by James Witherite, Tioga Downs racing media
Utilizing a powerful push clear in the far turn, Sweet Lou
($2.60) could not be caught in the $160,000 Roll With Joe Open Pace at Tioga
Downs on Sunday (June 1) afternoon, turning in an impressive 1:48.3 victory.
The five-year-old son of Yankee Cruiser floated forward to
track Bolt the Duer (Mark MacDonald) in the early stages, brushing to the fore
after a :26.2 first quarter and keeping the pace solid en route to a :53.4 half
mile. On the backstretch, Ron Pierce pushed clear with Sweet Lou, putting
four lengths on the field in a :26.3 third quarter. Approaching the final
200 yards, it seemed the pace may have too taxing, as Sweet Lou was all-out
through the stretch and Heston Blue Chip (Tim Tetrick) found room to chase
after being locked in. Sweet Lou dug in late, staving off Heston Blue
Chip to prevail by 1-3/4 lengths. Bolt the Duer stayed on to be third,
while Word Power (Jim Morrill, Jr.) sustained a wide bid off a third-over trip
to take fourth.
Ron Burke trains Sweet Lou for the Burke Racing Stable,
Weaver Bruscemi, LLC, Larry Karr, and Phil Collura.
The undercard saw three-year-old pacing colts and geldings
contest a trio of $41,300 New York Sire Stakes divisions, with El Bloombito
(1:50.2) turning in a spectacular four-length win in rein to Tim Tetrick.
Linda Toscano trains the American Ideal colt for the Stake Your Claim
Stable, the Camelot Stable, and Fred Wallace.
Sir Sam's Z Tam (1:52.1, Patrick Lachance) and Twin B Speedo
(1:53.0, Mark MacDonald) captured the other divisions.
Live racing resumes at Tioga Downs on Monday (June 2)
evening, with the first of 13 races scheduled for 6:15 p.m. EDT.
