by John Zimich, publicity director, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

Wilkes-Barre, PA — Veteran trainer Jim Arledge, Jr. will be looking for his first win in the Delvin Miller Adios Pace on Saturday, August 9, at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.

And he’ll have two chances of picking up that beautiful Adios Trophy late Saturday afternoon since he has two entries in the nine-horse field, Sand Shooter and Goddess’s Justin.

“I’ve had entries in other Adios races but I really haven’t fared that well,” said the Ohio native and resident. “This time around I’m hoping for better racing luck. I’m confident both of my horses will race well.

“Goddess’s Justin is a fast little horse but really needs the trip, just like the one he got in his elimination race when Tim (Tetrick) came up the inside line to win in 1:49.4. This one is better when saving ground.

“As far as Sand Shooter, I know this one can mix it up and still come home to get the win. Both of my horses came back sound and are ready to go.

“I don’t know if Shadow Play can duplicate that elimination race win with a world record time of 1:48.2. It was hard to believe that (David) Miller turned him loose and kept rolling on the front end. Great horses can come back from that. Mediocre ones don’t. It’s going to be interesting to say the least.”

Shadow Play will be leaving from the same six hole post the world record 3-year-old pacing colt had in that Adios elimination race. He’s the 5-2 morning line favorite and will be driven by David Miller.

Sand Shooter, with Tetrick driving, will leave from the five hole while Goddess’s Justin will have the one post in the $350,000 Adios final. Goddess’s Justin’s 1:49.4 win in the eliminations was a new track mark for a 3-year-old pacing gelding. Veteran resinsman Mike Wilder will pilot Goddess’s Justin.

Arledge likes the fact that there are no heats in producing the 2008 Adios winner.

“It’s really taxing on the horses when you have heat racing, especially with the times the horses are producing,” offered Arledge. “With heats oftentimes the best horse doesn’t win.”

The Adios will be the 10th race on the 16-race card and more than $771,000 in purses will be up for grabs, including companion races Adioo Volo for 3-year-old pacing fillies and the Gov. David Lawrence Arden Downs for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings.