Nichols, NY – Believer (Ridge Warren) and Quarrel (Mike Merton) won co-features at Tioga Downs on Friday (July 14).

Believer cruised to an easy win in the featured $10,500 Open 2 Trot.

Believer cruised to an easy win in the featured $10,500 Open 2 Trot at Tioga Downs Friday. Fred Brown Photo.

Believer ($4.60) raced first to the quarter in :27.4. He used a :29.1 second quarter to be first to the half in :57.0. He led easily to three-quarters in 1:25.1.
As they reached the stretch, second-place finisher Woodside Emileah (Jim Taggert Jr.) came flying late to challenge but Believer was too strong and won easily in 1:55.1.

Believer is a 5-year-old horse by Cantab Hall. He is trained by Randy Taft for owners Mali Norbye and Arnold Witkin. It was his fifth win this season. She now has 20 career victories.

Quarrel ($3.10) chargesd late to capture the featured $10,500 Open 2 Fillies & Mares Pace.

Brilliant Beauty (Tyler Miller) was first to the quarter in :27.0. He used a :28.3 second quarter to be first to the half in :55.3. Summer Slash (Ray Fisher Jr.) came charging down the backstretch to challenge for the lead. Brilliant Beauty led to three-quarters in 1:23.1.
As they made the turn for home Quarrel came flying down the lane like she was shot out of a cannon. She blew right on by to win in a lifetime best of 1:51.1. Brilliant Beauty held on to finish second. Bottomoftheninth (Jim Taggert Jr.) was third best.

Quarrel is a 4-year-old mare by Always B Miki. She is owned by Karma Racing and trained by Rob Harmon. It was her fourth win this season. She now has nine career victories.

Leading driver Mike Merton had three wins on the card. He teamed up again with leading trainer Rob Harmon with Amini ($2.20). He got his other win with Lion on Landon.

Live racing returns on Saturday (July 15) with an 11-race card starting at 6:15 p.m.

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.