Thirteen fields of two-year-olds got further education during a Wednesday morning (June 16) qualifying session at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono.
Erv Miller took a rare turn in the sulky and produced the fastest mile of the day, a 1:55 victory with the Huntsville-Jessalilmixup pacing gelding Stretch The Line. The youngster made a break while going first-over in his debut, but today was sent right down the road, coming home in :27.2 and winning by over 10 lengths. Ervin Miller Stable Inc. shares ownership of the pacer with Rock And Roll Stable Inc.
All four divisions of two-year-old pacing males went in 1:58.1 or better, and the other winners were: Howulikemenowray (Heston Blue Chip-All The Ladies) in 1:57.1, All Or Nothing (Always B Miki-Boova Beach) in 1:58.1, and a second Erv Miller-trained youngster, Bay City (Always B Miki-Miss ATM) in 1:58.1.
Among the freshman pacing fillies, Shes Never Wrong also led commandingly, winning in 1:58.2 with a :28.1 last quarter. Jason Bartlett drove the So Surreal-Gotmyredressontnut miss for owner-trainer Janice Connor.
Parola Hanover, a Bar Hopping colt whose dam, Peace Dove, is a three-quarter sister to millionaire Cedar Dove, made a second straight successful appearance at the races, winning by 15 lengths in 1:59.2. Trainer-driver David Wiest, who developed the top filly Love Muffin last year, shares ownership with Ed Kimmel.
Tops among the trotting fillies was Gracelyn Hanover — by first-crop sire Walner out of Gatka Hanover — completing her last quarter in :28.3 to cap a 2:01.4 triumph in her debut. Tyler Buter drove for trainer John Butenschoen and owner Lester Beachy.
Erv Miller and John Butenschoen each sent out three winning freshmen during the Tuesday proceedings.
(PHHA/Pocono)