Gold Star Mysti, with Corey Braden in the bike, took the $11,000 Open for pacing fillies and mares at Tioga Downs on Friday (July 12).
The big favourite, Shebang N (Wally Hennessey), laid down all the early fractions (:26, :57, 1:24.3). Gold Star Mysti, who is owned by Gold Star Farm and trained by John Hallett, followed in the pocket for the whole trip. As they reached the stretch, she slipped through on the inside and held off a late charge by Truth And Liberty (Mike Simons) to win in a seasonal-best time of 1:52.3. Truth And Liberty settled for second money. Delilah De Vie (Jim Taggart Jr.) came flying late to finish third.
Gold Star Mysti is a six-year-old mare by Mysticism. She won for the second straight week, sixth time this year and now has 24 career victories.
Leading Driver Wally Hennessey added three wins to bring his season total to 55. He was first with Prairie Foolish ($3.50), Move Over Sis ($6.10) and Glamorgal ($3.80). Second-leading driver is Mike Merton with 45 wins. He won twice tonight getting victories with A Wish For Wings ($4.60) and Persistent Bettor ($12.20).
Tioga Downs hosts live racing on Saturday (July 13) with a nine-race card starting at 6:15 p.m.
(With files from Tioga Downs)