by James Witherite, Tioga Downs racing media
While Aaron Byron scored a Saturday (July 12) night grand
slam at Tioga Downs, he could only muster second honors in the evening's
featured $14,000 Miracle Mile 1 Trot, as I Love New York ($18.40) dug in
through the stretch to narrowly prevail.
The six-year-old Broadway Hall entire brushed to the lead
after Obrigado (Aaron Byron) pushed clear in a :28.4 first quarter, rating a
:57.4 middle half before facing pressure on the far turn. With 300 yards
to go, I Love New York dug in to turn aside the first-over Stitch in Time (Jim
Marohn, Jr.), and dug in late to stave off an inside rally from Obrigado,
prevailing narrowly in 1:55.2. Trainer-driver Bruce Clarke co-owns I Love
New York with John Coffey and Patricia Waldeck.
While I Love New York took top trotting honors on the night,
Aaron Byron took top driving honors, teaming up with Muscles to Spare (1:57.3),
B L Class Act (1:55.3), Joann's Princess (1:57.0), and Clearwater Hanover
(1:55.1) for his quartet of wins on the card.
Live racing returns to Tioga Downs with an 11-race Sunday
(July 13) afternoon card. First post is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. EDT.
