Pocono: Pure Country maintains divisional lead with impressive Lynch triumph

Pure Country had to work until the half to clear, but once she hit the front she didn't relinquish it on her way to winning the $300,000 James M. Lynch Memorial for 3-year-old pacing fillies at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono. The final time was 1:49 2/5, a new lifetime mark for the Dan Patch Award winner.

I Said Diamonds (Matt Kakaley) was the first leader, taking the group of nine to the opening quarter in 27 seconds, but she gave way to Darlinonthebeach (Dave Miller), who then cut Pure Country (Brett Miller) loose right at the 54 2/5 half. Blue Moon Stride (Andrew McCarthy) was left first-over when Pure Country cleared, but when Darlinonthebeach backed up quickly before the 1:22 1/5 three-quarters, Blue Moon Stride dropped into the pocket.

Pure Country and Blue Moon Stride separated themselves from the field turning for home, and although Blue Moon Stride angled out and gained some ground late, Pure Country remained in front to win by a length. Lindwood Beachgirl (Yannick Gingras) finished third.

"This mile tonight might have been her best mile ever," said Brett Miller. "She was vicious tonight."

Pure Country is a Diamond Creek homebred. The daughter of Somebeachsomewhere has now won 14 times from 17 career starts, and she has earned $1,196,730. The 7-5 choice, Pure Country paid $4.80.

"She's pure class. She's getting more professional," said winning trainer Jimmy Takter. "As a 2-year-old it's a little easier to be a little bit dominant. There's a lot of good fillies out there, and they've got to work for every race."