by John Zimich, publicity director, Pocono Downs

Meteor Man, piloted by George Napolitano, Jr., lived up to his name Friday night (April 29) at Pocono Downs in winning the $35,300 Ten Grand Pace Final.

In winning the final, Meteor Man also established a new lifetime mark of 1:53.2. The four-year-old Life Sign gelding is trained by Tim Case and owned by Alvin Jacobson of Crompound, N.Y.

Scooter J T, the morning line favorite in the race, was parked the opening quarter from the eight hole but did make the front at the half. Opening panel was timed in 27.1 and half in 56.1.

Meanwhile, Napolitano, Jr., was third at the opening quarter from the four post but quickly went by Scooter J T and Hammer following the half. Meteor Man was roaring down the backside, taking nine-horse field to the three-quarters in 1:23.4 and building up a lead of some five lengths before winning by that amount.

Hammer and Scooter J T finished a disappointed eighth. Rumble Time, driven by Matt Romano, was second to Meteor Man with third going to Marching Magic with Mike Simons in the sulky.

This was the third win in 13 starts for Meteor Man this year one second and two thirds.

Napolitano, Jr., leading trainer and driver at Pocono Downs, finished his night with five wins on the 11-race card. Case collected a training double when Napolitano, Jr., won the opening race with Mighty Maggie.