While favourites K Js Caroline ($4.20) and Its Payday Friday ($3.40) held sway on the lead in their respective $9,000 featured events on Saturday (May 14) evening at Tioga Downs, it was Shesgotthebeat ($32.40) who stole the show, springing a 15-1 upset to sweep her preliminary legs of the Gail's Diner Late Closing Series for three-year-old pacing fillies.
The first $7,500 division of the Gail's Diner preliminary saw first-round winners Shesgotthebeat and Heavenly Bet square off, with 1-9 favourite Heavenly Bet (Scott Coulter) doing the heavy lifting through the middle half. After drafting intently, Jim Meittinis angled Shesgotthebeat off the pegs at head-stretch, duelling to a length victory in 1:55.1 over 'good' going. Heavenly Bet was a vanquished favourite in the end, yet still three and a half lengths clear of Ghost Runner (Tom Jackson), who chased in vain for third.
Shesgotthebeat, a three-year-old daughter of American Ideal, is trained by Edward Hart for the Seafood Delight Stable, Kristie Leigh Farm Inc., and Joseph Betro.
The other Gail's Diner division saw Stirling Electra ($10.80) duel with Winners Over (Dan Clements) for the entirety of the far turn, gutting out a half-length 1:57.3 victory under Corey Braden. Trainer Jennifer Davis co-owns the Roll With Joe filly with Joyce Nowicki.
In the co-featured $9,000 top-level trot and distaff pace, Its Payday Friday and K Js Caroline proved victorious while favoured. Its Payday Friday, a six-year-old Kadabra gelding, held the first-over Prairie Fortune at bay for a 1:55.3 score. Owner Dan Clements handled the driving duties for trainer Ronnie Morales. The top mares pace saw K Js Caroline make all the pace, edging clear of Asset Management for a four-length triumph in 1:55.1. Jim Taggart Jr. drove the six-year-old Roddys Bags Again mare for trainer Gary Messenger.
The 50-cent Pick 5 was not hit, resulting in a $323 carryover to Sunday (May 15) afternoon's card. The first of 13 races is due off at 1:30 p.m. EDT.
(Tioga Downs)