Ontario-bred and owned Tempus Seelster ($11.20) and driver Tom Jackson won the $9,000 Fillies and Mares Open 2 Pace at Tioga Downs on Friday night (June 16).
The four-year-old mare by Big Jim sat behind front-runner K Js Caroline (Jim Taggart Jr.) from the outset. Tempus Seelster, who is owned by the Holland Racing Stable of Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ont. and trained by Tony Dinges, shot out of the pocket at the top of the stretch and blew by K Js Caroline (third) to win in 1:51.4. Goldstar Rockette came on late to finish second.
Jackson earned three wins on the night. He also won the first two races. First he led Big Valley Speed ($12.20) to victory, holding off the late charge of Majestic Won (Corey Braden) for the nose decision in 1:56.4. Then he drove Truth Isalwaysbest ($5.80) past My Girl Gal (Mike Simons) just before the finish to win the second race in 1:54.3.
Mike Simons started this weekend with 30 wins, 25 seconds, and 25 thirds in 156 starts. The 2015 track champion, won two more tonight and holds a big lead in the drivers standings. "Steady" Tom Jackson won nine times in his first 49 starts and eight times in his last 50 rides before tonight began. With his three wins tonight, Jackson has a total of 20 wins putting him in second. Jim Taggart Jr. has 17 victories and is tied with Mike Merton for third-place. Jim Marohn Jr/ is fifth with 15 wins.
The trainer's title continues to be wide open. Tony Dinges leads with 13 wins. The 2016 Tioga training champion, Mike Deters, is second just one behind with 12 wins. Mickey McNichol has nine training wins to put him in third. McNichol also has 10 driving wins on his resume for the season. Linda Toscano is fourth with eight training wins. Toscano leads all trainers in purses won with $81,749. Simons, Gary Messenger, Dave McGinnis, and Rick Dane Jr. all have seven wins each to place fifth after last weekend's races.
Tioga Downs will not race on Saturday night (June 17) due to a Travis Tritt concert. Live racing returns to the track on Father's Day Sunday at 1 p.m. Tioga will welcome ostrich and camel races to go along with the nine-race card. The Nichols, New York track will also give away beer mugs while supplies last.
(With files from Tioga Downs)