Truth And Liberty used come-from-behind tactics for driver Mike Simons to take home top prize in Saturday’s $12,000 Fillies & Mares Open 1 at Tioga Downs.
Brunhilda (Fern Paquet, Jr.) went to the front and controlled early fractions of :27, :56.3 and 1:24.2 before being challenged by Truth And Liberty. Owned by Fairy Horsemother Stables and trained by Simons, Truth And Liberty went first -over from third just before the three-quarter mark. She was side by side with Brunhilda going around the final turn. Truth And Liberty shook loose and held off the late charge by second place finisher Gold Star Mysti (Corey Braden) to win in 1:52.4. Kruella (Jim Meittinis) finished third.
Truth And Liberty is a seven-year-old mare by Total Truth. She won for the fifth time this season. She now has 40 career victories. She paid $10.00 to win.
Aaron Byron drove four winners on the night. He finished first with Check Mach ($7.60), Heres The Magic ($17.40), Jett Star ($5.70) and Lusty Delight ($7.20). Mike Simons and Jim Meittinis each had driving doubles on the evening. Simons got his other win with Baby Im Worth It ($5.10). Meittinis went to the winner's circle with Joey Pro ($5.70), and Mckenzies Star ($10.20).
Tioga Downs returns to live racing with a 12-race card on Sunday starting at 1 p.m.
(Tioga Downs)