by John Horne, for Tioga Downs

Nichols, NY — Dee’s Rocketman (Andy Santeramo) won the Open Pace ($11,000) at Tioga Downs on Sunday (Aug. 5).

Dee’s Rocketman ($9.70) went right to the front and hit the first quarter in :28.3. Dreams Beachboy (Gates Brunet) took over as they went by the stands the first time. He led to the half in :56.4 and three-quarters in 1:23.1.

Fred Brown photo

Dee’s Rocketman won the featured pacing event at Tioga Downs on Sunday afternoon.

Dee’s Rocketman was patient in the loose pocket. Owned by Joe Martinelli Sr. and trained by Mickey Mc Nichol, he flew down the stretch to win in 1:50.4, equaling his lifetime best. Dreams Beachboy held for second with Dash Of Danger (Corey Braden) getting third money.

Dee’s Rocketman is a 6-year-old ridgling by Rock N Roll Heaven. It was his 10th win this season and career victory number 21.

Trainer Mike Deters won four races on the day Deters got three wins with driver Jim Meittinis, Ideal Feeling ($3.60), Doo Wop Hanover ($6.00), and Winyard Hanover ($4.20). His fourth win was with Hurricane Howard ($25.00) and driver Mike Merton.

The drivers win title continues to be wide open. Meittinis leads all driver with 44 wins this season. Mike Merton is second with 42 wins. Aaron Byron is third with 40 wins. Jim Taggart Jr. is fourth with 39 wins. Andy Santeramo occupies the fifth spot with 33 wins.

Gary Messenger leads all trainers with 28 wins so far this season. His top rival is defending champion Mike Deters with 26 victories.

Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Friday (Aug. 10) featuring the Tompkins Geers racing series for freshman trotters and pacers. Post time is 6:15 p.m.

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.