Sheer Brilliance takes Monday's Tioga feature

Sheer Brilliance and Corey Braden took home the lion’s share of the $15,000 Open Handicap pace on Monday afternoon at Tioga Downs, even though they were not the first pair across the wire. Phil Fluet and That’s Justice crossed the wire a neck in front of Sheer Brilliance, but were disqualified for a lapped on break at the wire.

Braden sent Sheer Brilliance to the front from post position six and cut through fractions of 26.2, 54.3, and 1:22.2 as Winbak Dimensions (Matt Kakaley) applied first over pressure around the final turn. Sheer Brilliance rebuffed the challenge of Winbak Dimensions, but That’s Justice was closing fastest of all but could not avoid a miscue steps before the wire. The mile of 1:50.3 will go down as a seasonal best for Sheer Brilliance.

Jeff Long trains the 5-year old son of Blissfull Hall-High Roller Ash and also co-owns with Paula Long of Milford, Delaware. That’s Justice was placed second, while Winbak Dimensions hung on for third to round out the $150.75 fifty cent trifecta as the 6-5 betting favorite Pacinello made a break at the start and was never a factor.
   
Corey Braden, Jimmy Marohn Jr., and Matt Kakaley each posted driving doubles on the afternoon’s eleven race card.
   
Tioga Downs continues live racing on Friday, July 9th with a post time of 6:50 pm featuring divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for 2-year old filly pacers. For more information please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com .(Tioga Downs)