by John Horne, for Tioga Downs

Tioga, NY — Maxdaddy Blue chip (Mickey Mc Nichol) captured the Open Pace I ($12,000) at Tioga Downs on Sunday (May 14) in 1:49.3.

Fred Brown photo

Maxdaddy Blue Chip won the Open Pace I in 1:49.3 at Tioga Downs on Sunday afternoon.

The 5 year-old Sportswriter gelding would sit back in fourth for most of the race watching as the two favorites, Clear Vision (Larry Staulbaum) and Pretty Boy Hill (Jason Bartlett) dueled all the way to the backsretch.

After Pretty Boy tired before the paddock turn, Clear Vision would be left alone in the lead as they turned for home. Andreios Kardia (Aaron Byron) looked poised to take over after leaving the pocket in the stretch.

Mc Nichol, however, would then guide Maxdaddy Blue Chip, who is owned by Fred Monteleone, three-wide down the stretch to obtain the victory.

Maxdaddy Blue Chip, who is also trained by Mc Nichol, would pay $27.00 to win. Clear Vision hung on for second while Andreios Kardia finished third.

Tioga Downs returns to action on Friday (May 19) at 6:50 p.m.