by James Witherite, Tioga Downs
racing media
Fireyourguns remains
undefeated in 2015; late closer commences
Nichols, N.Y. -- After working
clear from his assigned outside post position, Fireyourguns ($2.90) held sway
for his fifth win in as many starts this year, staving off a late-charging
Bettorsluckystreak for a 1:50.2 victory in Sunday (June 14) afternoon's $14,000
Open Pace at Tioga Downs.
The 6-year-old American Ideal
gelding floated forward before pushing clear of That'll Be the Rei (Jim Marohn,
Jr.) on the first turn, clicking off a :26.2 first quarter before maintaining
the strong pace through a subsequent :55 middle half. On the far turn,
Unlocked (Brandon Simpson) offered a mild first-over bid, but was outkicked off
the turn by a three-wide Bettorsluckystreak (Jim Taggart, Jr.). The 19-1
outsider proved the greatest peril for Fireyourguns, who saw his lead diminish
past mid-stretch. Aaron Byron called upon Fireyourguns for everything he
could offer in the final yards, with the pair prevailing by a scant half
length. Bettorsluckystreak chased gamely to finish second, while That'll
Be the Rei held third from his pocket trip.
Trainer Terence McClory co-owns
Fireyourguns with Jennifer and Robert Lowe.
Two $12,500 first-round
divisions of the Nichols True Value late-closing series for pacers took place
on the 11-race card as well, with Idealbeach Hanover ($7.70, Brandson Simpson)
holding sway for a 1:51.1 win in the first division by a measured 1-1/4 lengths
over Respectable Dream (Jim Meittinis) and Big City Jewel (Mike Simons).
Jeneral Patton ($3.80, Marohn) proved unwavering in the second division, fighting
back to heavy pressure from Let's Foal Around (John Cummings, Jr.) on the far
turn to prevail by 1-1/4 lengths as well. Gokudo Hanover (Tom Jackson)
hooked three-wide from the pocket to take second, while Let's Foal Around faded
to third in the final 70 yards.
Taggart led all drivers with three wins on the 11-race card,
while Byron and Marohn each tallied two victories.
Live racing returns to Tioga on
Friday (June 19) evening, with first post slated for 6:15 p.m. Eastern time.
