Passa Grille Beach Wins Tioga Claiming Series Final

Passa Grille Beach winning at Tioga Downs
Published: July 26, 2025 09:00 am EDT

A runner-up in the opening legs of the Jim McDonald Memorial Claiming Series, Passa Grille Beach stepped up him game to win the $34,247 final on Friday, July 25 at Tioga Downs.

With Leon Bailey picking up the catch-drive, Passa Grille Beach left sharply from post four and parked outside leaver Yachtsman (Ridge Warren) through a :26.3 opening quarter. Passa Grille Beach proceeded to lead the way through a half in :55.1 with Hes A Sweetheart (Aaron Byron) protecting pocket position and Yachtsman eventually finding room to tuck into third down the backstretch as the outer flower started up behind him. Passa Grille Beach maintained a clear lead through three-quarters in 1:23.1 before facing more challenges in the stretch. Hes A Sweetheart launched his attack from the two-hole while Yachtsman shot up the inside and the backfield sprung into action, but Passe Grille Beach held on to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:53.2. Yachtsman was a game second with Johnny Chip (Tyler Moore) closing off cover to nab the show dough over Hes A Sweetheart.

Passa Grille Beach, a 10-year-old gelding by Somebeachsomewhere out of Kutekatie, is owned by trained Cameron Capone and Paul Kautz. His victory in the final of the series for $12,500 USD claiming pacers puts his win totals at three for the year and 41 for his career.

Passa Grille Beach returned $17 to win at odds of 7-1.

In the $13,014 series consolation, the Besim Odza-trained Double Up N and Tyler Miller prevailed off the claim in a head decision over Ima Happy Fella GB and Talbotcreekwhiskey in 1:53.2. The bettors' choice paid $7.80 to win.

(Tioga Downs & Standardbred Canada)

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