Nichols, N.Y. -- Scott Coulter, the leading driver at Tioga
Downs with six weeks remaining in the 2016 meet, enjoyed a sweep of Sunday
(August 7) afternoon's featured events, capturing both $9,000 Open 2 paces
carded on the 12-race program.
In the seventh event, Coulter sustained gains with Energy
Shakes ($23.20) without the aid of cover en route to a 1:53 win as the longest
shot on the board. The 5-year-old Western Terror gelding gradually gained on
pacesetter Pier Ho Temptation (Jim Taggart, Jr.) through the far turn, striking
the front at the eighth pole and holding off a belated charge from even-money
favorite Dee's Rocketman (Fern Paquet, Jr.) by half a length. Lilys Real Boy
(Corey Braden) and Prairie Jaguar (Jim Meittinis) mounted rallies from well off
the pace to narrowly miss the runner-up spot. Dan Morrissey trains Energy
Shakes for owner Leona Morrissey.
The afternoon's tenth race saw Andreios Kardia ($4.10)
return to his winning ways by way of a drastic change of tactics. While his
success at the Open 2 level earlier in the season came by way of stalking and
closing efforts, the 5-year-old Badlands Hanover gelding brushed to the fore
with a circuit to go and maintained a rapid pace throughout. Andreios Kardia
drew off easily at the top of the stretch, posting a 4-1/4 length margin of
victory over the late-rallying Vangura (Braden) and Always N The Money (Jim
Marohn, Jr.), who tired after chasing from the pocket. Andreios Kardia
dominated in 1:50.3 for owner/breeder Ina Madill and trainer Jeffrey Byron.
A non-wagering Racing Under Saddle event was contested early
in the afternoon, with Hyway Marcus making his bid off a clear tracking
trip a quarter mile from home en route to a clear 9-length victory.
The 5-year-old Gut Instinct gelding covered the one-mile journey in 1:59.1 with
Maria Buchanan in the irons for owner Marohn Racing, LLC and trainer Patti
Harmon. The Franchise (Michelle Crawford) mounted a stand-side rally to take
second, while Funny Photo (Sophie Engerran) stayed on off a wide stalking trip
to save third.
Live racing returns to Tioga Downs on Thursday (August 11)
evening, with post time slated for 6:30 p.m. Eastern. Horsemen are advised that
entries for the Thursday card close Monday (August 9) morning at 9:00 a.m.
