by Dustin Ross, Regional Racing Operations Manager, Tioga Downs & Vernon Downs

Nichols, NY — Judge Joe and DR Ackerman captured the $151,670 first division of the Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial on Friday night at Tioga Downs.

The duo got away in the pocket spot as Ray Schnittker and Citation Lindy cut through a torrid opening quarter in 26.4. The field passed the half-mile mark of the race in 56.2 as Russell Hill (John Campbell) began a first-over grind through the third quarter station in 1:25. Campbell got Russell Hill to the front at the top of the stretch, but Judge Joe found room late and dug in to close and win by a neck in 1:55.1. The mile established a new lifetime mark for Judge Joe. Russell Hill (John Campbell) hung on for second, while Neighsay Hanover (Howard Parker) trotted home late for third.

It was the fifth win in five seasonal starts for the 3-year-old Credit Winner-Judge Judy colt, who increased his career earnings to more than $450,000. When interviewed in the winner’s circle following the victory DR Ackerman stated that the homebred son who is owned by Doug Ackerman Stables was being pointed towards the $1.7 million dollar Hambletonian at The Meadowlands.

Fred Brown photo

In the $151,670 second Zweig division John Campbell and Copy Catch used a third-over journey to trot home a winner.

In the $151,670 second division John Campbell and Copy Catch used a third-over journey to trot home a winner through the lane. It was the third win in seven seasonal starts for the 3-year-old Cantab Hall-Catch A Train colt, who increased his seasonal earnings to more than $112,000.

Copy Catch was purchased from the 2007 Lexington Select sale for $145,000 by Lindy Racing Stable, Adam Victor & Son Stable, and Blue Chip Bloodstock Inc.

“I got away fifth and got out behind Tim’s horse (Truth In Action) because I thought he was the one to beat in there and he took me right to the top of the stretch. I was very happy the way he came back tonight after his last start at The Meadowlands. I thought he should have won there, but it was going for more money tonight so everything worked out great” said John Campbell in the winner’s circle following the victory. Knoxtrot Hall (Mike Lachance) hung on for second, while Spin Spanky Spin (Fern Paquet Jr.) never left the rail and got up for third.

In the $45,447 first division of the Zweig Filly Trot, Celebrity Athena and Marcus Johansson scored their second victory of the year. The 3-year-old Yankee Glide-Show Me Leg filly is trained by Staffan Lind for Celebrity Farms of New York, NY. The win was her fifth of her career in seventeen starts, and with the victory Celebrity Athena increased her career earnings to more than $111,000. Pleasing Lady (Mike Lachance) got up for second, while early pacesetter She’s So Savvy (Howard Okusko Jr.) hung on for third. The mile of 1:56 established a new lifetime mark for Celebrity Athena.

Brandnewgirlfiend and Wally Hennessey captured the $45,447 second division for 3-year-old filly trotters.

Leaving from post position nine Hennessey had the 3-year-old Conway Hall-Tiffany Gold filly crossed over and settled on the front past the quarter pole in 28.2. The $80,000 yearling got a big breather through the second panel and reached the half-mile mark of the race in 59.1. Hennessey then let Brandnewgirlfriend do her thing, trotting a back half in 56.4 to capture the Zweig in a new lifetime best of 1:56. So You De Vie (Howard Parker) got up for second, while Michelle’s Way (Mike Lachance) was third.

Fred Brown photo

The third and final Zweig division for 3-year-old filly trotters was won by Celebrity Juliet and Mike Lachance.

In the third and final division for 3-year-old filly trotters, Celebrity Juliet and Mike Lachance gave Staffan Lind and Celebrity Farms both doubles in the Zweig Filly divisions.

It was the second win on the year for Celebrity Juliet, who won an elimination of the Elegant Image Stakes from Mohawk, but finished fourth in the final after a first-over grind. The win increased her career bankroll to more than $201,000. Southwind Wasabi (John Campbell) finished second, while Lindy’s RN (Tim Tetrick) finished third.

Tim Tetrick edged even closer to the 5,000 win plateau by posting a driving triple on the night’s eleven race card, while Wally Hennessey enjoyed a driving double.