Nichols, NY – Celcius, with driver Ridge Warren, captured the $7,000 featured pace for fillies and mares at Tioga Downs on Friday (May 15).
Zendayas Firstlady (driven by Joe Chindano Jr.) was first to the opening quarter in :27. April Ava (Mike Merton) then took over with a lap to go and led to the half in :56.2. Celcius made her move first-over going down the backstretch. April Ava had a short lead to three quarters in 1:25.1.
As they reached the stretch, Celcius took control and held off a late charge by second-place finisher Queen Sun Ryser (Ron Cushing) to win by 1 length in 1:54.3. Arrive In Style (Tom Merton) finished third.
Celcius is a 5-year-old mare by Lazarus N. She is owned by Chris and Dale Lawton, who also trains the mare. She paid $4.44 in her third win of 2026. She now has 15 career victories.
Jim Pantaleano had a driving hat trick. James Kennedy had a driving double. Paul Blumenfeld had a training double.
Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (May 16) with starting at 6:15 p.m. (EDT). For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.