by James Witherite, Tioga Downs racing media
On the Cusp ($7.80) seized the lead and never looked back,
making every pole a winning one in Friday (September 5) evening's $15,000 Open
Handicap Pace for fillies and mares at Tioga Downs.
Shawn Gray sent the seven-year-old Camluck mare immediately to
the fore, tracked throughout by Inittowinafortune (Aaron Byron). With 1-2
favorite Pan Luis Obispo (Jim Meittinis) away just worse than midpack, On the
Cusp maintained an honest pace through a :55.2 half mile, far from grueling.
While Pan Luis Obispo never proved a threat, stalling at head-stretch
amid her three-wide bid off cover, Inittowinafortune chased stoutly in the
final eighth, but On the Cusp had plenty left in reserve to stave her off.
On the Cusp prevailed by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:51.1 over Inittowinafortune.
Southwind Trini (Jim Marohn, Jr.) rallied late off a stalking trip to
hold third.
Dylan Davis trains On the Cusp for owner Kapildeo Singh.
While visiting driver Shawn Gray took the evening's featured
event, Phil Fluet won four of the night's nine races to lead all drivers for
the evening. Fluet proved victorious with Weekend Getaway ($15.20,
1:54.0), Martha Michelle ($8.50, 1:56.0), Cashamatic ($10.80, 2:00.0), and
Princess Bliss ($10.60, 1:54.4). Blows Me Away nearly gave Fluet a fifth
win on the card, but the pair were outkicked by Aint Got a Home and Aaron Byron
in the final yards of the evening's eighth event.
Live racing returns to Tioga Downs on Saturday (September 6)
evening, with first post at 6:15 p.m. EDT.
