Nichols, N.Y. -- While favorites K J's Caroline ($4.20) and
Its Payday Friday ($3.40) held sway on the lead in their respective $9,000
featured events on Saturday (May 14) evening at Tioga Downs, it was
Shesgotthebeat ($32.40) who stole the show, springing a 15-1 upset to sweep her
preliminary legs of the Gail's Diner Late Closing Series for 3-year-old pacing
fillies.
The first $7,500 division of the Gail's Diner preliminary
saw first-round winners Shesgotthebeat and Heavenly Bet square off, with 1-9
favorite Heavenly Bet (Scott Coulter) doing the heavy lifting through the
middle half. After drafting intently, Jim Meittinis angled Shesgotthebeat off
the pegs at head-stretch, dueling to a length victory in 1:55.1 over good
going. Heavenly Bet was a vanquished favorite in the end, yet still 3-1/2
lengths clear of Ghost Runner (Tom Jackson), who chased in vain for third.
Shesgotthebeat, a 3-year-old daughter of American Ideal, is
trained by Edward Hart for the Seafood Delight Stable, Kristie Leigh Farm,
Inc., and Joseph Betro.
The other Gail's Diner division saw Stirling Electra
($10.80) duel with Winners Over (Dan Clements) for the entirety of the far
turn, gutting out a half-length 1:57.3 victory under Corey Braden. Trainer
Jennifer Davis co-owns the Roll With Joe filly with Joyce Nowicki.
In the co-featured $9,000 top-level trot and distaff pace, Its
Payday Friday and K J's Caroline proved victorious while favored. Its Payday
Friday, a 6-year-old Kadabra gelding, held the first-over Prairie Fortune at
bay for a 1:55.3 score. Owner Dan Clements handled the driving duties for
trainer Ronnie Morales. The top mares pace saw K J's Caroline make all the
pace, edging clear of Asset Management for a four-length triumph in 1:55.1. Jim
Taggart, Jr. drove the 6-year-old Roddy's Bags Again mare for trainer Gary
Messenger.
The 50¢ Pick 5 was not hit, resulting in a $323 carryover to
Sunday (May 15) afternoon's card. The first of 13 races is due off at 1:30 p.m.
EDT.
