So Diva brushes in backstretch to victory

So Diva (So Surreal) and harness racing driver Tom Merton won the $10,500 featured Fillies & Mares Open 2 Handicap Pace at Tioga Downs on Friday (July 7).

Elegant Noelle (Aaron Byron) led to the quarter in :26.0.  She used a :29.0 second quarter to be first to the half in :55.0.  So Diva ($4.80) made her move first-up from third heading down the backstretch.  She took control and was first to three-quarters in 1:22.0.

As they reached the stretch Arnie’s Angel (Ridge Warren) and Pearl Harbour N (Mike Merton) came all out after the leader but So Diva was too strong and won in 1:55.2.  Arnie’s Angel was second as Pearl Harbour N finished third.

So Diva is a 5-year-old mare owned by trainer Michelle Warner and Rita Scharman.  It was he third win this season and her 22nd career victory.

SO DIVA REPLAY

Mike Merton drove three winners on the card.  Two of them were with trainer Rob Harmon.

Live racing returns on Saturday (July 8) with an eight-race card starting at 6:15 p.m.

For more information, click here.

For complete race results, click here.

by John Horne, for Tioga Downs