Cat Manzi was in an upset mood tonight at Tioga Downs, and no, he wasn’t mad. The Catman led the card with 4 winners, 3 of which went off at odds of 11/1 or higher. The first came in the 4th race as the Manzi picked up the lines for Lukas Hall in the 1st division of the New York Sire Stakes for 2 year old colts and geldings. Heavy favorite Crazzycrazzy and Jim Morrill, Jr. carved out incredible early speed by taking the field thru fractions of 28.2, 56.3 and 1:25.2. The Catman and Lukas Hall sat 3rd along the strung out field and was 12 lengths off at the half. Crazzycrazzy began tiring badly after the ¾ pole and the backfield was in motion led by Lukas Hall. Manzi cleared halfway down the lane and crossed the wire in 1:56.3. The win was the first lifetime win for the Kevin McDermott trained Lukas Hall. The Conway Hall-Goddess Of War colt is co-owned by Wayne Chrebet, former wide receiver of the NY Jets, and Jeff Gural.
In the 2nd of 2 divisions of the 2 year old colts, Cat Manzi found himself once again behind the lines of another longshot, Credit Fashion. Picked as the 9/2 third choice on the morning line, the bettors sent him off at 12/1 from the far outside 9 hole. The Catman placed Credit Fashion on the front easily with a soft opening quarter of 29. From there the 9/5 2nd choise The Lindy Treaty tried to brush to the lead but was thwarted and had to settle in the pocket in front of a gapping Mister Anson just before the half. The 4/5 favorite Flyhawk El Durado flushed Mister Anson and began working out a 2nd over trip only to jump offstride as the horses turned down the backside. Credit Fashion easily repelled Mister Anson and opened up on the field to win in hand by 4 lengths in 1:57.1. The win marked the 3rd of the year for the Credit Winner-Whata Softie progeny for trainer Jim Campbell.
Cat Manzi picked up another win in the Fillies & Mares Miracle mile 1 event with 13/1 upset winner V’la Faire. His 4th and final win came in the last division of the Excelsior series with the 5/2 2nd choice Winbak Glory.
Upset bids were not just limited to Manzi as driver Jim Meittinis picked up 3 wins on the card, 2 with longshots at 33/1 (Mandela Blue Chip) and 10/1 (Zoey De Vie). Leading driver Jim Marohn, Jr. picked a driving double by winning the late double.
Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Saturday, July 27th with a post time of 6:50pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.
