The Saturday (Aug. 8) edition of Racing Roundup features results stories from The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono, Vernon Downs and Tioga Downs.

Pacers take center stage at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono

Wilkes-Barre, PA — A trio of $14,000 events were contested on Saturday (Aug. 8) at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono.

In the trotting event, Mississippi Storm received racing luck when powering to a new mark of 1:52, beating out Lord Cromwell by a length. The winner of $331,788, was driven by Anthony Napolitano for trainer Tom Fanning and owner Joseph Smith.

The photo finish camera was needed to determine the winners of the two pacing events. In the first, the Roll With Joe gelding Joesstar Of Mia A was parked before making the lead and won by a neck in 1:50. A winner of $208,394, Joesstar Of Mia A was handled by Simon Allard for trainer Steven Brabrook. The horse is owned by Jonathan Lapp Jr. and Wish Me Luck Stables LLC.

Perennial Pocono leading driver George Napolitano Jr., kept the gelding Alluneedisfaith N rolling on the front end, with Twin B Tuffenuff flying up the Pocono Pike but coming up a head shy at the end of the 1:50.4 mile. Alluneedisfaith N now has banked $307,673, with Richard “Nifty” Norman training the game winner for the Robert Cooper Stables LLC.

Pocono will host Pennsylvania Sire Stakes action for its next three cards. The undefeated Party Girl Hill and 2019 Dan Patch Award-winner Lyons Sentinel top the 3-year-old pacing fillies on Sunday. Grace Hill, 2-for-2 in the Sire Stakes, heads the 2-year-old pacing fillies on Monday. Allywag Hanover has the highest profile among the hardhitters in 3-year-old pacing colt action Tuesday.

— PHHA/Pocono

Vernon Downs

Calvin B (Mitchell Cushing) won the $4.400 featured pace and John MacDonald had a grand slam at Vernon Downs on Saturday.

In the feature Rock On Moe (Dan Daley) went to the front but Calvin B ($18.00) took the lead just before hitting the first quarter in :27.4. Twinsburg (Howard Parker) then took over heading for the backstretch and led to the half in :56. Calvin B made his move as Twinsburg hit three-quarters first in 1:24. Calvin B went to the front as they reached the stretch. Sgt Papa Daddy (John MacDonald) came three-wide in deep stretch but Calvin B was too strong and won in 1:52. Twinsburg held on to finish second with Sgt Papa Daddy claiming third. Calvin B is a 10-year-old gelding by Bettor’s Delight. He is owned by Delores Smiel and trained by Jimmy Nickerson. It was his first win in 2020 and he now has 45 lifetime victories.

John MacDonald got his wins with Feelin Lucky ($16.40), Winery Hanover ($8.60), Notwithoutafight ($2.50) and Brookdale Bruiser ($5.70).

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (Aug. 14) at 3 p.m. For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.

— John Horne

Tioga Downs

Driver Mike Merton and trainer Rob Harmon swept the co-features at Tioga Downs with Coveredndiamonds N and Clarion Hall on Saturday.

Coveredndiamonds N ($5.70) captured the $5,500 featured fillies and mares pace. Prairie Westerngal (Wally Hennessy) took the field to the first quarter in :26.4. Coveredndiamonds N followed in the pocket as Prairie Westerngal used a :30.2 second quarter to lead to the half in :57.1. New Number Who Dis (Michael Deruntz) was the first to make a move going first-over into third but was just sputtering on the outside as Prairie Westerngal led to three-quarters in 1:25.1. As they made the turn for home Coveredndiamonds N popped out of the pocket and charged down the stretch to win in a seasonal best of 1:53.1. Prairie Westerngal had to settle for second and Grant Me This (Jim Meittinis) finished third. Coveredndiamonds N is 7-year-old mare by American Ideal. She is owned by Harmon Racing Stable and Joel Kahan. It was her second win this season and her 21st career victory.

Clarion Hall ($4.40) won the $5,500 featured trot. Aquillo (Jim Meittinis) charged right out to the lead and led to the first quarter in :27.4. Aquillo used a :29 second quarter to lead to the half in :56.4. Clarion Hall made his move as they headed for the backstretch going first-over from third. He took control just before hitting three-quarters in 1:25.3. Clarion Hall was joined by Lightfootedlegend (Bruce Aldrich Jr.) as they made the turn for home. Clarion Hall dug down deep and found something extra to win in 1:55.3. Lightfootedlegend was second best with Rose Run Rudi (Corey Braden) coming up to finish third. Clarion Hall is a 6-year-old gelding by Windsong Espoir. He is owned by Michael Spaccarelli. It was his third straight win and fourth this season. He now has 18 career victories.

Mike Merton and Bruce Aldrich Jr. each drove three winners on the card.

Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Sunday (Aug. 9) with a 10-race card starting at 1 p.m. For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.

— John Horne