tGDN5/8 - All Spirit strong in Tioga Friday night feature

 All  Spirit and Jimmy Marohn Jr. got back to business on Friday night capturing the $16,000 fillies and mares open pace. Marohn left alertly from post position number three in a field of six getting away second behind Odds On Aventure at the quarter pole in 26.4. By the fans and stands for the first time, Marohn moved All Spirit to the front and controlled the half mile mark of the race in 55.3. Down the backside and headed towards three quarters Aaron Byron pulled Little Santamonica first over from third and raced head to head with All Spirit by three quarters in 1:23. Around the final turn it was clear Marohn still had plenty left in the tank and quickly dismissed the strong bid from Little Santamonica and opened up on the field to win comfortably by a length and a half in 1:51.3. Brownsville Bomber (Fern Paquet Jr.) paced home late to finish second, while Little Santamonica (Aaron Byron) held tough for third.

The win was the second of the season and established a new seasonal best for the 7-year old daughter of Bettor’s Delight – Spirit Of Ivy for owner Larry Lanpher and trainer Judy Lanpher.

Greg Merton posted a driving triple on the night’s twelve race card, while Jim Taggart Jr., Corey Braden, and Aaron Byron each recorded doubles.

Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Saturday, June 8^th with a post time of 6:50pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.