from harness publicists across North America

Monday’s (June 2) edition of Racing Roundup features results stories from The Meadows and Tioga Downs.

Hard-used Certified Ideal prevails in Meadows feature

Washington, PA — Used twice in the mile, Certified Ideal nevertheless had the most pop when it counted as she captured Monday’s $20,000 Filly & Mare Not Listed Preferred/Preferred Handicap Pace at The Meadows.

Certified Ideal seized the point in a demanding :26.4 before being shuffled to third, then came first over for Tony Hall after the leader, Foxy Lady. But the 4-year-old daughter of Western Ideal-Areba’s Last remained strong late, clicking off the last quarter in :28.3 and scoring in 1:51.4. Foxy Lady saved place, 1-1/4 lengths back, with Do Me Honor third.

Randy Bendis trains Certified Ideal, who soared over $200,000 in career earnings, and owns with Mike Novosel Jr., Tom Pollack and James Walton.

Dave Palone drove four winners on the 15-race card.

— Evan Pattak

Tioga Downs
After a pair of narrow misses, Aaron Byron brushed early with Fireyourguns ($3.80) in Monday evening’s featured $14,000 Open Handicap Pace at Tioga Downs, never looking back en route to a 5-1/4 length victory. Just off the flank of the pocket-sitting Golden Gun (John Cummings Jr.) on the first turn, the 5-year-old American Ideal gelding stalked Prairie Jaguar (Jim Marohn Jr.) through a :27.1 first quarter before pushing to the fore. With a circuit to go, Fireyourguns was able to clear the front, but maintained a hot pace through a :54.2 half while Prairie Jaguar maintained a close tracking trip from the pocket. On the backstretch, Fireyourguns accelerated well clear of the others, extending his lead gradually en route to a powerful 1:50 victory. Prairie Jaguar held second, while Life Up Front (Bruce Aldrich Jr.) sustained a gradual bid to take third. Fireyourguns, owned by Jennifer and Robert Lowe in partnership with trainer Terence McClory, took a new lifetime mark in his fifth win of 2014.