Mike Merton drove four winners
including the $6,500 featured trot with Clarion Hall at Tioga Downs on Saturday
(August 22).
In the feature, Prairie Fortune
(Mike Simons) passed Groovey Kid (Wally Hennessey) just before hitting the
first quarter in:28.2. Prairie Fortune
used a :28.3 second quarter to hit the half in :57.0. He would open at four lengths as they hit
three-quarters in 1:25.0.
As they went around the final
turn Clarion Hall ($15.60) moved first-over into second and went on the
chase. Prairie Fortune went on a break
in the stretch. Clarion Hall inherited
the lead and had to brace for a late charge from second place finisher Uncle
Hanover (Kyle DiBenedetto) to win in1:55.1.
Groovey Joe was third Best.
Clarion Hall is a 6-year-old
gelding by Windsong Espoir. He is owned
by Michael Spaccerelli and trained by Rob Harmon. It was his fifth win this season and his 19th
career victory.
Merton got his other wins with
Bravo Tex N ($4.40), Lightfootedlegend ($12.80), and Devissor ($4.10).
Tioga Downs returns to live
racing on Sunday (August 23). The 15-race card features the $223,500
Empire Breeders Classic (EBC) for 3-year-old pacing fillies as well as the
$240,600 EBC for 3-year-old pacing colts & geldings. Post time is 1 p.m.
For more information go to www,tiogadowns.com
