The first race at Presque Isle yesterday turned into a two-horse affair right from the gate between 8/5 shot Echo Alpha Six and 6/5 He’s on the Fly, a 5-year-old gelding by Bahamian Squall. The outcome wasn’t determined until the final jump.

    The duo quickly broke away from the field, and the second choice had three lengths on He’s on the Fly after a quarter in :22.71, stretching it to five as they passed the half in :46.11. On the turn, He’s on the Fly didn’t appear to have any chance of closing the gap, but rider Walber Alencar persevered, and He’s on the Fly slowly ate up the margin through a long stretch drive, finally edging into the lead by half a length at the finish. 

    It was the first victory this season for the gelding bred by Peggy J. Follin, who is now 3-2-2 in 15 starts. He’s on the Fly earned a check for $9,000 to bring his total to $44,382, and is Bahamian Squall’s 12th winner this year. He was clocked in 1:10.81 for the six furlongs over the all-weather track and paid $4.60.