The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono hosted three divisions of the third preliminary leg of the Pennsylvania Sires Stakes on Saturday, Aug. 11 with Kissin In The Sand, Sansovina Hanover and Alexas Power all claiming victory.
Driver Scott Zeron tucked Kissin In The Sand in third early, then moved to the lead in front of the stands in progress to a three-length victory in the first division in 1:50.3. The Nancy Johansson trainee, owned by Marvin Katz and the Hatfield Stables, now has earnings of $403,822 with five wins from eight starts this year and a lifetime tally of 12 wins and $634,997 in winnings.
Alexas Power dominated her sires stakes division with a four-length victory in 1:50.4. Tim Tetrick set sail with his filly early and the pair went down the pike, blitzing to ahead of Sidewalk Dancer. Jim Campbell trains the winner of $319,776, who took a lifetime mark, for Jeffrey and Michael Snyder.
Driver Andrew McCarthy took Sansovina Hanover first-over against Serene Stride and then left her behind in the last eighth to finish three-and-one-quarter lengths in front at the finish. Completing a sweep for sire Somebeachsomewhere, Sansovina Hanover recorded both her first win of the year and a personal best, raising her earnings to $175,160 for trainer Ron Burke and the partnership of Burke Racing Stable LLC; Silva, Purnel & Libby; Michelle Yanek; and Weaver Bruscemi LLC.
The veteran Bettors Delight gelding Bettors Edge raised his career earnings to $2,161,456 as he won the $21,500 top conditioned pace, holding off the stretch surge of Music Is Art by a half-length in 1:50.3. Jim Morrill Jr. guided the pacer to his 43rd victory as he won for trainer Jennifer Lappe, who is also co-owner with Robert Santagata.
Sunday, Aug. 12 at Pocono features the fillies’ Stallion Series counterparts go to the gate in three divisions. In their previous two preliminaries, there have been 10 divisions and 10 different winners; eight of those winners will be in Sunday’s contest, hoping to solidify themselves slots in their Championship event.
(With files from the PHHA)