The Cassis-Lady Madonna gelding On Higher Ground enjoyed a lowering in class and won the $18,750 featured claiming handicap trot in 1:55 on Tuesday, Aug. 5 at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania.
Driven by Matt Kakaley for trainer Joe Bongiorno and owner JB Racing, he took an early tuck in a :27.2 first quarter, then commenced an uncovered bid at the half in :57.2 and struck the front at three-quarters in 1:26. While much of his opposition seemed to weaken later in the mile, On Higher Ground seemed to be getting stronger, and he won by a length over Hunting As (Simon Allard), who came along late after being in the lively second-half outside flow. The American Eagle (Jim Pantaleano) finished third. The winner paid $3.
On Higher Ground grew his bankroll to $650,802 with the win, his 34th lifetime in 151 starts. The eight-year-old gelding is now one-for-14 this season.
Driver Tyler Buter adding to his meet-leading win total by recording three victories. George Napolitano Jr. and Jim Pantaleano both recorded a pair of wins.
Racing at Pocono resumes on Saturday at 1 p.m. On the following Saturday, Aug. 16, Pocono will host its biggest card of the year, the $2 million USD Sun Stakes Saturday, featuring many superstar three-year-olds along with tough invitational horses. That card will be drawn this coming Monday.
(With files from PHHA/Pocono)