Nichols, NU – After struggling to hit the board in August at Yonkers, Vicious Circle shipped to Tioga Downs and stayed perfect in September, winning race five, the Fillies and Mares Open II Pace on Saturday night (Sept. 11).

Vicious Circle and Bruce Aldrich Jr hold on to win the Fillies and Mares Open II Pace at Tioga Downs on Saturday night. Fred Brown Photo.

Vicious Circle, the daughter of Manhardt-Vivacious Raider, moved into the John Hallett barn since arriving from Yonkers, and has done no wrong in Nichols, NY. She surged for victory last week, beating lesser competition and jumped up a notch on the class ladder for her second local effort.

Driver Bruce Aldrich Jr wasted no time, hitting the gas early with the 4-year-old mare, sending her straight to the top. No Where to Hide, a winner by three lengths in her last Tioga Downs effort, was hot on her tail. Vicious Circle paced the opening quarter in :27.

There was little movement as the field of seven pacing mares went to the half single file with Vicious Circle clipping the beam in :55.2.

Down the backstretch, Shecouldbegood N made an aggressive first-over charge only to stall alongside No Where to Hide, never seriously challenging Vicious Circle who hit three-quarters in 1:23.

When the field straightened away for the wire, No Where to Hide pulled the pocket to no avail. Vicious Circle went on to win in 1:51.3, a new lifetime best mark. No Where to Hide settled for second with Shecouldbegood N checking in third.

Vicious Circle paid $4.60 to win as the 6/5 favorite. This was her twenty-second win from forty-eight career starts.

THROUGH THE SHADES: Tioga Downs’ leading-driver, Wally Hennessey, won four on Saturday night to increase his career driving wins to 10,987 career driving wins and is quickly approaching the 11,000-win milestone. On Sunday (Sept. 12), Tioga Downs will hold the “Change Your Luck” promotion where on-track patrons will have an opportunity to turn losing tickets into free wagering vouchers. The 10-race card begins at 1 p.m.