by James Witherite, Tioga Downs racing recap
Fireyourguns rebounds in Tioga pacing feature; Marohn
wins four
Nichols, N.Y. -- After a punishing early pace led to defeat
in his previous outing, Fireyourguns ($9.30) bounced back with a 1:50.3 triumph
in Sunday (July 19) afternoon's $12,000 Open Pace at Tioga Downs.
Jim Meittinis sent the 6-year-old American Ideal gelding
right to the front, working clear of Bettorsluckystreak (Jim Taggart, Jr.) and
Believe This Bob (Corey Braden) on the first turn. Fireyourguns set solid
fractions of :26.2, :54.1, and 1:22.0 before facing a first-over challenge from
Thunder Steeler (Dan Clements) on the far turn. Fireyourguns had no
issues dismissing that challenger, edging away at the top of the stretch and
prevailing by 2-1/4 lengths. Eastend Eddie (Jim Marohn, Jr.) swung
three-wide off stalling cover to just take second, while Bettorsluckystreak was
an all-out third off his pocket trip.
Trainer Terence McClory co-owns Fireyourguns with Jennifer
and Robert Lowe.
The sub-featured $10,000 Open II Pace went to Elite Awards
($4.60, Taggart), who took charge with a circuit to go after yielding to
Dreamlands Art (Brandon Simpson) in the early stages, only to hold off a late
rally from that same rival for a 1:52.3 triumph. Joe Skowyra trains the
4-year-old Powerful Toy gelding for owner Karen Walls.
Jim Marohn, Jr. led all drivers with four wins on the
13-race card.
Live racing returns to Tioga Downs on Friday (July 24)
evening, with post time scheduled for 6:15 p.m. Eastern time.
-end-
