by Dustin Ross, Regional Racing Operations Manager, Tioga Downs

Nichols, NY — Kendall Blue and Jason Bartlett captured the $39,200 Williams Auto late closer final on Sunday afternoon (July 1) at Tioga Downs in track record time for 4-year-old trotting mares in 1:53.2.

Fred Brown photo

Kendall Blue trotted to a track record of 1:53.2 on Sunday.

Leaving from post position three, Bartlett hustled Kendall Blue to the front and was persistent on controlling the fractions, seating All Munky Business (Mark MacDonald) in the two hole.

Kendall Blue then cut through fractions of :28, :56.2 and 1:24.3 with ease. Around the final turn, the mare was in total command of the field, cruising through the wire an easy winner in a new lifetime best of 1:53.2. All Munky Business hung on for second, while Four Damsals (Chris Lems) finished third.

Tyler Raymer trains Kendall Blue, a daughter of Credit Winner–Heather Weather, for Albert and Michelle Crawford.

In the $42,000 M&J Oil and Lube late closer final for pacing fillies, Corey Braden and Vy Hanover parlayed a perfect second over trip into victory.

The duo settled in fourth as Buck Stops Here (Jason Bartlett) hung up fractions of :27 and :55.4. Past the half-mile mark of the race, Southwind Lavanda (Stephane Bouchard) pulled first over from third, giving Vy Hanover the perfect cover trip.

Around the final turn Southwind Lavanda put a neck in front, but her biggest threat had just tipped three wide off of her cover and quickly grabbed control of the race. Through the stretch, Vy Hanover and Braden stepped away from the field in a new lifetime best of 1:52.1. Southwind Lavanda went a big mile to finish second, while Looney Dune (Fern Paquet, Jr.) got room late in the stretch to finish third.

Vy Hanover, a 3-year-old daughter of Cam’s Card Shark–Varbo, is trained by David Duspiva for Mad Money Stable.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Wednesday (July 4) at 6:50 p.m. and will feature a fireworks display following live racing. For more information on Tioga Downs visit www.tiogadowns.com.