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

Wilkes-Barre, PA — Dan Carter, piloted by Tim Tetrick, came first over early on in the $45,000 final of the Mohegan Pace to seize the lead and never look back in winning rather easily on Saturday afternoon (May 2) at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. The winning time for the race favorite was 1:50.3, a new lifetime mark.

The gelded son of I Am A Fool is now a perfect four for four in 2009, sweeping the late closing series for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings that were non-winners of $25,000 lifetime or three pari-mutuel races lifetime through March 15, 2009.

“He’s a very smart horse,” said Tetrick in the winner’s circle before heading down to the Meadowlands. “The connections did a great job of teaching him. Depending upon how he comes out of this race he’s scheduled to be in the Hempt elimination races.”

Max C. Hempt elimination races are set for Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs on Saturday afternoon, May 16, with the $300,000 final the week following.

Ron Burke trains Dan Carter, who won his previous two legs with identical 1:52 times.

Majestic Jackpot, driven by Tom Jackson, battled early on with Riding The Rapids (Jim Morrill, Jr.) and Whoyoucallingafool (Jordan Stratton) for the top spot with Majestic Jackpot grabbing the lead. The opening split went in :26.3 and halfway down the front stretch Tetrick tipped out to go after the leader and became the new leader at the half with the timer reading :54.2.

Dan Carter took the eight-horse field to the three-quarter mark in 1:22.2 before pulling away from the remainder of the field. Majestic Jackpot was second with third going to Riding The Rapids. Panplona (Jason Bartlett), another favorite in the race, broke early on and never could recover.

The winner of the Mohegan Pace paid $3.00, $2.20 and $2.10.