by Jennifer Starr, for Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

Wilkes-Barre, PA — The first qualifying races of the 50th anniversary season were held at Mohegan Sun Pocono on Tuesday (March 10). Under a fast track and a much warmer temperature (35) than the area has seen in weeks, seven races kicked off at 10 a.m.

Mohegan Sun Pocono photo

In the first qualifying race of the year at Pocono, lining up behind the gate are BJ Chancer (#1), Kolt Power (#3) and Quick Thrill (#5). Miss Katie Q (#2) is hidden.

Five pacing qualifying races were held, with Omaha Survivor, trained by Dean Eckley and driven by Tom Jackson, posting the fastest qualifying time of 1:55.

Divination, trained by Andrew Harris and driven by Alex Kavoleff, and How Bout Cash, trained and driven by William Mullin, were separated by a neck in race six in a time of 1:58, the fastest time of the qualifying trotters.

Socialdelight, trained by Jerry Ray and driven by Tom Jackson, also posted the fastest time of the qualifying trotters, in 1:58.

Qualifying dates are also set for Thursday (March 12) and Thursday (March 19). Opening night is Saturday (March 21).