Melanion N and driver Ridge Warren won the featured $16,197 conditioned claiming pace at Tioga Downs on Sunday, July 19.
Melanion N charged out of the gate, pocketing Villiam (Joe Chindano Jr.) in a :26.3 first quarter before getting a breather to the half in :55.3. Major Hothooves N (Colin Kelly) took his shot as they raced down the backstretch, going first-up from fourth and matching strides with the 6-5 favourite on the lead. However, Melanion N was up for the challenge and shrugged off that rival past three-quarters in 1:23.1, going on to win by 1-3/4 lengths in in 1:51.2. Villiam finished third.
Brianne Sinclair trains and owns Melanion N, a nine-year-old Bettors Delight-Georgias Jury gelding with wins in six of his 16 starts this season. The victory was the 22nd lifetime for the New Zealand-bred pacer and pushed his career bankroll over the $300,000 mark.
Melanion N paid $4.78 to win as the bettors' choice.
Live harness racing returned to Tioga Downs on Friday, July 24, starting at 6:15 p.m.
(Tioga Downs & Standardbred Canada)