by James Witherite, Tioga Downs racing media

Nichols, NY — Despite setting a grueling pace with even-money favorite Fireyourguns tracking from the pocket throughout, Steelhead Hanover ($6.00) had enough left in deep stretch to narrowly prevail in Monday (July 27) evening’s $12,000 Open Pace at Tioga Downs.

Fred Brown photo

Steelhead Hanover was a neck winner in the Monday Open at Tioga Downs.

Mike Simons secured a close tracking spot with the 6-year-old Bettor’s Delight son on the first turn, situated just behind Fireyourguns (Aaron Byron) and Eastend Eddie (Jim Marohn Jr.) through a :26.3 first quarter.

Upon completing his brush to the lead with a circuit to go, Steelhead Hanover kept at a rapid pace, bracing for a sustained challenge from Fireyourguns on the far turn after a :54.3 middle half. Driven out through the stretch, Steelhead Hanover prevailed by a neck, holding off Fireyourguns in 1:49.4 over fast going. Eastend Eddie hooked three-wide in the stretch, sustaining a belated rally to hold third.

Joe Pavia Jr. trains Steelhead Hanover for Dijo Racing, Joseph Barbera, the AGC Stables, and Pint Size Racing.

While Simons completed a driving double in the sub-featured $10,000 Open II Pace with Electrofire ($3.90, 1:51.4), Jim Marohn Jr. led all drivers with three wins on the 10-race card. The “Mighty Mite Part Two” teamed up with Giddy Up Delight ($6.60, 1:52.4), Flying Cowboy ($15.80, 1:50.3), and Retail ($6.10, 1:53).

Live racing returns to Tioga Downs on Friday (July 31) evening, with first post scheduled for 6:15 p.m. (EDT).