was won by the Pitagora Bi mare Cristal Trio IT, who reduced her mark to 1:52.4 for driver Matt Kakaley, trainer Travis Alexander and Tar Heel Racing.
The Muscle Mass gelding Deadline Hall accounted for the other top trot, moving first-over and grinding down pacesetter AP Hall Of Trix in 1:54.3. This win was one of three successful collaborations on the day for driver George Napolitano Jr., Pocono’s top trainer Jeff Cullipher, and the ownership of Pollack Racing LLC.
After Pocono’s Sunday night card at 6 p.m., two-year-olds will be seeing stakes action on Monday and Tuesday during the 1 p.m. programs, with four $30,000 USD divisions of Pennsylvania All-Star races each day. The colt pacers are up on Monday, with the filly trotters on tap for Tuesday.
(PHHA/Pocono)