Armbro Dowry wins season opener at Pocono

Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs opened its 2010 harness racing season Tuesday (March 23) night with the first race of the year being won by Armbro Dowry.

Driven by Yannick Gingras, Armbro Dowry stopped the timer in 1:53.3 in a $20,000 claiming pace. This marked the fifth win of the year for the seven-year-old gelded son of Bettor’s Delight and trained by Kirsten Proctor.

Gingras worked out a pocket trip behind George Napolitano Jr. and Camco Kyle to win the first race of the 14-race card.
Through the first nine races, David Miller, Jim Morrill Jr. and George Napolitano Jr. each had driving doubles.

A light rain began falling after the opening race and the track went from fast to good the rest of the evening.

Miller won the second race with K Slater, a 2-5 favorite in the race and trained by Tom Fanning. Time of this mile was 1:55.3 for K Slater, a maiden victor on the eighth lifetime start.

Miller also steered lightly raced Raines Hanover to a win in another non-winners of one pari-mutuel race in Race 6. This three-year-old All-American Native colt was only making his second lifetime start and first of the 2010 season. John Wagner trains this winner. Time of this mile was 1:58.3.

Mike Micallef piloted Fabulous Grin to a trotting victory in Race 7. Fabulous Grin, trained by Tyler Raymer, won in 2:00 and was the season’s first longshot winner of the season, paying $34.80 for a $2 wager.

Opening night drew a capacity crowd to the clubhouse (Pacers) and simulcast room. A full simulcast room and clubhouse was on hand at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs will have a 136-day meet that continues Wednesday night. Racing is held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights with a 6:30 post.(Pocono)