On a crisp fall afternoon at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania, the Saturday card on November 16 showcased a series of fiercely competitive spotlight races, with four of the five features decided by a length or less.
De La Hoya Hanover Triumphs in Top Pacing Event
In one of three $23,944 top-purse events, De La Hoya Hanover secured a 1:51 victory in the pacing division, holding off favourite Seen Here by three-quarters of a length. Driver Matt Kakaley sent De La Hoya Hanover aggressively to the lead from post six, setting fractions of :27.3, :55.4, and 1:23.1. Despite a strong challenge from Seen Here, who had powered up uncovered with a :26.4 third quarter into a headwind, De La Hoya Hanover maintained his edge at the wire.
Trained by Joe Bongiorno, De La Hoya Hanover is owned by Jennifer Bongiorno Stable LLC, Robert Weinstein, and Barbara Bongiorno Stable LLC.
Trotting Standouts: Sapphinerainstar and Dark Mind Shine
In the first $23,944 trotting feature, Sapphinerainstar, a three-year-old filly by Walner, extended her Pocono streak to five straight wins. Driven by Simon Allard, she held off Hankins Hanover by three-quarters of a length in 1:55.1 for trainer Mark Akins and A 1 Racing.
The second trotting feature saw Dark Mind, a gelded son of International Moni, power first-over down the backstretch and fend off Tuis Angel by 1-1/2 lengths in a lifetime best 1:54.4. Though he drifted slightly in the stretch and faced an objection, the judges upheld his victory. Anthony Napolitano drove the Noel Daley trainee for owner Sonja Booth.
Fast-Class Performances Impress
In two $20,423 fast-class events:
- On the pace, Mirragon A, a gelded son of Art Major, surged late with a :54 back half to edge Oakwood Paddy IR by a head in 1:51.1. Driven by Jim Pantaleano and trained by Michael Deters, Mirragon A is co-owned by Joel Warner and John Manning.
- On the trot, Bee Forever, a Muscle Hill gelding out of champion mare Bee A Magician, rallied three-wide on the far turn to overtake Yo Beth D by a head in 1:54. Anthony Napolitano guided the Peter Pellegrino-trained winner for owner Erv Peachey.
Napolitano Brothers Shine
Anthony and George Napolitano Jr. each recorded three wins on the card. Despite George gaining ground, Matt Kakaley maintains a 271-263 lead in the driver standings with three race days remaining, as he aims for his third consecutive Pocono dash championship.
Upcoming Action and Carryovers
A series of longshot winners created significant carryovers heading into Monday’s card, including the Pick 3 (starting in Race 4), Pick 5 (Race 5), and Hi-5 (Race 12). Live racing resumes Monday at 1 p.m., followed by Tuesday’s action and the season finale on Saturday, November 23.