Prairie Westerngal held on to win the $9,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace at Tioga Downs on Saturday (May 8).
Prairie Westerngal went straight to the front and led to the first quarter in :27.1. She slowed the pace with a second quarter in :30 to hit the half in :57.1. Arnies Angel came first-up and pressured her all the way up the backstretch. Prairie Westerngal fought her off and led to three-quarters in 1:24.2.
As they made the turn for home, Persistent Bettor popped out of the pocket and came after Prairie Westerngal. Alii Nui squeezed in at the pylons. They were three across the track but Prairie Westerngal dug in and held on to win in 1:52.4. Persistent Bettor had to settle for second. Alii Nui finished third.
Prairie Westerngal is a five-year-old mare by Western Ideal. She is owned by Laurie Poulin, Fritz Racing and trainer Mike Deters. It was her fourth win in 2021. She now has 17 victories. Wally Hennessey drove the $4.40 winner.
Hennessey had three wins on the card. He teamed with Deters again to win with Chart Topper ($18.00). His final win was with Olympic Glory ($3.40).
Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Sunday (May 9) with an 11-race card starting at 1:00 p.m. (EDT).
(Tioga Downs)