Nichols, NY — Soft Shot, driven by Kyle Swift, handily captured Friday’s (July 17) $14,500 Fillies & Mares Open Pace at Tioga Downs in 1:51.
Aint She Pretty (Ridge Warren) fired to the lead from Post 3, pacing to the quarter in a smoking :26.4. Soft Shot ($2.74) took over as the field passed the stands for the first time, leading to the half in :55.2. Glittering Hope (James Kennedy) challenged first-up heading down the backstretch, but Soft Shot shook her off, getting to three quarters first in 1:22.2.
As the field of seven reached the stretch, it became a race for second as Soft Shot hit the wire 2-1/4 lengths in front. Chanceoflightning (Cory Stratton) took home second money, while Elegant A (Braxten Boyd) finished third.
Soft Shot is a 5-year-old Heston Blue Chip mare owned by Paul O’Neil and trained by Jaymes McAssey. The victory was her seventh seasonal, and the 26th of her career.
Ridge Warren and Braxten Boyd each tallied driving grand slams. Warren finished first with She B Crazy, Woodmere Harriet, Mickie Mantle, and Kissapotamus. Boyd reached the winner’s circle with Silencethewitness, Katie Cotton, Job Crunch, and Real Lucky N. Kevin Reynold Jr. scored a training double.
Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (July 18) starting at 6:15 p.m. For more information visit www.tiogadowns.com.