Ontario Sires Stakes graduate Cold Certified won for the second time in two starts this year, both on Tioga Downs' five-eighth-mile oval in Nichols, New York.
Both times Corey Braden put the four-year-old son of Kadabra on the front and both times he never looked back. Tonight, over a tracked listed "sloppy" after hours of steady rain, Cold Certified wrangled the front in a quick :27.4. After backing down to the half in :57.4, Braden used another burst of speed to lengthen his lead to five through three-quarters in 1:26.1 and cruised home to a length and three-quarter victory in the $16,000 Open Trot over a hard-charging Windsong Hercules, who shook loose late to close for second. Fools Revenue was third.
Gary Lance trains the winner of more than $300,000 in purses for Gl Racing Inc. of Port Perry, Ont.
Braden posted a driving triple while Bruce Clarke and Victor Kirby each secured driving doubles. Tyler Raymer had a training double.
Also taking place during the races was the annual Miss Tioga contest. A record 19 contestants entered to battle it out for the crown. When the dust settled, Mary Katherine Julp from nearby Vestal, New York was the winner. She currently attends UMBC studying Biology and Pre-Dental.
Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Sunday, July 28 with New York Sire Stakes for three-year-old colt pacers. Post time will be 1:30 p.m.
(With files from Tioga Downs)