Wilkes-Barre, PA — Though there were only five starters in the $11,200 claiming handicap distaff pacing feature on Monday afternoon (Sept. 21) at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono, there was plenty of speed and contentiousness before the Jereme’s Jet mare Rose Run Toni claimed victory late in a lifetime best of 1:52.4.

Driver Marcus Miller pointed Rose Run Toni frontward at the start, but was forced to accept the early pocket as Dancing Lisa put her in behind before a :26.2 opener. Favored Ambro Courage N was on the move as the field went by the stands, getting the lead and passing the half in a quick :54.2 before Rose Run Toni mounted a second move down the backstretch, going head-to-head with the pacesetter to a 1:23 three-quarters.

These two continued their battle through the stretch, with Dancing Lisa joining them from the inside. Despite the rough journey Rose Run Toni was able to keep going strongly for a 1-1/2 length victory over Ambro Courage N, who nipped Dancing Lisa for second.

Gilbert Garcia-Herrera trains the winner of 29 for 90 lifetime for owner/son Gilbert Garcia-Owen.

The Napolitano brothers, Anthony and George Jr., accounted for half of Monday’s 14 races, with Anthony in front four times and George in three. George and Anthony are 1-2 in the current drivers dash-winning standings at The Downs.

Racing at Pocono resumes Tuesday at 12:30 p.m., with a $213,734.08 carryover for the Rainbow Pick-5 bet (have a unique ticket with the winners of the last five races).