Persistent Bettor took the $6,500 featured Open II Fillies & Mares Pace on Saturday (July 4) at Tioga Downs.
Coveredndiamonds N went to the front and led to the first quarter in :27.2. Odds On Cheddar then came first over and took a slight lead as they went by the stands for the first time. She could not clear, so Coveredndiamonds N reestablished the lead and hit the half first in :56.1. Marvalous Jet became the next to challenge as they went up the backstretch. Coveredndiamonds N still led to three-quarters in 1:24.2.
Coveredndiamonds N and Marvalous Jet went shoulder to shoulder all around the final turn, with Marvalous Jet taking the lead as they reached the stretch. But Persistent Bettor squeezed through an opening on the inside to get the victory in 1:53.4. Standing Respect came flying late to finish in a dead heat for second with Marvalous Jet.
Persistent Bettor is a five-year-old mare by Bettors Delight. She is trained by John Hallett for owners Geoffrey and Rick Howles. It was her first win this season and her 16th victory overall. Bruce Aldrich Jr. drove the $9.50 winner.
Wally Hennessey drove three winners on the night. He won with Zapaca ($10.60), Western Passage ($6.80), and Boli ($9.30).
Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Sunday (July 5) with a 12-race card starting at 1:00 p.m. (EDT).
(Tioga Downs)