Wally Hennessey ruled Tioga Downs with a seven-win performance on Sunday (Aug. 2), including a 1:53.2 win with Fernado ($4.00) in the $6,000 featured pace.
Catcha Lefty A (Mike Merton) led to the first quarter in :27.2 before Fernado brushed from fourth and scurried past Catcha Lefty A to take control to the half in :56. On the backstretch, Jet Blue Miracle (Sean Bier) was the first to make a move, but he sputtered first-over and forced a three-wide move by Red Dirt Rocknroll (Renaldo Morales) as Fernado led to three-quarters in 1:24.
Turning for home, Red Dirt Rocknroll moved into second and came charging at Fernado. Fernado dug in and held on to win in 1:53.2. Red Dirt Rocknroll had to settle for second place money; Jet Blue Miracle finished third.
Fernado, a six-year-old Delmarvalous gelding, earned his sixth seasonal win for owner-trainer Jim McDonald.
Hennessey, who holds a comfortable lead in the Tioga driving standings, also won with Jurgen Hanover ($4.20), Money Earned ($3.60), Rock Star Melinda ($3.60), Courts N Session ($6.00), Mach West ($5.80) and Mister Marvalous ($8.50).
Live racing returns to Tioga Downs on Saturday (Aug. 8), starting at 3 p.m.
For more information, go to www.tiogadowns.com.
(Tioga Downs)