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

Wilkes-Barre, PA — Five divisions of the Pennsylvania Sires Stakes for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings will kick off a big Labor Day weekend of harness racing on Friday afternoon, August 31, at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.

Andover America, Lear Jetta and Production have been installed as favorites in three of the five divisions of the Sires Stakes.

Trained by Ray Schnittker, Andover America is undefeated in four starts in the colt’s freshman year of racing. Andover America, with Dave Palone in the sulky, will be leaving from the seven post in the opening division. Andover America’s lifetime mark is 1:58.3, set in winning a Sires Stakes race at the Meadows on July 30.

Production, also to be driven by Palone, has drawn the outside eight hole in the second division. This 2-year-old Broadway Hall colt has won six of seven starts in 2007, with one second. Production’s life mark of 1:56.3 was established in an early closer final at the Meadows.

Tim Tetrick, the nation’s and track’s leading driver, will be in the sulky with Lear Jetta, a winner of five of six starts this year with one second. Robert Myers, who trains the 2-year-old Lindy Lane colt, was the driver in those six previous races.

Four divisions of the Sires Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings will be featured Saturday afternoon (September 1) as part of a 14-race card. Post time is 2:00 p.m.

Further information concerning the Pennsylvania Sires Stakes is available by logging on to www.standardbredbreederspa.org.

Keeping Pace: Fans 18 years of age and older will have the opportunity of participating in Survival Saturday beginning September 1 and continuing through September 29. The contest is free and those participating must select the winners of three designated races.

Five winners will be chosen each week and receive $200 each with the winners moving on to the $5,000 final on Pennsylvania Championship Day at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.