Kerford Road A swooped late to capture the $8,000 Open Pace at Tioga Downs on Tuesday (June 30), accounting for one of five wins on the afternoon for driver Mike Merton.

Jins Shark grabbed the early lead and led to a first quarter of :27. Harry Terror took a short lead right after the quarter. With a circuit to go Mister Daytona N then brushed to the lead, taking the field to the half in :55.2. Mac Andover soon took over on the back stretch and led to three-quarters in 1:22.4.

Kerford Road A was fifth after three-quarters and fourth as they reached the stretch. The six-year-old gelding by Somebeachsowewhere came flying down the stretch like a rocket and blew right on by to win going away in 1:52.1. Mister Daytona N finished second. Harry Terror took third.

The Australian-bred Kerford Road A made his US debut a winning one. He is trained by Rob Harmon for owners Harmon Racing Stable, Winners Circle Racing, and John Campagnuolo. He now has 14 victories. He paid $4.20 to win.

Mike Merton won four more on the night. His other wins came with Barrys Shelby, Catcha Lefty A, Fritzie Pic Up Man, and Too Much Duncan.

Its A Herbie smoked the field in $8,000 Open Trot.

My Lindy Winner flew off the gate and went to the lead but went offstride. Karets took command and led to the first quarter in :28. Its A Herbie ($2.90) parked as they headed for the stands and forged to the front with a lap to go, hitting the half in :56.3. He continued well in control as he hit three-quarters in 1:24.4.

As he made the turn for home he made it a one-horse race, breezing to a lifetime best of 1:52.2. The only thing in doubt was for minor spoils. Beguin Dugotier F came up to take second. Uncle Hanover finished third.

Its A Herbie is a four-year-old gelding by Here Comes Herbie. He is owned and trained by Yoder. The gelding won for the second time this season. He now has 12 victoies in 24 starts.

Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (July 4) with a 4 p.m. (EDT) start time. A race card is also scheduled for Sunday (July 5) starting at 1 p.m. (EDT).

(Tioga Downs)