by James Witherite, Tioga Downs racing media
After winning nearly half of his races as a three-year-old,
the Harbor Racing Stable's Rossini ($6.80) dug in to stave off a late charge
from Dough Dough en route to a 1:53.4 win in the $14,000 Open I Handicap Trot
on Sunday (May 25) evening at Tioga Downs.
The four-year-old Classic Photo gelding dueled for the lead
through a :28 first quarter, clearing just off the first turn. After
completing a :56.4 half-mile while uncontested, Rossini faced a strong first-over
challenge from Tirade Hanover (John MacDonald) on the backstretch, responding
and sprinting clear on the far turn. A late challenge from the
pocket-sitting Dough Dough came up just short, as Rossini was driven out to
prevail narrowly.
Howard Parker handled the driving duties aboard Rossini for
trainer Jim Raymer. Meanwhile, favorite Splitsville (Jim Marohn, Jr.) saw
his winning streak end at four, as he was forced to chase the entire mile,
breaking stride in upper stretch after being caught in a blind switch.
Live racing resumes at Tioga on Monday (May
26) afternoon, with the thirteen-race Memorial Day card beginning at 1:30
p.m. EDT.
