Mattox’s Spencer wins Pocono feature

Mattox’s Spencer, moving up in the claiming ranks, produced a 1:53.1 victory over a sloppy racetrack Monday evening at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.

In the featured $20,000 claiming race for horses, colts and geldings, Mattox’s Spencer sat third for the opening split after leaving from the No. 1 post with Matt Kakaley in the sulky.

Kakaley made his move before the clubhouse turn to become the new leader after Mountain Air (Larry Stalbaum) took the eight-horse field to the opening quarter in 27 seconds.

Mattox’s Spencer, a five-year-old Camluck gelding trained by Kent Sherman, got to the half in 55.3 and three-quarters in 1:24.3 before winning in 1:53.1.

Native Lightning (George Napolitano Jr.) finished second, 4 and ¼ lengths behind with Red Star Tomahawk (Eric Goodell) third.

James J. Guagliardo of Wyoming, Pa., claimed Mattox’s Spencer for $15,000 when the pacer was a winner in 1:51 with Jim Morrill Jr. in the bike August 11.

The victory was the sixth in 25 starts in 2010 for Mattox’s Spencer, who this season at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, won three straight with Sherman as the trainer. (Pocono)