Tioga Downs played host to two divisions of the Empire Breeders Classic (EBC) for both three-year-old pacing colts and geldings as well as the fillies on Sunday (Aug. 28).
The Claw dominated the $122,000 EBC first division for three-year-old male pacers.
Huntanover led to the quarter in :26.2. Shakertown came first up as they headed for the stands for the first time. The lead was short lived as The Claw brushed by and was first to the half in :54.1. River Ness came first over to challenge heading for the final turn. The Claw was first to three-quarters in 1:22.1.
As they made the turn for home, The Claw just took off and left everyone in the dust and scored easily in 1:51.1. Huntanover came up to finish second. Stretch The Line was third.
The Claw is a colt by Huntsville. Jake Leamon trains for owners Ken Klein, Michael Cimaglio, William Salmeri. And Stephen Demeter. It was his seventh win of his career. Jim Morrill Jr. drove the $9.60 winner.
Max Contract (pictured above) captured the $122,000 EBC first division for three-year-old pacing fillies.
Lee Loo took the early lead, but Wickedly Innocent took over to the quarter first in :26.2. She used a :29 second quarter to hit the half first in :55.2. Max Contract made her move heading to the final turn. She was first to three-quarters in 1:22.
As they reached the stretch, it was all Max Contract as she cruised to the mile in 1:50.1. Wickedly Innocent held on for second. Gotthegreenlight got third money.
Max Contract is a filly by Huntsville. She is trained by Julie Miller for owners Andy Miller Stable, Steve Heimbecker, and Jean Goehlen. It was her sixth win in 2022. She now owns seven victories. Andy Miller drove the $2.70 winner.
All About The Hunt charged late to win $120,700 EBC second division for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings.
JD was first to the quarter in :25.4. He used a :28.3 second quarter to hit the half in :54.2. Early Action went first up from third and went by to lead to three-quarters in 1:21.4.
Bounty Hunter came up next and challenged Early Action for the lead going around the final turn. As they reached the stretch All About The Hunt came flying three-wide and catapulted to the front to win in 1:50. Bounty Hunter finished second as Early Action had to settle for third.
All About The Hunt is a colt by Huntsville. Ron Burke trains for owners Crawford Farms Racing and Heather Marshall. Unraced as a two-year-old, he is now four for eight in his career. Jordan Stratton piloted the $19.20 winner.
Valar Dohaeris used a late dash to take the $122,000 EBC second division for three-year-old pacing fillies.
Nadina Hanover led to the quarter in :27.1 and was first to the half in :56.2. Kele Kele was first to make a move going first over down the backstretch. Nadina Hanover was first to three-quarters in 1:24. As they made the turn for home, Nadina Hanover started to open. As they reached the stretch, Valar Dohaeris looked like she was shot out of a cannon as she flew by just before hitting the wire first in 1:52.2. Nadina Hanover had to settle for second. Wine N Dine Me finished third.
Valar Dohaeris is a filly by Huntsville. She is owned by Knutsson Trotting Inc. and trained by Ake Svanstedt. She won her fourth race and paid $4 to win. Mark MacDonald sat in the bike.
Tioga also hosted two divisions of the NYSS for two-year-old trotting fillies.
Midwind Success won the $55,500 first division. She is owned by James Crawford IV and trained by Claude Huckabone III. She paid $23.80 for her first win. Jordan Stratton sat in the sulky.
Pride N Joy took the $55,500 second division. She is owned by LA Express, Lenny Zellin, Harbour Racing Stable, and trainer Noel Daley. She paid $9.20 for her second victory. Tyler Buter sat in the bike.
Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Monday (Aug. 29) with a 1 p.m. (EDT) post time.
(Tioga Downs)