Western Stepp and driver Phil Fluet charged up late to grab top spot in Friday’s featured $10,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace at Tioga Downs.
Landry Seelster (Mike Simons) had the lead to first quarter in :27.1 before Persistent Bettor (Jody Jamieson) brushed to the lead. That was short lived, however, as Another Beach Day (Braxton Boyd) took control just before hitting the half in :58.1. Cash Roll (Mike Merton) came first-up and battled with Another Beach Day all the way down the backstretch. Another Beach day led by a nose to three-quarters in 1:26.2.
As they made the turn for home Western Stepp ($51.50) came flying three-wide down the stretch and blew right on by to win in 1:56. Cash Roll had to settle for second with Grant Me This (Renaldo Morales III) coming up to take third.
Western Stepp is an eight-year-old mare by Western Maverick. She is owned by Diane Dunn and trained by James Dunn. It was her third win this season. She now owns 42 career victories.
Jody Jamieson drove three winners on the card. He finished first with Skyway Bullet ($8.80), Eternal Jewel ($2.70, and Elm Grove Maddy ($2.30).
Tioga Downs returns to Live racing on Saturday (May 29) with an eight-race card starting at 6:15 p.m.
(Tioga Downs)