Pocono: Hambletonian hopefuls prep in PASS

Hambletonian hopefuls convened at Pocono Downs on Saturday night for three $74,539 divisions of Pennsylvania Sire Stakes for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters. Two-year-old colt champion Pinkman, along with Uncle Lasse and Wicker Hanover, came up with victories on the evening.

Pinkman was facing a strong group that included stable mate Whom Shall I Fear and fellow top 2-year-olds from 2014, Billy Flynn and Centurion ATM. Despite the talent-laden group, Pinkman basically cruised along on the lead through fractions of 28, 56 1/5 and 1:24 3/5 before stopping the timer as much the best in 1:53 for driver Brett Miller, who was subbing for Yannick Gingras.

Billy Flynn angled late for second and Finish Line was third. Centurion ATM, a winner of $241,640 last year, had an impossible trip and trotted home very willingly for fourth.

Pinkman is undefeated in three starts this year for trainer Jimmy Takter.

The Takter barn scored again with Uncle Lasse, who was the most impressive and fastest Sire Stakes winner.

With Miller in the bike once again, Uncle Lasse tucked fourth before he uncorked a quick move to the front between the 27 2/5 quarter and 56 3/5 half. Once in control, the pair cruised to three quarters in 1:24 2/5 and opened up on the field without breaking a sweat in the stretch of the 1:52 2/5 mile.

Chef Lee had a pocket trip for second while Cruzado Dela Noche raced well on the rim for third.

Wicker Hanover worked out a perfect cover trip and was able to hang on under a drive in 1:53 in the first division on the night.

Walter White, another Takter trainee, tracked that foe the entire mile and just missed in a good effort. Donatomite flashed early speed before yielding and came up the cones willingly for third.

Andrew McCarthy drove the winner for trainer Noel Daley.