WILKES-BARRE PA – The Betting Line gelding Imaginary Line took his fifth straight victory in the $16,500 claiming handicap pacing feature at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania Sunday night, parlaying a pocket trip into a fairly easy win in 1:50.3.
Imaginary Line started his streak in $15,000 company, and was taken for $22,000 last week by owner Mark Jakubik and trainer Darren Taneyhill, who put him in for a price of $33,000 this week. That tag got him post four in the field of six, inside of favored Shoobee Doo A (post six, $40,000), who had won four of his last five starts. Imaginary Line was sent out very swiftly by driver Tyler Buter, then pushed the chalk hard, well past a :26.1 quarter before yielding for the golden chair.
Shoobee Doo A put up midmarkers of :55 and 1:22.4, but as soon as Imaginary Line dipped down into the Pocono Pike, he gained swiftly and was going to push his winning streak to five, the last four for different barns – but he stays with Jakubik/Taneyhill after this race. Shoobee Doo A did hold for second, 1½ lengths behind, and was haltered for the $40,000 price tag.
Matt Kakaley and Anthony Napolitano led the drivers with three wins apiece on Sunday.
Two-year-olds competing in Pennsylvania All-Stars action will headline the Monday and Tuesday 1 p.m. cards, with four $30,000 divisions each day: pacing colts will go on Monday, and trotting fillies will face the starter on Tuesday. Free Pocono programs are or will be available at www.phha.org.