The Last Chapter (Mike Simons) takes the Tioga Downs featured trot ($10,000) on Saturday (September 3).
BJ Lorado (Jim Mettinis) jumped out to the lead and hit the first quarter in :28.2. The Last Chapter ($4.10) went first-over from third and took the lead with five-eighths of a mile left. Trained by Ed Hart for owners Richard Gutnick, Joe Lozito Jr., and T L P Stable, he hit the half first in :57.3 and three-quarters in 1:25.1.
BJ Lorado would climb out of the pocket at the top of the stretch but didn't have any charge left. Second place finisher Vicki All (Corey Braden) found racing room late in the stretch but fell short as The Last Chapter won in 1:55.0. BJ Loarado settled for third.
The Last Chapter is a 4-year-old gelding by Chapter Seven. It was the sixth win of the season and his 10th career victory.
Simons drives four winners on the night. His other wins came with Eldorado Of Gold S ($3.80), S J Better Days ($4.10), Stormont Dundas ($8.60).
Gary Messenger and Mike Deters continue to battle it out for the trainer's wins title. Messenger is in first with 34 wins. Deters is second best just two behind with 32 victories. Joe Skowyra is third with 19 trips to the winner's circle. Patti Harmon is fourth with 18 wins. Tony Dinges and Marc Major are tied for fifth with 15 victories.
No live racing on Sunday (September 20) at Tioga Downs due to Michael Bolton concert. Live racing returns for a special Labor Day matinee on Monday (September 2). The 12 race card starts at 1 p.m.
For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com
by John Horne, for Tioga Downs