Pocono: Shipshape sails to Game Of Claims Series title

The Captaintreacherous gelding Shipshape, taken at The Meadows for $6,000 by Team Pirillo - trainer Justin and owner Gianna - on February 5, now has earned $26,710 for his new connections after triumphing in the $20,000 Championship of the Game Of Claims Pacing Series for $15,000 base-tagged horses in 1:52 4/5 Monday afternoon at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania.

Shipshape, who had sandwiched a fourth between victories in the preliminaries, forced favored Tellitsabb to go 26 1/5 to grab the early lead, then sat in the golden chair during mid-fractions of 55 3/5 and 1:23 2/5. Driver Jim Pantaleano then guided the winner to the Pocono Pike and streaked past the leader to enjoy a 1 1/2 length margin at the wire.

With a Game Of Claim Series trot for horses valued between $20,000 and $30,000 starting in two weeks, diamond-gaiters in that price range have been the interest of many, none more so than Chapolier, a Chapter Seven gelding who won in the $16,000 co-feature handicap claimer Monday in the fastest time of the year on the trot at Pocono, 1:53 2/5, despite the outside post eight. Tyler Buter - the horse’s fourth successive new pilot - had the driving assignment in the quick mile, and Chapolier will be going to a new barn for the fourth straight time, after a one week's reunion with trainer Hunter Oakes and P T Stable, which ran his winning streak to five.

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Tyler Buter came home first four times Monday, chipping into the meet advantage of Monday doubler George Napolitano Jr.; the latter's lead is now 37-35.

Game Of Claims pacing horses ten divisions deep will race for $9,000 a section in Tuesday's final preliminary leg for a group which will carry a base tag of $15,000, headed by two-time prelim winners Stick With Cramer and Captain Terminator as this grouping heads towards its $17,500 Championship a week later. The Tuesday Pocono card will also feature carryover pools in the first race Pick 4 and fifth race Pick 3.

--press release (Pocono)--