Springboard an upset Winner at Pocono

Springboard, with Jim Taggart Jr. in the sulky, made it three straight at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs Tuesday night.

A 28-1 longshot, Springboard produced a life mark of 1:53.1 in winning the $24,000 Open I handicap trot.

Last week, Springboard and Taggart Jr. won the Open II trot with a life mark of 1:54.1 and also was a long shot in that race.

Trained and owned by Miles Wollam, Springboard is now two for two at the Northeastern Pennsylvania racetrack after winning in 1:55.2 at the Meadows.

Taggart Jr. was a gapped second-over behind Grain Of Truth (Ray Schnittker) going down the backside with favorite Stand Guard (George Napolitano Jr.) on the front end.

A three-wide move was then made by Taggart Jr. at the top of the lane and the winner edged Southern Rocketop (Matt Kakaley) and Grain Of Truth by three-quarters of a length.

You’re Next (Joe Pavia Jr.) took the eight-horse field to the opening panel in 27.1 while Stand Guard was the new leader at the half and three-quarters with the times being 55.4 and 1:24.1.

BigPepper, reined by Napolitano Jr., won the Open II trot with a time of 1:54.2. This six-year-old gelding was making his first appearance for new owner John J. Wach of Boonton, N.J. and trainer Wendy Chellis. Wach claimed BigPepper for $23,000 on July 3 when the trotter won in 1:55 for trainer Lou Pena.

Badboy Paparazzi A (Mike Simons) finished second in Tuesday night’s race while Lord Darby (Eric Goodell) was third. (Pocono)

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