Sheer Brilliance and Corey Braden took home the lion’s share of the $15,000 Open Handicap pace on Monday
afternoon at Tioga Downs, even though they weren't the first pair across the wire.
Phil Fluet and Thats Justice crossed the wire a neck in front of Sheer Brilliance, but were disqualified for a lapped on break at the wire.
Braden sent Sheer Brilliance to the front from post position six and cut through fractions of :26.2, :54.3, and 1:22.2 as Winbak Dimensions (Matt Kakaley) applied first over pressure around the final turn. Sheer Brilliance rebuffed the challenge of Winbak Dimensions, but Thats Justice was closing fastest of all but could not avoid a miscue steps before the wire. The mile of 1:50.3 will go down as a seasonal best for Sheer Brilliance.
Jeff Long trains the five-year old son of Blissfull Hall-High Roller Ash and also co-owns with Paula Long of Milford, Delaware. Thats Justice was placed second, while Winbak Dimensions hung on for third. The 6-5 betting favourite, Pacinello, made a break at the start and was never a factor.
Corey Braden, Jimmy Marohn Jr., and Matt Kakaley each posted driving doubles on the afternoon’s 11-race card.
(Tioga Downs)