After working clear from his assigned outside post position, Fireyourguns ($2.90) held sway for his fifth win in as many starts this year, staving off a late-charging Bettorsluckystreak for a 1:50.2 victory in Sunday (June 14) afternoon's $14,000 Open Pace at Tioga Downs.
The six-year-old American Ideal gelding floated forward before pushing clear of Thatll Be The Rei (Jim Marohn Jr.) on the first turn, clicking off a :26.2 first quarter before maintaining the strong pace through a subsequent :55 middle half. On the far turn, Unlocked (Brandon Simpson) offered a mild first-over bid, but was out-kicked off the turn by a three-wide Bettorsluckystreak (Jim Taggart Jr.). The 19-1 outsider proved the greatest peril for Fireyourguns, who saw his lead diminish past mid-stretch. Aaron Byron called upon Fireyourguns for everything he could offer in the final yards, with the pair prevailing by a scant half-length. Bettorsluckystreak chased gamely to finish second, while Thatll Be The Rei held third from his pocket trip.
Trainer Terence McClory co-owns Fireyourguns with Jennifer and Robert Lowe.
Two $12,500 first round divisions of the Nichols True Value late-closing series for pacers took place on the 11-race card as well, with Idealbeach Hanover ($7.70, Brandson Simpson) holding sway for a 1:51.1 win in the first division by a measured one and a quarter lengths over Respectable Dream (Jim Meittinis) and Big City Jewel (Mike Simons). Jeneral Patton ($3.80, Marohn) proved unwavering in the second division, fighting back to heavy pressure from Lets Foal Around (John Cummings Jr.) on the far turn to prevail by one and a quarter lengths as well. Gokudo Hanover (Tom Jackson) hooked three-wide from the pocket to take second, while Lets Foal Around faded to third in the final 70 yards.
Taggart led all drivers with three wins on the 11-race card, while Byron and Marohn each tallied two victories.
Live racing returns to Tioga on Friday (June 19) evening, with first post slated for 6:15 p.m. Eastern time.
(Tioga Downs)