WILKES-BARRE PA — Harness racing driver Tyler Buter held the hot driving hands during another frosty card at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania, with $59.20 bomber Smooth Landing (Tactical Landing) taking the $17,000 featured trot as one of six winners on the Saturday afternoon program for the 38-year-old who is fast approaching 4500 career wins.
Buter had the victorious gelding out behind grinding heavy favorite Buddy Earl, then moved on to challenge raw after that one got by at the three-quarter pole under some urging. Through the stretch it was no contest as Smooth Landing went on to a 1:58 final time for trainer Jennifer Bongiorno and owners Glenn Goller and Stephen Demeter. Enola closed steadily to take second ahead of Buddy Earl.
SMOOTH LANDING REPLAY
Co-featured were a trio of $16,500 contests, with the fast-class trot also going to Buter and the 51-time career winner Rich And Miserable (Explosive Matter) in 1:55. The Todd Buter-trained gelding was the easiest of winners while taking his career bankroll to $824,444 for Buter Farm Inc. and Lynette Buter.
Tyler pulled another upset with 12-1 choice Panettone Hanover in the top-level starter allowance pace, tipping wide off the cover of Francis Underwood and prevailing in 1:53.2. The Captaintreacherous gelding is co-owned by trainer Cote Keim in partnership with El Dorado Stables and Buzzy Sholty.
The fast-class pace saw the Always B Miki gelding Maximus Miki win his second straight race at Pocono via a pocket journey, launching up the inside to gain into a :55.4 back half and win in 1:53.3. George Napolitano Jr. again guided the pacer to success for Team Cancelliere, trainer Tom and owner John.
Racing returns to Pocono Monday for a 14-race card beginning at 1 p.m., with a $15,000 pair of showcase events for developing horses at each gait. Pocono programs are available free of charge at www.phha.org.
For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.
From the PHHA/Pocono