Super Stakes move from Philly to Pocono

Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs is getting ready for what will be its biggest season ever with the addition of three big races for late summer. In addition to the Breeders Crown, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 19; and the Ben Franklin, Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial Trot, the Max Hempt, and the James Lynch set for June; the track in Northeast Pennsylvania is proud to add the prestigious Super Stakes races from Harrah’s Philadelphia to their stakes schedule.

The Colonial, Battle of Brandywine, and the Valley Forge will take their spot two weeks after the Hambletonian on Saturday, Aug. 17.

The decision to change the schedule, which will see these races alternate between Harrah’s Philadelphia and Pocono from year to year, was made by the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association, which controls the stakes schedules at both tracks.

According to PHHA President Sam Beegle, the move will make it easier to keep the purse account in check.

Ron Battoni, Executive Director of the PHHA, also cited the recent renovations to the racing apron to Pocono as a plus.

"They put $300,000 last year into the apron to level it," he said. "They can put tables and tents, as well as outdoor vendors and betting windows.”

At a press conference for the Breeders Crown last fall, Beegle announced a bonus of $1 million if the same horse wins the Earl Beal Jr. Memorial Trot, the Colonial Trot and the Breeders Crown 3-Year-Old Trot.

Racing opens for the 48th season at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs on Saturday, March 23, and continues until Nov. 16.