Nichols, N.Y. -- Enos Van Stanhope, III and Tony Dinges's
Pop Cop ($4.40) stepped up two levels and repeated in near pillar-to-post
fashion in Sunday (July 3) afternoon's featured $7,200 top-level conditioned
pace at Tioga Downs.
Mike Merton was aggressive early with the 7-year-old Bettor's
Delight gelding, sprinting out to establish the lead from midpack and only
briefly yielding to Lauxmont Capri (Jim Taggart, Jr.) before retaking after a
:27.1 first quarter. Pop Cop faced no further threats after reclaiming the
lead, edging clear gradually through a :56 middle half and mounting a 3-3/4
length margin of victory through his 1:52 mile. Lauxmont Capri, all-out to
chase from the pocket, narrowly held second over Owosso Flash (Jim Meittinis),
who maintained mild first-over gains.
For Dinges, the leading trainer nine weeks into the meet,
the win with Pop Cop was one of two on the day.
After evading punters for two consecutive cards, the 50¢
Pick 5 was hit for $73.25.
Monday (July 4) afternoon's nine-race card features the
Geers Stakes for 3-year-old pacers, comprising an all stakes mid-card double.
Post time for the nine-race Independence Day card is 1:30 p.m. Eastern, with
coverage on the Tioga Downs Racing Network to commence at 1:05.
