Little Santamonica and driver Aaron Byron captured Friday night’s featured $16,000 Fillies & Mares Open Pace at Tioga Downs.
The duo settled in second from the four-hole as All Spirit (Jim Marohn Jr.) took the field by the opening quarter in :27.2. By the fans and the stands for the first time, Jim Meittinis moved Hayworth Blue Chip to the front from third and got by the half in :56.1.
Down the backside, Byron sent Little Santamonica first over through a third quarter in :27.2 and eventually cleared the leader by three-quarters in 1:23.3. Around the final turn, Byron had Little Santamonica firing on all cylinders to open up on the field and win by three and a half lengths in 1:52.2.
Tracy Brainard owns and trains the five-year old daughter of Little Steven and Tonianne N.
Hayworth Blue Chip (Jim Meittinis) hung tough for second, while last week’s winner All Spirit (Jim Marohn Jr.) was third.
Aaron Byron, Jim Marohn Jr., and Brandon Simpson each posted driving doubles on the night’s 12-race card.
(Tioga Downs)