Opal Mine and Jim Meittinis made it back to back Open Trot victories on Monday scoring in the $16,500 feature

.

Leaving from post position number six, Opal Mine settled in fourth past the quarter pole as The Kentuckian (Greg Merton) took control of the field from Aruba Vacation (Fern Paquet Jr.) in :28. As the field past by the three-eighth’s mile mark, Meittinis moved Opal Mine to take control of the field through a half in :56.3.

Kyle Di Benedetto moved Howd That Feel first over to press the leader past the three-quarter mark of the race in 1:25.3. Around the final turn Opal Mine clung to the lead but was pressed every step of the way by the pesky first over Howd That Feel. At the wire Meittinis and Opal Mine held on to win by a length in 1:55.1.

The win was the ninth victory of the year for the 10-year-old son of Muscles Yankee–Meadowbranch Opal for trainer Tyler Raymer and owners Jim and Linda Meittinis. Howd That Feel (Kyle Di Benedetto) held on for second, while The Kentuckian (Greg Merton) was third.

(Tioga Downs)