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

Wilkes-Barre, PA — The final qualifying races before the 2008 season opener at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs were held on Thursday morning (March 27).

And it was a busy day as 12 qualifying races were conducted in preparation for opening day on Tuesday, April 1. Racing will be held on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday afternoons through September 13. Post time is 2:00 p.m.

Prime Minister, driven by Eddie Sager, turned in the fastest qualifying win with a sparkling 1:54.2 mile, necking out Panderosa Pine (Mike Simons) at the wire.

Joyful Years, piloted by Anthony Napolitano, had the second fastest mile with a time of 1:56.4. Napolitano picked up another qualifying victory with Hayon Hanover, a winner in 1:57.2.

Pine Yankee, reined by Simons, scored a trot win with a clocking of 1:59.3 Simons also had wins with trotters Bar None (2:00.3) and Icy Cream (2:00.1).

Tom Jackson, another of the top drivers at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, also drove three winners — pacer Lady Dragon (1:57), trotter Ivanhoe Blue Chip (2:00.4), and pacer Lay Lobell (2:00).

A Very Nice Horse, a fan favorite over the years in the Open and Open Handicap paces for fillies and mares, qualified a winner in 1:57.3 with Jim Taggart, Jr. driving.

Weekly qualifying races will be taking place on Wednesday mornings at 11:00 a.m.