Ontario-bred four-year-old trotter Wheelzablazin ($8.20) and driver Colin Kelly won the featured $15,278 conditioned trot at Tioga Downs on Saturday, May 3.
Wheelzablazin grabbed the early lead but favourite Duly Resolved (Tyler Miller) took over just before hitting the first quarter in :29.2 with the track rated sloppy. The bettor's choice slowed things down as he led to the half in 1:00.3. Consus Victory (Aaron Byron) came flying down the backstretch and hit three-quarters first on the outside in 1:30.2. As they reached the stretch, Wheelzablazin went three-wide and blew right on by to win in 1:58.2 by 1-1/4 lengths. Consus Victory held for second and Duly Resolved finished third while Enola (Mike Merton) completed the scratch-reduced field of four.
Wheelzablazin, an Ontario Prospect Series champion who went 11-for 22 last season, has now won three of his 14 starts this year racing for new connections. The Wheeling N Dealin-Blazin Shot gelding is trained by Mike Watson and owned by Cliff Grundy of Boca Raton, Florida.
The win was one of three on the 13-race card for Kelly, who also scored with Courtly Maiden for trainer Blake MacIntosh and Mcvera for Taylor Fritz. Driver Mike Merton teamed up with Rob Harmon for three wins. Driver Tyler Miller also tripled.
Live harness racing returns to Tioga Downs on Sunday, May 4 with a post time at 1 p.m.
(With files from Tioga Downs)