by James Witherite, Tioga Downs racing media
A powerful :26.2 third quarter propelled Michael Pagonas's
Inittowinafortune ($4.20) to back-to-back Open class wins at Tioga Downs,
taking the $14,000 Fillies and Mares Open on Friday (August 1) evening by a
geared down three lengths.
The four-year-old Cams Fortune mare controlled the terms
from the outset, pushing clear of Oceans Motion (Chuck Connor, Jr.) through a
:27.1 first quarter before relaxing the pace into the clubhouse turn. On
the backstretch, Inittowinafortune accelerated in earnest, but Oceans Motion
did well to keep pace through the taxing third quarter, at which point
Inittowinafortune was driven clear to a three-length advantage at head-stretch.
The lead expanded to nearly five lengths with 100 yards to go, but
Inittowinafortune was geared down late for a comfortable 1:52 win. Oceans
Motion held second off a chasing effort, while Elleofnxample (Brandon Simpson)
sustained a mild late bid to take third.
Aaron Byron handled the driving duties aboard
Inittowinafortune for trainer Michael Russo. The win was one of four on
the night for Byron, while leading driver Jim Marohn, Jr. scored his fourth
consecutive Tioga hat trick.
