Five wins for Merton-Harmon combo at Tioga

Harnesss racing driver Mike Merton and trainer Rob Harmon combined to get five wins on Sunday (July 9) at Tioga Downs.

Merton and Harmon have always been a force at Tioga but on Sunday, they brought it to another level.  They got their five wins with JB Mauney N ($2.60), Northern Cardinal ($9.80), Colonel Bayama ($3.40), Saulsbrook Hero ($6.50), and Higherthananeagle ($10.60).

Hesa Kingslayer N (Christian Cullen) and driver Ridge Warren captures the $12,000 Open 1 Pace.

Hesa Kingslayer N ($3.40) took the lead and led to the first quarter in :27.3.  He used a :29.1 second quarter to be first to the half in :57.1.  Rifleman (Tyler Miller) was first to make a move going first-up from third as they traveled down the backstretch.  Hesa Kingslayer N was first to three-quarters in 1:24.4.

As they made the turn for home Hesa Kingslayer N shook off Rifleman.  Tiger Baron (Tyler Miller) became the major danger and came charging down the lane.  Hesa Kingslayer N dug in and hung on to win 1:52.1.  Tiger Baron had to settle for second.  Rifleman finished third.

Hesa Kingslayer N is a 10-year-old gelding owned by Joel Warner and trainer Mike Deters.  It was his first win this season.  He now owns 22 career victories.

HESA KINGSLAYER N REPLAY

Warren drove three winners on the card.  Driver-trainer Jack McNeil swept the amateur events.  He got his wins with I’ve Got Hootspa and Majestic Sunset.

Live racing returns to Tioga Downs on Friday (July 14) starting at 6:15 p.m.

For more information, click here.

For complete race results, click here.

by John Horne, for Tioga Downs