Stewardoftheland ($5.50) and Marcus Miller hung on to win the $12,500 featured pace at Tioga Downs on Saturday (Sept. 16).
Machiatto A (Ridge Warren) took the early lead, but Stewardoftheland went on by just before hitting the quarter first in :28.1. He went :28.1 in the second quarter to be first to the half in :56.2. KJ Hunter (Jim Taggert Jr.) was first to make a move fgoing down the backstretch while Stewardoftheland led to three-quarters in 1:23.4. As they reached the stretch, Machiatto A popped the pocket and went all out but Stewardoftheland had enough to hang on to win in 1:52. Machiatto A had to settle for second and Sling Shock (Corey Braden) came flying late to finish third.
Stewardoftheland is a four-year-old gelding by Huntsville, owned and trained by David Koslowsky. The win was his ninth this season and he now has 13 career victories.
Ridge Warren, Corey Braden, Tony Dinges, Mike Merton and Aaron Byron all had driving doubles. Edgar Clarke had a training double.
Live harness racing returns for closing weekend on Friday, Sept. 22 at 6:15 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 23 with a special post time of 5:15 p.m.
(With files from Tioga Downs)