Nichols, NY — A day after driver Braxten Boyd won five races at Tioga Downs, The “Michigan Missile” went right back to work winning another five on Sunday (June 14).
Boyd got his wins with TH Ollie, Son Of A Show, Belmont Royale N, Aces Or Bettor, and Red Right Hand. He is on a groove once again at Tioga and is so fun to watch.
Flag Party (Joe Chindano Jr.) captured the $16,500 featured Open Pace.
Chindano sent Flag Party ($10.22) to the lead through a :26.1 first quarter before Matai Phil N (Boyd) took control with a lap to go, clicking off a :54 half. Cruzin America (Mike Merton) was first to make a move challenging for the lead heading down the backstretch. Matai Phil N shook him off and led to three quarters in 1:21.3.
As they made the turn for home, Flag Party popped out of the pocket and went by second-place finisher Matai Phil N to get the win in a lifetime best 1:50.1. Federer (Colin Kelly) finished third.
Flag Party is a 5-year-old gelding by Stag Party. He is owned by Jeff Savidge, Michael DeSaye, Richard Dimalo, and Chindano Jr. while trained by Jennina Shaw. It was his fourth win this season. Flag Party now has 18 career victories.
Jim Pantaleano scored a driving hat trick on the 12-race card.
Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Friday (June 19) with starting at 6:15 p.m. For more information visit www.tiogadowns.com.