BJ Lorado cruised to victory in the $10,000 Tioga Downs featured trot on Saturday, Aug. 25.
BJ Lorado hit the first quarter in :27 and then was first to the halfway marker in :57.3. Trained by Marc Major for owners Michael and Diane Norcross, he let loose in the backstretch leading by four lengths as he hit three quarters in 1:25.2. He crossed the finish line in 1:55.2 ahead of Cashahallic and Zaraze.
BJ Lorado, returning $6.00 to win, is a four-year-old gelding by Bo W. He won for the second-straight time and seventh time this season. He captured his 11th victory career. Jim Meittinis sat in the bike.
Mike Merton had three driving wins on the night. He won with Vicki All ($6.40), Tropical Trice ($3.60) and Hurricane Howard ($11.20).
Trainers Gary Messenger and Mike Deters continue to battle it out for the trainer's title. Messenger currently leads with 33 wins so far this meet and Deters is two behind with 31. Joe Skowyra is third with 17 wins followed by Patti Harmon in fourth with 17 and Marc Major with 15.
It was Corntastic weekend at Tioga. Bill Stepanosky won the popular corn eating contest.
Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Sunday, Aug. 26 featuring the W.N. Reynolds Memorial for both freshman pacers and trotters. Post time for the 12-race card is 1:00 p.m.
(With files from Tioga Downs)