Nichols, N.Y. -- Pop Cop ($4.10) prevailed as the even-money
favorite in Sunday (July 31) afternoon's featured $9,000 Open 2 Pace at Tioga
Downs, holding off an inside charge from Vangura to earn his second consecutive
win at the level.
Leading driver Scott Coulter wasted no time with the
7-year-old Bettor's Delight gelding, sprinting clear of Meadowlands invader
Always N the Money (Jim Marohn, Jr.) on approach to the first turn and
completing the first half of the one-mile event in :55.1. Pop Cop subsequently
turned aside a first-over challenge from Owosso Flash (Jim Meittinis) up the
far side, accelerating to shake free by two lengths at head-stretch after
rating a slightly slower :28.1 third sectional.
With Owosso Flash fading off the far turn and two lengths
clearance on the field, Pop Cop appeared home free at the eighth pole. His lead
started to slip away as Vangura (Corey Braden) found a seam to rally up the
pegs in the final 150 yards. Ultimately, Pop Cop held Vangura a half-length at
bay, posting a 1:51.4 mile time. Always N the Money found room to split rivals
off the corner, chasing well to save third.
Trainer Tony Dinges co-owns 28-time winner Pop Cop with Enos
Van Stanhope, III. For Coulter, the featured win was one of three on the
12-race card. The "Tan Tornado" also teamed up with Flying Cowboy
($6.20, 1:52.3) and Ulster Hanover ($3.30, 1:54).
Live racing returns to Tioga Downs on Friday (August 5)
evening, with the first race due off at 6:30 p.m. Eastern.
