Despite a slower beginning than in past weeks, Bourbon Bay ($2.30) maintained his dominance in the trotting ranks at Tioga Downs, sweeping to the fore and edging clear for a 1:55 triumph in Sunday (May 31) afternoon's $14,000 Open Trot.

 

After failing to sustain a first-over bid against champion Father Patrick in last week's $150,000 Maxie Lee Memorial at Harrah's Philadelphia, lessee/driver John Cummings Jr. dropped the four-year-old Sand Vic gelding to the back of the pack at race's outset, six lengths off early leader Aruba Vacation (Corey Braden) on the entry to the first turn. When Spice It Up Lindy (Tom Jackson) vacated the pocket to challenge for the lead after a :28.3 first quarter, Bourbon Bay had already commenced his charge, sweeping three-wide to clear the front with a circuit to go. After completing half the journey in :57.4, Bourbon Bay effortlessly gained ample separation from his four rivals, powering clear with three-eighths to go. Despite the best efforts of the trailing quartet, Bourbon Bay could not be caught, geared down for a six-length victory in 1:55. Spice It Up Lindy held second after facing pressure from the first-over Im Fabulous (Jim Taggart Jr.), while B L Class Act (Aaron Byron) took third off a mild stand-side rally.

 

Megan Wilson handles the training duties of Bourbon Bay, who notched his 16th career win. It was also his third Open-level win in as many starts at Tioga this year.

 

Cummings led all drivers with a trio of winners on the card, also teaming up with Follow My Dreams ($5.50, 1:56.2) and Hold On Tightly ($8.20, 1:54.2).

 

Live racing returns to Tioga on Monday (June 1) evening, with the first of 10 races due off at 6:15 p.m. Eastern time.

(Tioga Downs)