Pocono trot goes to Likeabatoutahell

Likeabatoutahell controlled matters on the front-end to capture Friday night’s featured Open Trot at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. The race carried the night’s top purse of $25,000.

 

With John Campbell driving for trainer Trond Smedshammer, Likeabatoutahell, an 8-year-old gelding, left from post position five in a field on nine as the even-money favorite. Campbell sent the gelding to the front right from the start, and urged him to retake the lead at the three-eighths pole after briefly relenting to Baby Boy Grin. With moderate fractions throughout the mile, Likeabatoutahell had plenty left for the stretch drive, and he won by 1 3/4 lengths in 1:54.4, matching the fastest trotting time at the Pocono oval so far this season. Wind Surfer finished second while Sand Top Gun came on for third.

 

Likeabatoutahell, sired by SJ’s Caviar, won for the second time in three tries this season. The victory was the 30th of his career, and his lifetime earnings are now over $722,000. (Pocono)