All Spirit and Jimmy Marohn Jr. got back to business on Friday night capturing the $16,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace at Tioga Downs.
All Spirit and Marohn left alertly from post position number three in a field of six, getting away second behind Odds On Aventure and Jason Beattie at the quarter pole in :26.4. By the fans and stands for the first time, Marohn moved All Spirit to the front and reached the half-mile mark of the race in :55.3.
Down the backside and headed towards three-quarters, Aaron Byron pulled Little Santamonica first over from third and raced head-to-head with All Spirit by three-quarters in 1:23. Around the final turn it was clear Marohn still had plenty left in the tank and quickly dismissed the strong bid from Little Santamonica and opened up on the field to win comfortably by a length and a half in 1:51.3. Brownsville Bomber, driven by Fern Paquet Jr., paced home late to finish second while Little Santamonica held tough for third.
The win was the second of the season and established a new seasonal best for the seven-year-old daughter of Bettors Delight, who is owned by Larry Lanpher and trainer Judy Lanpher.
Greg Merton posted a driving triple on the night’s 12-race card while Jim Taggart Jr., Corey Braden, and Aaron Byron each recorded doubles.
(With files from Tioga Downs)