The Last Chapter prevailed in Saturday’s $10,000 feature trot at Tioga Downs, and in doing so gave driver Mike Simons one of his four wins on the program.
BJ Lorado (Jim Meittinis) jumped out to the lead and hit the first quarter in :28.2. The Last Chapter ($4.10) went first-over from third and took the lead with five-eighths of a mile left. Trained by Ed Hart for owners Richard Gutnick, Joe Lozito, Jr., and T L P Stable, he hit the half first in :57.3 and three-quarters in 1:25.1.
BJ Lorado would climb out of the pocket at the top of the stretch but didn't have any charge left. Second place finisher Vicki All (Corey Braden) found racing room late in the stretch but fell short as The Last Chapter won in 1:55. BJ Lorado settled for third.
The Last Chapter is a four-year-old gelding by Chapter Seven. It was the sixth win of the season and his 10th career victory.
Simons, who guided The Last Chapter to the win, also clicked with Eldorado Of Gold S ($3.80), S J Better Days ($4.10) and Stormont Dundas ($8.60).
Gary Messenger and Mike Deters continue to battle it out for the trainer's title. Messenger is in first with 34 wins. Deters is second best just two behind with 32 victories. Joe Skowyra is third with 19 trips to the winner's circle. Patti Harmon is fourth with 18 wins. Tony Dinges and Marc Major are tied for fifth with 15 victories.
(Tioga Downs)