Headed briefly by Unlocked in upper stretch, Fireyourguns ($3.80) battled valiantly to a 1:50.4 triumph in Sunday (May 10) afternoon's $14,000 Open Pace at Tioga Downs.
Aaron Byron initially settled in the pocket with the six-year-old American Ideal gelding, but an eager Fireyourguns vacated the pocket and cleared to the lead immediately after Unlocked reeled off a :26.2 first quarter. Fireyourguns would then control the pace through a solid :55.1 middle half before facing a late challenge from Unlocked on the far turn. While Unlocked took a brief lead in upper stretch, Fireyourguns would not be denied, battling back to stick a neck in front in the final yards. Unlocked was a game second, while Damon Blue Chip closed belatedly up the pegs to take third.
Trainer Terence McClory co-owns Fireyourguns with Jennifer and Robert Lowe. The win was the second on the year in as many starts for Fireyourguns.
Jim Marohn Jr. and Jim Taggart Jr. shared top driving honours on the 12-race card, recording three wins apiece.
Live racing returns to Tioga Downs on Friday evening, with first post scheduled for 6:15 p.m.
(Tioga Downs)