from the PHHA/Pocono

Wilkes-Barre, PA — A trio of $15,000 conditioned events — one for pacing fillies and mares, and two on the trot — were the headliners at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono on Tuesday night (Aug. 7).

In the distaff pace, Rob Them Blind, who lost a three-race win streak when fifth in a division of the Adioo Volo at The Meadows behind Youaremycandygirl, enjoyed the drop in company and was a 1:52 winner to raise her lifetime win percentage to 50 percent (five out of 10). The Somebeachsomewhere filly was parked to the three-eighths to gain command for driver George Napolitano Jr., shook off pressure and then held off late charger Airborne Hanover by a half-length for trainer Tom Cancelliere and owner John Cancelliere.

Napolitano, again Pocono’s leading driver, came right back in the first trotting headliner with the sophomore Cantab Hall filly S M S Princess, who lowered her speed tab to 1:53.3. Napolitano and his charge again made the top at the three-eighths, but this was after making an early move around leaving duelers, and the winner of $133,348 extended her lead with most every step of a :56.2 last half, well clear by six lengths at the finish for trainer Åke Svanstedt and the owning partnership of Åke Svanstedt Inc. and Stall Musse Inc.

The rush to the lead in front of the stands also proved a winning route for the Explosive Matter sophomore miss Mighty Macko in the second trot headliner as she won in 1:55.1. Eric Carlson tucked third from the outermost post nine, then made the move to the top going to the three-eighths, proceeding to the wire in control for trainer Chris Oakes and owners Crawford Farms Racing and Northfolk Racing Stable.

National star Kissin In The Sand heads three divisions of 3-year-old pacing fillies who will be at Pocono Saturday for their third leg of Pennsylvania Sire Stakes competition. Also in this event are double PASS winners Serene Stride and Sidewalk Dancer. On Sunday, three divisions of the Stallion Series for this category will top the bill of fare.