Nichols, NY – Flag Party, driven by Joe Chindano Jr., captured the $14,000 featured Open Pace at Tioga Downs on Sunday (May 31) in a lifetime best effort.
Flag Party ($7.54) went to the front and was first to the quarter in :27 and led the field to a :54.4 opening half. Street Hawk N (James Kennedy) and Always B Elvis (Jim Pataleano) subsequently locked wheels, making it a three-horse race. Flag Party led to three quarters (1:22), and while second-place finisher Melanion N (Ridge Warren) came flying late, the 9-year-old gelding fell half a length short. Flag Party secured the win in a career best 1:50.3. Bettors Donttell (Greg Merton) finished third.
Flag Party is a 5-year-old gelding by Stag Party. He is trained by Jennina Shaw for owners Jeff Savige, Michael DeSaye, Richard Dimalo, and Chindano Jr. It was his third win of 2026, and 17th career victory.
Mike Merton and Pantaleano each had driving hat tricks, and Chindano scored a driving double. Mike Deters, Rob Harmon and Shaw had training doubles.
Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Friday (June 5) starting at 6:15 p.m. For more information visit www.tiogadowns.com.