Mea Culpa A and driver Ridge Warren charged late to capture the $21,918 Open Handicap Pace at Tioga Downs on Sunday, May 5.
Mea Culpa A settled in sixth in the early stages as Lanjo Lee (Tyler Miller) hustled to the lead off the gate through a :26.1 first quarter. Vel Mr Nice Guy (Joseph Chindano) went on the offensive first-up to challenge the leader to the half in :55.2 before Lanjo Lee began to repel the challenge on the way to three-quarters in 1:23.
Mea Culpa A began his rally three-wide from sixth on the final turn and Lanjo Lee came under fire from Baba O Riley (Barton Dalious), who vacated the pocket and charged to the front turning for home. In the stretch, Mea Culpa A fired up a :29.4 final quarter to rally to the lead a length clear on the wire in 1:53.2. Baba O Riley finished second and Lanjo Lee held for third. Mea Culpa A returned $9.80 for the victory.
Trained by Michael Deters, Mea Culpa A is an eight-year-old gelded son of Art Major-Annas Innocent. Mea Culpa A claimed his first North American victory in just his second try stateside for owners Michael Deters, Joel Warner and John Splindler. The victory was the 20th overall in the career for Mea Culpa A.
Greg Merton, Braxten Boyd and Mike Merton led the 13-race card in driving victories, each with a pair of winners on the day.
Live racing returns to Tioga Downs on Friday, May 10 at 6:15 p.m.
(With files from Tioga Downs)