Promising Pacers Emerge in Bobby Weiss Series

Sophomore pacing stars look to make early impressions at Pocono Downs

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:06am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movement and energy of a harness racing scene, with vibrant colors and sharp, overlapping geometric shapes that capture the competitive spirit of the Bobby Weiss Series.The Bobby Weiss Series offers a platform for up-and-coming 3-year-old pacers to make an early mark and potentially challenge the sport's elite.NYC Today

The annual Bobby Weiss Series at Pocono Downs is providing a platform for lesser-known 3-year-old pacers to make a name for themselves early in the season. Standout performances from horses like Twin B Thriller, Ooglesaurus, Miss Jum Jabber, and Vanna By The River have caught the attention of harness racing fans, who are eager to see if any of these up-and-comers can challenge the sport's established stars as the stakes season progresses.

Why it matters

The Bobby Weiss Series offers a unique opportunity for young, unproven pacers to gain confidence and momentum heading into the lucrative stakes races later in the year. A breakout performance in the Weiss could propel a horse into the spotlight and set them up for a successful 3-year-old campaign.

The details

The Bobby Weiss Series kicked off last week with impressive wins from several horses, including Twin B Thriller, who blazed to a 1:49.4 victory in his first start since last September. Other winners like Ooglesaurus, Miss Jum Jabber, and Vanna By The River have also turned heads with their early-season efforts. As the series continues, these up-and-coming pacers will have a chance to further establish themselves and potentially earn a shot at taking on the division's elite later in the year.

  • The Bobby Weiss Series got underway last weekend with the first leg of races.
  • The second leg of the series will take place on Saturday, April 11.
  • The final legs and championship races will be held during the last week of April.

The players

Twin B Thriller

A 3-year-old pacing colt who won his first leg of the Bobby Weiss Series in a blazing 1:49.4, establishing himself as an early contender.

Ooglesaurus

A 3-year-old pacing colt trained by Joe Bongiorno who has won two of his first three starts this season, including a 1:52 victory in the Bobby Weiss Series.

Miss Jum Jabber

A 3-year-old pacing filly trained by Brett Pelling who has won her first two career starts, including a 1:51.1 victory at The Meadowlands.

Vanna By The River

A 3-year-old pacing filly who pulled off a 16-1 upset in the first leg of the Bobby Weiss Series, winning in 1:53.2.

Loua Dipa

The 2-year-old pacing champion who returned to action with a qualifying win at The Meadows.

Beau Jangles

The reigning Horse of the Year pacer who is scheduled to qualify at Southern Oaks Training Center in Florida.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“She is [Sire Stakes] dual eligible, so after a leg or two in the Weiss at Pocono, I'll make a call as to her future.”

— Brett Pelling, Trainer

What’s next

The Bobby Weiss Series will continue with the second leg of races on Saturday, April 11, as horses look to build on their early-season momentum and potentially earn a spot in the championship races at the end of the month.

The takeaway

The Bobby Weiss Series is providing a platform for lesser-known 3-year-old pacers to emerge and potentially challenge the division's established stars. With impressive early-season performances from horses like Twin B Thriller, Ooglesaurus, Miss Jum Jabber, and Vanna By The River, the series has the potential to uncover new talent that could make an impact as the stakes season progresses.