Village Jade makes three moves to win

WILKES-BARRE, PA – Village Jade (Bettor’s Delight) had to make two early moves to get into position for a pocket trip, and then she was able to go forward a third time late to win the $17,000 featured distaff harness racing pace on Monday afternoon (Oct. 11) at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono.

Favored at 4-5, Village Jade took command early, yielded to the onrushing Always B First, then moved out towards the :27.1 quarter, just in front of second choice Better Watch It. Village Jade went on to the top for a second time then yielded to Better Watch It, who took the field through midfractions of :56 and 1:23.2.

The pacesetter and the pocketsitter hooked up in a classic stretch duel, with Village Jade able to come on yet again to pass her game rival late by a neck, with the time of 1:51, a lifetime best for the four-year-old.

The victory was a teaming of Pocono’s leading driver Matt Kakaley and its leading trainer Ron Burke, with Village Jade owned by the Burke Racing Stable LLC and Weaver Bruscemi LLC partnership.

VILLAGE JADE REPLAY

George Napolitano Jr. had four wins on the day, while brother Anthony had three. Matt Kakaley posted two wins, so the score at the top of the Pocono drivers’ standings is Kalaley 220, “George Nap” 215, with just over a month to go.

The racing week at Pocono at this time is Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., which means the final racing card of this week will be held on Tuesday. Program pages for all Pocono races are or will be available by clicking here.

For complete race results, click here.

From the PHHA/The Downs