Pocono: T C I, Security Protected deliver in PA Sire Stakes divisions

T C I and Security Protected were the favorites in their respective $78,680 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes sections for rookie colt and gelding trotters on Sunday night at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania, and they wouldn't let down their backers, prevailing in 1:55 and 1:55 4/5, respectively.

Driven by David Miller in the opening division, T C I sped out from post four and released a two-wide Crown Monarch (Jason Bartlett) to the point past the 28 1/5 opening quarter but would move right back to the front. From there, T C I hit the half in 57 4/5, began to get separation on the rest of the field racing to the 1:26 1/5 three-quarters, and continued to pull away in a 28 4/5 final panel, defeating Highly Motivated (Charlie Norris) by 5 3/4 lengths. Bird And Grenade (Brady Brown) was the third-place finisher.

A Cantab Hall colt bred by Concord Stud Farm, T C I is trained by Ron Burke for owners Burke Racing Stable LLC., Hatfield Stables, Knox Services Inc. and Weaver Bruscemi LLC. He has four wins and a second from five appearances, has banked $100,970 and paid $2.40 to win.

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In the second flight 31-1 shot Breezy Hall (Pat Lachance) blasted to the lead from post eight and cut opening-half fractions of 28 1/5 and 58 1/5, with Security Protected (Brian Sears) going first-up from third beyond the half. Security Protected moved up quickly on the rim and forged his way around Breezy Hall before the 1:27 1/5 three-quarters, then kicked home in 28 1/5 to win the event by a length and a quarter. Memorynimagination (Anthony MacDonald) got shuffled back in the pocket on the last turn but was able to angle out and closed well to finish second, and Carrera Hanover (Miller) got up for third.

The victorious Marcus Melander trainee is owned by co-owner Order By Stable in partnership with Howard Taylor and Brad Grant. Security Protected, a Father Patrick colt, has a record of 3-1-0 from four outings, pushed his earnings to $93,470 and returned $4.00 to win.