Mystery Chase repeats at Pocono

The $28,000 Open Handicap Pace Saturday at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs once again found Jim Morrill Jr. in the winner’s circle with Mystery Chase.

 

Last week it was Mystery Chase, a 5-year-old Real Artist stallion trained by Donnie Russell, closing fast to win by a nose over Western Bay and Matt Kakaley. The second time around it was Mystery Chase getting a solid trip in the pocket down the backside and edging Western Bay and Kakaley by three-quarters of a length. Longshot Mighty Young Joe (Stacy Chiodo) finished third, two lengths back.

 

“I was a little concerned going down the backside because I didn’t know if George (Napolitano Jr.) would carry us,” said Morrill in the winner’s circle. “Everything opened up at the top of the lane and I took to the passing lane. This is a special horse and Donnie Russell is a good horseman.”

 

Mystery Chase has now won five of 12 starts this season with three second-place finishes and $94,000-plus in earnings. The stallion earned $217,000-plus last year. (Pocono)