Nichols, NY — Up Helly AA, steered by Kyle Swift, captured the $10,500 featured trot at Tioga Downs on Sunday (Sept. 6), putting a neck in front at the wire.
Favored Big Box Hanover (Larry Stalbaum) raced to the front and led to the quarter in :27.2. The 9-year-old gelding then used a :29.2 second quarter to command the field of seven through a :56.4 first half. Sunburnt Silverado (Mike Merton) was first to make a move going first-over heading down the backstretch. Big Box Hanover shook him off and led to three quarters in 1:26.1.
As the field reached the stretch, second-place finisher Purple Lord (Jim Pantaleano) slipped through the inside of third-place finisher Big Box Hanover. Up Helly AA ($13.58) came flying three-wide to get by in time for the narrow win, timed in 1:55.4.
Up Helly AA is a 7-year-old gelding by Armbro Barrister. He is owned by Ian Fromowitz and trained by Jaymes McAssey. Up Helly AA now has four seasonal wins and 41 career trips to the winner’s circle.
Swift, Braxten Boyd, and Mitchell Cushing each registered driving doubles. Danny Gill scored a training double.
Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Monday (Sept. 7) starting at 12:30 p.m. For more information visit www.tiogadowns.com.