by James Witherite, Tioga Downs racing media
Carried three-wide through the far turn, Bettorsluckystreak
($26.80) sustained his late bid en route to a 1:51.4 upset victory in Sunday
(September 7) afternoon's featured pace at Tioga Downs.
The $10,000 upper-level conditioned event drew a field of
eight, with newcomer Johnny Grippa (Jim Meittinis) handling the pacesetting
duties throughout, establishing a solid tempo through a :55 half mile.
With Cashendash Hanover (Brandon Simpson) fading from the pocket and
Hasty Western (Aaron Byron) sliding first-over with three-eighths to go, Greg
Merton moved the four-year-old son of Bettor's Delight out to track cover en
route to the far turn. While Hasty Western continued two-wide despite the
pocket opening up approaching the far turn, Merton moved Bettorsluckystreak
three-wide past three-quarters in 1:22.4. The two sustained their rally,
passing Hasty Western at the top of the stretch and pulling clear of Johnny Grippa
in the final 70 yards to prevail by a length.
Prairie Jaguar, the 8-5 favorite, failed to sustain an
extended uncovered bid, staying even to finish fifth.
James Clouser, Jr. trains Bettorsluckystreak for Kenneth
Weckstein, Richard Rubin, and Gary Messenger.
Mike Simons and Tyler Buter led all drivers with three wins
each on the 13-race card.
The 2014 live racing season concludes at Tioga Downs this
upcoming weekend, with Friday (September 12) and Saturday (September 13) cards
both scheduled for 6:15 p.m. EDT.
