Nichols, NY – The Charging Moa N breezed to an easy win in the $8,000 featured fillies & mares open handicap at Tioga Downs on Friday (July 17).

Tay Tay M (Jim Taggart Jr) was the first to the front but that was short lived when The Charging Moa N ($3.90) took over before hitting the first quarter in :27.4. She controlled the pace using a :29.1 second quarter to hit the half in :57.0. She led them all to three-quarters in 1:24.4.

The Charging Moa N picked up her 24th career victory this afternoon in the feature at Tioga Downs. Fred Brown photo.

As they made the turn for home second place finisher Tay Tay M gave everything she had but all she could do was watch as Charging Moa N found another gear and easily won in a seasonal best time of 1:52.4. Machs Echo (Jim Meittinis) finished third.

The Charging Moa N is a 9-year-old mare by Changeover. The mare is trained by Rob Harmon for owners Winners Circle Racing, Howudoin Stable, Richard Lerner, and Harmon Racing Stable. It was her second win of the season and her 24th career victory.

Mike Merton drove three other winners on the day. He combined with trainer Gaston Lareau for wins with Blurred Lines ($8.30), and Sun Belle Slippery ($8.50). His other win came with A Yankee Feelin ($7.10). Lareau also trained Money Earned ($3.20) to a first place finish.

Wally Hennessey leads all drivers so far this season with 38 wins. Mike Merton is second with 30 tallies. Tyler Buter (18), Corey Braden (13), and Renaldo Morales III (13) round out the top five.

Tioga Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (July 18) with a 12-race card starting at 4 p.m.

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com