by Jim Beviglia, Publicity Assistant, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

Pilgrims Witchie posted her fourth consecutive win and the day’s fastest time in Pennsylvania Sire Stakes on Friday afternoon at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.

Four divisions of three-year-old pacing fillies were held. It was the fourth leg of the series for the fillies and their last chance to accumulate points for the Pennsylvania Championship Finals.

Driver Dave Palone sent Pilgrims Witchie out to the early lead. She was challenged in the stretch by Sunshine State, but she found an extra gear to win in 1:52 for trainer Abram Stoltzfus. Sunshine State finished second with Xhilaration third.

Riley Rose will likely join Pilgrims Witchie in the final after winning her split, holding on despite setting imposing fractions on the lead. Sean Bier drove for trainer Arthur Bier. Carousel Frame was second and Bijou Hall third. Riley Rose’s winning time was 1:52:4.

Talia’s Character and Miss Tally Ho pulled off mild upsets in the other two divisions, each winning at 7-1. Wade Ross drove Talia’s Character to a win for trainer Clifford Cooper, Jr. in 1:53:1, with Queen Teen second and Taxi Hanover third. Miss Tally Ho followed that up with a win for trainer/driver Leah Vandervort in 1:53:2, nipping Western Wisdom at the wire. Vision Of Grace finished third.