K Js Caroline ($5.30), driven by Jim Taggart Jr., was just too tough in Tioga Downs' Fillies and Mares Open 2 pacing feature on Friday night (July 21).
The seven-year-old mare by Roddys Bags Again fired out of the gate and controlled the race from the start. K Js Caroline, who is owned by Scott Woogen and trained by Gary Messenger, put up the fractions of :27.3, :55.3, 1:24 and 1:51:4 to go gate-to-wire in the $9,000 feature. Gweneeee J (Jim Meittinis) went after her but fell short and finished second. Iaquinta (Tom Jackson) took the show position.
Mike Simons still has huge lead in the local driver standings. He added one win to up his total to 50 wins on the season. Mike Merton is in second with 32 wins. Jim Taggart is third with 30 tallies. Tom Jackson is fourth with 28 wins. Jim Meittinis won two races on the night giving him 27 victories for the season.
The race for the season's top spot in the trainer standings continues to be wide open. Mike Deters and Tony Dinges are tied for first with 17 wins. Patti Harmon finds herself in third, tied with Gary Messenger with 14 wins a piece. Dave McGinnis has 13 wins on the season, which lands him in fifth.
Live racing returns to Tioga Downs on Saturday (July 22) at 6:50 p.m. Fireworks will follow racing.
(With files from Tioga Downs)