The top Open events of the night at Tioga Downs were won by favourites Believer and Quarrel on Friday, July 14.
Believer ($4.60) cruised to an easy win in the $10,500 Open 2 Trot with Ridge Warren in the sulky.
Believer raced first to the quarter in :27.4 and continued on top through middle splits of :57 and 1:25.1. As the field reached the stretch, Woodside Emileah (Jim Taggert Jr.) came flying late to challenge, but Believer was too strong and won easily in 1:55.1 by 1-1/2 lengths over that foe. HP Maestro (Ray Fisher Jr.) followed in third off a pocket trip.
Believer (pictured above) is a five-year-old horse by Cantab Hall. He is trained by Randy Taft for owners Mali Norbye and Arnold Witkin. The win was his fifth this season from 22 starts and he now has 20 career victories.
Quarrel ($3.10) charged late to capture the $10,500 Open 2 Fillies & Mares Pace in rein to Mike Merton.
Brilliant Beauty (Tyler Miller) was first to the quarter in :27 and led to the half in :55.3. Summer Slash (Ray Fisher Jr.) came charging down the backstretch to challenge for the lead, but Brilliant Beauty held command to three-quarters in 1:23.1. As they made the turn for home, Quarrel came flying down the lane like she was shot out of a cannon. She blew right on by to win by nearly six lengths in a lifetime-best 1:51.1. Brilliant Beauty settled for second and Bottomoftheninth (Jim Taggert Jr.) was third.
Quarrel is a four-year-old mare by Always B Miki. She is owned by Karma Racing and trained by Rob Harmon. The win was her fourth this season from 11 starts and she now has nine career victories.
Leading driver Mike Merton had three wins on the card. He teamed up again with leading trainer Rob Harmon with Amini ($2.20). He got his other win with Lion On Landon ($10.20) for Gaston Lareau.
Live harness racing returns on Saturday with an 11-race card starting at 6:15 p.m.
(With files from Tioga Downs)