Tioga Downs played host to the Empire Breeders Classic
(EBC) for both the 3-year pacing colts and geldings as well as the 3-year-old
pacing fillies on Sunday (August 29).
I’ll Drink To That (David Miller) wares down Natameri (Matt
Kakaley) to capture the $104,000 first division of the EBC for colts and
geldings.
Mullinax (Yannick Gingras) went to the front but was passed
by King James Express (Jason Bartlett) just before hitting the first quarter in
:29.0. The lead didn’t last long as
Natameri took control with a lap to go.
Natameri was first to the half in :54.2.
As they went down the backstretch, I’ll Drink To That ($5.90) came
flying first-over and took a short lead and hit three-quarters first in 1:22.1.
As they reached the stretch the two pacers continued to
battle. Natameri reclaimed the lead but
I’ll Drink To That kept coming and got by just before hitting the mile in a
lifetime best of 1:50.2. Natameri had to
settle for second. Mullinax finished
third.
I’ll Drink To That is a gelding by American Ideal. He is trained by Chris Ryder for owners Craig
Henderson, Lawrence Minowitz, Robert Mondillo, and Oompa’s Farm. It was his fourth win of the season. He now owns five career victories.
Town Gossip (Joe Bongioerno) wins the $104,000 second division
of the EBC for colts and geldings.
Town Gossip ($5.90) went to the front and hit the first
quarter in :27.1. American Courage (Matt
Kakaley) took over as they went by the stands for the first time and led to the
half in :54.2. Southwind Petyr (Jason
Bartlett) was first to make a move going first-over as they headed for the
final turn. American Courage was first
to three-quarters in 1:22.0.
As they made the turn for home Southwind Petyr kept coming
as Town Gossip slipped through the inside while Major Bean (Jordan Stratton)
made it four across the track. Town
Gossip was strongest of all and won in a lifetime best of 1:49.4. Major Bean finished second as Southwind Petyr
got third money.
Town Gossip is a gelding by American Ideal. He is owned by Robert Weinstein and trained
by Jenn Bongiorno. It was his fifth win
this season and seventh career victory.
Test Of Faith (David Miller) takes the $214,000 EBC for
fillies.
Heart OF Mine (Scott Zeron) pops out to the lead and led to
the first quarter in :26.4. He used a
:29.1 second quarter to hit the half in :56.0.
As they headed to the far turn Test Of Faith ($2.10) popped out of the
pocket and made her move. Heart Of Mine
was still first to three-quarters in 1:23.3.
As they made the turn for home Test Of Faith glided right
on by to take the lead. Think Of
Galaxies (Mark MacDonald) made a late run but Test Of Faith had the jump and
cruised to an easy win in 1:51.1. Think
Of Galaxies was second best. Heart Of
Mine finished third.
Test Of Faith is a filly by Art Major. She is trained by Brett Pelling for owners
Melvin Segal, Kentuckiana Racing Stable, and Eddie Gran. She is seven for eight in 2021 and has 15
career victories in only 17 starts.
Tioga Downs returns to Live racing on Saturday (September
4) starting at 6:15 p.m.
For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.
