What a weekend for driver Mike Merton at Tioga Downs! After winning four races on Saturday and he followed that with five wins on Sunday afternoon (June 5), including a victory with Itsonlymoneyhoney in the featured $12,000 Open II Pace.
BJ Lorado (Wally Hennessey) went to the lead in the feature but Itsonlymoneyhoney ($6.90) took control just before hitting the first quarter in :27.1. He then slowed things way down using a :30.3 second quarter and led to the half in :57.4. Blue Devil (Tyler Jones) was first to make a move down the backstretch but Itsonlymoneyhoney left Blue Devil hanging and was first to three-quarters in 1:25.4.
As they made the turn into the stretch, Itsonlymoneyhoney put on the after burners and breezed home to win in 1:54.4. BJ Lorado held on to finish second as Mystical Wynn (Mike Simons) came flying late to finish third.
Itsonlymoneyhoney is a five-year-old horse by Banker Volo, trained by Patti Harmon for owners the Harmon Racing Stable, Winners Circle Racing and John Campagnuolo. The win was his third of the season from 17 starts and his 22nd lifetime success.
Merton also combined with Harmon (six victories this weekend) for wins with JB Mauney N ($7.90) and Win Place’N Show ($8.30) on Sunday. His other two wins came with horses trained by Gaston Lareau; they reached the winner’s circle with Beguin Dugoutier ($5.50) and Fritzi Pic Up Man ($6.20).
Wally Hennessey had a grand slam during the afternoon racing. He combined with trainer Mike Deters for wins with Anchors Away ($3.20) and Prairie Handsome ($6.20). He was also first with Scootnroll ($4.40) and Badix Hanover ($5.60).
Live harness racing resumes at Tioga Downs on Saturday (June 11), starting at 6:15 p.m.
(With files from Tioga Downs)