Nichols, NY – What a weekend for driver Mike Merton at Tioga Downs. He won four races on Saturday and follows that with five wins on Sunday afternoon (June 5) including a win with Itsonlymoneyhoney in the $12,000 Open II Pace.

Itsonlymoneyhoney won the $12,000 Open II Pace at Tioga Downs Sunday. Fred Brown Photo.

BJ Lorado (Wally Hennessey) went to the lead in the feature but Itsonlymoneyhoney ($6.90) took control just before hitting the first quarter in :27.1. He then slowed things way down using a :30.3 second quarter and led to the half in :57.4. Blue Devil (Tyler Jones) was first to make a move going first-over down the backstretch.

Itsonlymoneyhoney left Blue Devil hanging and was first to three-quarters in 1:25.4.

As they made the turn for home Itsonlymoneyhoney put on the after burners and breezed home to win in 1:54.4. BJ Lorado held on to finish second as Mystical Wynn (Mike Simons) came flying late to finish third.

Itsonlymoneyhoney is a 5-year-old horse by Banker Volo. He is trained by Patti Harmon for owners the Harmon Racing Stable, Winners Circle Racing, and John Campagnuolo. It was his third win this season. He now owns 22 career victories.

Merton also combined with Harmon (six victories this weekend) for wins with JB Mauney N ($7.90), and Win Place’N Show ($8.30). His other two wins came with trainer Gaston Lareau. They reached the winner’s circle with Beguin Dugoutier ($5.50), and Fritzi Pic Up Man ($6.20).

Walley Hennessey had a grand slam during the afternoon racing. He combined with trainer Mike Deters to get wins with Anchors Away ($3.20), and Prairie Handsome ($6.20). He was also first with Scootnroll ($4.40), and Badix Hanover ($5.60).

Tioga Downs returns to Live racing on Saturday (June 11) starting at 6:15 p.m.

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.