Nichols, NY — Wally Hennessey and Mike Merton continued their dominance at Tioga Downs with five driving wins apiece on Saturday (Aug. 29).

Among his five wins, Hennessey captured the $6,500 featured fillies and mares pace with Tay Tay M ($5.00).

Wally Hennessey captured the $6,500 featured fillies and mares pace with Tay Tay M. Fred Brown photo.

In the feature, Tay Tay M charged right out to the front from her outside post and led to the first quarter in :27.2. She probably won the race by slowing things down, using a :30.2 second quarter as she hit the half first in :57.4. Gold Star Mysti (Corey Braden) came first-up to challenge as they reached the backstretch and harassed Tay Tay M all the way to three-quarters. Tay Tay M was the first to get there in 1:25.4.

As they made the turn for home Tay Tay M was too strong down the stretch and she won it easily in 1:54.1. Gold Star Mysti had to settle for second with Coveredndiamonds N (Mike Merton) coming up to finish third.

Tay Tay M is a 6-year-old mare by Six Of Diamonds. She is owned by Richard Dunmire and trainer Kim Sears. It was her fourth win this season. She now has 17 career victories.

Hennessey got his other wins with Prairie Midnight ($16.20), Weekend Atnannies ($3.40), Odds On Cheddar ($2.10), and Verdi D Em ($4.30).

Merton got his five wins with Redemptionbluechip ($3.80), Real Lucky N ($2.70), Quick Deal ($10.00), Clarion Hall ($3.40), and A Wish For Wings ($13.80).

Rob Harmon trained three winners on the day and leads all trainers with 38 wins. Gaston Lareau is second with 32 victories. Joe Skowyra is third with 27 tallies. Mike Deters (25) and Jim McDonald (24) round out the top five.

Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Sunday (Aug. 30). The 13-race card features the $104,400 New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings. Post time is 1 p.m. For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.