Ontario-sired pacer Machiatto A and the streaking trotter Rich And Miserable won the co-featured Open events at Tioga Downs on Sunday (July 31).
Machiatto A ($14) and driver Jacob Cutting went from last to first to capture the $12,000 Open Pace.
Agedchedar Hanover (Wally Hennessey) went right to the front but Rockin Jukebox (Aaron Byron) took over just before hitting the first quarter in :27.1 and continued to lead to the half in :56.3. Kilowatt Kid N (Mike Simons) was first to make a move going down the backstretch as Rockin Jukebox raced to three-quarters in 1:23.4. As they made the turn for home, Kilowatt Kid N took over the lead but Machiatto A came flying down the stretch and zoomed on by to win by half a length in a seasonal best of 1:52. Kilowatt Kid N had to settle for second and Rockin Jukebox finished third.
Machiatto A is a nine-year-old gelding by Mach Three. He is owned by Steve Manzi and trained by Randy Taft. The win was his sixth this season from 23 starts and his 31st career victory.
Rich And Miserable ($3.80) and driver Jim Taggart Jr. cruised to easy win in the $12,000 Open Handicap Trot.
Rich And Miserable went straight to the front and set fractions of :29, :57.4 and 1:26.1 before Nextroundsonme (Mike Simons) came first-up heading for the final turn. As they went around the bend, Nextroundsonme and Rich And Miserable were shoulder to shoulder, but Rich And Miserable found another gear at the top of the stretch and won easily in 1:54.1. Golden Kronos (Wally Hennessey) finished second, 2-3/4 lengths behind the winner, while Nextroundsonme had to settle for third.
Rich And Miserable is a seven-year-old gelding by Explosive Matter. He is trained by Todd Buter for owners Buter Farm Inc., Lynette Buter, William and Carol Fuhs. The win was his third straight in Open company at Tioga. He now has six wins from 15 starts this year and 39 career victories.
Wally Hennessey drove four winners on the card. He clicked with Magic MVP ($25.20), Full Support ($2.70), Alaskan Seelster ($4.60) and Joint Account ($3.40).
Live racing continues at Tioga Downs on Saturday, Aug. 6, starting at 6:15 p.m.
(With files from Tioga Downs)