by John Horne, for Tioga Downs

Nichols, NY — Andreios Kardia (Aaron Byron) won the $12,000 Tioga Downs Open Pace on a soggy Mother’s Day Sunday (May 13).

Fred Brown photo

Andreios Kardia won the $12,000 Tioga Downs Open Pace in 1:51.1.

Mr Big Load (Fern Paquet Jr.) rushed out to the quick lead and covered all the early fractions (:27, :55.2, 1:23.1). Andreios Kardia ($7.30) went first-over from fourth just after the halfway point.

Owned by Ina Madill and trained by Jeff Byron, he flew by at the top of the stretch and easily held off the late charge from runner-up finisher Doo Wop Hanover (Jim Meittinis) in 1:51.1. Chantepleure (Austin Siegelman) finished third.

Andreios Kardia, who is a 7-year-old gelding by Badlands Hanover, won for the second time this season. It was his 28th career victory.

Jim Taggert Jr. won three on the day. He went to the winner’s circle with Bettorsluckystreak ($5.70), Fanelli Royal ($6.40), and Tarport Andy ($10.80).

Tioga Downs returns to live action on Friday (May 18) at 6:15 p.m. For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.