Juxta Cowgirl and driver Aaron Byron won the $12,000 featured Fillies & Mares Open on Friday (August 2) at Tioga Downs.
Juxta Cowgirl ($21.40) went to the front and led to the first quarter in :26.1. Gigi From Fiji (Wally Hennessey) sat in the pocket and followed as Juxta Cowgirl led to the half in :55.3 and and three-quarters in 1:22.4.
Juxta Cowgirl, who is trained by Mike Watson for owners Robert Cooper Stables LLC, and Glasser Racing LLC, continued to lead the way going to the stretch. Gigi From Fiji popped out of the pocket and came charging late, but Juxta Cowgirl dug in and won in a seasonal best time of 1:51.2. Gigi From Fiji settled for second and Gold Star Mysti (Corey Braden) finished third.
Juxta Cowgirl is a five-year-old mare by Relentless Yankee. The win was her third this season and she now has 34 career victories.
Fern Paquet Jr. drove three winners on the night. He finished first with Gold Star Aurora ($3.80), Nothern Dali ($18) and Shutthefrontdoor ($10.80).
Live racing continues at Tioga Downs on Saturday with a 10-race card starting at 6:15 p.m.
(With files from Tioga Downs)