The seven-year old pacing mare All Spirit felt right back at home on Friday night at Tioga Downs when she visited one of her favourite spots - the winner’s circle.
All Spirit and Jimmy Marohn, Jr. were hampered with post position number eight in last week’s Fillies & Mares Open Pace, and could do no better than sixth after getting away last. This week the pair enjoyed post position number one, and settled in fourth through a driving rain storm that saw heavy favourite, Ramona Disomma leading through early fractions of :27.3 and :57.
Down the backside, Aaron Byron sent Little Santamonica first over from third with All Spirit tracking on her back. Little Santamonica and Ramona Disomma raced head to head by three quarters in 1:25.3. Around the final turn, Marohn tipped All Spirit three wide to open up in the stretch and win by two in 1:54.1. It was the first win in three seasonal starts for the daughter of Bettors Delight–Spirit Of Ivy for trainer Judy Lanpher and owner Larry Lanpher of Florida. Hayworth Blue Chip (Jim Meittinis) closed to be second, while Blows Me Away (Sam Schillaci) also came from off-the-pace to finish third.
Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Saturday, May 11th with a post time of 6:50 p.m.
(Tioga Downs)