Saturday, May 28, 2011

Millionaire Grain Of Truth takes home Saturday night feature at Tioga Downs


Ray Schnittker shipped in his millionaire 10-year-old open trotter, Grain Of Truth, on Saturday night and left with more money chalked up under his career earnings.

Grain Of Truth and Ray Schnittker left from post position number six and immediately went to the front through fractions of 27.3, 58.2, and 1:26.4 before trotting away from the field of eight in 1:55.2.

It was the fourth win of the season for the 10-year-old son of Self Possessed – Aimee's Promise, who is owned by Charles V & Giorgan Iannazzo.

Grain Of Truth has now won 62 of his 222 lifetime starts and has been on the board in an astonishing 146 of those times, giving him nearly a 66% stat of being one, two or three.

Get Chipped (Mike Merton) got a pocket trip and hung on for second, while Aruba Vacation (Phil Fluet) worked out a cover trip to get third.

Greg Merton and Bruce Aldrich Jr. each posted driving triples on the night's 10-race card, while Ray Schnittker scored a driving-training double.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Sunday, May 29th with a special 6:50 pm post time featuring more than $560,000 in the Empire Breeders' Classic Finals for 3-year-old pacers.

Tune in to see if See You At Peelers can go for 15 straight in the fourth race of the night.

Tioga will also feature its $10,000 guaranteed Pick Six on the final six races tomorrow night and fireworks immediately following live racing.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com and Like us on Facebook.

Hidden Touch takes Tioga’s Friday night feature


Despite the driving rain and weather that delayed racing throughout the night, Hidden Touch and John Cummings Jr. took home the $16,500 Fillies and Mares open handicap pace.

Hidden Touch used an off the pace tactic to pace home late in the lane to score in a seasonal best time of 1:54.

The 8-year-old daughter of Cambest – Hidden Beauty is trained by Megan Wilson for owner Claude Bourgeois of Ballston Spa, NY.

It was the 34th career win for Hidden Touch and the fourth score of the season.

Hello Great Mate (Lewayne Miller) closed late for second, while Leanback Coco (Phil Fluet), despite the first over grind, was third.

Ed Hensley and Corey Braden each posted driving doubles on the night's nine-race card.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Saturday, May 28th at 6:50 pm.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com and Like us on Facebook.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

See You At Peelers and Roadside Delight made morning line favorites for rich Empire Breeders' Classic Finals

The Tioga Downs' oddsmaker has dubbed See You At Peelers as the heavy 2-5 morning line favorite for Sunday night's $279,175 Empire Breeders' Classic Final for 3-year-old filly pacers.

After last week's national season's, stakes, and track record of 1:50.4 in the first start of her sophomore campaign, See You At Peelers extender her undefeated streak to 14.

However, eight of New York's best pacing fillies will be lined up looking to knock off her undefeated streak and take home the coveted 2011 Empire Breeders' Classic.

See You At Peelers will start from post position number three on Sunday night, while other elimination winner New Album (George Brennan) has chosen the rail for Sunday's final.

Below is the field before driver changes:
Race 4
$279,175 Empire Breeders’ Classic Final:
3-year-old filly pacers
PP HORSE DRIVER TRAINER

1 New Album George Brennan Mark Kesmodel

2 Whats New Pussycat Brian Sears Nicholas Surick

3 See You At Peelers Marcus Johansson Jimmy Takter

4 Shyaway David Miller Chris Ryder

5 Southwind Jazmin Andy Miller Mark Harder

6 Swinging Beauty Scott Zeron Gregg McNair

7 Winbak Corazon Phil Fluet Phil Fluet

8 Song In A Major Gregory Merton Gary Messenger

9 Miss Annie J Tim Tetrick Linda Toscano


In the $289,925 final for the 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers, last week's elimination winner, Roadside Delight, has been made the 3-1 morning line favorite for George Brennan and trainer Richard Norman.

After last week's national season's, stakes, and track record of 1:50.1 from post position number one, the connections were quick to jump back on the rail for Sunday night's final.

Roadside Delight has been given the slight edge over Fashion Delight (David Miller), who sat the pocket behind the pacesetter last week but was unable to get up in his first start of the year.

However, Fashion Delight has drawn post position number five for the final and will make his third start on Lasix with a race under his belt in 2011 and could offer a strong challenge for the favorite.

Feel Like A Fool (Brian Sears) after being the beaten 2-5 favorite in the elimination has drawn post position number six for Sunday night's final.

Below is the field before driver changes:
Race 8
$289,925 Empire Breeders’ Classic Final:
3-year-old colt and gelding pacers



PP HORSE DRIVER TRAINER

1 Roadside Delight George Brennan R. Nifty Norman

2 Fantaddy Scott Zeron Tony Osullivan

3 Sir Ziggy’s Z Tam Pat Lachance Pat Lachance

4 Samandar Brian Sears Larry Rathbone

5 Fashion Delight David Miller Jim Campbell

6 Feel Like A Fool Brian Sears George Teague Jr.

7 Flipper J Tim Tetrick Linda Toscano

8 Bettor’s Green Greg Grismore Benjamin Wallace

9 American Arena Simon Allard Noel Daley


Post time for Sunday's 10-race card is set for a special Sunday night post time of 6:50 pm and will feature Tioga's $10,000 guaranteed Pick Six on the final six races of the day.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

NYSS Prep Races Offered at Tioga for Monday


Tioga Downs will offer a matinee live racing card on the Memorial Day holiday, Monday, May 30 with a post time of 1:30PM.

Included on the condition sheet for that day are a battery of unofficial "Preps" for New York bred 3-year-olds of each sex and gait.

These races are designed to insure the Sire Stakes horses a start against other sophomores heading into the first leg of the program.

The "Preps" require entrants to be NYSS-eligible and do not count toward the point total kept for the NYSS Finals.

The purse for each is $10,000.

Entries are due for the May 30 Tioga card by 9AM on Friday, May 27.

The condition sheet is available on the Tioga Downs website.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Coverage of champion See You at Peelers' 14th Straight Win highlights newest episode of "Inside Harness Racing"


The newest episode of "Inside Harness Racing" includes coverage of See You at Peelers' 14th straight win plus the rest of the Empire Breeders' Classic eliminations at Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs.

Other top New York-breds on this week's show include Feel Like a Fool, Fashion Delight, Roadside Delight, Jezzy and Dejarmbro.

The show debuts this evening at 6:00 PM/EST on the Time Warner Cable Sports Network throughout Upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania and will be replayed Thursday at 10:00 PM/EST and Friday at 11:30 PM/EST.

Fans outside of the viewing area can also watch the show online at the Tioga Downs YouTube site.

This week's show also features the Settlemoir Spotlight with Matt Kakaley and a special tribute to the great racing fans at Tioga Downs.

"Inside Harness Racing" is hosted and produced by Justin Horowitz with production and videography provided by Jim Rotundo.

For more information on Tioga Downs, visit our website at www.tiogadowns.com, become our fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.



Sunday, May 22, 2011

See You At Peelers and Roadside Delight lead EBC eliminations


Last year's 2-year-old champion, See You At Peelers, started off the year with her 14th consecutive victory in the first division of the Empire Breeders' Classic on Sunday afternoon at Tioga Downs.

Settling in third through the early parts of the race, Marcus Johansson tipped the 3-year-old daughter of Bettor's Delight – West Side Glory to the outside and took control of the race.

Swinging Beauty and Scott Zeron settled in second as the field passed through fractions of 56.1 and 1:23.2 before Johansson stepped clear of Swinging Beauty in a new national season's, stakes, and track record of 1:50.4.

Swinging Beauty paced home second, while Miss Annie J (Jason Bartlett), and Whats New Pussycat (George Brennan) both qualified for next week's $279,175e final.

"To win 14 straight is really tough," said trainer Jimmy Takter. "She had an unbelievable stretch drive today and 1:50.4 is pretty respectable. Everyone asked me who was going to pick up the drive on her this year and I gave Marcus (Johansson) a shot. He has been with me for quite a while now and he deserves a shot at a good filly like her."

"On a big track I think she is outsized and would maybe be in a little too tough, but on a half or five-eighths I wouldn’t be afraid of anyone," said Takter when asked if See You At Peelers could go with the boys.
In the first division for the 3-year-old pacing colts, Roadside Delight (George Brennan) left like a rocket from the rail and quickly opened up a four or five length advantage before the first eighth of a mile.

Brennan then grabbed hold of Roadside Delight and rated him through fractions of 26.3 and 56 before stepping on the gas in the third quarter to reach three quarters in 1:22.2.

Feel Like A Fool and Brian Sears were sitting fourth on the rail and were forced into a first over grind through the 26.2 third quarter with Fashion Delight (David Miller) sitting the pocket.

However, Roadside Delight had no real threats through the stretch and cruised home a winner in a national season's, stakes, and track record of 1:50.1.

"He was very good today," said George Brennan after his victor in the EBC elimination. "I didn’t know too much about him coming in and that's why I tried to step away from them in third quarter. I didn't have to go that much but I didn't want anyone to get close to him. He is the real deal, a very nice colt."

Taking home the second division for 3-year-old pacing colts was Fantaddy (Scott Zeron) who came first over at Samandar and cleared the leader around the final turn.

Fantaddy won well in hand in 1:52, with Samandar holding second, Flipper J third, and Bettor's Green finishing fourth also qualifying for next week's $289,925e final.

In the second division for pacing fillies, New Album and George Brennan watched Some Girls Do cut through torrid fractions of 26.1 and 54.3 before coming first over to eventually clear the tiring leader and hang on right at the wire in 1:52.

Shyaway closed four wide down the stretch for second, Southwind Jazmin hung on for third, while Song In A Major followed the cover flow to finish fourth and also qualify for next week's final.

The nine pacing colts qualifying for next Sunday night's Empire Breeders' Classic in alphabetical order are: American Arena, Bettor's Green, Fantaddy, Fashion Delight, Feel Like A Fool, Flipper J, Roadside Delight, and Samandar. Drawing in for the final spot was Sir Ziggy's Z Tam leaving Mosee Terror AE1 for the final.

The nine pacing fillies qualifying for next Sunday night's Empire Breeders' Classic final in alphabetical order are: Miss Annie J, New Album, See You At Peelers, Shyaway, Song In A Major, Southwind Jazmin, Swinging Beauty, and Whats New Pussycat. Drawing in for the final spot was Winbak Corazon with Dreamlands Roxy drawing AE 1 for next weekend's final.

Just a reminder that Tioga Downs has added live racing on Friday, May 27th with a post time of 6:50 pm.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com and "Like" us on Facebook.

The Professor's Pick 6 Ticket for Sunday, May 22


Here's the Professor's ticket for Sunday's $10,000 Guaranteed Pick 6 at Tioga Downs on races 8-13.

Race 8: 1-4-8
Race 9: 4-8
Race 10: 3-5
Race 11: 3
Race 12: 3-4
Race 13: 5-6

Cost of the Ticket= $48

Trotslikethewind takes Saturday night Tioga feature


Trotslikethewind shipped in to Tioga Downs on Saturday night and left with the lion's share of the $16,500 purse in the Open Handicap trot.

Greg Grismore got away fifth with Trotslikethewind as heavy favorite Aruba Vacation (Fern Paquet Jr.) cut through fractions of 27.3 and 58.

Trotslikethewind moved to the outer flow and caught cover behind Get Chipped (Michael Merton), but was unable to keep up as Get Chipped pressed at the leader's throat through the third quarter trotted in 28 reaching three quarters in 1:26.

As the field turned for home, Trotslikethewind inched closer to the dueling leaders and split the rivals in the stretch to win in a new lifetime best of 1:55.2.

Get Chipped (Mike Merton) held strong for second after a tough first over grind, while Aruba Vacation (Fern Paquet Jr.) hung on for show.

It was the initial win of the season for Trotslikethewind, who is a 6-year old daughter of Pegasus Spur – Familiar Goal.

Tioga Downs hosts one of its marquee events of the year on Sunday afternoon (May 22nd) at 1:30 pm, featuring the eliminations of the $500,000 Empire Breeders Classic for 3-year old New York bred pacers.

The fields feature some of last year's freshman sensations Feel Like A Fool, Fashion Delight, and the undefeated See You At Peelers.

Also highlighting Tioga's Sunday afternoon card is the $10,000 guaranteed Pick Six on the final six races of the afternoon.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Sand Windsor takes Tioga Downs' Friday night feature


Tye Loy shipped into town with newcomer Sand Windsor on Friday night and took home the featured $16,500 Fillies and Mares open handicap pace.

Leaving from the rail, Sand Windsor worked out a perfect second over cover trip and tipped three wide as the field passed three quarters in 1:24.4.

Down the stretch, Greg Grismore asked for more from Sand Windsor and she responded opening up on the field to score her second win of the season in 1:53.4.

The 4-year old daughter of Real Desire – Time N Again is owned by Bill Sanders of McDonald, TN, and with the win increased her seasonal earnings to more than $293,000.

Lickcreek Jazzy (Ed Hensley) finished second, while Leanback Coco (Phil Fluet) closed late for third.

Corey Braden and Ed Hensley each posted driving triples on the night's 12-race card, while Greg Merton chalked up two wins.

Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Saturday, May 21st with a post time of 6:50 pm.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com and on Facebook.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Empire Breeders' Classic eliminations headline Tioga's Sunday card


Tioga Downs will host some of the best sophomore pacers the country will likely see in 2011 on Sunday afternoon in Nichols, New York.

Headlining the names for the 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers are freshman standouts Feel Like A Fool, Fashion Delight, Roadside Delight, and Sir Ziggy's Z Tam, all of which drew in the first of two divisions.

Feel Like A Fool prepared for the eliminations last weekend at Tioga Downs by winning the lone division of the John F. Simpson stakes by more than 10 lengths over a sloppy track in 1:54.

Although Feel Like A Fool will have his work cut out for him this weekend as Fashion Delight (David Miller) who banked more than $510,000 in 2010 finished his prep last week at the Meadowlands winning a qualifier in 1:52.3 with a final panel of 28 for trainer Jim Campbell.Roadside Delight got his first start of 2011 under his belt last Sunday at Chester and finished second to Valentino pacing his mile in 1:50.3 for trainer Richard Norman.

Also joining some of the freshman standouts in the first division is a newcomer to the spotlight, American Arena (Simon Allard) for trainer Noel Daley.

A perfect three for three this year, American Arena won last week at the Meadowlands from the nine hole in 1:52.1.

However, the post position draw was once again not on his side as he has drawn post nine for Sunday's elimination.

Leading the way for the ladies is last year's Dan Patch Award Winner, See You At Peelers.Undefeated in her career, See You At Peelers was a perfect 13 for 13 in 2010 and took home the NYSS Final and Breeders' Crown while banking more than $580,000 for trainer Jimmy Takter.

Takter has entrusted the newly assigned driving duties to his son in law, Marcus Johansson, after he qualified the filly twice at The Meadowlands.

In her most recent qualifier, See You At Peelers was a wire to wire winner in 1:52.2, she has drawn post position number three in the first of two divisions for 3-year old filly pacers.

Below are the fields for Sunday's EBC Eliminations (Before driver changes):

Race 8:
$12,500 Empire Breeders' Classic Elimination:
3-year old colt & gelding pacers
PP HORSE DRIVER TRAINER

1 Roadside Delight George Brennan R. Nifty Norman

2 Major Way Jason Bartlett Linda Toscano

3 Sir Ziggy’s Z Tam Pat Lachance Pat Lachance

4 Feel Like A Fool Brian Sears George Teague Jr.

5 Nukes Art Mark Lancaster Timothy Lancaster

6 Bombay Away Sam Caruso Jr. Bruce Saunders

7 Townslight Hanover Andrew McCarthy Aaron Lambert

8 Fashion Delight David Miller Jim Campbell

9 American Arena Simon Allard Noel Daley

Race 12:
$12,500 Empire Breeders' Classic Elimination:
3-year-old colt & gelding pacers

PP HORSE DRIVER TRAINER

1 Mosee Terror Jason Bartlett Josh Green

2 Upfront Missys Boy Jeff Gregory Perry Simser

3 Samandar Brian Sears Larry Rathbone

4 Flipper J Jason Bartlett Linda Toscano

5 Fantaddy Scott Zeron Tony Osullivan

6 Bettor’s Green Greg Grismore Benjamin Wallace

7 Mat’s Delight Ray Schnittker Ray Schnittker

8 Lucky Cadet Andy Miller Erv Miller

9 Sir Jonathan Z Tam Pat Lachance Pat Lachance

Race 6:
$12,500 Empire Breeders' Classic Elimination:
3-year-old filly pacers

PP HORSE DRIVER TRAINER

1 Miss Annie J Jason Bartlett Linda Toscano

2 Swinging Beauty Scott Zeron Gregg McNair

3 See You At Peelers Marcus Johansson Jimmy Takter

4 Character Flaw Matt Kakaley Joseph Caraluzzi

5 Sight To See Brian Sears Chris Ryder

6 JK Geronimo Jim Marohn Jr. Paul Bernardo

7 Whats New Pussy Cat Dave Palone Nicholas Surick

8 Winbak Corazon Phil Fluet Phil Fluet

Race 10:
$12,500 Empire Breeders' Classic Elimination:
3-year-old filly pacers

PP HORSE DRIVER TRAINER

1 My Girl's A Star Ray Schnittker Ray Schnittker

2 Dreamlands Roxy Jeff Gregory Joe Holloway

3 New Album George Brennan Mark Kesmodel

4 Song In A Major TBA Gary Messenger

5 Southwind Jazmin Andy Miller Mark Harder

6 Asteria Blue Chip Jason Bartlett Linda Toscano

7 Shyaway Brian Sears Chris Ryder

8 Some Girls Do Brian Sears Ron Burke

Post time for Sunday's 13-race card is set for 1:30 pm and will once again feature Tioga's $10,000 guaranteed Pick Six on the final six races of the day.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Feel Like a Fool’s Runaway Win in Simpson Stakes Highlights Newest Episode of “Inside Harness Racing”


Coverage of top 3-year-old pacer Feel Like a Fool's impressive seasonal debut in the John F. Simpson Stakes at Tioga Downs highlights the newest episode of "Inside Harness Racing."

The show airs this evening at 6:00 PM/EST on the Time Warner Cable Sports Network throughout Upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania.

Fans outside of the viewing area can also watch the show online at the Tioga Downs YouTube site.

This week's show also features a behind-the-scenes look at a newborn colt by Deweycheatumnhowe born at Allerage Farm plus features on new Tioga Downs drivers Greg Grismore and Ed Hensley.

Plus, driver Jimmy Marohn, Jr answers fans' questions submitted to him on Twitter (@MarohnRacing).

"Inside Harness Racing" is hosted and produced by Justin Horowitz with production and videography provided by Jim Rotundo.

For more information on Tioga Downs, visit our website at www.tiogadowns.com, become our fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.



Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Tioga Downs Empire Breeders' Classic golf outing scheduled for Sunday, May 29


Tioga Downs would like to extend an invitation to all horsemen and owners participating at Tioga Downs to join us in the annual golf outing on Sunday, May 29th.

The format for the golf outing will be the traditional Captain and Crew format and will take place at Shepard Hills in Waverly, New York with an 8:30 am shotgun start.

There will be a BBQ at Shepard Hills following the golf outing along with a prize ceremony.

The tournament is free for all horsemen and owners.

To sign up please email Dustin Ross, Racing Operations Manager at dross@tiogadowns.com or call him at 607.699.7657.

We hope that you will make plans to join us on Sunday morning May 29th as we race at 6:50 pm that night for the finals of the Empire Breeders' Classics.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com and on our Facebook page.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Feel Like A Fool and Character Flaw take home Simpson titles at Tioga Downs


Feel Like A Fool made the first start of his sophomore campaign a winning one Sunday afternoon at Tioga Downs in the lone division of the John Simpson Memorial stakes for 3-year old colt and gelding pacers.

Howard "Pacin" Parker picked up the drive on the 3-year old son of Art Major – Fool That I Am for trainer and co-owner George Teague Jr.

Parker settled the colt in sixth as Bittersweet Champ and Matt Kakaley powered through the opening quarter of 26.3.

Feel Like A Fool and Parker wasted no time and moved off the rail as they passed the fans and the stands the first time around picking up cover from Thomas J and Jason Bartlett out of third.

The field still led by Kakaley tripped the half mile mark in 56.3 and as they straightened out down the backside Parker sent Feel Like A Fool three wide past a stalled out Thomas J to clear the field by three quarters in 1:24.3.

Feel Like A Fool quickly opened up a ten length lead on the field and as they turned for home Parker had the engine off and coasted home an open length winner in 1:54 over a sloppy rain soaked track.

Mats Delight and Ray Schnittker used a ground saving pylon journey to shake late for second, while Daughtry Hanover and Jeff Gregory nailed down the show spot.

"This colt has some serious speed, when I tipped him three wide on the backside it was just like an explosion and off he went," said winning driver Howard Parker in the winner's circle following the win.

In the lone $52,324 division for 3-year old pacing fillies a field of 11 scratched down to 10 lined up behind the starting gate.
The pace was plenty in the first half of the mile as Hi Maintenancechic, JK Owhatanite, and Say Anything all steam rolled from the gate looking for early positioning.

Once the field was lined up Hi Maintenqancechic retook through opening fractions of 26.1 and 55.2 with first over pressure from Song In A Major and Jim Taggart Jr.

As the field paced down the backside Kakaley was sitting third over with Character Flaw and sent the filly three wide with a serious speed brush picking up horses as they pleased passing three quarters in 1:24.3.

The only real threat around the final turn seemed to be Asteria Blue Chip and Ed Hensley following Character Flaw, but she could not get to the leader and had to settle for second.

The mile of 1:53.4 established a new seasonal best for the 3-year-old daughter of Bettor's Delight – Artoonist for trainer Joseph Caraluzzi.

Both Simpson winners Feel Like A Fool and Character Flaw are eligible to next week's Empire Breeders' Classic eliminations at Tioga Downs on Sunday afternoon (1:30 pm) with the $250,000 finals going on Sunday, May 29th with a 6:50 pm post time.

Matt Kakaley posted a driving grand slam on the afternoon's 13-race card, while Ed Hensley enjoyed three trips to the winner's circle.

The Tioga Downs Pick Six was cracked by one lucky bettor on Sunday afternoon and returned $7,324 for a $1 ticket.

Don't miss your chance at a big pay day next Sunday afternoon on the final six races of the card.

Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Friday, May 20th with a post time of 6:50 pm. For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com and Facebook.

Vacation Day survives photo to take home Tioga feature


Fern Paquet Jr. and Vacation Day survived a tight photo finish to take home Saturday night's $16,500 featured event at Tioga Downs.

Leaving from post position number seven, Vacation Day did all the heavy lifting through fractions of 27.2, 57.2, and 1:26.2 before Samsawinner and Bruce Aldrich Jr. pulled from the pocket to challenge.

Samsawinner laid it all down and halfway through the stretch poked a head in front, but Vacation Day was relentless and fought back on the wire to win in 1:56.2.

Vacation Day is a 5-year old son of Dream Vacation – Shutter Hanover who is trained and co-owned by Jamie Paquet with In Front Racing.

It was the second win in 12 starts this year for Vacation Day, who with the win increased his seasonal bankroll to more than $24,000.

Samsawinner and Bruce Aldrich Jr. took home second, while Buck I D and Kyle Di Benedetto were third.

Phil Fluet posted a driving triple on the night's 10-race card, while Jimmy Marohn Jr. enjoyed a driving double.

Tioga Downs continues live racing action from Nichols, New York on Sunday, May 15th with a post time of 1:30 pm, and will feature the Simpson Stakes for 3-year old pacers along with its $10,000 guaranteed Pick Six on the last six races of the afternoon.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com and on Facebook.

Friday, May 13, 2011

My True Delight takes home feature at Tioga Downs


The gritty, classy mare My True Delight shined back in the spotlight at Tioga Downs on Friday night in the featured $16,500 fillies and mares open handicap pace.

Leaving from post position number four, Howard Parker and My True Delight watched as race favorite Semjac Legacy eagerly paced through fractions of 26.4 and 56 before making their move down the backside.

Parker sent the 8-year-old daughter of Bettor’s Delight – My True Art into a first over grind from fourth as the field passed three quarters in 1:24.3.

Turning for home My True Delight kept fighting gamely on the outside as Semjac Legacy was giving it up on the inside.

Parker and My True Delight won by just over a length for the mare's first victory of the year in 1:54.2.

My True Delight has been a consistent performer on the Tioga Downs racing circuit and with the win, won for the fifth consecutive year at Tioga.

Leanback Coco and Phil Fluet used a ground saving pylon journey to find room late for the place spot, while Lickcreek Jazzy and Ed Hensley found room in the stretch behind the tiring Semjac Legacy to get third.

Lewayne Miller is off to a hot start at Tioga Downs and continued on Friday night with a driving triple, while Howard “Pacin” Parker captured a driving double.

Tioga Downs continues live racing action from Nichols, New York on Saturday, May 14th with a post time of 6:50 pm.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com or on Facebook.

Race Date Change at Tioga Downs



Tioga Downs would like to inform all horsemen and fans that there has been a change to its 2011 race schedule.

Tioga Downs has added a live racing day on Friday, May 27 with a post time of 6:50 pm, and will drop Monday, August 22nd.

For more information regarding the 2011 race season or for condition sheets for upcoming weekend please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com. and on Facebook.

Simpson Stakes Highlight Weekend of Racing at Tioga Downs


Tioga Downs will host the John Simpson Stakes for 3-year-old pacers on Sunday afternoon with a post time of 1:30 pm.

Catching all the headlines is Feel Like A Fool, who was a major force on the Grand Circuit last season as a freshman from the always powerful George Teague, Jr Stable.

The son of Art Major – Fool That I Am made 11 starts last year banking more than $568,000 while never being off the board in any of his starts.

Feel Like A Fool finished second in last year's Metro Pace behind Mystician, and then went on to pace a sub 1:50 mile at Lexington in a division of the Bluegrass.

Feel Like A Fool will start from post position number four on Sunday afternoon with Howard Parker at the controls for Teague and his partnership of Kovach, Gewertz, and Feldman.

One division for the filly pacers will decide who takes home the money as 11 sophomore pacing fillies will kick off the $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Six in race number eight.

Hi Maintenancechic has been given the nod as the 3-1 morning line favorite for Pat Berry and trainer Nat Varty.

Despite being winless in three outings in 2011, Hi Maintenancechic has finished second in the Lady Courageous at Northfield Park and was placed fifth in her last start in a $70,000 PASS event on May 10th.

Tioga Downs kicks off its weekend of live racing action from Nichols, New York on Friday, May 13 at 6:50 pm.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com and on Facebook.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Season Premier of "Inside Harness Racing at Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs" Television Show Airs Tonight


The second season of the television show, "Inside Harness Racing" debuts tonight at 6:00 PM/EST on the Time Warner Cable Sports Network throughout Upstate New York and Northern Pennsylvania.

The 30-minute weekly program covers the racing scene at Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs.

Fans outside of the viewing area can also watch the show online at the Tioga Downs YouTube site.

This week's show highlights Opening Night at Tioga Downs that saw a crowd of more than 11,000.

Viewers will also see the return of the popular segments "On Track with Wendy Ross" and the "Settlemoir Spotlight" featuring well-known Tioga Downs personalities Wendy Ross and Jason Settlemoir.

This year's show will also put a greater emphasis on fan interaction using social media.

Popular driver Jimmy Marohn, Jr. will have a regular segment where he'll answer viewers' questions submitted to him on Twitter.

Follow Jimmy @MarohnRacing.

Fans are encouraged to ask Jimmy questions on any subject and he'll answer a couple each week during his segment called "Marohn’s Korner."

"Inside Harness Racing" is hosted and produced by Justin Horowitz with production and videography provided by Jim Rotundo.

For more information on Tioga Downs, visit our website at www.tiogadowns.com, become our fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.



Flea Market coming to Tioga Downs Casino


Tioga Downs Casino is proud to announce the grand opening of the Tioga Downs' flea market on Saturday, May 14th.

The hours of the flea market will be 8:00 am until 4:00 pm every Saturday and Sunday through October.

The flea market will be held in the unused barns on the west side of the property and will feature antiques, collectibles, and much more for all ages.

Dealers and vendors for the flea market are still wanted so reserve your space today by calling Fran Antalek at (607) 239.8353 or email at lantalek@stny.rr.com.

Tioga Downs Casino, Nichols, New York, you must be 18 years old to play video gaming machines, please play responsibly.

For more information please contact us online at www.tiogadowns.com

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Winbak Dimensions Shines on Sunday Afternoon at Tioga Downs


Tioga Downs' 2008 horse of the year, Winbak Dimensions, started off the 2011 race season in mid-season form on Sunday afternoon.

Matt Kakaley hustled Winbak Dimensions to the front from post position number three through an opening panel of 27.4 before releasing the favorite JK Kinahurra and Jason Bartlett.

Kakaley then sat the pocket behind Bartlett through fractions of 56.4 and 1:24.1 before pulling to the outside for the stretch drive.

Winbak Dimensions stopped the tele-timer in 1:51.4 to record his 32nd win of his career.

The 8-year-old stallion is owned by William and Jack Heinz of Ohio and is conditioned by one of Tioga Downs' leading trainers since day one in 2006, Jim Perry.

Four divisions of the Kenneth J Pacing Series also highlighted Sunday afternoon's racing program with Black Ace Hanover turning in one of the most impressive wins on the day.

Jason Bartlett steered the 3-year old gelded son of Cam's Card Shark – Bet Again Hanover for trainer Scott Blackler.

The mile of 1:54.3 established a new lifetime mark for Black Ace Hanover who won the final division of the afternoon by open lengths on the wire.

Other division winners included Willie's Dragon – Kyle Di Benedetto (1:53.4), Gotta Love Him – Matt Kakaley (1:53.4), and All Tricked Out – Kyle Di Benedetto (1:54).

Matt Kakaley and Jason Bartlett each posted driving triples on the afternoon's 13-race card, while Kyle Di Benedetto chalked up a double.

After the first weekend of racing in the 2011 race season, Greg Grismore leads all drivers with four wins followed by Jason Bartlett and Matt Kakaley with three, and Ed Hensley, Lewayne Miller, Bruce Aldrich Jr., and Kyle Di Benedetto with two.

Tioga Downs continues live racing action from Nichols, New York on Friday, May 13th with a post time of 6:50 pm.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com and Like us on Facebook.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Tioga Downs Kicks off 2011 Race Season in Style


Tioga Downs kicked off its sixth season of live racing on Saturday night in front of a crowd of eager harness racing fans in the Southern Tier.

More than 11,000 showed up during the day to enjoy simulcast action of the 137th Kentucky Derby and the launch of the 2011 race season.

In Saturday's featured event, newcomer Ed Hensley quickly found his way to the Winner's Circle with 5-1 shot Lickcreek Jazzy, whom he also trains and co-owns with the JJJ Stable.

Hensley left aggressively from post position number two and released Ken Holliday and Artistry In Rhythm through an opening panel of 27 seconds.

Hensley then played follow the leader through fractions of 57.3 and 1:26.1 before pulling the pocket around the final turn to win by a length over Penny Pincher (Corey Braden) in 1:54.3.

It was the third win of the season for the 7-year old daughter of Hi Ho Silverheel's – Lick Creek Rosa, and with the lion's share of the $16,500 purse increased her seasonal bankroll to more than $31,000.

Four divisions of the Morrisville College Sale Trot were also contested on Saturday night each leg for $7,500.

I Love New York stole the show when he turned in the most impressive performance of the night as Greg Grismore set the tempo through fractions of 27.1, 57.3, and 1:27.1 before easily coasting away from the field in a new lifetime best of 1:55.2.

It was the first win of the year for the 3-year old colt by Broadway Hall – Mac's Love for trainer Bruce Clarke.

Winners of the other legs included Dream Lake – Fern Paquet Jr. (1:57.3), Take Heart – Greg Grismore (1:58.1), and Ooga Booga – Greg Grismore (1:57).

Newcomer to Tioga Downs Greg Grismore enjoyed immediate success as he posted a driving grand slam on the evening's 10-race card, while Lewayne Miller opened up 2011 with a driving double.

Tioga Downs resumes live racing on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 pm, and will feature a $10,000 guaranteed Pick Six in races 8 – 13.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com and Like us on Facebook.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Tioga Downs Ready for 2011 Opener


Tioga Downs will open up for its sixth season of live racing action from Nichols, New York on Saturday, May 7 (Kentucky Derby Day) with a post time of 6:50 pm.

A 10-race card will highlight opening night co-featured with Tioga's Derby Fest featuring all day activities including mint juleps, a Derby Day hat contest, live entertainment, wagering and video from Churchill Downs, and much more.

Saturday night's feature event will be the $16,500 Fillies and Mares open handicap pace slated for race one.

A field of six aged pacing mares will line up behind the wings of the Tioga starting gate to kick off one of the most anticipated events of the Southern Tier.

Semjac Legacy is coming into Saturday's event on a three-race win streak and thus has been assigned post position number six by the Director of Racing, Jason Bluhm.

She has been listed as the 2-1 morning line favorite and Greg Merton will be in the sulky behind number six, Semjac Legacy.

Saturday night's card will also feature four divisions of the Morrisville College Sale Trot each division going for $7,500.

Sunday afternoon's 13-race card will get underway at 1:30 pm and Tioga has many promotions and events to help you celebrate Mother's Day at the track.

Tioga's Sunday card will feature four divisions of the Kenneth J Pace for 3-year old pacing colts.

Many of the sophomore pacers are using the Kenneth J series as a preparation for some of the bigger races later in May including the $250,000e Empire Breeders' Classic and New York Sire Stakes.

Also back for another year on Sunday afternoons is the Tioga Downs Pick Six.

This year the guaranteed pool has been raised from $6,000 to $10,000.

The Tioga Downs Pick Six will be featured on the final six races of the afternoon (Races 8 – 13).

Tioga Downs kicks off its sixth season of live racing on Saturday, May 7th (Kentucky Derby Day).

For more information on promotions and events at the 61-day race meet at Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com and like us on Facebook.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Tioga Downs Expands Television Coverage for 2011 Season


When Tioga Downs begins its 2011 Racing Season this Saturday, May 7th, it will expand the television coverage of its races.

The second season of “Inside Harness Racing” will debut Wednesday, May 11th at 6:00 PM on Time Warner Cable Sports throughout Upstate New York.

The weekly, 30-minute program will also be available online at Tioga Downs’ YouTube site.

The aim of “Inside Harness Racing” is to provide an insider’s view of harness racing at Tioga Downs through highlights and interviews plus creative and unique feature stories not available anywhere else.

Once again, the show will be hosted and produced by Justin Horowitz, who was featured in the current May issue of HoofBeats magazine.

Well-known Tioga Downs personalities Wendy Ross and Jason Settlemoir will also appear on air.

Jim Rotundo is back for a second season providing videography and production assistance.

Tioga Downs will also debut a brand-new prerace show starting May 13th that will air on the track’s simulcast signal.

The program will be hosted by veteran harness racing insider Nick Salvi.

Salvi will provide a unique take on the day’s races.

The inaugural winner of the Peter Haughton Award, Salvi has spent more than four decades in harness racing as a driver, trainer and racing official.

“Television is one of the best ways to showcase our sport and we think our expanded coverage helps to not only attract new fans both young and old, but also provide handicappers more information about our racing product,” said Jason M. Settlemoir, VP of Racing and Simulcast for Tioga Downs.

For more information on Tioga Downs, visit our website, become our fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Vice President of Finance and Administration announced at American Racing and Entertainment


American Racing and Entertainment, LLC announced today the appointment of Rob Fitzpatrick to Vice President of Finance and Administration for Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs.

Fitzpatrick brings nearly 20 years of experience to American Racing and Entertainment.

He has led finance departments in major casino companies on a property and multi-property basis for over 10 years.

Most recently, Fitzpatrick was Vice President of Finance for the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh, PA, where he opened the $800 million dollar property and helped lead the transition to table games.

Prior to opening and leading the Rivers Finance functions, Rob was Senior Director of Finance for the Isle of Capri Pompano Park Harness Racing and Casino operations where he oversaw the development of a $180 million dollar casino and restaurant complex expansion plan.

He also spent four years as Senior Director of Finance when he helped open the Isle of Capri Casino Bahamas property in Freeport, Bahamas.

Fitzpatrick’s experience also includes leading the finance functions for Isle of Capri Lady Luck in Las Vegas, NV.

He has also served as an assistant controller for Boyd’s Sam’s Town and Senior Internal Auditor for Boyd Gaming Corporation in Las Vegas, NV.

Tioga Downs Casino, Nichols, New York and Vernon Downs Casino, Vernon, New York.

You must be 18 years old to play video gaming machines, please play responsibly. For more information please contact us online at www.tiogadowns.com (1-888-WIN-TIOGA) or www.vernondowns.com (1-877-88-VERNON).

Getting Ready at Tioga Downs


The Tioga Downs Racing Office staff has been busy preparing for Opening Day of the 2011 live racing season, which kicks off at 6:50 PM this Saturday, May 7.

We have some information to share regarding the draw schedule for this season.

The opening card feature is the Morrisville College Sale Late Closer for 3YO colt trotters, followed by Sunday's matinee program (1:15PM) showcasing 3YO pacing colts in a Late Closer named for the exciting young New York sire Kenneth J.

The lists of eligibles for Tioga Downs Late Closers may be found at the Tioga website.

This year's draw schedule for Tioga is as follows:
• Wednesday for Saturday and Thursday for Sunday

The box closes at 9AM for each and the Race Office phone number is (607) 699-7688.

Friday racing picks up next week on May 13 and we want to make horsemen aware of a change to the draw schedule for 2011.

Please be advised that Tioga will draw on Sunday morning for all Friday cards in 2011 with a box close of 10AM on those Sundays.

Get the Tioga Downs condition sheet here.

See ya at the races!

Monday, May 2, 2011

Tioga Downs Presents the 2011 Horseplay Car Giveaway


Once again this racing season, Tioga Downs will offer its Horseplay Car Giveaway.

Each day of racing, fans can purchase a mini rubber horse for $1.

After the designated race, fans attempt to throw the horse into the moving 2011 Toyota Corolla, courtesy of the Williams Auto Group.

One successful fan will be randomly selected and advance into the grand prize drawing to win the car on Closing Night, September 10th.

That person will also win a $100 betting voucher that night.

The best part of the contest is that all money raised is donated to local charities with Tioga Downs matching each dollar raised.

This year, the list of charities includes the Boys and Girls Club, Community Care Network of Nichols, the Magic Paintbrush Project, Southern Tier Alternative Therapies and Glove House.

Tioga Downs declares American Freedom Day


Tioga Downs Casino has declared today, American Freedom Day in response to the recent news on America’s fight against terrorism.

Tioga Downs will be giving all of its customers today only, 1 free buffet per person during lunch or dinner hours at the County Fair Buffet with a valid “Your Club” card.

"From someone who lost friends in 9/11 and who could see the smoke rising from my daughter's apartment on that day, we have all waited for this day to come, and this is our way of sharing the celebratory mood we are all in," said Jeffrey Gural, Chairman of American Racing and Entertainment. "I am sure I speak for everyone in commending the Navy Seals who carried out this mission."

Tioga Downs Casino “More free play, a short drive away”.

You must be 18 years old to play video gaming machines, please play responsibly.

For more information please contact us at 888-WIN-TIOGA or online at www.tiogadowns.com