Pocono: Lynch elims to Youaremycandygirl, Kissin In The Sand

Youaremycandygirl bounced back effectively from a disappointing showing in the Fan Hanover with an authoritative performance in the first of two $20,000 eliminations for the James Lynch Memorial at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono on Saturday. The sophomore pacing filly, under the guidance of Yannick Gingras, was pushed to the quarter in 27 1/5 but had no trouble settling fractions this week on her way to a 1:51 3/5 victory.

Carlo's Superstar left swiftly from the pole position, with Youaremycandygirl by her side and second choice Alexa's Power three-deep briefly before settling back. After clearing the top Gingras was able to shut down the half to 56 2/5 and await the challenge of Alexa's Power. Youaremycandygirl was in complete command through a 27-second third quarter and seemed eased up in the 28 1/5 final quarter. Double A Mint stalked second-over cover for Matt Kakaley and rallied boldly for second, with Alexas Power settling for third. Hypnotic Tale secured a position in the final as well with a fourth-place effort.

W.J. Donovan owns Youaremycandygirl, the 2017 Dan Patch Award winner, with Ron Burke training the top two finishers. The winner returned $4.40.

Kissin In The Sand regained her winning form as well, capturing the second Lynch division for driver Scott Zeron.

Sansovina Hanover left alertly to take control past the start and led the field to the quarter in 26 4/5. Kissin In The Sand stayed outside in the early stages and secured the top past the quarter before being attacked by Sidewalk Dancer and Brett Miller. Zeron took Sidewalk Dancer nearly to the second turn before releasing her. Sidewalk Dancer cut fractions of 55 and 1:23 1/5, with Serene Stride moving slowly without cover and leading I'm Trigger Happy in the process.

In the stretch Kissin In The Sand was able to move through along the inside and nailed Sidewalk Dancer nearing the wire in a 1:51 1/5 clocking. Sidewalk Dancer was second, with I'm Trigger Happy closing well for third. Sansovina Hanover finished fourth, with Serene Stride fifth and advancing to the final by virtue of a quicker final time than Pass Line Blue Chip, who was fifth in the first elimination.

Marvin Katz and Hatfield Stables own Kissin In The Sand, who is trained by Nancy Johansson. Kissin In The Sand was the 4-5 betting choice and returned $3.60.