Late charge gets Arnie’s Angel home in Open

Arnie’s Angel (Big Jim) and harness racing driver Jacob Cutting charged late to capture the featured $13,000 Fillies & Mares Open pace at Tioga Downs on Saturday (July 9).

Georgie (Aaron Byron) got the early lead, but Alta Madeira N took control just before hitting the quarter first in :27.0.  She used a :29.1 second quarter to get to the half first in :56.1.  Stellenbosch (Mike Simons) was first to make a move going first-over but she stalled on the outside as Alta Madeira N made it to three-quarters first in 1:24.0.

As they made the turn for home Arnie’s Angel ($19.00) came three-wide and blew right by in the stretch and won easily in a seasonal best of 1:52.2.  Georgie came flying late to finish second.  So Diva (Wally Hennessey took third money.

Arnie’s Angel is a 6-year-old mare trained by Randy Taft for owners Mali Norbye and Arnold Witkin.  It was her third win this season.  She now has 15 career victories.

ARNIE’S ANGEL REPLAY

Cutting combined with Taft for another win getting it with Abbie Rose ($20.00).  Driver Corey Braden and trainer Mario Dessureault combined for two wins as well.  They got their wins with Eden Paige N ($3.50), and Hope So ($4.10).  Wally Hennessey had a driving double while Eric Irving notched a training double.

Tioga Downs returns to Live racing on Sunday (July 10) with a 13-race card starting at 1 p.m.

For complete race results, click here.

by John Horne, for Tioga Downs