Mike Merton hits Grand Slam at Tioga

Harness racing driver Mike Merton scored a driving grand slam at Tioga Downs on Saturday (June 4).

Merton got hot late winning four of the last five races on the card.  He won three races with trainer Patti Harmon. They got wins with Shecouldbegood N ($3.90).  I Am Winning ($4.90), and Blessingsandfavor ($2.50).  He got his other win with Northern Dali ($20.00).

Primo Extremo (Rockin Image) hung on to win the $9,000 featured fillies and mares pace for driver Tyler Jones.

Larjon Legacy (Aaron Byron) was first to the quarter in :26.4.  She used a 29.2 second quarter to lead to the half in :56.1.  Primo Extremo ($10.80) made a first-over bid as they reached the backstretch.  The two battled shoulder to shoulder as they headed for the final turn.  Primo Extremo was first to three-quarters in 1:24.3.

As they made the turn for home The Charging Moa N (Mike Merton) came flying down the lane.  Primo Extremo was up for the challenge and held firm to win in 1:53.3.  The Charging Moa N had to settle for second money as Larjon Legacy finished third.

Primo Extremo is a 6-year-old mare.  She is owned by Ivar Hyngstrom and trained by Mickey McNichol.  It was her third win of the season.  She now has 11 career victories.

PRIMO EXTREMO REPLAY

Tioga Downs returns for live racing with a 12-race card starting at 1:00 p.m.

For complete race results, click here.

by John Horne, for Tioga Downs