Rifleman held on to capture the $12,000 Open 1 Handicap Pace at Tioga Downs on Tuesday (July 4).
Bay Meadows went straight to the front and led to the quarter in :27.1. He used a :28.4 second quarter to be first to the half in :56. Rifleman made his move goes first-up going down the backstretch. Bay Meadows maintained the lead at three-quarters in 1:23.4. As they made the turn for home, Rifleman took over control. Tiger Baron came flying down the stretch and kept coming but Rifleman dug in and won in 1:52.2. Tiger Baron had to settle for second and Davids Coming Home finished third.
Rifleman is a five-year-old gelding by Betting Line. He is owned by Patrick Gregory and trained by Mike Watson. It was his fifth win this season and he now has 13 victories in his career. Corey Braden drove the winner, who paid $10.40.
Mike Merton drove three winners on the card. He combined with trainer Rob Harmon to get wins with Saulsbrook Hero and Higherthananeagle A. His other win was with Fabrice Hanover ($26.20).
Odin won the special mini-horse race with Jim Taggert Jr. between the wheels.
Live harness racing returns to Tioga Downs on Friday, July 7, starting at 6:15 p.m. (EDT).
(With files from Tioga Downs)