Nichols, NY – Passa-Grille Beach (Leon Bailey) captured the featured $25,000 Jim McDonald Memorial Pace Final at Tioga Downs on Friday (July 25).
Passa-Grille Beach ($17) left sharply and led to the quarter in :26.3. He used a :28.3 second quarter to be first to the half in :55.1. He led easily to three-quarters in 1:23.1.
As they entered the stretch, second place-finisher Yachtsman (Ridge Warren) slipped through on the inside of Passa-Grille Beach. Hes A Sweetheart (Aaron Byron) came three-wide as third-place finisher Johnny Chip (Tyler Miller) went four-wide, but Passa-Grille Beach dug in and won in 1:53.2.
Passa-Grille Beach is a 10-year-old gelding by Somebeachsomewhere. He is owned by Paul Kautz and trainer Cameron Capone. It was his third win this season. He now has 41 career victories.
Leon Bailey had a driving hat trick. Jim Pantaleano and Tyler Miller had driving doubles. Gary Levine had a training double.
Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (July 26) with a post time of 6:15 p.m.
For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.