Tioga Downs: Pure Country goes all the way in Artiscape

Pure Country backed up her victory in the Lady Liberty on Hambletonian Day by capturing Sunday afternoon's $158,000 Artiscape for open pacing mares at Tioga Downs in 1:50 1/5.

Driver Mark MacDonald sent Pure Country away from the gate from post five, and she would clear early leader Bedroomconfessions (Yannick Gingras) on the way to the 26 4/5 opening quarter. Pure Country faced no outside challengers in the second quarter, so MacDonald backed down the pace to 55 1/5 at the half.

6-5 choice Nike Franco N (Tim Tetrick) rolled first-over out of fourth past the half, but she was unable to seriously threaten Pure Country up the backstretch or to the 1:22 1/5 three-quarters, and Pure Country remained clear in the final quarter, winning by about two lengths over Frost Damage Blues (Corey Callahan). Nike Franco N held third.

"I think she can race any way," MacDonald said of Pure Country. "She's a great mare. This track is kind of a speed track, so of course you want to be a little bit aggressive in a small field. She's very strong, but sometimes she waits on them a little. Like when we were going down the backstretch I was trying to go as fast as I could. I just wanted to get a little separation and just keep her at her task. She just keeps going, and she's got a huge set of lungs."

Jimmy Takter conditions the 4-year-old daughter of Somebeachsomewhere for owner/breeder Diamond Creek Farm. This was her 22nd career victory, and she has now earned $1,985,905. Dispatched at 3-1, Pure Country returned $8.60 to win.