Wally Hennessey drove five winners including the $6,000 featured pace with Fernado at Tioga Downs on Saturday (Aug. 15).
In the feature, Catcha Lefty A jolted to the lead and led to the first quarter in :27.3 and notched the tempo down to a :57.3 half. As they headed for three-quarters, Fernado popped out of the pocket and forced the hard-charging How Are Yee John to go three-wide as Catcha Lefty A still had a slight lead hitting three-quarters in 1:25.3.
They were three across the track as they made the turn for home. Second-place finisher Catcha Lefty A dug in but could not hold off the late charge by Fernado, who won in 1:54. Mac Anover came flying late to finish third.
Fernado is a six-year-old gelding by Delmarvalous. He is owned and trained by Jim McDonald. It was his seventh win this season. He now has 20 victories and paid $7.40 to win.
Hennessey got his other wins with Agedchedar Hanover ($5.80), Burn Notice ($7.30), Prairie Fortune ($5.60), and Standing Respect ($10.20).
Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Sunday (Aug. 16). They welcome the Grand Circuit as the 13-race card features the $133,000 Joie D Vie, $129,000 Artiscape, $229,000 Crawford Farms Open Trot, and the Empire Breeders Classic eliminations for three-year-old pacing fillies.
(Tioga Downs)