Owner/breeder Ina Madill's Andreios Kardia ($3.00) demonstrated great determination in the featured $10,000 Pacer of the Year Match Race on Saturday's (September 17) closing-night program at Tioga Downs, upending pacesetter Believe This Bob in a 1:50.1 mile.
The five-year-old Badlands Hanover gelding was eager to go on from race's outset, offering pressure to Believe This Bob through a :26.3 first quarter before settling into a tight pocket through the middle half. Mike Simons and Believe This Bob relaxed the terms through a :55.2 half-mile, but were forced to accelerate as Aaron Byron switched Andreios Kardia back to the two-path with five-sixteenths to go. The two duelled through a :27.1 third quarter, and Andreios Kardia would emerge victorious in the final 150 yards, edging away from the game pacesetter by half a length while driven.
Jeff Byron trains 15-time winner Andreios Kardia, whose third consecutive top-level victory earned him 2016 Tioga Downs Pacer of the Year honours.
Aaron Byron and Mike Merton led all drivers with four wins apiece on the 11-race card.
Additionally, Trotter of the Year honours were bestowed upon Prairie Fortune, campaigned by owner Laurie Poulin, owner/trainer Mike Deters, and regular driver Jim Meittinis. Deters was also crowned the seasonal training champion, while Ontario-based Scott Coulter maintained a clear margin over Mike Simons to capture top driving honours.
Horseplayers and horsemen alike are advised to visit tiogadowns.com for updates on the ongoing casino expansion, as well as on the 2017 harness racing season.
(Tioga Downs)