Trolley (Marcus Miller) won the first race of the Graduate (Leg 3) ($50,000) for harness racing 4 year-old trotters Sunday afternoon at Tioga Downs. The 4 year-old by Donato Hanover was third after the first-quarter trailing early leader Double L Lindy (Ake Svanstedt). Owned by Paymaq Racing, Mathias, Gillis, and Willinger while trained by Erv Miller, Trolley would go by just before the half.
Trolley ($4.60) would be joined by the second favorite Tight Lines (Jeff Gregory) just before the three-quarter mark. The two would battle all the way into the stretch before Trolley would shake loose to win in 1:51.2, equaling the overall track record Bourbon Bay. He would establish a new mark for a 4 year-old horse. Double L Lindy finished third.
In the second race of the Graduate ($50,000) for 4 year-old trotters, Marion Marauder (Scot Zeron) returned to action for the first time as a 4 year-old winning in 1:52.4. Owned by Marion Wellwood and Devin Keeling while trained by Paula Wellwood, the Muscle Hill horse took over the lead from heavy favorite Dayson (Yannick Gingras), just before the stretch drive. Marion Marauder ($6.60) would hold off late charging Dia Monde (Jody (Jamieson), who finished second. Cufflink Hanover (Jayson Bartlett) came up to capture third.
The Graduate (Leg 3) ($75,000) for 4 year-old pacers were also on hand. Dr. J Hanover (Douglas McNair) proved his win in 1:46.4 at Mowhawk was no fluke. The 4 year-old gelding by Somebeachsomewhere led the field from gate to wire in 1:48.3. Owned by Grant, LeBlanc, Weinick with Samelman and trained by Tony Alagna, Dr J Hanover ($7.00) fought off constant pressure from second place finisher Boston Red Rocks (Tim Tetrick). Check Six (Yannick Gingras) came up late for third.
Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Friday (June 16) at 6:50 p.m. No racing on Saturday (June 17) because of Travis Tritt concert.
For more information please go to www.tiogadowns.com.
John Horne for Tioga Downs