Nichols, N.Y. -- Pinned in the pocket through the far turn,
Shutthefrontdoor ($4.90) only managed to wedge out from traffic in the final 60
yards, still collaring pacesetter K J's Caroline for a narrow 1:54.1 score in
Friday (May 27) evening's $11,000 Mares Open Pace at Tioga Downs.
Dan Clements yielded to the pocket early with the 5-year-old
Well Said mare, enabling K J's Caroline (Justin Huckabone) to cross and clear
before rating a tepid :59 half mile. On the backstretch, while Southwind Trini
(Mike Merton) loomed first-over, K J's Caroline accelerated through a :27 third
quarter before facing her stiffest competition at head-stretch. Off the corner,
Southwind Trini pressed harder, Elm Grove Inarush (Greg Merton) fanned wide
from second-over, and Shutthefrontdoor--with pace--was hard pressed for racing
room. Shutthefrontdoor was able to wedge out in deep stretch, and her sudden
burst of speed was enough for her to prevail. K J's Caroline just held second,
while Elm Grove Inarush's stand-side rally earned her third honors.
Trainer Mike Sinclair co-owns Shutthefrontdoor with Guy
Beaulieu and Richard Villeneuve.
Mike Merton led all drivers with three wins on the nine-race
card, teaming up with Amber Buter trainees Headsaregonna Turn ($22.20, 1:54.3)
and Cracker Coffee ($2.20, 1:53.3) as well as Rich Dane trainee Four Hour Nap
($5.10, 1:54.4).
Saturday (May 28) evening's nine-race card is due to begin
at 6:30 p.m. EDT, with a $318.82 carryover in the 50¢ Pick 5.
