The Downs Week in Review

HARNESS RACING PACER OF THE WEEK: DELISHKA N

This six-year-old mare trained by Darren Taneyhill put together a solid mile in a victory on June 27 at Pocono, scoring in 1:51:4. Coming off that win, she stepped up in pace on Sunday night at Pocono to tackle the feature condition pacing mares for a purse of $13,000. Delishka N left from post position #2 in a field of six as a 7-2 second choice, with Turnthefrownaround the even-money favorite.

Turnthefrownaround set the pace but was hounded by pressure on her outside. Meanwhile, Delishka N was waiting in the pocket for her opportunity, which came in the stretch when she moved to the passing lane. Driver Anthony Napolitano urged her on as she slipped by Turnthefrownaround to win it by a neck in 1:50:3, giving her two wins in a row in the process.

HONORABLE MENTION PACERS:
Sweet Talkin Satin (George Napolitano Jr., Hunter Oakes), who nabbed his third straight claiming win on Sunday night, delivering in 1:53. * Somebeach Baron (Anthony Napolitano, Marta Piotrow), who moved up in class on Saturday afternoon in the slop for his second straight claiming handicap, this one in 1:50:4.  Mankat (Jim Pantaleano, Christen Pantleano), who sped to his second consecutive condition win on Tuesday, delivering the victory in 1:51:2.

TROTTER OF THE WEEK: CLARION HALL

After back-to-back comfortable victories in the $12,500 to $15,000 claiming handicap group, it seemed like this seven-year-old gelding had found the perfect spot for his talents. But he was tested on Monday afternoon by the #9 post position. Operating for new trainer Hunter Oakes after being claimed in his last start, Clarion Hall was still made the 4-5 favorite despite the tough post. Driver Tyler Buter was able to find a spot on the inside in 3rd early on for Clarion Hall behind pacesetting Cimeronken. On the back stretch, the favorite made his move first over to corral Cimeronken and take over the lead. Clarion Hall ended up closing Magic Vacation for the victory, his third straight, by a length-and-a-half in 1:56:3.

HONORABLE MENTION TROTTERS:
Macmorris Hanover (George Napolitano Jr., Robert Baggitt Jr.) who moved up in class on Saturday for his second straight condition victory, winning in 1:55:4 on a sloppy track. Global Pandemic (Yannick Gingras, Ron Burke), a two-year-old colt who followed up a stakes win in his debut at the Meadowlands with a win in the Pennsylvania All-Stars at Pocono on Monday in 1:57:3.  Frankasauras (Jim Pantaleano, Scott Betts), who followed up a win at the Meadows win with a condition win at Pocono on Tuesday in 1:55:2, a new career-best time.

LONG SHOT OF THE WEEK: FOREVERHILLREIGN

Despite odds of 24-1, this trotter driven by Tom Jackson made a late rally for a win on Saturday afternoon and paid off $50.20 on a $2 win ticket.

DRIVER OF THE WEEK: TYLER BUTER

Buter had wins on each of the three racing days he was at Pocono this past week, highlighted by a colony-leading four victories on the Saturday afternoon program.

TRAINER OF THE WEEK: TODD BUTER

While Tyler was cleaning up on the driver’s side, Todd was getting it done as trainer, picking up three victories for the week at Pocono, including a double on Saturday. That will do it for this week at Pocono, but we’ll see you at the track. Feel free to e-mail me at jbeviglia@mohegansunpocono.com