Favorites Prevail in PA All Stars

By Frank and Ray Cotolo 

(H) denotes Hambletonian eligible 

Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs hosted a trio of divisions for the $90,000 Pennsylvania All Stars on Saturday, July 5, featuring sophmore colts. 

The opening division was an exhibition for 1-5 favorite Outburst (H-Explosive Matter), who won by 6 lengths in 1:54.4f off of an eighth-place effort in the Earl Beal, Jr. 

Owned by Adam Victor & Son Stables, Kemppi Stables Oy Inc, Mirva Bogucki and trainer Noel Daley and driven by Andrew McCarthy, he paid $2.60 to win. 

Split two was taken for the Chris Ryder owned-trained-and-driven gelding Madewell Hanover in 1:55.1f over early pacesetter Amped Up Hanover (H-Explosive Matter). Ryder guided his gelding to the top before the half and managed to fend off Amped Up Hanover’s challenge in deep stretch. He returned $3.20 to win. 

Il Sogno Dream (H-Cantab Hall) traveled a big mile in the closing division, resulting in a 7-length victory in 1:54.1f. Taking the lead past the quarter, he sat in the pocket until three-quarters, where Aaron Merriman pulled him three wide, giving him room to unleash his speed. 

Owned by Bill and Dan Manes, Leonard Christopher and Randy Christopher and trained by Chris Beaver, the public choice paid $3.40 for win.