Prairie Fortune and driver Jim Meittinis once again came away victorious in the $12,000 Open Trot thanks to a sharp performance in the Saturday feature at Tioga Downs.
The Last Chapter (Wally Hennessey) led the group to a first quarter in :27.1. Prairie Fortune ($3.50) gained control as they went by the stands for the first time. He reached the half first in :56.3. The Last Chapter had to settle for the pocket seat. Prairie Fortune continued to lead as they reached three-quarters in 1:26.
Prairie Fortune, who is owned by trainer Mike Deters with Laurie Poulin, had plenty left in the tank and cruised to an easy win in a seasonal best of 1:53.3. The Last Chapter held for second. Rose Run Rudi (Aaron Byron) was a distant third.
Prairie Fortune is a seven-year-old gelding by Arapa Victory. It was win number six of the season. He now has finished first 53 times in his career.
Leading driver Wally Hennessey drove three winners on the night. He got his wins with I Rhoda Daley ($5.10), Celebrity Lover ($2.90). and Boli ($4.40).
Meittinis and Andy Santeramo each had driving doubles. Meittinis got his other victory with Barney Mac ($5.10). Santeramo went to the winner's circle with Schubie ($21.80) and BJ Lorado ($4.80).
Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Sunday with a 15-race card featuring two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for sophomore trotting fillies. Post time is 1:00 p.m.
(Tioga Downs)