Combative wins at Pocono Downs!
WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (October 31, 2026) — Combative refused to be beaten at Pocono Downs. Sent off the 2-1 second choice in a $25,000 claiming pace, the 4-year-old gelding, trained by Joe Pavia Jr. and driven by Ridge Warren, rallied from sixth to win by a nose in 1:51.4.
Starting from post 4, he was sixth, 6¾ lengths behind the leader, at the first quarter (26.2). Warren moved him off the rail and he was sixth and outside, 3¾ lengths back, at the half (54.4), then fifth and outside, 2½ lengths back, at the three-quarters (1:22.4). He was second, a half-length off the lead, at the stretch call and got up in the final strides with a last quarter in 29.0.
D A Love Boat, the 1.50-1 favorite, driven by Johnathan Ahle, was second, a nose back, also in 1:51.4. Rjs Red Devil, driven by Gregory Merton, was third in 1:53.0. Combative paid $6.00 to win, and the $2 exacta (4-5) returned $14.60.
Combative, by Captaintreacherous out of Acquavella, was bred by Hanover Shoe Farms Inc. and is owned by Steven Held, Pint Size Racing LLC, John Whitig and Donald Kayser.
Watch the full race replay above, and see more winners from Pavia Racing Stable.
