Prairie Panther (Wally Hennessey) captures the Open Pace Handicap ($12,000) at Tioga Downs on Saturday (June 15).
Music Is Art (Jim Taggart Jr.) led the group to a first quarter in :26.2.
Prairie Panther ($3.40), who is owned by trainer Mike Deters and Laurie Poulin, took the lead as they went by the stands for the first time. He set the pace as they hit the half in :55.1 and three-quarters in 1:23.1. As they reached the stretch he put on the after-burners and cruised to a 5 length win and a seasonal best time of 1:50.4. Motown N (Jeff Long) was second with Americanprimetime (Mike Merton) finishing third.
Prairie Panther is a 5-year-old gelding by Royal Millennium. It was his sixth win this season. He now owns 27 career victories
Jack Rules (Andy Santeramo) wins the Open Trot Handicap ($12,000).
Tag Up And Go (Mike Merton) led the group to a first quarter of :28.0 and the half in :58.0. BJ Lorado (Jim Taggart Jr.) would take over before hitting three-quarters in 1:25.3.
Jack Rules ($28.20), who is owned DJS Stables and trained by Santeramo, was third after three-quarters. He went three-wide down the stretch and held off the late charge of second place finisher Prairie Fortune (Jim Meittinnis) to win in a seasonal best of 1:55.0. Tag Up And Go held on for third.
Jack Rules is a 5-year-old gelding by Crazed. It was his seventh win this season. He now has 22 career wins.
Wally Hennessey drove four winners on the night. He got his other wins with Campbellini ($5.70), Celebrity Lover ($3.00), and Groovey Kid ($9.90).
Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Sunday (June 16) featuring three divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for sophomore pacing colts and geldings. The 13 race card also features the return of wiener dog races. Post time is 1:00 p.m.
For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com
