4,000 wins for Merton

Mike Merton drove his 4000th harness racing winner with Solo Story at Tioga Downs on Sunday (July 4).

It was definitely a memorable Fourth of July for Mike Merton. Merton, who was the 2018 driver’s champion at Tioga, guided Solo Story ($6.30) first-over around the final turn and wore down Furious Beach (Joe Chindano Jr.) to get win number 4000 in 1:53.0.  Solo Story (Bettor’s Delight) is owned by JP Houle Stables and trained by Gaston Lareau. Merton had two wins on the night. His 4001st win came with Waimac Attack N ($3.00).

MIKE MERTON 4,000TH WIN REPLAY

Golden Kronos (Wally Hennessey) breezed to easy win in the $7,000 Open Trot.

Golden Kronos ($12.00) jumped right to the front and led to the first quarter in :28.0.  He used a :28.4 second quarter to lead to the half in :56.4.  My Lindy Winner (Mike Merton) was the first to make a move first-over down the backstretch as Golden Kronos hit three-quarters first in 1:24.1.

As they made their way around the final turn My Lindy Winner stalled and that forced a three-wide move by the favorite, P L Notsonice (Renaldo Morales III).  He came charging late down the stretch but had to settle for second as Golden Kronos won for the third straight time stopping the clock at 1:54.3.  Winning Legends (Justin Huckabone) finished third.

GOLDEN KRONOS REPLAY

Golden Kronos is a 7-year-old gelding by Chapter Seven.  He is trained by Stanley Zombick Jr. for owners Myron Eckstein, William and Michael Pozefsky.  It was his sixth win this season and his 29^th career victory.

Tioga Downs returns to Live racing on Friday (July 9) starting at 6:15 p.m.

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.

For full race results, click here.

by John Horne, for Tioga Downs