Nichols, NY — Shecouldbegood N ((Mike Merton) out-dueled Gold Star Mysti (Cory Braden) to capture the $8,000 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace at Tioga Downs on Monday (June 29).

Shecouldbegood N out-dueled Gold Star Mysti to capture the $8,000 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace. Fred Brown photo.

Persistent Bettor (Bruce Aldrich Jr.) went to the front and led to a first quarter of :27. Gold Star Mysti went first-up and took the lead as they went by the stands for the first time. She took them to the half in :56. Shecouldbegood N ($7.40) made her move down the backstretch and the duel began. The two mares went side by side as Gold Star Mysti hit the three-quarters in 1:24.4.

As they made the turn for home the two mares were followed by the big favorite Prairie Cougar (Wally Hennessey) who tried to find an opening between them. Gold Star Mysti and Shecouldbegood N continued to go stride for stride all the way down the stretch. Shecouldbegood N gave one last lunge to win in 1:53.2. Gold Star Mysti had to settle for second. Prairie Cougar finished third.

Shecouldbegood N is a 7-year-old mare by Well Said. She is trained by Rob Harmon for owners Harmon Racing Stable, Lawrence Kittenplan, William Vanwie, and Bianchi Services.

Mike Merton drove two more winners on the day. His other wins came with Standing Respect ($6.60) and Post Time Terror ($9.40).

Live racing returns on Tuesday (June 30) with a 13-race card starting at 4 p.m. There is no racing on Friday (July 3). Tioga Downs will race (pending regulatory approval) on Saturday (July 4) at 4 p.m. and Sunday (July 5) at 1 p.m. The schedule will then follow a Friday and Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. for the balance of the month of July.

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.