Makerbark upsets in Pocono opener

Makerbark, a 15-1 shot, pulled off an upset in the first race feature on Wednesday night at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. The race was the opener of the 2009 season and marked a return to night racing at Pocono.

Makerbark, driven and trained by Roger Hammer, cleared her competitors in the conditioned pace for fillies and mares at the three-eighth-mile mark of the race. The mare kept the lead from there on out, capturing the winner’s share of the $16,500 purse in 1:54.2 over a "sloppy" racetrack. Lightning Dragon finished second and Leanback Coco picked up the show.

Wednesday evening marked a return to night racing for the first time in five years at Pocono. Racing had been held strictly in the afternoon due to construction at the casino, but officials decided to make the switch back for the 2009 season. (Pocono Downs)

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