Wilkes-Barre, PA – The Cassis gelding On Higher Ground enjoyed a lowering in company and won the $13,500 featured claiming handicap trot in 1:55 on Tuesday (Aug. 5)afternoon at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania.
The career winner of $621,319, driven by Matt Kakaley for trainer Joe Bongiorno and JB Racing, took an early tuck, the commenced an uncovered bid at the half. While much of his opposition seemed to weaken later in the mile, On Higher Ground seemed to be getting stronger, and he won by a length over Hunting As, who came along late after being in the lively second-half outside flow.
Driver Tyler Buter adding to his meet-leading win total by recording three victories; George Na;politano Jr. and Jim Pantaleano both recorded a pair of winners.
Racing at Pocono resumes on Saturday (Aug. 9) at 1 p.m. The following Saturday (Aug. 16), Pocono will be proud to host its biggest card of the year, the $2M+ Sun Stakes Saturday, featuring many superstar three-year-olds along with tough invitational horses; that card will be drawn this coming Monday (Aug. 11).
Free Pocono program pages are or will be available at www.phha.org.