Heavy pressure from Pilgrims Toner on the backstretch wasn't enough to wear down John Cancelliere's Western Shore ($24.60) in the Sunday, June 27 Open Handicap Pace at Chester Racetrack, as he narrowly prevailed over the pocket-sitting Dial or Nodial in a 1:49.1 effort.

The seven-year-old son of Western Hanover made an easy lead on the first turn in the $32,000 event, and set sensible early fractions of :26.3 and :54.3 with odds-on favourite Vintage Master (driven by Tim Tetrick) a lacklustre last in the race's early stages.

On the backstretch, Yannick Gingras moved Pilgrims Toner first over, gaining to within three parts of a length of Western Shore, while Mega Lightning (George Napolitano) and Vintage Master were towed up with cover.

Upon passing three-quarters in 1:21.3, Western Shore's biggest threat was all but knocked out of contention, as Vintage Master was carried four-wide around the breaking Mega Lightning.

Despite Vintage Master no longer being a threat, Western Shore had to brace for the challenge of the pocket-sitting Dial or Nodial, who gave a strong push up the open stretch. However, Western Shore just prevailed in the last strides, holding off Dial or Nodial by just a nose in 1:49.1.

Vintage Master rallied to claim show honours, while Real Celebration finished fourth.

Brian Sears drove Western Shore for trainer Thomas Cancelliere.

(Chester)