from harness publicists across North America

Sunday’s (July 27) edition of Racing Roundup features results stories from Tioga Downs, Harrah’s Philadelphia and Running Aces.

Fireyourguns dominates in Tioga Open

Nichols, NY — After being left to chase Prairie Jaguar in last week’s pacing feature, Fireyourguns ($4.70) proved a decisive pace-setting 1:50.3 winner in Sunday (July 27) afternoon’s $14,000 Open Pace at Tioga Downs.

Fred Brown photo

Fireyourguns proved much the best in Sunday’s $14,000 Open Pace at Tioga.

The 5-year-old American Ideal gelding left strongly, withstanding early pressure from Tell Us More (Larry Stalbaum) and Golden Gun (John Cummings, Jr.) through a :55 half-mile before sprinting clear on the backstretch.

Entering the far turn, Aaron Byron called upon Fireyourguns for his strongest burst of speed, and he kicked clear of his rivals to lead by nearly six lengths in the upper stretch. While Prairie Jaguar (Jim Marohn Jr.) was able to mount a late bid from off the pace to take second, Fireyourguns was taken in hand through the final 100 yards, prevailing by 2-3/4 lengths.

Trainer Terence McClory co-owns Fireyourguns with Jennifer and Robert Lowe.

Live racing returns to Tioga Downs on Friday (Aug. 1) evening, with first post slated for 6:15 p.m. (EDT).

— James Witherite

Harrah’s Philadelphia
There were two divisions of a non-winners of $17,500 in their last five starts on Sunday at Harrah’s Philadelphia. In the first division, Jake Huff trainee Statesman N was sent off as the 6-5 favorite. As the wings opened, it was Bestjetyet firing fast for the lead, with Statesman N securing the pocket spot from post one. Coming off of a strong qualifier, Bestjetyet set solid fractions, overcoming a first over challenge from Hang Ten. In the stretch however, Bestjetyet made a break, allowing Statesman N to close up the inside for the victory, in a time of 1:51.1. Bestjetyet finished second, but was disqualified and placed sixth for a violation of the breaking rule. Dreamzzzz R For U was moved up to second, while Hang Ten was moved up to third. Statesman N is owned by Our Horse Cents Stables, Peter Venturini and J&T Silva Stables, and was one of three wins for Corey Callahan. In the second division, Emeritus Maximus sped off the wings and never looked back. The 4-year-old son of Rocknroll Hanover faced a persistent first-over challenge from Nitro Seelster and a late charge from National Debt, but held on for his 11th career win in a time of 1:50.2. National Debt was a heart breaking second, while Nitro Seelster finished third. Emeritus Maximus is owned by John Cancelliere, trained by Tom Cancelliere, and was driven by Corey Callahan.

Running Aces
Smarter Yet won for the third time in five tries in the weekly Running Aces Open Pace on Sunday night. Kim Pluta guided the 7-year-old gelding for trainer Ron Merritt and owner Kevin St. Charles. It was the 37th lifetime win and raised Smarter Yet’s career bankroll to $236,925. The noted closer used his usual strong stretch drive to catch Headsup Yankee (Nick Roland) and Silver Spir (Jason Ryan) in the final strides of the 1:53 mile. Pluta also won a $7,000 conditioned pace on the undercard with Restless Yankee, one of the best Minnesota-bred horses ever. Following the 1:53.4 victory, the Bob and Ryan Lems-owned son of Relentless Yankee now has 46 triumphs and $278,531 in earnings. He bested Dont Tell Rusty (Jason Ryan) and Mister Virgin (Nick Roland). A $7,000 trot mixing top conditioned horses with $10,000 claimers was captured by Axle (Kody Massey) with a narrow decision over Forceful Gale (Brian Detgen) and Flameon (Lemoyne Svendsen). The winner was claimed from owner-trainer George Reider by Daniel Maier. For the third consecutive racing night, veteran Gerry Longo scored a driving triple. Handle for the 11-race program was $201,791.