Tioga Downs’ leading driver in 2018, Mike Merton, padded his lead with a seven-win performance – including both co-features - on the Friday evening program.
Merton guided Coveredndiamonds N to a career-best clocking of 1:52 in the $13,000 Fillies & Mares Open Pace.
K Js Caroline (Jim Taggart, Jr.) led to the first quarter in :27.2. Coveredndiamonds N ($2.50) took over just after the quarter and led to the half in :57. and hit the three-quarter mark in 1:25. Trained by Rob Harmon for owners Seth Rosenberg Racing LLC, and Joel Kahan, she flew home in a last quarter of :27 to win going away. Northern Dali (Mike Simons) came up to finish second with K Js Caroline holding on for third.
Coveredndiamonds N is a five-year-old mare by American Ideal. It was her eighth win of the season and her 13th career victory.
Merton also clicked with Kinetic King, who charged late to capture the $13,000 Open Trot.
Buff (Corey Braden) went right to the front and controlled all the early fractions (:27.2, :57.1, 1:24.1).
Kinetic King ($9.10) was fifth after three-quarters. Trained by Patti Harmon for owners Brian Kleinberg and Harmon Racing Stable LLC., he went three-wide at the top of the stretch and blew right by to win in a lifetime best of 1:53.3. Prairie Fortune (Jim Meittinis) finished second best with BJ Lorado (Aaron Byron) getting third money.
Kinetic King is an eight-year-old gelding by Ken Warkentin. It was his fourth win of 2018 and his 21st career victory.
Know as the "Magic Man" at Tioga Downs, Mike Merton had a magical night with seven wins. He got his five other wins with Rollingndiamonds ($4.30), Modern Mercury ($4.40), Persistent Bettor ($4.70), QB Kemp ($3.90) and Sweet Kix ($28.60).
Tioga Downs returns for live racing for the last time in 2018 on Saturday evening. The 13-race card has a special post time of 5:30 p.m. with fireworks following racing.
(Tioga Downs)