Polansky upsets in AHDC Trot

WILKES-BARRE, Pa.— Following an inquiry that resulted in the disqualification of 31-1 shot Mamy Wata for interference to the 3-5 favorite past the first quarter, runner-up Big Nudge (Donato Hanover) landed in the victor’s seat at odds of 20-1 in the $10,000 American Harness Drivers Club (AHDC) Trot at Pocono Downs on Sunday night (May 25).

Leaving from post 4, driver Mike Polansky secured the pocket seat for Big Nudge while Love Kitten (driven by Yogi Sheridan) took command to a :28.2 first quarter. Love Kitten had no challengers looming through the stretch the first time and slowed the tempo, which prompted Just The Facts (Tony Beltrami) to angle outside before getting forced three wide by Mamy Wata (Paul Minore) pushing off the pegs. All the while, Love Kitten grabbed a breather to the half in :59.

Mamy Wata fronted the outside charge to the backstretch and drew alongside Love Kitten on the march to three-quarters in 1:27.2. The two stayed engaged in battle while Big Nudge waited for room in the open stretch to make his attack. Mamy Wata put away Love Kitten in the lane and dug in against Big Nudge through a stretch sprint to cross the line first by a nose, but was placed seventh behind Just The Facts for forcing him three wide moving to the second turn. Big Nudge took first with Love Kitten second, beaten 1-1/2 lengths. Snowman Hanover (Peter Gerry) saved ground for third as did Hunters Gal (Frank Tsipouras) in fourth.

Veronica Spicer trains and co-owns Big Nudge, an 8-year-old gelding by Donato Hanover, with co-owner Michael Sherman Jr. He paid $43.40 to win.

BIG NUDGE REPLAY

AHDC action continues next Sunday (June 1) with pacing divisions at Harrah’s Philadelphia and trotting divisions at Pocono Downs. First-race post time at Harrah’s Philadelphia is 12:40 p.m. (EDT) and 6:00 p.m. at Pocono.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Ray Cotolo, for the AHDC