Riley Rose, a six-year-old Real Artist mare trained and driven by Sean Bier, turned in her second straight impressive effort Wednesday, July 15 at Pocono Downs.

The mare came out on top in the winners over $25,000 lifetime handicap pace for fillies and mares, winning by a neck over Nip N Attack, driven by Jim Morrill, Jr. with a time of 1:50.3. In her only other 2009 start at the Northeastern Pennsylvania five-eighths oval, Riley Rose won in 1:51.1.

“I didn’t want to get away third,” said Bier, who left from Post 4 with Nip N Attack leaving from Post 6.

Riley Rose battled Nip N Attack for the early lead with the opening split being timed in :26.2 before the latter took over before the :54.4 opening half-mile marker. Dont Deny Me (driven by Jason Bartlett) joined the two front runners at the three-quarters pole and the battle was on coming down the stretch. Riley Rose would go on to win by a neck over Nip N Attack. Dont Deny Me finished third.

“Things worked out well for us in this race,” Bier said. “We beat some tough horses. I’m going to give Riley Rose a week off so she can get fresh. Hopefully, she’ll come out of this race sound.”

(With files from Pocono)