Nichols, NY — Favorite Hunting Zone (Colin Kelly) captured the $14,500 featured Open Pace at Tioga Downs on Sunday (July 12), withstanding the challenge of Red Blooded to pick up the win.
Marvelous Mac A (Mike Merton) was first to the quarter, leading the field of five through a :28.2 opening panel. Beach Town Boy (James Kennedy) took over with a lap to go and led to the half, paced in :56.2. On the backstretch, Hunting Zone ($3.78) surged to the front, followed by Red Blooded (Jim Pantaleano). Hunting Zone was first to three quarters in 1:23.2, three parts of a length ahead of his outside challenger.
As they turned for home, second-place finisher Red Blooded and Hunting Zone slugged it out. Red Blooded continued his assault on the leader, but Hunting Zone dug in gamely to win in 1:51.2. Son Of A Show (Braxten Boyd) was third best.
Hunting Zone is a 6-year-old gelding by Huntsville out of Rocknroll Hanover mare Smart Zone. He is owned by Pollack Racing and trained by Enrico Robinson. The victory is the third of the season, and his 21st career tally.
Kelly and Robinson combined for a hat trick on the program, while Boyd registered a driving triple. Ridge Warren steered two winners on the program.
Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Friday (July 17) with a 6:15 p.m. first post. For more information visit www.tiogadowns.com.