Just a week off his 1:52.1 track record outing, Bourbon Bay ($3.10) delivered yet another scintillating performance, bottoming out his six rivals with a 1:52.2 triumph in Saturday (May 9) evening's featured $14,000 Open Trot at Tioga Downs.
The four-year-old Sand Vic gelding wasted no time, establishing the early lead sharply and setting a torrid pace -- one he would sustain for much of the mile. After cutting a pair of identical :27.2 quarter-miles, John Cummings Jr. called upon Bourbon Bay to accelerate up the backstretch, opening up seven lengths on Detroit Rapper (Jim Meittinis) through three-quarter split of 1:21.3. While the :26.4 third quarter proved more taxing on his six pursuers, Bourbon Bay eventually tired in mid-stretch, trotting home in a :30.4 final quarter while still seven and three-quarter lengths clear of his nearest rival. Wisenheimer (Tom Jackson) rallied wide of tiring foes in the final stages to take second, while Detroit Rapper tired to third after chasing throughout.
Bourbon Bay is under lease to his driver, while Megan Wilson handles the training duties of the 15-time winner.
Cummings scored a driving triple on the night, prevailing as well with Island Charm ($19.20, 1:59.3) and Hold On Tightly ($15.80, 1:56.4). Dan Clements recorded a hat trick as well, victorious aboard Typical Newyorker ($11.20, 1:58.4), Oho Diamond ($2.70, 1:58.1), and Write That Down ($5.80, 1:55.1).
(Tioga Downs)