Rags to Riches pacing series underway at Tioga

Northern Raucous posted the fasted of five divisions in the opening leg of the Rags to Riches pacing Series on Sunday afternoon at Tioga Downs. The mile of 1:53 established a new lifetime mark for the 7-year old gelded son of Northern Luck. Northern Raucous was driven by Aaron Merriman, trained by Jodi Schillaci, and is owned by Jodi Schillaci and Samuel Bova. Devonshire Hanover and Howard Parker cut early fractions in the race of 27.1, 55.2, and 1:23 as the field was coming from everywhere. Parker and Devonshire Hanover hung on for second, Western Tsunami and Jason Bartlett got up for third, while Actionuke and Corey Braden rounded out the last race superfecta.

Other Rags to Riches elimination winners included Wrist Rocket (Aaron Merriman) 1:53.1, Torero Hall (Greg Merton) 1:53.1, Mountain Rocket (Mike Merton) 1:53.4, and Something New (Todd Ratchford) 1:54. 

In the $15,000 Open Handicap pace it was Bruce Clarke and Arcade Hall finding room up the pylons down the stretch to score in 1:52.1. It was the sixth win of the year in thirteen starts for the 5-year old Pro Bono Best gelding, who established a new seasonal mark with the victory. Little Mister and Kyle Di Benedetto were second, while Corey Braden and Barolo Hanover rallied from way back to round out the trifecta.

Jason Bartlett and Laura Jones benefitted from the early battle and quick half in the $15,000 Open trot to rally late in 1:56. Jimmy Marohn Jr. and Celebrity Surfer left the gate but refused to relinquish the lead to Desperatehousewife and Todd Ratchford. The duo hit the quarter pole in 27.4 and continued their disagreement past the half in 55.4. When the field reached the three quarter pole in 1:25, the backfield was in motion and tracking down the dueling leaders. Howard Parker and Eddy Kash rallied for second, while Manfinity and Mike Simons nailed down the show spot. (Tioga Downs)

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