The new kid at the track plays rough. That’s what Tuneariffic taught his seven rivals in Saturday’s Open Pace at Scioto Downs
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Making his first start since March, Tuneariffic shot past the other pacers with a quarter-mile remaining to win by seven lengths in 1:53. J.D. Wengerd was in the bike for trainer-owner Johnny Yoder of Dundee, Ohio.
The seven-year-old gelded son of Tune Town had made eight starts at Dover Downs in the first three months of the season, then was off until he paced through a 1:56.3 qualifier at Northfield Park recently. He won by more than 20 lengths with a final fraction in :28 seconds.
In Saturday’s Open Pace at Scioto, Lis Deo was sent off as the 2-1 favourite coming off two impressive wins in his last three starts. Bettors sent Tuneariffic off at 4-1.
Pin Stripes, Jates Boy, and Gordieisanartist shot away from the gate at full tilt, reaching the first quarter-mile marker in :26.2 with Pin Stripes three-wide and determined to get the lead. Once he cleared to the front, driver Jack Dailey tapped the brakes and the second quarter was covered in just :29.3.
By this point, Wengerd had Tuneariffic out to launch his attack on the leader. They stalked Pin Stripes during the third quarter, then exploded with pace to put away the leader and show his heels to the field. His final quarter in :28 second left his pursuers gasping for air.
Gordieisanartist held for second while Camcoder rallied from the middle of the pack to get third place.
Kayne Kauffman, the track’s second leading driver, had a grand slam evening with four wins.
(Scioto Downs)