Three-year-old Real Desire filly Real Touch proved to be “real tough” in winning over older rivals in the $15,000 Open for filly and mare pacers at Scioto Downs on Friday.

Trainer-driver Ray Paver sent the filly, the 2-1 betting favourite, away from the gate at full speed from post eight, but other pacing mares left alertly, too. Second choice Ocean Pearl got to the opening quarter first in :27.1 for Kurt Sugg while Real Touch was caught three-wide outside the leader and Tu Sei Bella.

At the half-mile point, Real Touch was in front, but still parked outside Ocean Pearl. The timer clicked :56.2.

Down the backstretch during the third quarter, Real Touch cleared to the front and was never threatened after that as a final quarter in :28.1 brought her to the wire two and three-quarter lengths the best in a mile time of 1:54.2. Tu Sei Bella held for second while outsider Miss Two Punch rallied to grab the third-place money.

The win was the sixth in a dozen starts this season for Real Touch. The fast sophomore filly is owned by trainer Paver in partnership with Knox Services and Slaughter Racing Stable, LLC.

(Scioto Downs)