Brilliant Beauty charged late to win the $11,000 Fillies & Mares Open 1-2 Handicap Pace at Tioga Downs for driver Tyler Miller on Sunday, May 7.
Prairie Westerngal went right to the front and led to the first quarter in :27.3 and the half in :56.4. Brilliant Beauty went first-over from third going down the backstretch while Prairie Westerngal (Wally Hennessey) held a short lead to three-quarters in 1:25.1. As they reached the stretch, Brilliant Beauty and Prairie Westerngal were shoulder to shoulder, but the former found another gear and won easily in 1:54.1. Miley Rose (Brandon Parker) rallied off cover to finish second, three-quarters of a length behind, while Arnies Angel (Ridge Warren) took third over Prairie Westerngal.
Brilliant Beauty is a five-year-old mare by JK Endofanera. She is owned by Jemaxpo Racing Stable and trained by Tee Wine. The win was her second this season from 10 starts and her 17th career victory.
Brilliant Beauty paid $5.60 to win as the favourite.
Son Of A Tiger N and driver Mike Merton won the $11,000 Open II Handicap at odds of 9-1 in 1:52.1 by two lengths over JMs Delight (Greg Merton) and Prairie Panther (Wally Hennessey). Rob Harmon trains the nine-year-old American Ideal gelding for Oldford Racing, Harmon Racing Stable and lightning 5 Racing Stable.
Driver Lauren Tritton and trainer Shane Tritton combined for three wins on the card. Driver Mike Merton also had a hat trick on the day.
Live harness racing returns on Friday, May 12, starting at 6:15 p.m.
(With files from Tioga Downs)