After working clear of Elite Awards with just over a circuit to go, Fireyourguns ($2.60) narrowly held off a late charge from that same rival--and two others--to capture Sunday (August 2) afternoon's $12,000 Open Pace at Tioga Downs.
Aaron Byron floated forward with the six-year-old American Ideal gelding, clearing pacesetters Elite Awards (Corey Braden) and Eastend Eddie (Jim Marohn Jr.) just after a :27.1 initial quarter. Fireyourguns then travelled with an uncontested lead through middle sectionals of :55.3 and 1:23.3, but faced a pair of stern challenges on the far turn when Elite Awards pulled the pocket and Eastend Eddie was carried three-wide off the corner. Those two charged valiantly upon straightening for home, as did Electrofire (Mike Simons), who fanned four-wide in the final 150 yards. Fireyourguns, though all-out, narrowly held off his trio of pursuers, prevailing in 1:51.3 over fast going.
Trainer Terence McClory co-owns Fireyourguns with Jennifer and Robert Lowe.
In addition to his win with Fireyourguns, Byron teamed up with Galex ($18.00, 1:53.2) and Dragon Fever ($9.20, 1:53.1) to lead all drivers with three wins on the 11-race card.
(Tioga Downs)