Northern Soiree (Mike Merton) would charge late to steal the $9,000 Fillies and Mares Open II Pace on Friday evening (July 14) at Tioga Downs.
K Js Caroline (Jim Taggart, Jr.) would charge out to the early lead, but Shutthefrontdoor (Scott Coulter) took over after a :27.3 first quarter. While Shutthefrontdoor faced pressure through three-quarters in 1:23.4 from Iaquinta (Mike Simons), Nothern Soiree was perched second-over behind the battling leaders. Northern Soiree went on to sweep three-wide in the stretch, and soared by to win in a career best 1:52.1.
The seven-year-old Western Ideal mare earned her sixth win of the season and returned $19.00. K Js Caroline finished second from the pocket, while Goldstar Rockette (Aaron Byron) took third.
Northern Soiree is trained by Patti Harmon for owner Seth Rosenberg Racing, LLC.
Fern Paquet, Jr. had the hot hand tonight, leading all drivers with a triple. Paquet won with DC Flashback ($5.30), Scarlett N Silk ($11.20), and Heart Crusher ($9.40).
Tioga Downs returns to racing on Saturday (July 15), with a nine-race card starting at 6:50 p.m. Eastern time.
(Tioga Downs)