Nichols, NY – It was definitely a memorable Fourth of July for Mike Merton who drove his 4,000th winner with Solo Story at Tioga Downs on Sunday (July 4).

It was a memorable Independence Day for driver Mike Merton who got his 4,000th win at Tioga Downs. Fred Brown Photo.

Merton who was the 2018 driver’s champion at Tioga guided Solo Story ($6.30) first-over around the final turn and wore down Furious Beach (Joe Chindano Jr.) to get win number 4,000 in 1:53.  Solo Story (Bettor’s Delight) is owned by JP Houle Stables and trained by Gaston Lareau.

Merton had two wins on the night.  His 4,0001st win came with Waimac Attack N ($3.00).

In the $7,000 Open Trot, Golden Kronos (Wally Hennessey, $12) jumped right to the front and led to the first quarter in :28.  He used a :28.4 second quarter to lead to the half in :56.4.  My Lindy Winner (Mike Merton) was the first to make a move first over down the backstretch as Golden Kronos hit three-quarters first in 1:24.1.

As they made their way around the final turn, My Lindy Winner stalled and that forced a three-wide move by the favorite, P L Notsonice (Renaldo Morales III).  He came charging late down the stretch but had to settle for second as Golden Kronos won for the third straight time stopping the clock at 1:53.1.  Winning Legends (Justin Huckabone) finished third.

Golden Kronos is a 7-year-old gelding by Chapter Seven.  He is trained by Stanley Zombick Jr. for owners Myron Eckstein and William and Michael Pozefsky.  It was his sixth win this season and his 29th career victory.

Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Friday (July 9) starting at 6:15 p.m.

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.