Nichols, NY — Sports Fan (Greg Merton) charged late to steal the $10,000 featured pace at Tioga Downs on Sunday (June 23).

Sports Fan was a longshot winner in Sunday’s feature at Tioga. Fred Brown Photo.

Stewardoftheland (Jim Taggert Jr.) went to the front and led to the quarter in :26.4.  Mayhem Hanover (Tyler Miller) challenged for the lead heading to the stands for the first time.  Stewardoftheland shook him off and led to the half in :55.1.  Sports Fan ($67.50) came first-up heading down the backstretch. Stewardoftheland was first to three-quarters in 1:22.4.

As they made the turn for home Stewardoftheland was still well in control.  Suddenly Sports Fan got a quick burst and just got a nose in front to equal his lifetime best of 1:51.2.  Stewardoftheland had to settle for second.  Mayhem Hanover finished third.

Sports Fan is a 5-year-old horse by Sportwriter.  He is trained by Blake Macintosh for owners Leanne Murphy and Stuart Mcintosh.  It was his third win this season.  He now has 12 career victories.

Greg Merton and Macintosh combine for two more wins.  Their other wins came with Spring Blake and Choice Is Yours.

Live racing returns to Tioga Downs on Friday (June 28) at 6:15 p.m.

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.