Pop Cop ($4.10) prevailed as the even-money favourite in Sunday (July 31) afternoon's featured $9,000 Open 2 Pace at Tioga Downs, holding off an inside charge from Vangura to earn his second consecutive win at the level.
Leading driver Scott Coulter wasted no time with the seven-year-old Bettors Delight gelding, sprinting clear of Meadowlands invader Always N The Money (Jim Marohn Jr.) on approach to the first turn and completing the first half of the one-mile event in :55.1. Pop Cop subsequently turned aside a first-over challenge from Owosso Flash (Jim Meittinis) up the far side, accelerating to shake free by two lengths at head-stretch after rating a slightly slower :28.1 third sectional.
With Owosso Flash fading off the far turn and two lengths clearance on the field, Pop Cop appeared home free at the eighth pole. His lead started to slip away as Vangura (Corey Braden) found a seam to rally up the pegs in the final 150 yards. Ultimately, Pop Cop held Vangura a half-length at bay, posting a 1:51.4 mile time. Always N The Money found room to split rivals off the turn, chasing well to save third.
Trainer Tony Dinges co-owns 28-time winner Pop Cop with Enos Van Stanhope III. For Coulter, the featured win was one of three on the 12-race card. The "Tan Tornado" also teamed up with Flying Cowboy ($6.20, 1:52.3) and Ulster Hanover ($3.30, 1:54).
(With files from Tioga Downs)