Livonjaxandqueens and driver Tom Merton won the $22,917 Open Pace on Sunday, Aug. 9 at Tioga Downs.

Livonjaxandqueens raced unopposed on the lead through early fractions of :27.3 and :55.4 before favourite Vengeance Bluechip (Mike Merton) came first-up from fourth to challenge heading down the backstretch. Livonjaxandqueens made it to three-quarters first in 1:22.3 with Vengeance Bluechip sustaining his first-over bid into the stretch. But Livonjaxandqueens found another gear and dug in to win in 1:50.2 by 1-1/4 lengths. Aroda N (Lauren Tritton) rode the pocket to finish third.

Livonjaxandqueens is a six-year-old son of American Ideal out of Its De Lovely. He is trained by James Rothfuss for owners Howard Ouriel of Rochester, New York and Andrew Ouriel of Sandusky, Ohio. The win was his fifth this season from 17 starts and his 29th career victory. 

Improving off a runner-up finish in the Open last time out two weeks ago, Livonjaxandqueens paid $17.74 to win as the 7-1 fourth choice in the field of nine.

Mike Deters had a training triple on the afternoon's 15-race card, winning with Elmer Hanover ($3.54), Mirragon A ($6.24) and Mea Culpa A ($6.10). Jim Pantaleano drove all three as part of a driving grand slam. 

Live harness racing is back at Tioga Downs on Friday, Aug. 14 with post time set for 6:15 p.m.

(With files from Tioga Downs)