Wilkes-Barre, PA — The Captain Crunch gelding Southwind Celsius was last at the quarter in the $17,000 featured pace Tuesday afternoon (July 30) at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania, but with astute handling from driver Braxten Boyd, the strong closer actually got a good trip and won in a career best 1:51.1.
Favorite Arbitrage Hanover was parked in midfield through early splits of :26.1 and :55.1, with Boyd hustling Southwind Celsius up to get directly behind Arbitrage Hanover’s cover. The favorite found a better gear straightened down the back and streaked up to challenge for the lead before the 1:23 three-quarters, with the winner being towed up perfectly. With Arbitrage Hanover’s bid stalling somewhat into the far turn, Boyd sent Southwind Celsius wide and looped to the lead, opening a clear margin and then being kept to business late as Arbitrage Hanover, who had fallen back to fifth in mid-stretch, again used his top speed on a straight course to rally for second, a length back.
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Mark Ford trains the winner for owners David Hamm, Glenn Phillips and Pit Bull Stable LLC. This was the fourth victory of the day for the 24-year-old Boyd, now in the top five in the Pocono standings.
Vengeance Blue Chip ran his recent record to four wins in his last seven races and lowered his mark to 1:50.1 in winning the $15,000 pacing sub-feature. The sophomore Captaintreacherous gelding was driven by George Napolitano Jr., who himself had three wins on the card, for trainer Joe Pavia Jr. and the ownership of Vincent Ferriero Jr., John Whitig, Donald Kayser and Pint Size Racing LLC.
Racing at Pocono Downs resumes this Saturday (Aug. 3) at 1 p.m., which will feature three $17,000 trotting contests. Free Pocono programs are or will be available at www.phha.org.