Alta Madeira N won the featured $13,000 Fillies & Mares Open II Pace at Tioga Downs on Friday (Aug. 19).
Prairie Westerngal (Mike Simons) went to the front then favourite A Better Game (Brandon Parker) took the lead at the quarter-pole in :27.3 but went off stride. Alta Madeira N (Mike Merton) then took over with a lap to go. She was first to the half in :57 and led to three-quarters in 1:24.4. As the mares made the turn for home, it was all Alta Madeira N as she cruised to an easy win in 1:53.1. Brilliant Beauty (Jim Taggart Jr.) took home second money, finishing nearly two lengths behind the winner, while Prairie Westerngal had to settle for third.
Alta Madeira N is a five-year-old mare by Alta Christiano. She is owned by Michael Spaccarelli and trained by Patti Harmon. The win was her sixth this season from 24 starts and she now has a 12 victories lifetime.
Alta Madeira N paid $6.90 to win as the 5-2 second choice.
The win was one of four on the card for Merton.
(With files from Tioga Downs)