Wilkes-Barre, PA — Arbitrage Hanover was in peak form as he powered to a 1:51 victory over “sloppy” going in the $17,000 featured pace at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania on a Tuesday afternoon (Aug. 6) that saw rain move in mid-card.
Arbitrage Hanover won the New Jersey Sire Stakes championship in late May, then had some time off before coming to Pocono. After breaking in his first Pocono start and appearing uncomfortable on the turns in his next race, he looked the picture of ability on Tuesday.
Jack Pelling settled the Bettor’s Wish gelding in fourth early as Vengeance Blue Chip led near the :27.2 quarter then yielded to Captain Hansen well before the :55.3 half. Arbitrage Hanover advanced uncovered to duel the pacesetter past a 1:23.3 three-quarters, took the lead in the stretch, then defeated closing favorite Number Cruncher by three parts of a length. Vengeance Blue Chip was third.
Brett Pelling trains Arbitrage Hanover for the partnership of Pelling Racing LLC, Rojan Stables and Bridle Path Stables LTD.
The Pellings also took the $15,000 co-featured pace with the Stay Hungry gelding Armada Hanover, who went even faster than his stablemate in setting a new mark of 1:50.4. Armada Hanover sailed on the lead with fractions of :26.4, :55.3, and 1:23.1, then held off pocket-sitting Drinkin Doubles by a half length. Pelling Racing and Rojan also own a piece of Armada Hanover, along with David McDuffee.
After visiting Victory Lane four times on Monday’s card, driver Anthony Napolitano came right back to post a five-bagger on Tuesday.
Racing at Pocono resumes on Saturday (Aug. 10) with a 1 p.m. card; a week after that date, North America’s finest horses will come to Pocono for the $2-million Sun Stakes Saturday, which will have a special post time of 2:30 p.m. Free Pocono programs are or will be available at www.phha.org.