Wilkes-Barre, PA – It was a warm day in the Pocono Mountains on Sunday (June 20) and when the American Harness Driver Club race sprung from the gate in race three at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono, the red clay surface got even hotter.

Last week’s winning driver Tony Ciuffetelli sent his new charge Da Boogie Man scorching to the lead opening up a three-length margin on French Moni with Paul Minore with another three back to Pound Sterling and Bob Hechkoff in third. The hot first quarter went in :27:2 and set the stage for the next five eighths of a mile of racing.

There was little change in the racing order as the field was well spread out.  The only danger to the runaway leader was sitting right behind him in the presence of French Moni.  Those two turned for home a good nine lengths better than the rest of the combatants.

Unfortunately for Da Boogie Man, he had no answers for the stalking pocket sitter as Minore guided French Moni to the outside and charged right by leader to win by a decisive four lengths in 1:56:3 to pay $21.80 for the win.  Da Boogie Man held on for second and Sir John F with Pearly Allen got up for the show spot.

Sent off at odds of 9-1, that was both French Moni’s and Paul Minore’s second wins of the season. AHDC Amateur racing action will return next Sunday (June 27) to the red clay oval.