Nichols, NY – Wally Hennessey drove five winners including the $6,000 featured pace with Fernado at Tioga Downs on Saturday (Aug. 15).

Wally Hennessey drove five winners, including the $6,000 featured pace with Fernado, at Tioga Downs on Saturday. Fred Brown Photo.

In the feature, Catcha Lefty A (Mike Merton) jumped out to the lead and led to the first quarter in :27.3.  He used a :30 second quarter to hit the half first in :57.3.  As they headed for three-quarters, Fernado ($7.40) popped out of the pocket and forced the hard charging How Are Yee John (Shawn Simons) to go three-wide as Catcha Lefty A still had a slight lead hitting three-quarters in 1:25.3.

They were three across the track as they made the turn for home.  Second-place finisher Catcha Lefty A dug in but could not hold off the late charge by Fernado, who won in 1:54.0.  Mac Anover (Bruce Aldrich Jr.) came flying late to finish third.

Fernado is a 6-year-old gelding by Delmarvalous.  He is owned and trained by Jim McDonald.  It was his seventh win this season.  He now has 20 career victories.

Hennessey got his other wins with Agedchedar Hanover ($5.80), Burn Notice ($7.30), Prairie Fortune ($5.60), and Standing Respect ($10.20).

Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Sunday (Aug. 16).  They welcome the Grand Circuit as the 13-race card features the $133,000 Joie D Vie, $129,000 Artiscape, $229,000 Crawford Farms Open Trot, and the Empire Breeders Classic eliminations for 3-year-old pacing fillies.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.