Pocono: Mach It So surprises in Great Northeast Series

All the bettors’ attention was focused on Rodeo Romeo and Rockeyed Optimist, 1-2 in the Great Northeast Open Series pacing standings and 1-2 at the post draw, but Mach It So, a winner at Pocono recently and still let go as the 11-1 third choice, set the pace and held off Rodeo Romeo by a head to win a $30,000 Great Northeast event at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono Saturday night.

George Napolitano Jr., with five winners on the Pocono card joining the two he had at Philly this afternoon, gunned the Mach Three gelding at the start and seated everyone behind him, with Rodeo Romeo in the pocket at the 26 1/5 quarter. Favored Rockeyed Optimist started uncovered nearing the 55 2/5 half, but Mach It So had a nice breather in quarter two and restarted the jets, blunting the first-over horse's bid by reaching the three-quarters in 1:22.

But Rodeo Romeo was still right there, and pulling out in the stretch he inched ever-closer to the leader. But the winner of $2,593,675 lifetime showed his heart was still in the right place at age eight, holding off the potential pocket rocket by a head for trainer Jeff Bamond Jr. and Bamond Racing LLC.

--press release (Pocono/PHHA)--