Pocono: Confederate conquers again in Max C. Hempt Memorial

Confederate and driver Tim Tetrick waited until late on the final turn to tip wide, but once in the homestretch powered to the front to capture the $300,000 Max C. Hempt Memorial at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania on Saturday afternoon. The Sweet Lou-sired colt effortlessly rolled to a 1:48 3/5 victory.

Confederate got away fourth in the early fray as Christchuch and driver Yannick Gingras left with purpose from the pole position, seating Hungry Angel Boy in the first turn, but Stockade Seelster and David Miller were left parked through the 26 1/5 opening quarter. Miller tried to move Stockade Seelster to the lead, but Gingras and Christchurch were not yielding as the pair hit the half in 53 3/5.

Tetrick moved to pick up cover behind Stockade Seelster before the half and was tracked by Fulton, but the pace continued strongly through three-quarters in 1:21 with the top two dueling and Tetrick biding his time. Tetrick then pulled the trigger on the bend, and once Confederate had clear sailing, he blew by the leaders and pulled away to win by open lengths as the 1-9 choice. Stockade Seelster was dead-game throughout the homestretch and nailed Christchurch, the horse he was trying to beat the entire trip. Hungry Angel Boy finished fourth, with The Real Way fifth across the wire.

"It feels pretty good," said Tetrick following the victory, with a smile for ear-to-ear.

Owned by Diamond Creek Racing and trained by Brett Pelling, Confederate was a winner for the sixth time in seven starts this year and paid the minimum $2.10 with the victory.

"No one wants to be behind him," said Pelling about the battle for the lead. "He'll go to Kentucky now (Sire Stakes)."

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Ken Hanover and Tetrick withstood intense pressure throughout the mile but prevailed in the $200,000 Hempt first consolation. A son of Captaintreacherous sent off as the odds-on favorite, Ken Hanover cut wicked fractions while battling Ervin Hanover (Gingras) and then held off pocket-sitter Command in the homestretch for owner-trainer Roland Mallar and co-owners Leavitt, Jordan and Osterholt. Joemikiyoursofine finished third in the 1:49 mile.

Act Fast and Gingras took the front at the quarter and never looked back in taking the $100,000 Hempt second consolation. A son of Downbytheseaside, Act Fast scored in 1:49 3/5, a personal-best clocking, for trainer Ron Burke and owners Burke Racing, Knox Services, Rich Lombardo Racing and Beasty LLC. Sent off as the even-money favorite, Act Fast defeated Hungry Man, with Lyons Surfing third in the mile.