Nichols, NY — Mystical Wynn and driver Jim Taggart Jr. dominated Thursday’s (July 27) featured $11,500 featured trot at Tioga Downs.
BJ Lorado (Marc Major) was first to the quarter in :27.2 before Mystical Wynn took over control with a lap to go and led to the half in :56.3. Golden Kronos (Bruce Aldrich Jr.) came first-over to challenge going down the backstretch, but Mystical Wynn maintained the lead reaching three-quarters in 1:25.3. As they made the turn for home, Mystical Wynn found another gear and blew the field away in 1:54.4. Golden Kronos held on for second money; Hall It Off (Corey Braden) finished third.
Mystical Wynn, an 8-year-old gelding by Donato Hanover who paid $11.00 to win, is owned by Christine Baggitt and trainer Robert Baggitt Jr. It was his second win this season. He now owns 28 career victories.
Mike Merton drove the first four winners to start the night, scoring with Red Dirt Hot Shot, Sweet Loving, Abuelita Hanover and Pearl Harbour N. Bruce Aldrich Jr. drove three winners on the card, two of them for trainer Jenny Melander.
Merton leads all drivers with 66 wins this season. Tyler Miller is second with 38 trips to the winner’s circle. Ridge Warren (37), Taggart (32) and Aaron Byron (22) round out the top five.
Rob Harmon had a training double and leads all trainers with 39 wins. Michelle Warner is in second with 17 victories. Mike Deters is third with 14 tallies. Stacey McLenaghan and Julie Miller are tied for fourth with 13 wins each.
There is no live racing at Tioga on Friday (July 28). Live racing returns on Saturday (July 29) with an eight-race card starting at 6:15 p.m. For more information, go to www.tiogadowns.com.