Nichols, N.Y. — The J P Stables' All Charged Up ($6.50) took full advantage of a clear pocket trip in Friday (July 15) evening's featured $11,000 Mares Open 1 Pace at Tioga Downs, reeling in pacesetter K J's Caroline in the last yards of a 1:53.1 mile.
Fresh off a top-level win at Vernon off a similar tracking trip, the 5-year-old Ponder mare kept close from the outset via her inside draw, pursuing the uncontested K J's Caroline (Jim Taggart, Jr.) through splits of :27.4, :57.2, and 1:25.2.
He paid $6.50 to win.
Despite K J's Caroline's best efforts to evade her foes on the far turn, All Charged Up worked to the fore in deep stretch, putting three-quarters of a length on K J's Caroline in the final 70 yards. Mydelight Bluechip (Kyle DiBenedetto) chased stoutly to just miss second off her ground-saving trip.
Tom Jackson handled the driving duties of All Charged Up for Vernon-based trainer John MacDonald. All Charged Up paid $6.50 to win as the wagering favorite.
Mike Simons led all drivers with three wins on the nine-race card. The hat trick gives Simons a 35-33 lead over Scott Coulter in the Tioga driver standings.
Live racing returns to Tioga on Saturday (July 16) evening, with a $391.02 carryover in the 50¢ Pick 5. Post time is slated for 6:30 p.m. Eastern.
by James Witherite, for Tioga Downs