Tioga: Record handle set on Sunday

Tioga Downs held its 2020 opening day on Sunday (June 7). The 12-race card set a new handle record of $368,978.

Gold Star Mysti (Corey Braden, $16.60) won the $10,000 Fillies and Mares Open. She went right to the front followed by Persistent Bettor (Wally Hennessey), hitting the first quarter in 27 2/5. 'Mysti' controlled the pace, hitting the half in 57 4/5 and using a 30 2/5 second quarter breather. Gigi From Fiji (Jim Marohn Jr) went first-over on the backstretch to give chase but Gold Star Mysti hit three-quarters first in 1:26.

The Charging Moa N came flying three-wide as they made the turn for home and she was catching Gold Star Mysti with every stride, but Gold Star Mystic, who is owned by Gold Star Farm and trained by Margaret Audley, dug in and held on to win in 1:53 4/5. The Chargin Moa N had to settle for second money. Northern Dali (Fern Paquet Jr.) came up to finish third.

Gold Star Mysti is a 7-year-old mare by Mysticism. It was her third win this season and her 31st career victory.

Wally Hennessey and Tyler Buter each had three winners on the day. Hennessey got his wins with Gifted Glider ($11.60), Odds On Cheddar ($7.70), and Boinganator ($10.80). Buter finished first with Kinetic King ($3.40), Prairie Westerngal ($3.30), and Prairie Cougar ($5.00).

Tioga Downs returns to live racing without fans Monday (June 8). The 13-race card will begin at 4p.m.

For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com

-edited release (Tioga)