Nichols, N.Y. -- Yonkers invader Analyze ($7.10) made a
three-wide push on the far turn en route to a going-away victory in Friday
(July 22) evening's featured $11,000 Mares Open 1 Pace at Tioga Downs, capping
a driving grand slam for Mike Merton.
The 4-year-old Neutralize mare sat well off the pace through
the developing stages of the race, moving second-over on approach to the far
turn to track cover from 6-5 favorite The Summer Wind (Jim Meittinis). As The
Summer Wind failed to make any impression on pacesetter All Charged Up (Tom
Jackson), Mike Merton swung Analyze three-wide to progress off the corner.
Analyze lifted to the lead in mid-stretch under left-handed encouragement,
stretching clear by 1-1/4 lengths and prevailing in 1:53.2. K J's Caroline (Jim
Taggart, Jr.) saved second from a pocket trip with a late move up the pegs, and
All Charged Up checked in an engulfed third.
Amber Buter trains 15-time winner Analyze for LRL Racing,
LLC.
The featured win capped a grand slam for Merton, who commenced
the 10-race card with a natural hat trick. Favorites Lady Windsor ($4.20,
1:55.3), Stitch in Time ($4.70, 1:57), and Rusty's Flying ($4.90, 1:53.2)
accounted for Merton's three earlier wins on the program.
Racing returns to Tioga Downs with a 10-race card on
Saturday (July 23) evening. First post is set for 6:30 p.m. Eastern.
