Race Preview Pocono Downs: Super Stakes Saturday August 17th

Super Stakes Saturday Feature Races at Mohegan Sun Pocono Downs on Saturday August 17, 2013

Valley Forge 2nd Consolation - $75,000 - 3YO F Pace - Race 2 Probable favorite 5-UF Dragon's Queen looks tough to beat, but Yannick Gingras is back on 7-Where The Girls Are and he's 2/2 for wins with this filly, although at The Meadowlands and Harrah's. Here, she's had 5 races and 1 place. 3-I Got To Boogie has moved to Ron Burke's barn from Tony O'Sullivan's, after a month at Chris Ryder's barn from June to July. May be settled into Burke's barn, or may not be. Won Town Pro last race back and has Dave Palone in the bike to boot. Have to consider for exotics and possible win.

The Colonial 2nd Consolation - $100,000 - 3YO Open Trot - Race 3 7-Wheeling and Dealin with Yannick Gingras and a trainer with 29% for wins for trots looks like the top contender here. Last year, he was 9 for 9 for wins, but has had a little trouble firing this year, so far. Two places and a show in Hambo Elims. Hit par for this race in his last race. 4-Lindy's True Grit had the highest speed rating in his last race. Tim Tetrick in the bike and good position for leaving early and looking for a pocket trip.

Battle of Brandywine 2nd Consolation - $100,000 -3YO Open Pace - Race 4 3-Ultimate Beachboy was scratched lame in late June but qualified with good times and in sound shape. Has Dave Palone and Ron Burke driving and training and has contended successfully with better than these. One to watch, for sure. 2-Only The Lonely has won both races he ran here. Good Day Mate has won 2 here and placed in 2 here and has 3 out of 6 for wins this year, so far. Ron Pierce and Chris Oakes will have him at the top of his form for this one.

Valley Forge Consolation - $150,000 - 3YO F Pace - Race 6 2-Carol's Desire just missed last time out here and ran a very gritty race. She just needs to kick it up a notch to win this one. If 6-Nikki's Beach can hang tough in the stretch this time, she could do it here. 1-Handsoffmycupcake can't seem to find the finish line in time to do more than place, but is a solid exotics bet for sure with Tetrick holding the reins.

The Colonial Consolation - $200,000 - 3YO Open Trot - Race 7 What's not to like about 4-Creatine with those speed and class figures? Two races here with no purse money, but they were both in outside positions and Lachance has this one firing on all eight off that Hambo elim win. Has raced at higher levels and prevailed. 1-Dream On with Gingras rates a look too and could steal this one. And watch out for 3-Vibe Blue Chip, who was dq'ed in his last but might mind his manners in this one and get a chunk of change.

Battle of Brandywine Consolation - $200,000 - 3YO Open Pace - Race 8 I'm going out on a limb here and picking 3-Sweet Talkin Satin to win this one for Tim and Tom Tetrick. 2-Resistance Futile and 7-Martini Hanover look like contenders. 8-Emeritus Maximus would look better closer to the rail.

Valley Forge - $350,000 - 3YO F Pace - Race 10 2-I Luv The Nitelife is coming off 7 wins and Tetrick and Ryder have their filly aimed at Number 8 here. She's won both of her Pocono races and I see no reason to bet against her. 9-Shebestingin is moving up in class and doesn't have the best post, but will make the best of it and might just pull it off. Always in the exacta in 5 races at Pocono.

The Colonial - $500,000 - 3YO Open Trot - Race 11 8-Royalty for Life, the Hambo winner, will undoubtedly take the win money and may win, but won't pay. 7-High Bridge with Yannick Gingras driving for Jimmy Takter catches my eye with the fastest speed rating last time out at The Meadows with Dave Palone in the bike. Likes Pocono and only needs to come up with a little more to beat that last loss by a neck. 6-Corky might add a little gas to his tank and find a higher gear here too.

Battle of Brandywine - $500,000 - 3YO Open Pace - Race 12 4-Captaintreacherous is working off 6 out of 6 wins this year and I don't see any other entry that can beat his best, which is what he always brings to his races. 9-Somekindabeach really likes this track and may be able to overcome his post position and the dizzying series of trainer changes he's had to get into the exotics. Longshot 6-Twilight Bonfire isn't totally out of the question with a good trip and a lucky break or two.