Leading driver Mike Simons piloted Amateur Hour to a gutsy win in the $23,400 Gail's Diner Late Closing Series final at Tioga Downs on Saturday night (May 27).
The three-year-old filly by Rock N Roll Heaven took over the lead from entrymate Under The Bus (Fern Paquet Jr.) at the three-quarter mark. At the top of the stretch, Amateur Hour was attacked by Playing Favorites (Mike Merton) and Dr Js Kiss (Tom Jackson). Just when it looked like Playing Favorites was going to go by, Amateur Hour battled back for the victory.
Trained by Linda Toscano for owners Fred Wallace, Camelot Stable Inc., and Kenneth Jacobs, Amateur Hour ($3.70) paced the mile in a career-best 1:51.4. Paying Favorites took second and Dr Js Kiss finished third.
Five-year-old trotting mare Sweet Thing won the $12,000 Open Handicap, prevailing off a pocket trip in 1:53.1 in rein to Fern Paquet Jr. for Homer Hochstetler, who trains and co-owns with Robert Buddig.
The matching Mares Open Pace went to Patti Harmon trainee Lease Ness Monster, who came on to win by five and a quarter lengths in a new lifetime mark of 1:49.4 with Michael Merton in the bike.
Tioga Downs will host the New York Sire Stakes for three-year-old filly trotters at a special post time of 6:50 p.m. on Sunday night (May 28).
(With files from Tioga Downs)