Nichols, NY – Matai Phil N (Braxten Boyd) captured the $11,500 featured pace at Tioga Downs on Sunday (June 7), doing so with a lifetime best performance.
Lining up in the middle of the five-horse field, Matai Phil N ($3.14) went to the front and led through a :27 opening quarter. Boyd slowed things down with a :29.1 second quarter and was in command to the half in :56.1. Major Hothooves N (Colin Kelly) was first to make a move going first-over down the backstretch. Matai Phil N shook him off and was first to three-quarters in 1:23.3.
As they reached the stretch, second-place finisher Cruzin America (Mike Merton) popped out of the pocket and gave everything he had, but Matai Phil N held him at bay to win in a lifetime best 1:51. Always B Elvis (Jim Pantaleano) finished third.
Matai Phil N is a 6-year-old gelding by Washington VC out of the Elsu mare Matai Katie. He is owned by the Durazzano Stable and trained by Agostino Abbatiello. It was the third seasonal win for the pacer, and 10th career score.
Kelly and Boyd steered three winners on the card, with James Kennedy turning in a driving double. Bruce Clarke and Enrico Robinson collected training doubles.
Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Friday (June 12) with starting at 6:15 p.m. For more information visit tiogadowns.com.