Tempus Seelster (Tom Jackson) wins the Fillies and Mares open 2 ($9000) at Tioga Downs on Friday night (June 16). The 4 year-old harness racing mare by Big Jim sat behind front runner K J's Caroline (Jim Taggart Jr) from the outset. Tempus Seelster ($11.20) who is owned by the Holland Racing Stable and trained by Tony Dinges, shot out of the pocket at the top of the stretch and blew by K J's Caroline (third) to win in 1:51.4. Goldstar Rockette came on late to finish second.
Jackson would have three wins on the night. He would win the first two races. Race one he would lead Big Valley Speed ($12.20) to victory holding off the late charge of Majestic Won (Corey Braden) to win by a nose in 1:56.4. Race two he would drive Truth Isalwaysbest ($5.80) past My Girl Gal (Mike Simons) just before the finish to win in 1:54.3.
Mike Simons still has big lead in driver standings.
Mike Simons started this weekend with 30 wins, 25 seconds, and 25 thirds in 156 starts. The 2015 track champion, won two more tonight. "Steady" Tom Jackson won nine times in his first 49 starts and eight times in his last 50 rides before tonight began. With his three wins tonight, Jackson has a total of 20 wins putting him in second. Jim Taggart Jr. has 17 victories and is tied with Mike Merton (17) for third place. Jim Marohn Jr is fifth with 15 wins
The trainer's title continues to be wide open. Tony Dinges leads with 13 wins. 2016 Tioga training champion Mike Deters is second just one behind with 12 wins. Mickey Mc Nichol has nine training wins to put him in third. McNichol also has 10 driving wins on his resume for the season. Linda Toscano is fourth with eight training wins. Toscano leads all trainers in purses won with $81,749. Simons, Gary Messenger, Dave McGinnis, and Rick Dane Jr. all have seven wins each to place fifth after last weekends races.
Tioga Downs will not race on Saturday night (June 17) due to Travis Tritt concert. They return to live racing on Father's day Sunday at 1pm. They will welcome Ostrich and Camel races to go along with the nine race card. The track from Nichols NY will also give away beer mugs while supplies last.
For more information please go to www.tiogadowns.com
John Horne for Tioga Downs.