For the second Sunday in a row, Prairie Panther ($3.50) and driver Wally Hennessey were victorious in the $13,000 Open Handicap Pace featured at Tioga Downs.
Agedchedar Hanover (Mike Simons) grabbed the early lead but Keystone Tenacious (Daryl Thiessen) went by and led to the first quarter in :26.4. Son Of A Tiger N (Mike Merton) used a slingshot move and took control as they went by the stands for the first time. He led to the half in :55 flat.
As the field went down the backstretch, Prairie Panther made his move first-over while Son Of A Tiger N held the lead to three-quarters in 1:22.3. As they made the turn for home, Son Of A Tiger N and Prairie Panther battled all the way down the stretch. Prairie Panther wore him down and got up to get the win by half a length in 1:50.3. Son Of A Tiger N had to settle for second with Agedchedar Hanover finishing third.
Prairie Panther is an eight-year-old gelding by Royal Millennium. He is owned by Laurie Poulin and trainer Mike Deters. The win was his eighth this season from 11 starts and the 55th victory of his career.
Hennessey and Merton each drove three winners on the card while Deters got a training double.
Tioga Downs's next live racing program is scheduled for Friday (May 20) starting at 6:15 p.m.
(With files from Tioga Downs)