John Wagner and Lolique shipped in to Tioga Downs on Saturday night and left with the lion’s share of the $16,500 purse in the Open Handicap Trot

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Leaving from post position number six, Wagner sent Lolique off the wings of the gate to clear to the lead just past the opening quarter in :27.2, with Whata Hustler (Corey Braden) settling in the pocket.

The field raced in line past a half in :56.3, and as the field headed towards three-quarters Scorpion Moon (Ed Hensley) applied first over pressure to the leader, but was easily rebuffed at that marker in 1:25.

As the field turned for home, Braden pulled Whata Hustler out of the pocket for a stretch duel, but Wagner was sitting chilly with Lolique and was never seriously challenged. The mile of 1:54.2 tied the 2011 seasonal best time for the eight-year-old son of Tagliabue-Crystal Vic, who is owned by Pamela Wagner and Scott Woogen both of Virginia. Whata Hustler (Corey Braden) settled for second, while Howd That Feel (Kyle Di Benedetto) got away third and finished in the show spot.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Sunday, July 10 at 1:30 p.m. featuring 11 NYSS divisions for sophomore trotters.

(Tioga Downs)