Nichols, NY — Vegas Ticket (Mike Merton) captured the $12,000 featured trot at Tioga Downs on Saturday (May 11).

Discus Hanover (Tom Merton) went to the front and led to the first quarter in :28. Vegas Ticket ($6.80) then took control as they headed to the stands for the first time. Hockey Hanover (Greg Merton) then came first-over to challenge for the lead heading for the second turn. Vegas Ticket had a short lead to the half in :57.3. They continued to battle down the backstretch as Vegas Ticket led to three-quarters in 1:25.

As they made the turn for home, Vegas Ticket shook off Hockey Hanover and held off the late charge of second-place finisher Discus Hanover to win in a lifetime best of 1:54.2. Ima Diamond Babe (Braxten Boyd) finished third.

Vegas Ticket held off sustained pressure to win Saturday’s trotting feature at Tioga. Fred Brown photo.

Vegas Ticket is an 8-year-old gelding by Manofmanymissions. He is owned by Room4040 LLC Stables and trained by Peter Pellegrino. It was his fifth win this season; he now has 24 career victories.

Ridge Warren drove three winners on the card. Erv Miller had a training double.

Live racing returns to Tioga Downs on Sunday (May 12) at 1 p.m. For more information, go to www.tiogadowns.com.