Nichols, NY – Creekside Pete (Mike Simons) captures the $12,000 Open II Trot at Tioga Downs on Sunday (June 12). The big favorite, Itsonlymoneyhoney went straight to the front and led to the quarter in :27.3. He used a :29.3 second quarter to be first to the half in :57.1. Meadowbranch Ricky was first to make a move going first-over down the backstretch. Itsonlymoneyhoney shook him off and led to three-quarters in 1:25.3.

Creekside Pete (Mike Simons) captures the $12,000 Open II Trot at Tioga Downs on Sunday (June 12). Fred Brown photo.

As they reached the stretch Creekside Pete ($53.00) popped the pocket and went all out after Itsonlymoneyhoney and got by him in deep stretch to win in a lifetime best of 1:54.2. Itsonlymoneyhoney had to settle for second as Meadowbranch Ricky held on to finish third.

Creekside Pete is a 6-year-old gelding by Uncle Peter. He is owned by David Jarvis and trained by Leon Cable. It was his fourth win this season. He now has 14 career victories.

Aaron Byron and Mike Merton each had driving triples on the card. Byron had wins with Khun Rutha A ($9.80), Fake Out ($4.40), and Smooth As Cheddar ($16.60). Merton combined with trainer Patti Harmon to win with Nerve Of Steel N ($2.40), and Kilowatt Kid N ($3.00). His other win was with Just Don’t Wait ($4.10).

Tioga Downs returns to Live racing on Saturday (June 18) starting at 6:15 p.m.

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.