Pocono: Highalator best in Van Rose Memorial Invitational Pace

Highalator, a son of Somebeachsomewhere and a certified “Pocono lover” with an 11-for-18 lifetime record locally, rallied from the pocket for pilot Ricky Still to win the $50,000 Van Rose Memorial Invitational Pace in 1:49 4/5 at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono on the evening portion of a Kentucky Derby doubleheader.

Named for the longtime handicapper/writer covering Pocono Downs and the general harness scene, the Rose also doubles as the opener of the Great Northeast Open Series for the open pacing set, and it was contentious from start to finish. Highalator left from post two but needed most of a 26 1/5 first quarter to get around pole-sitting Duplicated N, with 3-5 favorite and Levy hero Western Fame on the move soon after Highalator cleared and clearing well before the 54 1/5 half.

49-1 shot The Wall had started uncovered from seventh nearing the second turn and showed no respect for the tote board when he went right up to go at Western Fame to the 1:22 1/5 three-quarters, with Highalator behind Western Fame and Bettor Memories second-over behind The Wall. To the shock of many, it was Western Fame who first showed a chink as The Wall got a short lead on the turn, with Bettor Memories swinging three-wide turning for home. Highalator, the second choice, and Still knew the Pocono Pike awaited them, and when clear Highalator showed his grit by responding instantly to the open space, outclosing Bettor Memories by a neck, with The Wall just another half-length back; Western Fame tired to be fifth.

The solid ratio of Pocono winning has helped Highalator compile a 26-for-59 lifetime record, with his earnings now at $366,528 after this win and a victory in the first leg of the Golden Receiver at the Meadowlands last week. Jenny Bier trains Highalator, and she also co-owns him with Joann Dombeck and Midsize Construction Inc.

--press release (PHHA/Pocono)--