The Charging Moa N breezed to an easy win in the featured $8,000 Fillies & Mares Open Handicap Pace at Tioga Downs on Friday (July 17).
Tay Tay M (Jim Taggart Jr.) was the first to the front but his time on the lead was short-lived when The Charging Moa N ($3.90) took over before the first quarter in :27.4. She controlled the pace using a :29.1 second quarter to hit the half in :57 and led the field all to three-quarters in 1:24.4.
As they made the turn for home, eventual second-place finisher Tay Tay M gave everything she had but all she could do was watch as The Charging Moa N found another gear and easily won in a seasonal best time of 1:52.4. Machs Echo (Jim Meittinis) finished third.
The Charging Moa N is a nine-year-old mare by Changeover. She is trained by Rob Harmon for owners Winners Circle Racing, Howudoin Stable, Richard Lerner, and Harmon Racing Stable. The win was her second of the season and her 24th career victory.
Mike Merton drove three other winners on the day. He combined with trainer Gaston Lareau for victories with Blurred Lines ($8.30) and Sun Belle Slippery ($8.50). His other win came with A Yankee Feelin ($7.10). Lareau also trained Money Earned ($3.20) to a first-place finish.
Wally Hennessey leads all drivers so far this season with 38 wins. Mike Merton is second with 30 tallies. Tyler Buter (18), Corey Braden (13) and Renaldo Morales III (13) round out the top five.
Tioga Downs has live racing on Saturday (July 18), with a 12-race card starting at 4 p.m.
(With files from Tioga Downs)