John Horne for Tioga Downs.
Driver Mike Merton and trainer Rob Harmon sweep co-features at Tioga Downs with Coveredndiamonds N and Clarion Hall on Saturday (August 8).
Coveredndiamonds N ($5.70) captures the $5,500 featured fillies & mares pace.
Prairie Westerngal (Wally Hennessy) took
the field to the first quarter in :26.4.
Coveredndiamonds N followed in the pocket as Prairie Westerngal used a
:30.2 second quarter to lead to the half in :57.1. New Number Who Dis (Michael Deruntz) was the
first to make a move going first-over into third but was just sputtering on the
outside as Prairie Westerngal led to three-quarters in 1:26.1.
As they made the turn for home Coveredndiamonds N popped out of the pocket and charged down the stretch to win in a seasonal best of 1:53.1 Prairie Westerngal had to settle for second best. Grant Me This (Jim Meittinis) finished third.
Coveredndiamonds N is 7-year-old mare by American Ideal. She is owned by Harmon Racing stable and Joel Kahan. It was her second win this season and her 21st career victory.
Clarion Hall ($4.40) wins the $5,500 featured trot.
Aquillo (Jim Meittinis) charges right out to the lead and led the first quarter in :27.4 Aquillo used a :29.0 second quarter to lead to the half in:56.4. Clarion Hall made his move as they headed for the backstretch going first-over from third. He took control just before hitting three-quarters in 1:25.3.
Clarion Hall was joined by Joined by Lightfootedlegend (Bruce Aldrich) as they made the turn for home. Clarion Hall dug down deep and found something extra to win in 1:55.3. Lightfootedlegend was second best with Rose Run Rudi (Corey Braden) coming up to finish third.
Clarion Hall is a 6-year-old gelding by Windsong Espoir. He is owned by Michael Spaccarelli. It was his third straight win and fourth this season. He now has 18 career victoires.
Mike Merton and Bruce Aldrich Jr. each drove three winners on the card.
Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Sunday (August 9) with a 10-race card starting at 1 p.m.
For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.
