Nichols, NY – KJ Leo (Jim Taggert Jr.) charges late to capture the $6,500 featured pace at Tioga Downs on Sunday (August 9).

Catcha Lefty A (Mike Merton) went straight to the front but Harry Terror (Wally Hennessey) went by and took the lead just before hitting the first quarter in :27.3. Harry Terror used a :28.3 second quarter to hit the half first in :56.1. Gibbs (Bruce Aldrich Jr.) was the first to make a move down the backstretch but stalled getting into third. Harry Terror looked firmly in control as he hit three-quarters in 1:23.3.

KJ Leo ($11.80) was fourth as they made the turn for home. He found an opening and came flying three-wide to blow by second place finisher Harry Terror to win in a lifetime best of 1:52.1. Catcha Lefty A finished third.

KJ Leo scores for Jim Taggert Jr. in the Tioga feature. Fred Brown Photo. 

KJ Leo is a 4-year-old gelding by Art Major. He is trained by Gary Messenger for owners Phillip Shapiro, Brenda Messenger, and Scott Woogen. It was his second win this season. He now has 11 career victories.

Wally Hennessey drove three winners on the card and leads all drivers with 63 wins. Mike Merton is second best with 47 victories. Tyler Buter and Corey Braden are tied for third with 21 trips to the winner’s circle each. Bruce Aldrich Jr. is fifth with 17 wins.

Gaston Lareau and Rob Harmon are in a tie for most training wins with 31 wins a piece. Joe Skowyra is in third place with 21 victories. Jim McDonald is fourth with 20 tallies. Mike Deters has won 18 races to round out the top five.

Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (August 15) starting at 3 p.m.

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com