Dont Chip Me and driver Wally Hennessey were victorious in the featured $9,000 fillies & mares pace at Tioga Downs on Friday (July 22).
Dont Chip Me ($2.60) went straight to the front and led to the quarter in :27.1 and half in :56.4. Grant Me This (Aaron Byron) was first to make a move down the backstretch as Dont Chip Me continued to lead to three-quarters in 1:24.3. As the field made the turn for home, Dont Chip Me put away Grant Me This. Shecouldbegood N (Mike Merton) came all out after the leader but Dont Chip Me had plenty in the tank and won easily in 1:53.2. Grant Me This finished third.
Dont Chip Me is a five-year-old mare by Hypnotic Blue Chip. She is trained by John Hallett for co-owners Rick and Geoffrey Howles. The win was her fifth of the season from 28 starts and her 21st career victory in 101 races.
Brandon Parker, Mike Merton and Corey Braden each had driving doubles. Joe Skowyra and Patti Harmon each had training doubles.
Live racing continues at Tioga Downs on Saturday, with an 11-race card starting at 6:15 p.m.
(With files from Tioga Downs)