Nichols, N.Y. -- Owner-breeder Ina Madill's Andreios Kardia
($3.00) demonstrated great determination in the featured $10,000 Pacer of the
Year Match Race on Saturday's (September 17) closing-night program at Tioga
Downs, upending pacesetter Believe This Bob in a 1:50.1 mile.
The 5-year-old Badlands Hanover gelding was eager to go on
from race's outset, offering pressure to Believe This Bob through a :26.3 first
quarter before settling into a tight pocket through the middle half. Mike
Simons and Believe This Bob relaxed the terms through a :55.2 half mile, but
were forced to accelerate as Aaron Byron switched Andreios Kardia back to the
two-path with five-sixteenths to go. The two dueled through a :27.1 third
quarter, and Andreios Kardia would emerge victorious in the final 150 yards,
edging away from the game pacesetter by half a length while driven.
Jeff Byron trains 15-time winner Andreios Kardia, whose
third consecutive top-level victory earned him 2016 Tioga Downs Pacer of the
Year honors.
Aaron Byron and Mike Merton led all drivers with four wins
apiece on the 11-race card.
Additionally, Trotter of the Year honors were bestowed upon
Prairie Fortune, campaigned by owner Laurie Poulin, owner-trainer Mike Deters,
and regular driver Jim Meittinis. Deters was also crowned the seasonal training
champion, while Ontario-based Scott Coulter maintained a clear margin over Mike
Simons to capture top driving honors.
Horseplayers and horsemen alike are advised to visit www.tiogadowns.com for updates on the
ongoing casino expansion, as well as on the 2017 harness racing season.
