Pinned in the pocket through the far turn, Shutthefrontdoor ($4.90) only managed to wedge out from traffic in the final 60 yards, still collaring pacesetter K Js Caroline for a narrow 1:54.1 score in Friday (May 27) evening's $11,000 Mares Open Pace at Tioga Downs.

Dan Clements yielded to the pocket early with the five-year-old Well Said mare, enabling K Js Caroline (Justin Huckabone) to cross and clear before rating a tepid :59 half-mile. On the backstretch, while Southwind Trini (Mike Merton) loomed first-over, K Js Caroline accelerated through a :27 third quarter before facing her stiffest competition at head-stretch. Off the corner, Southwind Trini pressed harder, Elm Grove Inarush (Greg Merton) fanned wide from second-over, and Shutthefrontdoor--with pace--was hard pressed for racing room. Shutthefrontdoor was able to wedge out in deep stretch, and her sudden burst of speed was enough for her to prevail. K Js Caroline just held second, while Elm Grove Inarush's stand-side rally earned her third honours.

Trainer Mike Sinclair co-owns Shutthefrontdoor with Guy Beaulieu and Richard Villeneuve.

Mike Merton led all drivers with three wins on the nine-race card, teaming up with Amber Buter trainees Headsaregonna Turn ($22.20, 1:54.3) and Cracker Coffee ($2.20, 1:53.3) as well as Rich Dane trainee Four Hour Nap ($5.10, 1:54.4).

Saturday (May 28) evening's nine-race card is due to begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT, with a $318.82 carryover in the 50-cent Pick 5.

(Tioga Downs)