Makadushin N Cheez ($3.70) and driver Ridge Warren were gate-to-wire winners in the $19,444 Open Handicap Trot at Tioga Downs on Saturday, July 27.

Makadushin N Cheez led through a :28 opening panel and stole a second quarter breather to the half in :58.1. Stepping up to the Open off a winning effort last Saturday at Tioga, the race favourite started to gain some separation on his rivals heading down the backstretch as he picked up the pace to three-quarters in 1:26 and won by nearly three lengths in a career-best 1:54.4. May Baby (Jim Taggert Jr.) followed in second from the pocket and Sevenshotsobourbon (Tom Merton) came on for third.

Makadushin N Cheez is a five-year-old gelding by Conway Hall. David Dewhurst trains the winner for his own interests along with Joe and Molly D'Agostino and Phil Kadushin. Makadushin N Cheez earned his fourth win this season from 15 starts and now has 30 career victories.

Live harness racing returns to Tioga Downs on Sunday, July 28 with a 10-race card starting at 1 p.m.

(With files from Tioga Downs)