WILKES-BARRE PA – Scott Rocks reclaimed the lead approaching the second turn, then held off the long first-over bid of Maxdaddy Blue Chip to take Saturday’s $25,000 winners-over handicap pace at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono in 1:49.4.
George Napolitano Jr. sent the Rocknroll Hanover gelding to the lead in quick order, then kept Bushwacker outside until releasing him nearing the wire for the first time. But Scott Rocks was quick to reclaim the lead, then dug in to battle against the uncovered Maxdaddy Blue Chip.
Scott Rocks had the advantage of the inner position and paced his last half in 53.4, but he needed all his talent to hold off the stubborn and game Maxdaddy Blue Chip by a head. Chris Oakes trains the winner of 42 career races and $657,754 for the Northfork Racing Stable and Chuck Pompey.
In the $16,500 co-feature pace, it was George’s brother Anthony entering Victory Lane after putting a new mark of 1:50 in the Western Ideal gelding JJ Flynn. The career winner of $254,048 rode cover second-over, then came home sharply to overhaul favored Luck Be Withyou (and brother George) by a neck for trainer Josh Green, also co-owner with Richard Lombardo, Carl Alley, and Charles Cochran III.
George Napolitano Jr. won six on the program.
PHHA / Pocono