Dees Rocketman and driver Andy Santeramo won the $11,000 Open Pace at Tioga Downs on Sunday (August 5).
Dees Rocketman ($9.70) went right to the front and hit the first quarter in :28.3. Dreams Beachboy (Gates Brunet) took over as they went by the stands the first time. He led to the half in :56.4 and three-quarters in 1:23.1.
Dees Rocketman was patient in the loose pocket. Owned by Joe Martinelli Sr. and trained by Mickey Mc Nichol, he flew down the stretch to win in 1:50.4, equaling his lifetime best. Dreams Beachboy held for second with Dash Of Danger (Corey Braden) getting third money.
Dees Rocketman is a six-year-old ridgling by Rock N Roll Heaven. The win was his 10th of the season and career victory number 21.
Trainer Mike Deters won four races on the day. Deters got three wins with driver Jim Meittinis: Ideal Feeling ($3.60), Doo Wop Hanover ($6) and Winyard Hanover ($4.20). His fourth win was with Hurricane Howard ($25) and driver Mike Merton.
The race for the driving title continues to be wide open. Meittinis leads all driver with 44 wins this season. Merton is second with 42 wins, Aaron Byron is third with 40 wins and Jim Taggart Jr. is fourth with 39 wins. Andy Santeramo occupies the fifth spot with 33 wins.
Gary Messenger leads all trainers with 28 wins so far this season. His top rival is defending champion Deters, who has 26 victories.
Live racing returns at Tioga Downs on Friday (Aug. 10) featuring the Tompkins Geers racing series for freshman trotters and pacers. Post time is 6:15 p.m.
(With files from Tioga Downs)