Braeview Bondi A (Jody Jamieson) and Lightfootedlegend (Renaldo Morales III) took the Sunday (May 23) features at Tioga Downs.
Braeview Bondi A eked out victory in the $9,000 Open Pace.
Talbotcreekwhiskey (Wally Hennessey) went straight to the front and led to the first quarter in :26.4. Night Watchman (Phil Fluet) took control with one lap to go and led to the half in :54.2. Braeview Bondi A moved out from third on the backstretch to challenge Night Watchman, who maintained a short lead at three-quarters in 1:22.1.
As they made the turn for home, Braeview Bondi A and Night Watchman kept battling all the way down the stretch — neither one wanting to give an inch. Caviart Reagan (Braxten Boyd) came flying late to make it three-wide in deep stretch. In the end, Braeview Bondi A had enough to squeeze by to win his U.S. debut in 1:49.3. Night Watchman held on for second with Caviart Reagan taking third money.
Braeview Bondi A is a seven-year-old gelding by Somebeachsomewhere owned by Bowie Racing LLC and trained by Erv Miller.
Jamieson, who led all drivers with four wins on the card, also won with She Matters ($12.60), Movie Star ($6.10) and Khun Ratha A ($7.40).
Lightfootedlegend ($3.00) smoked the field in the $9,000 Open Trot.
BJ Lorado (Braxten Boyd) and Creekside Pete (Corey Braden) battled right out of the gate. BJ Lorado took control just before hitting the first quarter in :26.4. Lightfootedlegend made his move first-up just before BJ Lorado hit the half first in :55.3, only to breeze his way to the lead on the backstretch and led to three-quarters in 1:23.4.
As they headed to the stretch, it was all Lightfootedlegend, who cruised to an easy win in a lifetime best of 1:53.1. I Got The Looks (Drew Monti) finished second. Creekside Pete was third best.
Lightfootedlegend is a six-year-old gelding by Mr Cantab owned by David Linker and trained by Dale Gilmour. It was his third win this season and the 13th of his career.
Tioga Downs will now present live racing three days per week, adding Fridays to the mix starting on Friday (May 28).
Post time on Fridays and Saturdays is 6:15 p.m. Sunday racing starts at 1 p.m.
For more information, go to www.tiogadowns.com.
(Tioga Downs)