Harness: Ecurie D DK preps for International Trot in Pocono qualifier

Ecurie D DK got in a prep for the MGM Yonkers International Trot a week from Saturday by winning a qualifier in 1:57 1/5 over a "sloppy -2" surface on Wednesday morning at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono.

Sarah Svanstedt, wife of trainer Åke Svanstedt and an accomplished driver in her own right (she's 10-for-13 at Pocono this season in betting races), sat in the pocket with Ecurie D DK behind fractions of :30 1/5 and 1:00 3/5, moved off to a five length lead by the 1:29 2/5 three-quarters, then buzzed home in :27 4/5 despite the off going and chilly temperatures to win by 9½ lengths with the son of Infinitif for the ownership of Marko Kreivi Stables Inc., Suleyman Yuksel Stables Inc., and Åke Svanstedt Inc.

Ecurie D DK, who will represent his native Denmark (the "DK" at the end of his name) in the International, has a lifetime record of 18 wins in 27 starts and earnings of $1,056,757. After racing with distinction against top horses in Europe, the six-year-old was brought to these shores and promptly won the Allerage Trot and Breeders Crown at the end of last year, then set a 1:49 1/5 world record in the Cutler in his first start of 2022.

-edited release (PHHA / Pocono)