Nichols, NY — Last Goodbye (Mike Merton) captured the $27,000 final of the Summer Sensation Claiming Series at Tioga Downs on Saturday (Sept. 6).
Talbotcreekwhiskey (Greg Merton) was first to the quarter in :26.4. He used a :29.1 second quarter as he led to the half in :56. Entrench (Jim Pantaleano) came first-up heading down the backstretch and led to three-quarters in 1:23.2.
As they headed for home, Last Goodbye ($5.16) came flying like he had a propeller on his back as he blew right on by to win in 1:52.2. Entrench had to settle for second. Ima Happy Fella GB (Kyle DiBenedetto) finished third.
Last Goodbye is a 4-year-old gelding by Betting Line. He is owned by Jablonsky Held Stable and trainer Joe Pavia Jr. It was his third win this season and his seventh career victory.
Mike Merton had a driving grand slam on the card. He got his other wins with Crunch The Numbers, Huntressville A and Little Instigator. Joe Skowyra had a training hat trick.
Live racing returns to Tioga Downs on Sunday (Sept. 7) with a post time of 1 p.m. For more information, go to www.tiogadowns.com.