Kerford Road A and Mike Merton delivered a 14-1 upset in Sunday's (June 13) featured $11,000 Open Handicap Pace at Tioga Downs.
Crockets Cullen N took the early lead and controlled a :26.2 first quarter, and held his ground through middle splits of :54.3 and 1:21.1 amid a stern first-over challenge from Night Watchman. Turning for home, Rebellious made a three-wide move to take the lead in the stretch, but Kerford Road A came flying from the back of the pack to take the lead in deep stretch and barely hold off a late charge from second-place finisher Machiatto A to win in a seasonal best of 1:51. Rebellious held on for third.
Patti Harmon trains Kerford Road A, a seven-year-old Somebeachsomewhere gelding, for Harmon Racing Stable, Winners Circle Racing and John Campagnuolo. It was Kerford Road A's third win this season and the 21st of his career.
Merton recorded a driving grand slam, as did Braxten Boyd.
Live racing returns to Tioga Downs on Saturday (June 19) starting at 6:10 p.m. For more information, go to www.tiogadowns.com.
(with files from Tioga Downs)