by Dustin Ross, Regional Racing Operations Manager, Tioga Downs

Nichols, NY — Major Look, fresh off of her Mistletoe Shalee win over world champion American Jewel, returned to action on Sunday afternoon (July 22) at Tioga Downs in the Tompkins-Geers.

Fred Brown photo

Major Look was a 1:49.3 winner for Jeff Gregory.

The overwhelming favorite did not disappoint her supporters as she carved the mile out for herself, putting up fractions of :27, :54.3 and 1:21.4 before drawing away from the field with ease in a new stakes record of 1:49.3.

The mile was just a fifth of a second off the track record for 3-year-old filly pacers held by See You At Peelers. This was the second straight sub-1:50 performance by the daughter of Art Major-Band Of Emeralds, who is owned in partnership by Joseph Balkunas, Mark Giordano and Anthony Pancella. Kevin McDermott took over the training just a few weeks ago for his friend, Robert Riddle, who was injured at the barn while working with Major Look.

“I just took over training her a couple weeks ago after Major Look had injured Bob around the barn,” said McDermott in the winner’s circle. “She (Major Look) is a very, very special filly, and Gregory (driver Jeff Gregory) said when he asked her at the top of the stretch today she took right off. Her next start will be next Saturday afternoon in the Adio Volo at The Meadows.”

Steelhead Hanover and Joe Pavia, Jr. posted the fastest mile for the 3-year-old pacing colts in the first of two divisions on Sunday afternoon. Pavia moved Steelhead Hanover at the quarter and went on to hold off Forever Just (Jason Bartlett) from the pocket to win in 1:50. The mile established a new lifetime mark for the son of Bettor’s Delight-Special Beauty for the partnership of AGC Stables, Dijo Racing, Joseph Barbera and Steven Held.

Capturing the other divisions of Tompkins-Geers were: 3FP–Marinade Hanover–Sam Schillaci (1:52.3) and 3CP–Bet On The Law–Joe Pavia, Jr. (1:51.3).