Nichols, NY — Makes Me Charlie (Ridge Warren) captured the $15,500 Open Trot at Tioga Downs on Saturday (Aug. 15) as the favorite in the field of seven.
Enola (Mike Merton) zipped to the quarter in :28.2, leaving from the outside post. She used another :28.2 quarter to be first to the half, timed in :56.4. Makes Me Charlie ($4.32) made his move first-up going down the backstretch. Enola led to three quarters in 1:24.2, but the favorite closed to with a half-length.
As they made the turn for home, Makes Me Charlie took over the lead and held off a late charge by second place finisher A New Leader (Mitchell Cushing) to win in 1:53.1. Enola had to settle for third.
Makes Me Charlie is a 6-year-old gelding by Met’s Hall. He is owned by Margaret and Amy Butler while trained by Vern Smith. The victory was the fifth this season and his 25th career tally.
After an amazing seven-win Friday Night, driver Warren followed it up with a driving triple. Braxten Boyd had a driving triple as well.
Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Sunday (Aug. 16) starting at 12:30 p.m. For more information visit www.tiogadowns.com.