from the PHHA/Pocono

Wilkes-Barre, PA — Rockstar Angel A, to the lead in a :26.2 demanding opening quarter and then in the pocket as the pace continued on at high speed, was able to produce enough of a late move to hold off second-over Monica Gallagher by a neck in 1:51 in winning the $17,500 featured distaff pace at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono Tuesday night (Sept. 4).

Eric Goodell hustled the daughter of Rocknroll Hanover off the gate to the lead, then yielded past the quarter to Skinny Dipper, who streaked on to a wicked half in :53.4. Gina Grace A came up to pressure the leader through the 1:22 three-quarter clocking, and when the top two tired, the two on their backs — Rockstar Angel A on the inside, Monica Gallagher on the outside — fought for the major honor, with Rockstar Angel A taking a new mark in the photo victory.

Chris Oakes is the trainer of the winner of $182,492, a six-time winner in 20 starts this season, for the Northfork Racing Stable.

George Napolitano Jr. visited Victory Lane four times on the Tuesday card, bringing his weekly total at Pocono to 13 and including Philly to 21. In the last month (Aug. 5–Sept. 4) he has 96 wins — 58 at Pocono and 38 at Philly.