by John Zimich, publicity director, Pocono Downs

Brian Sears drove two of the three Max C. Hempt Memorial Pace elimination winners Saturday afternoon at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.

With the track downgraded to good following a heavy rain prior to the elimination races, Sears made a big first-over move down the backside with Sandro Hanover to easily get by Alastor Hanover (Roger Hammer) and draw away from the eight-horse field, winning in 1:52 flat for the Mickey Burke trained horse.

Finishing second in this split was Foolish Grin (Jack Parker, Jr.) with Winbak Speed (Joe Pavia, Jr.).

Sears also took True North Hanover, another Burke-trained horse, to the winner’s circle in the final division. True North Hanover was a victor in 1:52.3 with second going to Eagle Real One (David Miller) while third in this division was Runover Again (Mike Simons).

Opening Hempt elimination race went to Tuffofthetoughest (Ray Schnittker) with a time of 1:52.1. Second was Ivegotwhatuneed (Sears) with third going to Tyrant Hanover (Pavia, Jr.).

Ivegotwhatuneed is also trained by Burke.

Top three finishers in each of the races will now move on to the $178,072 finals on Saturday, May 20, at the Northeastern Pennsylvania racetrack.