Golden Kronos Wins Open Trot at Tioga

Golden Kronos (Wally Hennessey) takes the $9,000 Open Trot at Tioga Downs on Sunday (June 6). 

Golden Kronos ($6.40) went straight to the lead but Lightfootedlegend (Renaldo Morales III) took over just before hitting the first quarter in :28.1.  Golden Kronos took back the lead as they headed for the stands for the first time.  He led to the half in :58.2 using a :30.1 second quarter.  Lightfootedlegend popped out of the pocket and made a challenge as they headed for the paddock turn.  Golden Kronos held the lead to three-quarters in 1:26.0.   

As they made the turn for home Golden Kronos shook off Lightfootedlegend.  My Lindy Winner (Mike Merton) and Creekside Pete (Corey Braden) came charging late but Golden Kronos was too strong and equaled his lifetime best mile of 1:54.1.  My Lindy Winner was second and Creekside Pete finished third. 

Golden Kronos is a 7-year-old gelding by Chapter Seven.  He is trained by Stanley Zombick Jr. for owners Myron Eckstein, Michael and William Pozefsky.  It was his fifth win this season.  He now has 28 career victories. 

Marcus Miller and Mike Merton drove three winners on the card.  Miller combined for two of them with trainer Erv Miller.  They won with Geez Joe ($3.20) and Exotic Sand ($3.50).  His other win came with Lori's Rock Star ($20.60).  Merton combined for two of his wins with trainer Patti Harmon.  They won with Higherthananeagle N ($4.40) and Itsonlymoneyhoney ($4.40).  His other win was with Mayfair Well ($39.40).

Wally Hennessey leads all drivers with 58 wins so far this season.  Braxten Boyd is second on the list with 35 victories.  Mike Merton has reached the winner’s circle 25 times this season for third best.   Jody Jamieson (24) and Marcus Miller (12) round out the top five. 

Mike Deters has trained the most winners this season with 22 wins.  Jim McDonald is second in wins with 15 tallies.  Erv Miller, Marc Major and Braxten Boyd have 11 wins each and are tied for third best. 

Tioga Downs returns to Live racing on Saturday (July 3) starting at 6:15 p.m. 

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.