The Inaugural Draw and Qualifiers Take Place at Pocono

The 2024 harness racing season at Pocono Downs in Mohegan, Pennsylvania is set to kick off with an exciting opening card on Saturday, February 17.

The draw for this highly anticipated event took place on Monday, February 12. A total of 12 races will be held, featuring both trotters and pacers, and the action is scheduled to commence at 1 p.m.

One of the main highlights of the day is the availability of a substantial purse of $22,297, which will be up for grabs twice during races three and ten. The third race will be a starter allowance for claiming pacers, attracting participants who have their sights set on the upcoming Game Of Claims Series starting on Saturday, March 2. Pocono offers starter allowances during the initial two weeks to ensure that owners who have invested in their horses during the winter don't lose their "fresh" horse immediately after their "vacation" investment.

The tenth race promises to be a thrilling high-level conditioned pace, featuring a field of eight contenders, with five of them making their way from Yonkers. One notable participant is Billy Clyde, a formidable competitor who secured a sensational victory last year at The Meadowlands in 1:48, and holds a personal record of 1:47.3 at the Jersey oval. Trained by Ray Schnittker and driven by Mark MacDonald, Billy Clyde is expected to face slightly less formidable competition and should be a strong contender from post two.

Monday also witnessed the first qualifying session of the year at Pocono, where Mach Doro A demonstrated his current sharpness by claiming victory in 1:54, the fastest time of the day. This impressive performance was achieved under the skilful guidance of driver Jim Pantaleano and trainer Darren Taneyhill. During the morning session, Ridge Warren showcased his prowess by steering three winners to victory, including two horses trained by Gilbert Garcia-Herrera, the only trainer to witness two of his charges triumph.

On Tuesday, February 13, the draw for the second card of the year will take place, and this card is scheduled to be raced on Monday, February 19, at 1 p.m. As March arrives, the Saturday-Monday opening schedule will be joined by races on Tuesdays at 1 p.m., while Sunday evening racing will commence in May at 6 p.m., establishing a consistent four-cards-a-week schedule for Pocono.

Due to the expected weather conditions, the qualifying races originally planned for Tuesday, February 13 have been rescheduled to Wednesday, February 14. A decision regarding the status of the Wednesday qualifying races will be made on Tuesday, determining whether they will proceed as planned or be postponed until the following week.