Future Character, driven by Rick Dane Jr., parlayed a first over grind into an Open Pace victory on Sunday night at Tioga Downs
.
Leaving from post position number four in a field of six, Future Character got away fifth and began the first over journey as the field reached the half mile in :55.3. Last week’s Open winner, Vlos (Fern Paquet Jr.) was on the front, but offered little resistance to the first over threat as the field reached three-quarters in 1:23. Around the final turn, Future Character and Dane cleared to the lead and opened up on the field to score in a seasonal best of 1:52.
The win in the $16,500 feature was the second of the season for the eight-year-old son of Shady Character–Red Sea, who is owned by the Rock & Roll Stable of Chicago, Illinois.
Hay Goodlooking (Rick Plano) found room late to get up for second, while Sheer Brilliance (Jim Taggart Jr.) was third.
Dan Noble posted a driving grand slam on the night’s 12-race card, while Corey Braden enjoyed a double.
Tioga Downs continues with live racing on Monday, May 28 (Memorial Day) with a post time of 1:30 p.m. featuring 13 divisions of the New York State Fair Stakes for three-year-old pacers.
(With files from Tioga Downs)