Tioga Downs held a special Monday matinee racing program with an $8,400 New York Excelsior Prep for three-year-old colt and gelding pacers as the feature.
The win went to Bettorsluckystreak and Jim Taggart Jr. who went to the front from post position number eight through an opening quarter in :27.4. The duo then led the field of nine sophomore pacers through fractions of :57.4 and 1:26.1. Down the stretch Taggart went to work on Bettorsluckystreak with a fast closing Ranch Hand (Marcus Miller) finishing a neck back in second in 1:55.1. Race favourite Steuben Patriot (Jim Meittinis) shook loose late to finish third
It was the third win in four seasonal starts for the son of Bettors Delight–Cheeky Hanover, who is trained by Gary Messenger. He shares ownership on the pacer with Kenneth Weckstein and Richard Rubin.
Greg Merton posted a driving triple on the afternoon’s 13-race card.
(Tioga Downs)