Harry Knows IR romps in Pocono debut

Harry Knows IR (Amstrong Jet) notched his third straight win in the USA as the Irish-bred six-year-old harness racing gelding romped in winning the $14,500 trot Saturday (March 18) afternoon at Pocono Downs. It was his first start ever on a five-eighths mile track.

The 6^th race saw Grapple Hanover (Jim Pantaleano) scoot out to the early lead with both Say You Do (Tyler Buter) and Harry Knows IR, the overwhelming 1/9 race favorite, parked out three-wide early.

As they rounded the first turn, Say You Do went off-stride, but it did not affect three-wide Harry Knows IR at all as driver Lauren Tritton kept the anxious trotter under control and continuing first-over against pacesetter Grapple Hanover. The first quarter went in :28.1.

It Harry Knows IR, choppin on the bit, as he passed by Grapple Hanover to take command and lead the field past the half mile marker in :56.3.

That was when Harry Knows IR and Tritton started to open up on the field, leading by four lengths at the three-quarters in 1:25, led by five lengths at the top of the stretch and then went on to win by five and one-quarter lengths in 1:55. Julia Magician (Ridge Warren) was second with Mystical Wynn (George Napolitano, Jr.) third.

HARRY KNOWS IR REPLAY

Harry Knows IR now sports three wins in his four starts since coming to the USA from Ireland. He is actually French-bred and was conceived and foaled in Ireland by breeder and owner Patrick Kane of Summerhill Meath, IR. Kane would go on to train and drive Harry Knows in Ireland, where he was the 2021 and 2022 Trotter of the Year.

He is trained in the USA by Shane Tritton. Harry Knows IR paid just $2.20 to win Saturday.

For complete race results, click here.

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink