Higher And Higher made her first appearance back at Tioga Downs on Friday night since her sixth place finish in this year’s Artiscape Pace on June 10.

In the featured $16,500 Fillies & Mares Open, trainer, driver, and co-owner Daryl Bier got Higher And Higher away fifth from post position number seven as the field passed the quarter in :27. All Spirit (Jim Marohn Jr.) quickly shuffled from fourth as the fielded headed by the three-eighths to take control from Kiddie McCardle past the half in :55.2.

Down the backside, Bier edged Higher And Higher from fifth to begin the first over grind and began to press the leader by three-quarters in 1:23.3. Around the final turn, Higher And Higher stuck a head in front and put away All Spirt, but Kiddie McCardle escaped the pocket and charged three-wide. However, through the stretch Higher And Higher proved to much and prevailed in 1:52.1 for her seventh win of the year.

Kiddie McCardle (Corey Braden) finished second, while All Spirit (Jim Marohn Jr.) hung on for third.

Mike Merton posted a driving grand slam on the night’s nine-race card, while Jim Meittinis scored a double.

(With files from Tioga Downs)