by James Witherite, Tioga Downs racing media

Nichols, NY — Employing a first-over push into the far turn, the Megan Rogers Racing Stables’ Unlocked ($15.40) accelerated clear of his four rivals en route to a 1:50 minor upset in Monday (Aug. 17) evening’s $14,000 Open Pace at Tioga Downs.

Fred Brown photo

Unlocked was a 1:50 winner for driver Marcus Miller.

Marcus Miller settled the 4-year-old Duneside Perch son just off a pressured early pace, tracking Believe This Bob (Aaron Byron) and Steelhead Hanover (Mike Simons) through a :54.3 initial half-mile before making his first-over bid in the final five-sixteenths of the mile.

Unlocked worked his way into the lead at the top of the stretch, pushing clear at will. Steelhead Hanover was able to vacate the pocket to give chase, rallying into second over the tiring Believe This Bob, but still giving up 3-1/2 lengths to Unlocked in the end.

Erv Miller trains Unlocked, now a 15-time winner.

Live racing returns to Tioga Downs on Friday (Aug. 21) evening, as does the annual Corntastic festival, which lasts all weekend. Post time is 6:15 p.m. (EDT).