Saulsbrook Victor controlled the fractions and cruised to a 1:51.2 score in the $17,857 Open II Pace at Tioga Downs on Sunday, July 5.

He charged to the lead entering the first turn for Brett MacDonald and rolled to :27 and :56.4 opening panels on top. Favourite Vengeance Bluechip (Mike Merton) advanced from fifth uncovered going to three-quarters in 1:24.1, racing alongside pocket-sitter Rockstar Artist A (James Kennedy) in pursuit of the leader. Rockstar Artist A vaulted out in mid-stretch, but Saulsbrook Victor handily produced a :27.1 last quarter to prevail by a measured half-length. Vengeance Bluechip was third.

Saulsbrook Victor, owned by Brett MacDonald of Freelton, Ont. and trained by Ron MacDonald, came off a month's rest in Sunday's win, his fourth of the year in 15 starts. He has travelled between Tioga and Woodbine Mohawk Park in recent weeks, winning two of three Open starts at the former track. The eight-year-old son of Source Of Pride-Atlanta Girl is 38-for-153 lifetime with $930,443 in earnings. He paid $5.66 to win.

Drivers James Kennedy, Collin Kelly, Ridge Warren and Ron Cushing all had doubles on the 12-race card. Enrico Robinson had two training wins.

Live racing returns to Tioga on Friday, July 10 with a card starting at 6:15 p.m.

(With files from Tioga Downs)