Lanjo Lee and driver Tyler Miller teamed up to capture the $20,548 Open Pace at Tioga Downs which highlighted the Sunday, May 12 card.
Miller was aggressive with Lanjo Lee from the outset, grabbing the lead quickly from post six through a first quarter of :26.2. Natameri (Braxten Boyd) brushed to the lead on the halfway point, taking over from Lanjo Lee to reach that station in :55.1. KJ Hunter (Jim Taggert Jr.) launched his bid first-over to engage the leader as the pace picked up on the way to three-quarters in 1:22.2.
KJ Hunter's bid began to stall entering the final turn allowing Miller to angle Lanjo Lee out from the pocket with his sights set on the leader. Natameri was game on the lead, but Lanjo Lee continued to wear down the leader with a :27.3 final quarter to draw off by 1-1/2 lengths and score over Natameri in 1:50.1. Mea Culpa A (Ridge Warren) rallied to finish third. Lanjo Lee paid $12.60 for the victory.
Lanjo Lee is a five-year-old gelding by So Surreal-My Drag Queen and is owned by Gordon Swift while being trained by Jeff Sorenson. It was Lanjo Lee's fourth win this season and his 23rd career victory.
Mike Merton and Tyler Miller each drove three winners on the day while on the training side Joe Skowyra had three training wins on the 13-race card.
Live harness racing returns to Tioga Downs on Friday, May 17 at 6:15 p.m.
(With files from Tioga Downs)