Rifleman grinds out Open Pace triumph

Rifleman (Betting Line) and harness racing driver Corey Braden hung on to capture the $12,000 Open 1 Pace Handicap at Tioga Downs on Tuesday (July 4).

Bay Meadows (Mike Merton) went straight to the front and led to the quarter in :27.1.  He used a :28.4 second quarter to be first to the half in :56.  Rifleman ($10.40) makes his move and goes first-up going down the backstretch.  Bay Meadows maintained the lead at three-quarters in 1:23.4.

As they made the turn for home Rifleman took over control.  Tiger Baron (Tyler Miller) came flying down the stretch.  Tiger Baron kept coming as Rifleman digs in and wins in 1:52.2.  Tiger Baron had to settle for second.  Davids Coming (Jim Taggert Jr.) finished third.

Rifleman is a 5-year-old gelding owned by Patrick Gregory and trained by Mike Watson.  It was his fifth win this season.  He now has 13 career victories.

RIFLEMAN REPLAY

Mike Merton drove three winners on the card.  He combined with trainer Rob Harmon to get wins with Saulsbrook Hero, and Higherthananeagle A.  His other win came with Fabrice Hanover ($26.20).

Odin won the special mini-horse race with Jim Taggert Jr. between the wheels.

Live racing returns to Tioga Downs on Friday (July 7) starting at 6:15 p.m.

For more information, click here.

For complete race results, click here.

by John Horne, for Tioga Downs