Vlos used his early tactical speed to capture Sunday afternoon’s $16,500 Open Pace with driver Fern Paquet Jr. at Tioga Downs

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Leaving from post position number five in a field of eight, Paquet got away with a soft opening quarter of :27.4 and was uncontested through a half mile in :56. As the field headed towards three-quarters, Vlos was asked for pace and he responded clicking off a :26.4 third quarter to reach three-quarters in 1:22.4. Down the stretch, it was a full on assault as Hay Goodlooking (Rick Plano) and the field closed in on the leader, but came up short in 1:51.3.

Eric Mollor trains the eight-year-old son of Dragon Again–Sweet Tender for Bella Rosa Racing of New Jersey. The win was the first of the year for Vlos, who recorded his 28th win in 90 lifetime starts with earnings of more than $476,000.

There was also a minor accident in the Open Pace when Voice Of Truth (Jim Meittinis) broke a hopple hanger around the final turn and stumbled. Golden Terror (Dan Noble) was then caught with Voice Of Truth and Noble was unseated and thrown to the racetrack. However, all horses and drivers involved escaped without any serious injury.

Lewayne Miller was the only driver to post multiple driving victories on the afternoon’s 13 race card and he recorded two.

(Tioga Downs)