by James Beviglia, for Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

Wilkes-Barre, PA — Miss Color Chip cashed in as the 7-5 favorite to win the final of the Michigan-Ohio State Trot late closer series on Friday afternoon (November 9) at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, pocketing the winner’s share of the $33,500 purse.

With Tim Tetrick in the bike, Miss Color Chip raced to the early lead. Tetrick then did a wonderful job of rating the speed, so that the filly had plenty left in the tank when K-Roc pulled alongside her on the backstretch.

Once that challenge was answered, Miss Color Chip stayed in the clear to get the win in 1:56.3. Longshots Snappy Salute and Caress The Senses rallied for second and third, respectively.

Miss Color Chip, a 3-year-old filly sired by Chip Chip Hooray, is trained by Walt Carroll for owner Verlin Yoder. The filly chalked up her ninth win this year and pushed her career earnings over $100,000.

In the $29,750 Bird-Magic Pace late closer final, Big Production made a killer three-wide move on the backstretch to secure the victory in 1:53.2.

Big Production sat near the back of the pack, but moved to the outside as the horses went down the homestretch for the first time. He picked up cover around the turn, and then driver Kevin Sizer gunned him around that cover and right by pacesetting Tutuff.

That gave the even-money favorite a comfortable lead which he carried all the way home. Ed’s Western finished second while Armbro Wave got the show money.

Big Production won for the fourth time in his last five races and 15th time in his career. The 4-year-old gelding, sired by Nobleland Sam, is trained by John McDermott and is owned by Russell Slader, George Vierno and Robert Buckles.