Nichols, NY — It was déjà vu at Tioga Downs on Friday (Sept. 18) as meet leading driver Braxten Boyd won six races on the card following a six-bagger the night prior.
Boyd, who got his wins on Friday with Blank Stare, Century Heineken, Son Of A Show, Combative, Brother Dick and Eighty One, won his third straight driving title at Tioga Downs. He led all drivers with 132 wins (through Friday night). Ridge Warren finished second with 88 victories. Jim Pantaleano (79), Mike Merton (76), and Colin Kelly (25) round out the top five.
Natameri (Tom Merton) captured the $15,500 Open Pace.
Natameri ($19.46) was first to the quarter in :26.4 and first to the half in :55.4. Rockstar Artist A (Braxten Boyd) came first-up to challenge heading down the backstretch. Natameri led to three quarters in 1:23.
As they reached the stretch, second-place finisher Lusaka N (Jim Pantaleano) became the major danger and went all-out after the lead. Natameri dug in and won in 1:50.4. Mr Huggins (James Kennedy) finished third.
Natameri is an 8-year-old horse by American Ideal owned by Purple Haze Stables and trained by Jessica Okusko. It was his fifth win this season and his 36th career victory.
The top trainer for the meet is Rob Harmon, with 42 wins (through Friday night). Mike Deters was second with 33 tallies. Michelle Warner (31), Enrico Robinson (29), and Kevin Reynolds Jr. (23) round out the top five.
Kathleen Friedrich was named the Groom of the Year.
Livonjaxandqueens was named Pacer of the Year. In 13 starts, he had five wins, two seconds, and three thirds. Livonjaxandqueens is a 6-year-old horse by American Ideal trained by James Rothfuss for owners Howard and Andrew Ouriel.
Enola was named Mare of the Year. She won five times with three seconds and four thirds in 16 starts at Tioga. Enola is a 6-year-old mare by Resolve. She is owned by Go For Glory Stable and trained by Rob Harmon.
Super Duper Cooper was a perfect four-for-four this year at Tioga on his way to Trotter of the Year honors. He is a 5-year-old gelding by EL Titan. He is owned by Pollack Racing and trained by Enrico Robinson.
Tioga Downs concludes is 2026 meeting on Saturday (Sept. 19) at 6:15 p.m. with the New York Sire Stakes Excelsior finals and fireworks following the last race. For more information, go to www.tiogadowns.com.