In a release this afternoon from Pocono Downs, seven polished drivers have commented on the Pennsylvania oval, raving how it is in great shape and is easy on horses.
Joe Pavia Jr., who has raced at many U.S. locations and is second leading driver at the Northeastern Pennsylvania racetrack, has called Pocono Downs' racing surface "God's track."
"I would say it's the best," Pavia added. "It's very horse friendly and keeps them sound. One doesn't even have to have barium on the shoes it has that kind of cushion. It's also great for young horses in that it keeps their joints healthy.
"That red dirt takes care of itself."
Larry Stalbaum, who came to Pocono from the Midwestern U.S., calls the track "awesome."
"I've raced all over the place, including Canada and California, and it's the best. I like the way the turns are banked and it's easy to get a hold of for the horses," said Stalbaum.
Eric Goodell, another of the top Pocono catch drivers that also came from the Midwest, said the surface is "easy on the horses."
"It's the best I've ever raced on," said Goodell. "It's so consistent and the cushion helps keep the horses sound."
Greg Wasiluk, one of the local veteran horsemen, concurs and says everyone who comes to Pocono loves the track surface.
"It really is easier to get over and that helps keep the horses sound," Wasiluk stated. "The track holds up very well even if it takes a lot of rain."
Tony Morgan, who is battling Tim Tetrick for leading driver in North America and who has been racing at Pocono in 2008, says it has to be one of the best in North America.
"It's very forgiving for horses that have a little lameness," said Morgan. "It's also kind of deceiving because of the style of racing at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. The horses get to the half pretty quickly and still can win in 1:50. If they did that at Harrah's Chester Downs they wouldn't be getting a cheque."
"Pocono Downs does have one of the best racing surfaces in the country," stated Tetrick, the track's leading driver for the second straight year.
"It's the fastest piece of dirt I've ever raced on," added Tetrick. "It's very consistent and has a great cushion."
Pocono credits Bobby Weiss, track superintendent for more than 20 years, and his staff for the popular racing surface.
"I'm not going to give away any of my trade secrets," said Weiss. "But we do have a sizeable budget and we thank our management team for that. The late Mr. Banks (Joe), our owner at the time, had the track redone to its original specifications some 20 years ago."
Weiss has a crew of four men working eight hours a day, six days a week in caring for the track. They re-open the racing surface several weeks before opening day and seal it at the close of the season, normally that's in November.
Annually, some $60,000 red sand materials are utilized during a racing season.
"My men take pride in their work," Weiss said. "They work hard and horsemen see the fruits of their labour when they race here."
(With files from Pocono)