Nichols, NY – Jim Taggart drove four winners on the card including a win with K J Michael in the featured $10,500 Open 2 Pace at Tioga Downs on Saturday (July 15).

Feature winner K J Michael was one of four trips to the winner’s circle for driver Jim Taggart Saturday night at Tioga Downs. Fred Brown Photo.

In the feature, Trente Deo (Ridge Warren) was first to the quarter in :26.3. He used a :27.4 second quarter to be first to the half in :54.2. K J Michael ($11.60) made his going first-up down the backstretch. Trente Deo led to three-quarters in 1:21.4.

K J Michael came flying down the stretch blowing right on by as he won going away in a lifetime best of 1:50.3. Dancing Lew (Aaron Byron) came up to finish second. Trent Deo had to settle for third.

K J Michael is 6-year-old gelding by Rusty’s All In. He is owned by Scott Woogen and trained by Gary Messenger. It was his third win this season. He now has 18 career victories.

Taggart Jr. got his other wins with Landing Strip, Twin B Speed Dial, and Buzz.

Live racing returns on Sunday (July 16) with a 14-race card featuring New York Sire Stakes freshmen trotters starting at 1 p.m.

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.