Front-end move holds up for Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch (Mach Three) and harness racing driver Mike Simons hung on to win the featured $13,000 Fillies & Mares Open pace at Tioga Downs on Friday (June 24).

Georgie (Brandon Parker) went straight to the front.  Stellenbosch ($6.00) took control and led to the first quarter in :28.0.  Stellenbosch used a :28.3 second quarter to reach the half first in :56.3.  Arnie’s Angel (Jacob Cutting) came first-over and challenged Stellenbosch for the lead heading for three-quarters.  Stellenbosch was first to three-quarters in 1:24.0.

As they made the turn for home Stellenbosch and Arnie’s Angel battled all the way down the stretch.  Stellenbosch dug in and held off second place finisher Arnie’s Angel to win in 1:52.3.  Georgie finished third.

Stellenbosch is an 8-year-old mare. She is owned by Millar Farms and trained by Scott Blacker.  It was her fourth win of the season.  She now has 19 career victories.

STELLENBOSCH REPLAY

Mike Merton drove three winners on the card.  Jim Taggart Jr. and Simons each had driving doubles.

Tioga Downs returns to Live racing on Saturday (June 25) with a 12-race card starting at 1:00 p.m.

For complete results, click here.

by John Horne, for Tioga Downs