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

Wilkes-Barre, PA — Up Front Jerry, driven by Kevin Sizer and trained by Mickey Burke, established a new all-time track record at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs Saturday afternoon (October 6) in winning the $20,000 Open Handicap Pace.

The 5-year-old Western Hanover gelding, out of Michelene’s Lair by Dragon’s Lair, stopped the timer in 1:49.1, breaking the previous record of 1:49.3 shared by Southwind Tempo, Quality Western and Pocket Driver N.

Sizer left quickly from the six hole in the eight-horse field and was outside second or third for the first split that was timed in :26.2 with Anglebrook (Eric Goodell) showing the way. However, Sizer did make the front shortly thereafter and took the field to the half in :54.1 and the three-quarters in 1:21.3 before winning by some four lengths.

The 1:49.1 mark is also a new track record for an older pacing gelding.

Sylvia Burke and Weaver Bruscemi, both of Pennsylvania, and John Chiovetta of New Jersey own Up Front Jerry.

Goodell finished with four victories on the afternoon.