Nichols, NY — Mike Merton drove four winners including the featured $13,000 Fillies & Mares’ Open II Pace with Alta Madeira N at Tioga Downs on Friday (August 19).

Prairie Westerngal (Mike Simons) went to the front.  A Better Game (Brandon Parker) took the lead at the quarter in :27.3 then went off-stride.  Alta Madeira N then took over with a lap to go.  She was first to the half in :57.  She led to three-quarters in 1:24.4.

As they made the turn for home it was all Alta Madeira N as she cruised to an easy win in 1:53.1.  Brilliant Beauty (Jim Taggart Jr.) took home second money.  Prairie Westerngal had to settle for third.

Alta Madeira N was one of four winners for driver Mike Merton on Friday night at Tioga Downs. Fred Brown Photo.

Alta Madeira N is a 5-year-old mare by Alta Christiano.  She is owned by Michael Spaccarelli and trained by Patti Harmon.  It was her sixth win this season.  She now owns 12 career victories.

Merton got his other wins with Feverslastcruise ($7.50), Reticent Hanover ($7.70), and Pray And Hustle ($8.20).  Corey Braden drove three winners on the card. He got his wins with Stay Sexy ($6.60), Gold Star Igotdis ($4.30), and JP Silver ($5.60).

Tioga Downs returns to Live racing on Saturday (August 20) with a 10-race card starting at 6:15 p.m.

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.