by James Beviglia, for Pocono Downs

Wilkes-Barre, PA — Sand Prince rallied from last to first to win an Open Trot on Monday afternoon (April 9) at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, part of a five–win day for driver Joe Pavia, Jr.

It was Pavia’s second straight big day at Pocono, as he drove four winners on Saturday, April 7. He also trained two of his winners on Monday, including Sand Prince.

Sand Prince bounced back from a disappointing loss in the same class last week, a race in which he broke late to squander a big lead. On Monday, he sat at the back of the field early before beginning a steady move forward on the backstretch. He drew even with leader Bacon Hill Scott at the top of the stretch and finally wore him down to get the win in 1:56.3.

The victory was the sixth of the year for the 5-year-old gelding owned by Al Lispi, Pat Bonomo, and Robert Fida of Wilkes-Barre. The previous five came at Pompano Park in Florida.

Pavia’s other winners included Astro Hall, who picked up his second straight win in the Spring Training late closer series for trotters and fourth straight overall.