by James Witherite, Tioga Downs
racing media
Bourbon Bay continues
dominance; Cummings wins three
Nichols, N.Y. -- Despite a
slower beginning than in past weeks, Bourbon Bay ($2.30) maintained his
dominance in the trotting ranks at Tioga Downs, sweeping to the fore and edging
clear for a 1:55 triumph in Sunday (May 31) afternoon's $14,000 Open Trot.
After failing to sustain a
first-over bid against champion Father Patrick in last week's $150,000 Maxie
Lee Memorial at Harrah's Philadelphia, lessee-driver John Cummings, Jr. dropped
the 4-year-old Sand Vic gelding to the back of the pack at race's outset, six
lengths off early leader Aruba Vacation (Corey Braden) on the entry to the
first turn. When Spice It Up Lindy (Tom Jackson) vacated the pocket to
challenge for the lead after a :28.3 first quarter, Bourbon Bay had already
commenced his charge, sweeping three-wide to clear the front with a circuit to
go. After completing half the journey in :57.4, Bourbon Bay effortlessly
gained ample separation from his four rivals, powering clear with three-eighths
to go. Despite the best efforts of the trailing quartet, Bourbon Bay
could not be caught, geared down for a six-length victory in 1:55. Spice
It Up Lindy held second after facing pressure from the first-over I'm Fabulous
(Jim Taggart, Jr.), while B L Class Act (Aaron Byron) took third off a mild stand-side
rally.
Megan Wilson handles the
training duties of Bourbon Bay, who notched his 16th career win. It was
also his third Open-level win in as many starts at Tioga this year.
Cummings led all drivers with a
trio of winners on the card, also teaming up with Follow My Dreams ($5.50,
1:56.2) and Hold On Tightly ($8.20, 1:54.2).
Live racing returns to Tioga on
Monday (June 1) evening, with the first of 10 races due off at 6:15 p.m.
Eastern time.
