Driver Mike Merton won five of the seven races that were contested at Tioga Downs on Friday, Aug. 4, including the $11,500 featured trot with Andover Contessa.
In the sixth race Winners Over Handicap, Andover Contessa went straight to the front and led to the quarter in :28, half in :57.3 and three-quarters in 1:25.2. As the field reached the stretch, Andover Contessa made it a race for second and won easily in a lifetime best of 1:53.3. Believer (Ridge Warren) was second best, finishing 2-1/2 lengths behind the winner. Creekside Pete (Corey Braden) was third.
Andover Contessa is a six-year-old mare by Andover Hall. She is trained by Jake Huff for owners Rosalia Huff and Beauty Bridle Racing Stable. The win was her sixth of the season from 22 starts and she now has 22 victories lifetime.
Andover Contessa returned $6.70 to win as the 2-1 second choice.
Merton also won the first four races on the program with Rob Harmon trainees Alta Madeira N ($2.10) and Flashy Swan ($5.40), the Michelle Warner stable's Tantalize Bluechip ($5.40), and Cant Say No ($2.70) for trainer Tee Wine.
The final race on the program was cancelled due to weather and track conditions.
Live harness racing returns on Saturday with an eight-race card starting at 6:15 p.m.
(With files from Tioga Downs)