Forty Three, the 39-1 longshot, rallied from last to upset the $16,500 Fillies & Mares Open Handicap Pace on Saturday night at Tioga Downs.
A group of six talented mares went postward with heavy favourite Run On Luck moving quickly to the front through a brisk opening quarter of :27.1. Run On Luck and driver Jim Marohn Jr. continued to lead unpressured through middle half fractions of :56.3 and 1:24.2. Around the final turn, the field tightened as Run On Luck tired and began to take on foes from every direction. Sean Bier placed Forty Three in a perfect second over spot, tipping out mid-stretch to secure the victory by a head in 1:53.1.
Southwind Trini, at 15-1, sat fifth during the mile and found room in the stretch to charge home for second while 19-1 Kiddie McCardle rounded out the triactor off a pocket trip.
The win was Forty Three’s second in a row and third in just six starts this year at Tioga.
Live racing returns Sunday with the Empire Breeders Classic races highlighting the 1:30 p.m. card. The top three-year-old New York-bred filly and colt pacers will be on display to battle it out for over $500,000 in purses.
(With files from Tioga Downs)