Pocono: Barimah A upsets in Van Rose Memorial Invitational

Facing off against a number of horses shipping in from the recently-completed George Morton Levy Pacing Series, 14-1 shot Barimah A took top honors in the $50,000 Van Rose Memorial Invitational Saturday night at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.

Despite sloppy going the action was hot and heavy throughout, with favored Sunfire Blue Chip (Jim Marohn Jr.) having to work on the outside to gain the lead past the 25 4/5 opening quarter. Sunfire Blue Chip was then overtaken by both Rockin Ron (Eric Goodell) and Somewhere In L A (Simon Allard) before the 53 1/5 half went on the board.

Mach It So (George Napolitano Jr.) would move first-over to challenge Somewhere In L A in the backstretch, poking a head in front at the 1:20 4/5 three-quarters. Meanwhile, Sunfire Blue Chip was able to escape from the three-hole to the outside in front of a stopping second-over Lucan Hanover (Anthony Napolitano), with Barimah A (Pat Berry) three-wide to get around Lucan Hanover before picking up the second-over spot on the final turn while Sunfire Blue Chip ducked inside into the pocket.

In the lane the top four fanned out across the track, but it was clear that Sunfire Blue Chip in the passing lane and Barimah A on the far outside were going the best. Barimah A responded to Berry's left-handed urging, getting up to beat Sunfire Blue Chip by a head on the wire in a 1:50 mile. Somewhere in L A gamely held third ahead of Mach It So.

Barimah A is a 7-year-old gelding by Bettor's Delight who is trained by Scott Di Dimenico for owners Brian Carsey, John McGill, and Adam Friedland. This was Barimah A's 18th career victory, and he has now earned $204,564. He returned $30.00 to win.