Ideal Newton rallies for win in Pocono's distaff open

Ideal Newton rallied from last to first to win the featured Open pace for fillies and mares on Tuesday night at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. In the process, the mare captured the winner’s share of the biggest purse for an overnight race in Pocono history.

The purse for the Open was $60,000, which was twice the amount of Pocono’s previous high for an overnight race. Those lofty purses will be featured throughout the season for the Opens at the track.

Leaving from an outside post in a field of six at 9-2, Ideal Newton was steered early to the back of the pack by driver Andrew McCarthy. The lead changed hands twice on the front stretch as fast fractions were set. McCarthy bided his time before sending Ideal Newton, a 6-year-old mare from the Noel Daley barn, to the outside third over just past the half-mile marker. That’s where she stayed before swinging four-wide around the last turn, setting up a furious charge to win by a half-length in 1:50:3, matching the fastest pacing time at Pocono so far this season. Ridge Jumper came on for second while Rock N Soul picked up the show.

Ideal Newton, sired by Western Ideal and owned by Adam Victor & Son Stable of New York, NY, won for the 3rd time in 10 tries this year. It was her 23rd career victory, and her lifetime earnings now stand at $588,273. (Pocono)