by John Zimich, publicity director, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs

Wilkes-Barre, PA — Real Amor, a 2-year-old Real Artist filly, picked a good time to break her maiden, winning one of several divisions of the Stallion Series at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs on Monday evening (August 16).

After three consecutive second-place finishes, Real Amor stopped the timer in 1:55.1 with Jim Morrill, Jr. in the sulky. She won by 2-1/4 lengths over N Y Yankees (Andrew McCarthy) with Liqueur (George Napolitano, Jr.) third.

Leaving from the three post, Morrill quickly seized the lead, getting to the opening quarter in :27, the half in :56.1 and the three-quarters in 1:23.4.

Morrill said he felt Real Amor could have gotten to the thee-quarter pole in 1:21 and a piece. With a comfortable lead, she “geared down” to win easily.

“She was real hot tonight,” he stated following the race.

Brad Provost trains Real Amor.

Morrill collected two other $20,000 Stallion Series races with Foreign Soil and Safe Bet Hanover. Foreign Soil, trained by Paul Reid, was a winner in 1:55.2 while Safe Bet Hanover, conditioned by Randy Bendis, was timed in 1:56.3.

Sara’s Dragon, driven by Mike Simons, won the first $20,000 division for the 2-year-old pacing fillies with a time of 1:56. Roland Mallar trains this winner.

Playful Patty, piloted by Joe Pavia, Jr. and trained by Kevin Johnson, was another divisional winner on the Monday night card. The timer read 1:56.1.