Cassis wins Wyoming Valley Trot at Pocono

Tim Tetrick, one of the premier catch drivers in North America, has stamped Cassis as the one to beat in the 2010 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes following the thee-year-old Cantab Hall colt’s victory Tuesday in the $35,000 Wyoming Valley Trot final at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.

“He’s very easy to drive,” said Tetrick in the winner’s circle following his victory with Cassis. “I never really asked him for more . He's a very nice colt and I believe will be tough to beat in the P.A. Sire Stakes."

Trained by Ray Schnittker, Cassis left from the one post in the seven-horse final with three of the trotters being trained by Schnittker. It was Schnittker grabbing the early lead from the two post with 1A Homerun Hitter, getting to the first split in 28 seconds.

But before the three-eighths pole, Tetrick took command of the Wyoming Valley Trot final, getting to the half in 58 seconds and three-quarters in 1:27.4. Cassis was followed by Schnittker and Homerun Hitter, who finished second some three and one-half lengths back.Third in the final went to 31-1 longshot Telephoto (Don Irvine Jr.), six lengths back.

The coupled entry of Cassis and Homerun Hitter went off at 1-9 as the fan favorite. Cassis is now a perfect three for three in 2010 and four for five life time. The winning mile was 1:56 and equaled the life mark of Cassis. (Pocono)