WILKES-BARRE PA – The Sombeachsomewhere mare Lyons River Pride held off foes to both sides during a :27 last quarter to lower her mark to 1:50 while winning the $17,500 feature for distaff pacers during the Tuesday twilight card at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono.
Simon Allard hustled the winner of $331,271 to the lead mid-first turn, with Medusa defending the pocket and forcing favorite Divas Image into the 3-hole. Lyons River Pride took the field through fractions of :26.2, :55, and 1:23, with Divas Image pulling to the outside nearing the last-named marker and Medusa joining that pair in the Pocono Pike through the lane.
A $14,000 co-feature for distaff pacers saw the recent Australian import Imprincessgemma A run her U.S. record to 2-for-3 with an authoritative score in 1:51.3, her North American best. George Napolitano Jr. sent the daughter of Village Jolt to the lead after the quarter, then brought her home in :55.2 - :27.1 for trainer Jennifer Bongiorno and the ownership of Joseph Bongiorno, Jennifer Bongiorno Stable, Steve Manzi, and Wish Me Luck Stables.
In a $15,000 trot, the Muscle Mass gelding Conman Crown overcame the outermost starting spot to record his second straight victory, here in 1:56.1. Eric Carlson guided the winner as he trotted past pacesetting favorite Trix Are For Kids late to win by a length for trainer Rob Harmon and Pine Hill Stables.