Though there were only five starters in the $11,200 claiming handicap distaff pacing feature on Monday afternoon (Sept. 21) at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono, there was plenty of speed and contentiousness.
When the dust was settled, it was Jeremes Jet mare Rose Run Toni claimed victory late in a lifetime best of 1:52.4.
Driver Marcus Miller pointed Rose Run Toni frontward at the start, but was forced to accept the early pocket as Dancing Lisa put her in behind before a :26.2 opener. Favoured Ambro Courage N was on the move as the field went by the stands. Ambro Courage N earned the lead while passing the half in a quick :54.2; and that was before Rose Run Toni mounted a second move down the backstretch. Rose Run Toni went head-to-head with Ambro Courage N to the three-quarters marker in 1:23.
Rose Run Toni and Ambro Courage N continued their battle through the stretch, at which point Dancing Lisa joining them from the inside. Despite the rough journey, Rose Run Toni was able to keep going strongly for a one and one-half-length victory over Ambro Courage N, who 'photoed out' Dancing Lisa for second. Gilbert Garcia-Herrera trains the 31 per cent career winner (29 for 90) for owner/son Gilbert Garcia-Owen.
The Napolitano brothers, Anthony and George Jr., accounted for wins in half of Monday’s 14 races, with Anthony in front four times and George in three. George and Anthony are '1-2' in the current drivers dash-winning standings at 'The Downs.'
Racing at Pocono will resume on Tuesday at 12:30 p.m., with a $213,734.08 carryover for the Rainbow Pick 5 wager (have a unique ticket with the winners of the last five races).
(With files from PHHA / Pocono)