Explosive Matter scratched from Pocono feature Tuesday

For the second time in the past four Open Handicap Trot races at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs it was Nicole’s Promise beating the boys on Tuesday night. Explosive Matter, the 8-5 morning line favorite who was assigned the nine hole, was scratched "sick" from the race.

 

In the $28,750 Open Handicap Trot, Nicole’s Promise, a 6-year-old trotting mare trained by John Marshall and driven by Tom Jackson, just nipped Grain Of Truth (Ray Schnittker) at the wire. Time of the mile was 1:55.2. Schnittker left quickly from the six post and stayed on top the entire race before finishing second with Summertime Yankee (Andrew McCarthy) third in the race.

 

Nicole’s Promise also won from the five hole in Open Handicap Trot company on Aug. 4.

 

Gift Kronos, the eight horse in the field and the race favorite with Daniel Dube in the bike, went on an early break after leaving the gate, leaving Schnittker and Grain Of Truth to take the lead in the race.

 

The win with Nicole’s Promise was Jackson’s third of the evening. George Napolitano Jr., who collected five wins this past Saturday afternoon at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, also had three wins through the first 10 races of the 16-race card Tuesday evening. (Pocono Downs)