Eastend Eddie Wins Again

Eastend Eddie (#4) wins again in the Open Pace

Eastend Eddie has made a habit of being in the winner's circle at Tioga Downs, and today was no different. 

The 5-year-old gelding won for the 4^th straight time in the Open and for the 6^th time at Tioga this year. The race began with Sheer Brilliance and driver Aaron Byron rolling to the front thru a 28.4 opening quarter. With a short field of 5 in tow and 2/5 favorite Eastend Eddie on his back, Byron tried to steal the race with a soft 29.2 2^nd panel to a half in 58.1. However, that's where all attempts at soft fractions ended as the two favorites separated themselves from the rest of the field while pacing a 26.2 3^rd quarter. Around the final turn driver Jim Marohn, Jr. pulled Eastend Eddie from the pocket and stretch dueled Sheer Brilliance eventually wearing him down with a sizzling 26.1 final panel to win by a length in 1:51.1. The win pulled trainer Ron Burke into a tie with Jamie Paquet in Tioga's 2013 trainer standings; each has 17 wins during the meet.

Fern Paquet, Jr. and Jim Marohn, Jr. each had driving doubles while Mike Sinclair picked up a training double. Tioga Downs continues live racing action next Friday & Saturday night and also has a Sunday afternoon card that will be highlighted by the Cane Pace elims, final leg of the Ms. Versatility, and the 2^nd leg of the Kindergarten Classic. For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.