Joe Pavia Jr. made his return to the race track on February 29th at Pompano Park after a long 8 1/2 month layoff due to injury. However, it did not take Joe very long to reach the winners circle. On his second night back, on Saturday, March 1st, Joe guided the veteran pacer Mattnifesto to the winner's circle with a wire to wire victory in 153:2. In his first 6 mounts on the weekend, Joe drove 6 horses and recorded 1 Win and 3 thirds. When asked how he felt, he said he felt a little anxious the first couple of drives, and it took a couple of drives to get in sync. But on the second night, Saturday, he was much more comfortable and relaxed. Joe was really surprised at how quickly he got back into it after such a  long layoff.

On the following Friday, in the $10,000 fillies and mares open, Pavia was reunited with Hypnotize for trainer Jim Mattison. A mare who Pavia has had much success with in 2007. Starting from post 9, Hypnotize floated out and got away 6th, at the half he moved her out with cover and was 3rd over, past the 3/4 pole they swung out 3 deep and at that point Pavia kicked Hypnotize into high gear pacing a last 1/4 in 27:2 to draw off by 2 lengths in 152:3 for an easy victory.

Joe is looking forward to a very successful Pocono Downs summer meet. He has a stable of 22 quality horses that are ready to race. Joe and his horses are well rested and looking forward to having a strong summer meet!

JOE PAVIA JR DRIVING STATS 1/1/07 THRU 6/16/07

Starts 636

Wins 121

Place 98

Show 92

Earnings $991,445

UDRS .324

JOE PAVIA JR STABLE TRAINING STATS 2007

Starts 468

Wins 76

Place 71

Show 66

Earnings $687,994

UTRS .294