Mike Merton drove his 4,000th winner with Solo Story at Tioga Downs on Sunday (July 4).
It was definitely a memorable Fourth of July for Mike Merton. Merton, who was the 2018 driver’s champion at Tioga, guided Solo Story ($6.30) first over around the final turn and wore down Furious Beach to get win No. 4,000 in 1:53. Solo Story is owned by JP Houle Stables and trained by Gaston Lareau.
Merton had two wins on the night. His 4,001st win came with Waimac Attack N ($3.00).
Golden Kronos breezed to an easy win in the $7,000 Open Trot.
Golden Kronos jetted to the front and led to the first quarter in :28. He used a :28.4 second quarter to lead to the half in :56.4. My Lindy Winner was the first to make a move first-over down the backstretch as Golden Kronos hit three-quarters first in 1:24.1.
As they made their way around the final turn, My Lindy Winner stalled and that forced a three-wide move by the favourite P L Notsonice. She came charging late down the stretch but had to settle for second as Golden Kronos won for the third straight time stopping the clock at 1:54.3. Winning Legends finished third.
Golden Kronos is a seven-year-old gelding by Chapter Seven. He is trained by Stanley Zombick Jr. for owners Myron Eckstein, William and Michael Pozefsky. It was his sixth win this season and his 29th victory overall. Wally Hennessey drove the $12.00 winner.
Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Friday (July 9) starting at 6:15 p.m. (EDT).
(Tioga Downs)