Pocono: Western Fame, Ideal Jimmy sharp in qualifiers

Even as a certain well-regarded mare qualified at Dover in what was likely preparation for early season work, two horses who were very prominent in last year’s Levy Series action turned in top qualifiers at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono Wednesday morning.

Western Fame, the 2019 Levy Series winner who would go on to take a Franklin elim and finish third in the Franklin Championship here at Pocono, went straight to the lead for driver Simon Allard and trainer/brother Rene Allard, winning in 1:57 1/5. A last quarter of 28 4/5 made the winner of $1,745,185 clear at the wire for Go Fast Stable, Stephen Klunowski, B & I Stables LLC, and Gilbert Short.

Later, former Pennsylvania Sire Stakes Champion Ideal Jimmy, a three-time Levy prelim winner last year, put in a sharp 1:53 4/5 mile on the engine, with a 27 3/5 last quarter leaving him 8 1/4 lengths in front of his field for driver Matt Kakaley, trainer Erv Miller, and the Van Witzenburg stable.

Also deserving mention are the team of driver Eric Carlson and trainer Gilbert Garcia-Herrera, who combined on the first three qualifiying winners. Garcia-Herrera sent out a total of 11 horses in the prep races, a few times with two in the same race, and in addition to the three wins he had four second-place finishers and two third-place finishers.

-edited release (Pocono/PHHA)