The $6,500 featured trot went to Clarion Hall at Tioga Downs on Saturday (Aug. 22).
Prairie Fortune passed Groovey Kid just before hitting the first quarter in :28.2. Prairie Fortune used a :28.3 second quarter to hit the half in :57. He then opened four lengths as they hit three-quarters in 1:25.
As they went around the final turn Clarion Hall ($15.60) moved first over into second and went on the chase. Prairie Fortune went on a break in the stretch. Clarion Hall inherited the lead and had to brace for a late charge from second place finisher Uncle Hanover to win in 1:55.1. Groovey Joe was third Best.
Clarion Hall is a six-year-old gelding by Windsong Espoir. He is owned by Michael Spaccerelli and trained by Rob Harmon. It was his fifth win this season and his 19th victory.
Merton won four races on the card. He got his other wins with Bravo Tex N ($4.40), Lightfootedlegend ($12.80), and Devissor ($4.10).
Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Sunday (Aug. 23). The 15-race card features the $223,500 Empire Breeders Classic (EBC) for three-year-old pacing fillies as well as the $240,600 EBC for three-year-old pacing colts & geldings. Post time is 1 p.m. (EDT).
(Tioga Downs)