by James Witherite, Tioga Downs racing media
Sustaining a first-over bid, Prairie Jaguar ($18.00) wore
down Fireyourguns before kicking clear to a 1:50.4 win over a late-closing JK
Panache in Sunday (June 15) afternoon's $14,000 Open 1 Handicap Pace at Tioga
Downs.
The six-year-old Spy Hard gelding commenced his bid after
Fireyourguns (Aaron Byron) was used to clear the lead at a :54.4 half mile,
pushing steadily to keep the pace hot on the approach to the far turn.
With 300 yards to go, the two were level, and Jim Marohn, Jr. kicked
clear with Prairie Jaguar at head-stretch. As Fireyourguns faded through
the stretch, the late threat came in the form of JK Panache (Rick Plano), who
fanned wide off Prairie Jaguar's live cover, closing to within 1-3/4 lengths
for second honors. The Ladies Man (Corey Braden) made a late bid for
third.
Trainer Mike Deters co-owns Prairie Jaguar with Laurie Lee
Poulin.
Three $12,500 first-round divisions of the Nichols True
Value late-closing series for pacers were contested on the undercard, with
Moonlight Ransom (1:53.3, Jimmy Whittemore), Real Illusion (1:53.0, Brandon
Simpson), and Agood Time to Rock (1:53.1, Jim Marohn, Jr.) all proving
victorious.
Live racing resumes at Tioga on Saturday (June 21) evening,
with first post scheduled for 6:15 p.m. EDT.
