Flat Mile for Punxsutawney Showcases Talent in Colonial

WILKES-BARRE, PA— Misfortune by foot issues early in the season, Punxsutawney managed to mind his manners on the Pocono oval and trot away from the field in the $100,000 Colonial Consolation II in 1:53.2.

Wheeling N Dealin left the gate fastest, with Lindy’s Tru Grit moving with him into second and Sailer Eddie into third. Corey Callahan sensed Show Ticket on his flank and flushed Punxsutawney first over at the quarter in :28. Wheeling N Dealin was cruising on the lead entering the clubhouse turn while Punxsutawney was journeying to challenge him. Wheeling N Dealin rated the half, going by in :57.1 (:29.1).

Show Ticket was not progressing second over, forcing third over Raven Victory to move three wide in the midst of the backstretch. Meanwhile, Wheeling N Dealin was digging for another gear when Punxsutawney managed to get his nose in front. Lindy’s Tru Grit had an opening and slipped through to track Punxsutawney as cover at three-quarters in 1:25.1 (:28).

Punxsutawney and Lindy’s Tru Grit turned it into a duel at the head of the stretch. They left Wheeling N Dealin in the dust as well as pocket rider Sailer Eddie. The rallying Raven Victory went off stride at the top of the stretch, leaving the duo on the lead unthreatened. In the face of irony, Lindy’s Tru Grit went on a gallop, leaving Punxsutawney to get to the finish pole by himself in 1:53.2. Sailer Eddie rallied to finish second, Boffin snuck passed horses to get third and Wheeling N Dealin faded to fourth.

Punxsutawney ($11.20) is a three-year-old colt trotter by Glidemaster, out of the mare Sunseeker Kosmos by S J’s Photo. He is owned by Jerry Graham, conditioned by John Butenschoen and Corey Callahan steered him to a season’s and lifetime mark of 1:53.2. The second consolation of the Colonial gives Punxsutawney his first win of the season.