On an unseasonably warm day at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania, Pressure Cooker (Heston Blue Chip) blazed to victory in 1:50 in the $80,000 Hardie Hanover, part of the John Simpson Sr. Memorial for three-year-old pacing fillies. Joining her in the winner's circle was Staying With Emily (Stay Hungry), clocking 1:50.2, while two-year-old pacing gelding Dandy Ideal (American Ideal) equalled the track record for his division with a 1:50.3 finish.
Driven by George Napolitano Jr., Pressure Cooker took control early with a swift opening quarter in :26.2. After a comfortable breather to the half in :55.1, she unleashed two consecutive :27.2 quarters, finishing three lengths clear and setting a new personal best. This marked her third win in four starts, all in stakes races across Pennsylvania, including the PA Stallion Series Final and Keystone stakes. Linda Toscano trains the filly for Let It Ride Stables Inc., Odds On Racing, and Mac Nichol.
Staying With Emily, guided by Tyler Buter, capitalised on fast fractions of :26.4, :55.2, and 1:22.2, narrowly holding off Parkavenuelisa for a neck victory. Ron Burke trains the filly for owner Brad Grant.
Dandy Ideal, a two-year-old gelding, made headlines by matching the Pocono track record for his division, a feat last achieved by Yankee Bounty in 2014. Trainer Jenny Melander conditions the rising star for Exceed Stables LLC.
Live racing continues Saturday, featuring over $237,000 in purses across multiple divisions and the Breeders Crown Championships.