Pocono: Sebastian K Invitational Trot goes to Jiggy Jog S

Jiggy Jog S had to work to get by a game Lexus Kody but came away with the victory in Saturday afternoon's $100,000 Sebastian K Invitational for older trotters at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania.

Regular driver Dexter Dunn floated away from post seven with Jiggy Jog S and was fourth in the early stages, but that would turn into a pocket seat past the 26 4/5 quarter as first Hillexotic (Matt Kakaley) broke on the first turn and then early leader Black Magic (Scott Zeron) miscued just after yielding the front to Lexus Kody (Yannick Gingras).

Gingras hit the brakes in the second quarter with Lexus Kody to get to the half in just 56 2/5, and the tempo didn't pick up majorly past that marker either as Lexus Kody got to three-quarters in a rated 1:24 4/5. Periculum (Mattias Melander) had made forward progress after going first-over from sixth after the half and was at Lexus Kody's saddlepad at three-quarters, locking Jiggy Jog S in the pocket.

In the stretch the passing lane became avaiable for Dunn to use, and he put Jiggy Jog S into that path, but she still had to get by the sensibly-rated Lexus Kody. Lexus Kody, who was coming off a romping victory in the Vincennes on Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands, tried his best, but Jiggy Jog S wasn't to be denied and tallied by a head in 1:52 1/5. Periculum was also brave despite the uncovered journey and was third. P L Notsonice (Todd McCarthy) got fourth at 90-1 and Hillexotic overcame his early break to come back for fifth.

► Sign up for our FREE DRF Harness Digest Newsletter

"She's an absolute athlete. She does her work pretty easy and gets over runs good," Dunn remarked after the race. "It's been two weeks since Hambletonian Day (where she took the John Cashman Memorial). I'm sure she's probably had a pretty light time coming out of a performance like that was real pleasing.

"Yannick had a good kick there turning for home and we had to angle down into the passing lane. It takes a stride or two to get going after that. Once she leveled up she showed her speed that we all know she's got."

A 5-year-old Walner mare bred by Vestmarka AB, Jiggy Jog S is owned by trainer Ake Svanstedt in partnership with Steve Stewart, John Lengacher and Hickory Hollow Stables. This was her 22nd win from 39 career starts, he has now earned $2,470,391 and she paid $2.20 to win.