Lease Ness Monster (Mike Merton) wins the featured Fillies and Mares Open (($12,000), on Friday night at Tioga Downs (July 7). The 6 year-old Lease On Life mare would grab the lead just before the first quarter controlling the pace going 26.2, 55.0, 122.1, 150.4. Owned by Matthew and David Waltz while trained by Patti Harmon, Lease Ness Monster ($3.30), was too strong for the late pressure of Sudden Change N (Jim Taggart Jr.), who settled for second. Gweneeee J came flying late to get the third spot.
Mike Simons remains top driver at Tioga Downs going in to tonights action. Simons would add two more wins tonight to go to 44. Mike Merton would win twice as well to be second with 27 wins. Jim Taggart Jr and Tom Jackson are tied for third with 26 wins a piece. Jim Marohn Jr. rounds out the top five with 20 wins in just 52 starts.
The trainer's race is much tighter. Mike Deters and Tony Dinges are tied with 14 wins each. The trio of Gary Messenger (11 for 75), David McGinnis (11 for 68), and Mickey McNichol (11 for 47), are all tied for third.
Tioga Downs returns to live action with a 10 race card on Saturday (July 8) at 6:50p.m.
For more information please go to www.tiogadowns.com
