Nichols, NY – Maggie Q N, driven by Jim Pantaleano, grabbed the featured $9,500 fillies and mares’ pace at Tioga Downs on Friday (Aug. 28).
Maggie Q N went to the lead from post 4 and set fractions of :27 to the quarter, :55.4 to the half and 1:23.3 to three-quarters. As the field made the turn for home, second-place finisher Pick Me Up Hanover (driven by Kyle Swift) came charging after Maggie Q N. The two mares slugged it out down the stretch, with Maggie Q N holding on to win by a nose. Aint She Pretty (Ridge Warren) finished third.
Maggie Q N is a 5-year-old mare by Captain Crunch. She is trained by Jenny Melander for owners Jose Cervantes and Friendship Stables. It was her sixth win this season and seventh career victory. She paid $13.32 to win.
Braxten Boyd had a driving grand slam. He finished first with Park Street Blues, Sandy Mitternacht, Artic Thunder, and Talbotcreekwhiskey. Mike Merton had a driving hat trick, and Kyle Swift had a driving double. Jaymes McAssey had a training double.
Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (Aug. 29) at 6:15 p.m. (EDT). For more information got to www.tiogadowns.com.