Tgdn5/8 - Hayworth Blue Chip sets life mark in Tioga Friday feature

Hayworth Blue Chip and Jim Meittinis came into Friday night’s $16,000 fillies and mares open pace with two straight second place finishes at Tioga Downs, and a third at Saratoga. She left on Friday night with her fifth victory of the 2013 racing season and shaved two seconds off of her lifetime mark with a 1:51.4 score.

The duo got away fifth from post position number five through fractions of 27 and 55.3 put up by Billmar Scooter (Mike Simons). Down the backside, James Kennedy pulled Haggin Oaks first up battling through three quarters in 1:23.2 with last week’s winner, Little Santamonica (Aaron Byron) following her cover. Around the final turn Meittinis sent Hayworth Blue Chip three wide to swoop the field with a final panel in 27.4 and win by a length in 1:51.4. Haggin Oaks (James Kennedy) put in a solid effort to finish second, while Little Santamonica (Aaron Byron) rounded out the trifecta. Hayworth Blue Chip, the 4-year old daughter of Bettor’s Delight – Musical Tone returned $27.80 for a two dollar win payoff for trainer Rob Harmon and Karma Racing Inc. of Florida.

 Mike Simons and Brandon Simpson each posted driving doubles on the night’s ten race card. Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Saturday, May 25^th with a post time of 6:50pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.