Fall Bliss, driven by Mark MacDonald, captured Sunday afternoon’s $16,500 Open Pace at Tioga Downs in a new lifetime mark of 1:50.3.
Starting from post position number four in a field of six, MacDonald settled Fall Bliss in fifth as Vlos (Eric Carlson) cut through fractions of :26.1, :54.2, and 1:22.2. As the field passed three-quarters, Voice Of Truth (Fern Paquet Jr.) was first over on the outside with Fall Bliss tracking his cover. Around the final turn, Fall Bliss surged off of Paquet’s helmet and in a matter of strides grabbed control of the racetrack down the stretch. Vlos fought back gamely in the lane, but had to settle for second while Big Bay Point (Lewayne Miller) finished third after sitting a pocket trip.
Scott Blackler trains the four-year-old son of Blissful Hall out of Fall Festival, who won for the fifth time in 19 seasonal outings this year. With the win, Fall Bliss increased bankroll to more than $59,000 on the season.
Tioga Downs races next Friday and Saturday at 6:50 p.m., and Sunday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. There will also be a special holiday card on Wednesday, July 4 at 6:50 p.m., capped off by a fireworks display following live racing.
(With files from Tioga Downs)