Sheer Brilliance headed back to his roots after nearly two months on the road since his last start at Tioga

Downs.

In Sunday afternoon’s $18,000 Open Handicap Pace, Corey Braden wasted no time getting Sheer Brilliance to the front from post position number six through an opening panel of :26.1. Once the duo seated I Wanna Go Fast and Fern Paquet Jr. in the two-hole, Braden slowed down the second quarter striking the half mile point in :55.4.

Down the backside and headed towards three-quarters, Thats Justice (Phil Fluet) headed out first over to challenge the leader, but Sheer Brilliance was in full gear on the front end pacing a third quarter in :27 to reach three-quarters in 1:22.4.

Around the final turn, Sheer Brilliance had one opponent left with Fern Paquet Jr. and the pocket-sitting I Wanna Go Fast. The pair battled neck and neck down the stretch, but in the final strides Sheer Brilliance proved to tough for I Wanna Go Fast stopping the timer in a season equaling best of 1:50.4.

Jeff Long trains and co-owns the six-year old son of Blissful Hall-High Roller Ash with Paul Long.

I Wanna Go Fast nailed down the place spot, while Thats Justice despite a tough first over journey was third.

(Tioga Downs)