3 straight for Mr. Pine Chip

Mr. Pine Chip appears solidly on his way to the Hambletonian at the Meadowlands the first Saturday in August as the 3-year-old son of SJ’s Caviar won his third straight in the third of four Pennsylvania Sire Stakes divisions at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs Friday afternoon.

With trainer-driver Trond Smedshammer, Mr. Pine Chip made the front at the three-eighths after leaving from the outside post eight and never looked back as he cruised to a 1:56.2 victory. Santana Bluestone finished second with Macdeen Star third.

Breeder Joe Sbrocco shares ownership of Mr. Pine Chip with Southwind Farm. The winner’s share of the $24,253 purse increases his lifetime earnings to more than $316,000.

Bacardi Lindy scored in his first lifetime start with a 1:56.2 mile and Adonis B romped to a 1:57.1 score in the first two PASS divisions.

In the first division Bacardi Lindy slipped out into the out flow with cover after the half, then tipped three wide in the final turn and drew away for the victory in his first career start after racing in three qualifying races last year and five this year. Steve Smith was in the bike for trainer Jonas Czernyson and the Robert Rosenheim Stables.

Bacardi Lindy, a colt by SJ’s Photo, was a $115,000 yearling purchase in 2004 and is the first foal from the 1998 2-Year-Old Filly Trotter of the Year and 1999 Kentucky Filly futurity winner Rum Boogie 3, 1:55 ($900,908).

In the second split Adonis B and driver Todd Cummings sat a pocket trip after Having Said That and Bob Blanton Jr. rushed past the field and into the lead in front of the grandstand the first time. Cummings pulled Adonis B at the 1:26.3 three quarters just as Having Said That went off stride. Adonis B had an immediate open lengths lead on the field and cruised to his fourth victory in five starts. Focus and Jim Raymer were second followed by Euro Hanover and Todd Schadel.

The gelded son of SJ’s Caviar has two victories and a second in the Sire Stakes for trainer Mark Goldberg and owner Curby Stillings. He was unraced at two.

Lovin Every Moment saved the fastest for last as the son of SJ’s Caviar romped to an eight-length victory in 1:55.1 for trainer-driver Charlie Norris. Lolique made an early break but recovered to finish second with Tags Victory third.

The win was the first of the year in five starts for Lovin Every Moment. Leonard Buckner is the owner of the career winner of more than $180,000.

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