Tioga: Fast miles produced in opening Graduate Pace leg

If the first leg of the Graduate Series for 4-year-old pacers is any indication of what is to come in 2020, we can expect records to be shattered. Speed was on display in a major way in three $50,000 divisions of the series at Tioga Downs on Sunday (June 21), with Hurrikane Emperor pacing to a 1:48 1/5 career best outing for driver Mark MacDonald and trainer John McDermott.

MacDonald smoked out of the starting gate with the homebred by Hurrikane Kingcole and secured the top from Captain Victorious well before the 26 4/5 opening panel. Hurrikane Emperor did the rest quite easily on his own, carving out a half in 54 3/5 before accelerating to keep Respect Our Flag at bay through a 1:21 three quarter clocking. Only Captain Victorious had a chance, but he couldn't dent the margin as Hurrikane Emperor powered off to a 27 1/5 final quarter, shaving nearly 2 full seconds off his career best. Jonathon Klee Racing, Kuhen Racing and William Garafolo share ownership of Hurrikane Emperor, who won for the 12th time in just 20 career outings.

Sent off as the public choice, Hurrikane Emperor paid $3.50, with Captain Victorious second and a strong-finishing Bllack Hole third.

Workin Ona Mystery regained winning form in the first $50,000 division, with Tim Tetrick guiding the son of Captaintreacherous wide off a third-over trip and nailing pacesetter Century Farroh by a head in the shadow of the wire. Brian Brown trains Workin Ona Mystery for owners Diamond Creek Racing, A. Stambaugh, Leeman Stable, A. Keith and Wingfield Stable.

Century Farroh and Wally Hennessey first tucked through a 26 1/5 opening quarter set by Aflame Hanover and then pulled abruptly into the stretch, forcing Warrawee Ubeaut with Yannick Gingras to rethink their move. Hennessey was able to control the half in 54 3/5 and then have plenty in reserve to thwart the uncovered bid of Warrawee Ubeaut through a 27-second third quarter.

The activity set it up nicely for Workin Ona Mystery, who catapulted to the 1:50 score as a 2-1 choice and returned $6.50. Century Farroh settled for the place spot with Shamwow holding third.

Dancin Lou made good as the 3-5 choice in the final $50,000 Graduate leg, scoring for driver Brian Sears in a 1:48 3/5 clocking. A son of Sweet Lou, Dancin Lou was looped early by Best In Show, who overcame post eight to gain control at the 25 4/5 opening quarter. Sears moved Dancin Lou to the front passing the initial three-eighths point and had the half in 53 3/5. Sears was confident as Brassy Hanover tried a coverless move but couldn't gain on the leader.

With three quarters hit in 1:21 1/5, a charge developed as Yannick Gingras sent Covered Bridge wide with power. Dancin Lou held firmly through the stretch, as Covered Bridge flattened out but was up for second. Dancin Lou won for the second time in as many starts in 2020 for trainer Tahnee Camilleri and owners David Kryway and 1362313 Ontario Limited.

Dancin Lou returned $3.40 as the favorite.