Merton, Boyd catch fire at Tioga

Mike Merton and Braxten Boyd drove four harness racing winners each at Tioga Downs on Sunday (June 13).

Merton gets an exciting win in the $11,000 Open Handicap Pace with Kerford Road A.

Crockets Cullen N took the early lead and hit the first quarter first in :26.2.  Night Watchman (Braxten Boyd) then came first-over to grab the lead with a circuit to go but could not clear Crockets Cullen N.  Crockets Cullen N reclaimed the lead and led to the half in :54.3.  He maintained the lead hitting three-quarters in 1:21.1.

As they made the turn for home Rebellious (Wally Hennessey) made a three-wide move and took the lead into the stretch.  Kerford Road A ($31.40) and Machiatto A (Jim Meittinis) both came flying from the back of the pack.  Kerford Road A took the lead in deep stretch and barely held off the late charge from second place finisher Machiatto A to win in a seasonal best of 1:51.0.  Rebellious hung on to finish third.  The exacta combination of Kerford Road A and Machiatto A paid a whopping $674.00.

KERFORD ROAD A REPLAY

Kerford Road A is a 7-year-old gelding by Somebeachsomewhere.  He is trained by Patti Harmon for owners Harmon Racing Stable, Winners Circle Racing and John Campagnuolo.  It was his third win this season.  He has now reached the winner’s circle 21 times in his career.

Merton got his other wins with Windemere Ryan ($26.80), Choochoocharlie ($11.40), Just Don’t Wait ($4.80).  Boyd drove and trained Reys N A Ruckus ($10.40). and Hoosier Shark ($3.80) to the winner’s circle.  His other wins came with Little Admiral ($27.40), BJ Lorado ($4.80).  Marc Major had a training double with BJ Lorado and Windemere Ryan.

Tioga Downs returns to Live racing on Saturday (June 19) starting at 6:10 p.m.

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.

For full race results, click here.

by John Horne, for Tioga Downs