Millar Farms homebred Stellenbosch ($6), driven by Mike Simons, held on to win the featured $13,000 Fillies & Mares Open Pace at Tioga Downs on Friday (June 24).
Georgie (Brandon Parker) went straight to the front, but Stellenbosch took control and led to the first quarter in :28 and half in :56.3. Arnies Angel (Jacob Cutting) came first-over and challenged Stellenbosch for the lead heading for three-quarters in 1:24. The pair battled all the way down the stretch, but Stellenbosch dug in and held off Arnies Angel to win in 1:52.3. Georgie finished third.
Stellenbosch is an eight-year-old Mach Three mare trained by Scott Blackler. The win was her fourth of the season from nine starts. She now has 19 career victories.
Mike Merton drove three winners on the card. Jim Taggart Jr. and Simons each had driving doubles.
Live harness racing continues at Tioga Downs on Saturday (June 25) with a 12-race card starting at 1 p.m.
(With files from Tioga Downs)