Prairie Panther pounces late in Open

Prairie Panther (Wally Hennessey) captured the $12,000 Open Pace at Tioga Downs on Sunday (May 15).

Agedchedar Hanover (Mike Simons) grabbed the early lead but Keystone Tenacious (Darryl Thiessen) went by and led to the first quarter in :26.4.  Son Of A Tiger N (Mike Merton) used a slingshot move and took control as they went by the stands for the first time.  He led to the half in :55.  As they went down the backstretch Prairie Panther ($3.50) made his move first-over.  Son Of A Tiger N held the lead to three-quarters in 1:22.3.

As they made the turn for home Son Of A Tiger N and Prairie Panther battled all the way down the stretch.  Prairie Panther wore him down and got up to get the  win in 1:50.3.  Son Of A Tiger N had to settle for second.  Agedchedar Hanover finishing third.

Prairie Panther is an 8-year-old gelding by Royal Millennium.  He is owned by Laurie Poulin and trainer Mike Deters.  It was his eighth win this season and the 55^th victory of his career.

PRAIRIE PANTHER REPLAY

Wally Hennessey and Mike Merton each drove three winners on the card as trainer Mike Deters got a training double.

Tioga Downs returns to Live racing on Friday (May 20) starting at 6:15 p.m.

For complete race results, click here.

by John Horne, for Tioga Downs