Thursday, June 30, 2011

Tioga Downs Tompkins-Geers golf outing scheduled for Saturday, July 16


Tioga Downs would like to extend an invitation to all horsemen and owners participating at Tioga Downs to join us in the annual Tompkins-Geers Golf Outing on Saturday, July 16.

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 8:30AM 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 Saturday morning July 16th as we race at 6:50 pm that night featuring divisions of the Tompkins-Geers.

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

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Takter Discusses See You at Peelers' Next Start on this week's episode of "Inside Harness Racing"


Trainer Jimmy Takter has confirmed to "Inside Harness Racing" that undefeated See You at Peelers will make her next start at Vernon Downs on July 9th in a division of the New York Sire Stakes.

Takter discusses his plans for the 18-for-18 filly and his thoughts on the 3-Year-Old division on the newest episode of "Inside Harness Racing."

The 30-minute program debuts tonight (Wednesday) at 6:00 PM on Time Warner Cable Sports throughout Upstate New York.

Viewers are encouraged to check their local listings for the channel in their area.

Fans outside the viewing area can watch the show and all previous episodes on the Tioga Downs YouTube Channel.

Also on this week's show, top 3-year-old trotting filly Jezzy remains perfect in 2011 with a win in the Coaching Club Trotting Oaks.

Following the win, trainer Ray Schnittker discussed Jezzy's unique habit and talked about her place in the divisional hierarchy.

Plus, Live Jazz announces his presence on the road to the Hambletonian with a powerful win in the Historic-Dickerson Cup.

And, Jason Settlemoir talks with Ron Pierce and discusses his past, present and future in the sport.

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

For more information on Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs, visit their websites at www.tiogadowns.com and www.vernondowns.com.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Razzle Dazzle and Simon Allard capture Sunday afternoon Tioga feature


Sunday marked the first time Razzle Dazzle had made an appearance at Tioga Downs, and the third time that Simon Allard had made the trip to Nichols, New York.

The duo teamed up to take home the $16,500 Open Handicap pace in the 10th race.

Leaving from post position number six, Allard left aggressively and yielded to River Shark (Ed Hensley) as the field reached the quarter in 26.3.

Passing the fans and the stands for the first time, Allard moved Razzle Dazzle back to the front to control the field through fractions of 55 and 1:22.3.

Around the final turn, Razzle Dazzle was asked for more pace from Allard and he responded, easing away from River Shark and the rest of the field in a lifetime best equaling mile of 1:50.3.

The win marked the first of the year for the 4-year-old son of Real Desire – Town Feather for trainer Jerry Silverman and owner Ira Kristel.

River Shark (Ed Hensley) held on for second, while That's Justice (Phil Fluet) paced home late for third.

Simon Allard posted a driving triple on the afternoon's 12-race card, while Jimmy Marohn Jr. and Fern Paquet Jr. each recorded doubles.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Saturday, July 2nd at 6:50 pm.

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

Jezzy, Live Jazz Shine in Historic Stakes


Tioga Downs hosted the Historic Stakes for 3-year-old trotters on Saturday night.

Jezzy and Ray Schnittker were heavily favored in the $75,500 Coaching Club Trotting Oaks from post position number eight.

Schnittker wasted no time putting Jezzy into the early lead and took control of the field through fractions of 29 and 59.

As the field aimed towards three-quarters, Schnittker let Jezzy trot through a 28.2 third quarter with Angelette Hanover (Howard Parker) applying light first-over pressure.

Turning for home, Schnittker was a statue in the bike, never asking Jezzy for trot as the duo cruised across the wire in 1:56.2.

Angelette Hanover hung on for second, while Cabaret Princess (Marcus Johansson) got up for third.

"She (Jezzy) is pretty much push button with stop and go, its like driving a car," said Schnittker.

When asked about the impressive victories of Crys Dream in Canada, Schnittker added, "Well she hasn’t hooked into Jezzy yet."



In the $78,200 Historic-Dickerson Cup for 3-year-old trotting colts, Live Jazz showed another glimpse of his impressive form that caught everyone's eye at Delaware, OH last year.

Leaving from post position number four, Jim Meittinis rolled Live Jazz to the lead through panels of 28.3, 56.4, and 1:25.3.

As the field turned for home, track announcer Darin Zocalli said it best: "Live Jazz and Meittinis look for competition but there is none."

Meittinis never lifted a line on the 3-year-old son of Andover Hall – Limitless Sky, and went on to an open length effortless win in 1:55.4.

The mile established a new lifetime mark for Live Jazz, who is trained by Scott Andrews for Hartman, Sylvester, Goldman, and Juniper II.

Whit (Ed Hensley) finished second, while Winuendo (Ray Schnittker) held on to finish third.



Jim Meittinis and Phil Fluet each posted driving triples on the night's 12-race card.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Sunday, June 26 at 1:30 pm.

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

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Leanback Coco repeats in Tioga Friday night feature


Leanback Coco and Phil Fluet captured the $16,500 fillies and mares open handicap pace on Friday night, just as they did last week for trainer Ken Andersen.

Assigned with post position number six in a field of six Fluet floated off the gate and used their usual first over grind as Hello Great Mate (Lewayne Miller) cut through fractions of 27, 56.4, and 1:24.3.

As the field headed for home it was a two horse battle for the riches with Fluet and Coco capturing their second straight victory in a new seasonal mark of 1:53.4.

The win was the third of the year for the 8-year-old daughter of Cambest – Racin For Angie who with the win increased her career earnings to more than $684,000.

Hello Great Mate (Lewayne Miller) got second, while Hidden Touch (John Cummings Jr.) held on to survive a photo for third.

Ed Hensley posted a driving grand slam on the night's 12-race card, while Jimmy Marohn Jr. and Mike Micallef each score doubles.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Saturday, June 25 at 6:50 pm.

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

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Tioga Downs to Honor Veterans



Tioga Downs Casino in Nichols will host a Veteran's Appreciation Day this Sunday, June 26th beginning at 11:30am.

The event will honor Southern Tier Veterans, current military and their families and will feature a playing of the National Anthem, as well as an MH-60R Helicopter Flyby, informational vendors, and a moment of silence prior to the start of the day's live harness racing.

Additionally, Veterans will be offered a special $5 buffet when they present a valid VA ID as a Your Club member.

Tioga Downs Casino is open year-round with video gaming machines, simulcast horse racing, restaurants, a sports bar and special entertainment events.

It is located along the north side of NY Route 17/ I-86, two miles west of exit 62 in Nichols, NY.

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

Tim Tetrick Bobble Head Day


Tioga Downs will continue its tradition with its annual bobble head giveaway on Drivers Championship Day which takes place on Sunday, August 28.

In 2011, Tioga Downs and its bobblehead sponsor Winbak Farms, will unveil the re-production of the "Bionic Man" Tim Tetrick in coordination with the fifth edition of the Drivers Championship.

"We are honored to re-introduce the Tim Tetrick Bobble Head on Drivers Championship day this year," said Jason Settlemoir, VP of Racing and Simulcast. "Tetrick has participated in all four events and has been a big supporter of what we try to do here at Tioga and Vernon Downs."

The giveaway will begin at 12:00 pm on the trackside apron and Tim Tetrick will be down there as well to sign some bobble heads.

The other eight drivers for the Drivers Championship will also be on hand for a driver meet-and-greet along with photos for an autograph session.

Bobble heads will be given out to the public, one per person, while supplies last.

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

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Autumn Escapade's Track Record in Miss Versatility and Jody Jamieson Interview Highlight New Episode of "Inside Harness Racing"

Autumn Escapade's track record 1:52.3 win in the opening leg of the Miss Versatility plus an interview with Jody Jamieson, fresh off his North America Cup win, highlight the new episode of "Inside Harness Racing."

The 30-minute program airs tonight (Wednesday) at 6:00 PM on Time Warner Cable Sports throughout Upstate New York.

Viewers are encouraged to check their local listings for the channel in their area.

Fans outside the viewing area can watch the show and all previous episodes on the Tioga Downs YouTube Channel.

In a continuing effort to bring fans closer to the sport and its stars, Tioga Downs driver Jimmy Marohn, Jr. invites viewers to Tweet him questions each week @MarohnRacing.

He answers a couple each week on "Inside Harness Racing" 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 and Vernon Downs, visit their websites at www.tiogadowns.com and www.vernondowns.com.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Autumn Escapade in track record time in the Miss Versatility at Tioga Downs


Tioga Downs hosted the first leg of the Miss Versatility trotting series on Sunday afternoon and George Brennan was in town to pilot Autumn Escapade from post position number three.

Going to the quarter, Brennan was sitting second behind Pembroke Heat Wave (Ed Hensley) who was hot on the front end turning the cold shoulder to Miss Dangles (Matt Kakaley) through fraction of 27 and 55.3.

As the field reached the half mile mark of the race, Brennan took hold off Autumn Escapade and made room for the parked out Kakaley in the two hole before pulling first over to storm to the lead and trip three quarters in 1:23.2.

Around the final turn, Brennan asked Autumn Escapade for more as Frosty Flirt (Greg Merton) made a late bid on the leader but the duo hung tough at the wire in a new track record time for aged trotting mares in 1:52.3.

The mile also equaled the fastest mile ever trotted at Tioga Downs, established in 2010 by Manningly (Jeff Gregory), and established a new lifetime mark for Autumn Escapade.

Jonas Czernyson trains the 6-year-old daughter of Victory Sam – Winning Colors K for David and Misty Miller of Cream Ridge, NJ.

Frosty Flirt (Greg Merton) secured second, while Sea Raven (Howard Parker) got up for third.

P L Conjure (Jim Meittinis) took home the $39,000 Williams Auto Trot final in front-end fashion in a lifetime best equaling 1:53.4 for trainer Tyler Raymer.

In the $40,600 Nichols True Value Pace, Dry Gulch (George Brennan) overcame post position number nine and controlled at all panels to score in 1:51.

Phil Fluet posted a driving triple on the afternoon's 11-race card, while George Brennan and Matt Kakaley each posted driving doubles.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Friday, June 24 at 6:50 pm.

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

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Freedom Crossing takes first leg of "The Dandy" in impression fashion


Saturday night at Tioga Downs kicked off the first leg of "The Dandy" pacing series for 3–5 year old filles and mares.

Mike Micallef wasted no time moving Freedom Crossing to the front and paced through fractions of 28, 56.4, and 1:24.2 before easing away from her eight rivals in a new lifetime best of 1:52.2.

Kevin Johnson trains the 4-year-old daughter of Artiscape – Bunker To Bunker for the Bay Pond Racing Stable of Paoli, PA.

It was the second win in seven seasonal starts for Freedom Crossing, who with the win increased her seasonal earnings to more than $11,000.

Glacier Girl (Corey Braden) paced home late to get second, while Odds On Design (Greg Merton) used a two-hole trip to secure third.

In the second division of "The Dandy", V'La Faire was four wide down the stretch and reached in the final strides on the wire with Ed Hensley to win in a new lifetime best of 1:54.2.

It was the second win of the year in five starts for the 4-year-old daughter of Village Jove – Trade Fair for Oakhurst Farms of Lancaster, NY and trainer Richard Tomaszewski.

Fern Paquet Jr., Ed Hensley, and Mike Micallef each posted driving doubles on the night's 10-race card.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Sunday, June 19th at 1:30 pm and will feature the Miss Versatility Trotting Series for open trotting mares in race number 6.

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

Friday, June 17, 2011

Leanback Coco takes Tioga Friday night feature


It was finally Leanback Coco's night on Friday night in the featured $16,500 fillies and mares open handicap pace.

In the last five starts at Tioga Downs in the Open, Leanback Coco had been twice on two occasions and third on three.

However, regular pilot Phil Fluet put the 8-year-old mare in perfect striking position second over behind the first over Lizzie's Dream chasing down Slomotion on the front.

As the field tipped of the final turn and headed down the stretch Fluet fanned Leanback Coco four wide to win by a head in a new seasonal best of 1:55.2 over a track rated sloppy.

Lizzie's Dream (Michael Merton) held tough for second, while late closing Hello Great Mate (Lewayne Miller) found some room on the pylons to get third.

The win was the second of the year for the 8-year-old daughter of Cambest – Racin For Angie for trainer-owner Ken Anderson of Columbus, NJ.

With the victory Leanback Coco increased her seasonal earnings to more than $52,000.

Jimmy Marohn Jr. posted a driving triple on the night's 11-race card and gets within one of leading driver Ed Hensley for the top spot, while Mike Micallef and Corey Braden each posted driving doubles.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Saturday, June 18th at 6:50 pm.

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

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Tioga wraps up second annual "Scholarship Race"


Tioga Downs hosted its second annual "Scholarship Race" on Sunday afternoon for four local area high school students.

Participants included Matt Bailey from Vestal High School; Courtney Coomds from Newark Valley High School; Rebecca Conrad from Union-Endicott High School; and Miranda Beeman from Waverly High School.

Each participant got hands-on training from some of the Tioga Downs trainers for three weeks leading up to the event.

The race on Sunday afternoon was contested at the distance of five-eighths of a mile with each of the drivers and students in a double seated jog cart.

Leaving from post position number one, Rebecca Conrad and Fern Paquet Jr. took control of the lead and never let go, winning the $3,000 top prize.

Courtney Coomds and Ed Hensley used a first-over move to secure second and a $2,000 scholarship, Miranda Beeman and Jason Macdougal got up for third to secure $1,500 while Matt Bailey and Tim Lanpher rounded out the four finishers and still took home $1,000.

The Scholarship Race was featured in this week's episode of Inside Harness Racing on Time Warner Cable Sports. The Scholarship Race feature comes in at the 10:14 mark.


Tioga Downs would like to thank its partners in the event: the Southern Tier Harness Horsemen's Association, the Harness Horse Breeders of New York State and all the trainers and owners for supporting a great race.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Friday, June 17 with a post time of 6:50 pm and will feature its first edition of Race N Rock with a Rascal Flatts tribute band immediately following live racing.

On Sunday, June 19, Tioga Downs will host the first leg of the Miss Versatility trotting series for older open trotting mares with a post time of 1:30 pm.

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

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Bettor Sweet takes 2011 Bettor's Delight in world record time


Bettor Sweet came into Sunday's $208,000 Bettor's Delight already a World Champion, and when the dust settled he left with his second world record performance.

Leaving from the rail in a field of 10, Daniel Dube wasted no time hustling Bettor Sweet off the gate and putting him into contention early turning loose We Will See and Ron Pierce past the quarter in 26.1.

As the field passed the stands for the first time Bettor Sweet was hustled to the front reaching the half mile pole in 54.3.

Foiled Again and Yannick Gingras applied first over pressure past the half with Hypnotic Blue Chip following his cover.

However, the field was gaining no ground on the leader as Dube stepped on the gas through a third quarter in 26.3 reaching three quarters in 1:21.

Around the last turn all threats had been rebuffed except the pocket sitting We Will See who tipped to the outside for the stretch drive.

At the top of the stretch We Will See and Ron Pierce poked a nose in front, but Bettor Sweet was relentless and turned away the challenge to win on the line by a head in 1:48.1.

The mile eclipsed the previous world record of 1:48.2 by an aged gelding pacer on a five-eighths mile track held by Fake Denario N and Pilgrims Toner.

"I just told Dube to keep him close today and he did a great job, I knew he could go those kind of fractions so I wasn't worried about that at all, he is a special horse," said Thomas Cancelliere following Sunday's victory.

It was the fourth win of the year in 10 starts for Bettor Sweet, who ironically with the win in the Bettor's Delight Open Pace became the richest son of all time for Bettor's Delight.

With the victory, the Thomas Cancelliere trained Bettor Sweet increased his career earnings to more than $1.6 million for owner John Cancelliere of Clark, NJ.

We Will See (Ron Pierce) got second, while the fast closing Giddy Up Lucky (Eric Goodell) was third.

"Everything worked out good today, I just turned Pierce loose and came back on him so I could put him on the front end where he is really good. Down the backside I just let him roll and let them try to catch me. He (Bettor Sweet) is so smooth, he has such a big gate and does it so easy that it doesn't feel like your going that fast, but that was a very fast mile today," said winning driver Daniel Dube following the win.


In the co-featured $178,000 Artiscape pace, Anndrovette made it back to back stakes victories in track record time for 4-year-old pacing mares in 1:49.4.

Chancey Lady and Jason Bartlett, part of the Mark Kesmodel – Josh Green entry cut through an opening panel of 26.3, and as the field passed the three-eighths mile mark Brennan brushed Anndrovette to the front reaching the half in 54.4.

Down the backside Ticket To Rock and Jody Jamieson applied pressure to the leader first over through three quarters in 1:22, but her challenge was dismissed by Anndrovette who went on to win by a length and a half in 1:49.4.

Ticket To Rock (Jody Jamieson) paced a strong mile and held on for second, while her entry mate Laughandbehappy (David Miller) got third.

Last year's Artiscape Champion, Dreamfair Eternal, was backed up with excess cover throughout the mile and had to settle for fourth.

It was the fifth win of the year for the 4-year-old daughter of Riverboat King – Easy Miss for the partnership of Bamond, Davino, and Kesmodel, and increased her seasonal earnings to more than $227,000 with the victory.

"She is a real nice mare to drive, and until today I had never driven her before, but I got a text this week from Kesmodel asking if I wanted to drive her up here and I jumped at it," said winning driver George Brennan following the Artiscape victory.


Tioga Downs continues live racing with a special Monday evening race card (June 14) starting at 4:00 pm.

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

Free Handicapping Information for Sunday's Bettor's Delight & Artiscape


Tioga Downs provides a wealth of free handicapping information and offers this extra collection of selections and analysis for Sunday's blockbuster stakes card headlined by the $208,000 Bettor's Delight Open Pace and $178,000 Artiscape Open Mare Pace.

In the Bettor's Delight (Race 10) the Professor likes:
1. #6 We Will See (7/2 odds)
2. #1A Foiled Again (3/1 odds)
3. #7 Giddy Up Lucky (4/1 odds)

In the Artiscape (Race 6) the Professor likes:
1. #4 On the Glass (9/2 odds)
2. #2A Androvette (2/1 odds)
3. #5 Dreamfair Eternal (3/1 odds)

The $10,000 Guaranteed Pick 6 covers Races 8-13 today. Here is the Professor's Pick 6 Ticket:
Race 8: 4
Race 9: 3-5-6
Race 10: 1-6
Race 11: 3-4
Race 12: 5-7
Race 13: 1-4

Total Cost = $48

The Professor also offers his Play of the Day:
Race 5
#6 Winbak Dimensions has been razor sharp this year for the Perry Stable. He's versatile enough to elave or come off the pace and he will offer good value in this spot. He blazed a 26.4 third quarter but just couldn't reach. Look for heavy early speed today and this pint sized horse flying late. Use him with the 5,7 and 8. Good luck!

Visit the Tioga Downs Handicapping Page for the Professor's Selections and Harness Eye's full card analysis.

Good luck!

Saturday, June 11, 2011

All Spirit repeats in $16,500 Fillies and Mares Open at Tioga Downs


The hometown favorite, All Spirit, repeated in Saturday night's $16,500 fillies and mares open handicap pace at Tioga Downs.

Jimmy Marohn Jr. steered All Spirit away from post position number six in a field of six and pressured to the front over a sloppy track in 27.3.

As the duo grabbed control of the racetrack, Harper Lee (Howard Parker) applied immediate pressure trying to re-take but Marohn was having none of it and turned the cold shoulder through a half in 56.3.

As the field headed towards three quarters, Marohn stepped on the gas through a 27.4 third quarter reaching three quarters in 1:24.1 and opened up on the field.

Down the stretch, it wasn't a matter of if, but by how many that was the only question left unanswered as All Spirit stopped the timer a fifth of a second off of her lifetime best in 1:52.2.

Penny Pincher (Corey Braden) turned a two hole trip into a second place finish, while Leanback Coco (Phil Fluet) got up for third.

In the second leg of the Williams Auto Group trot, P L Conjure and Jim Meittinis wasted no time getting to the front and leading the field through fractions of 28.3, 58.3, and 1:26.2 before opening up on the field to win by open lengths in 1:54.4.

Polar Rail (Ed Hensley) used a stretch kick from third to finish second, while The Kentuckian (Greg Merton) held on for third.

Corey Braden and Ed Hensley each posted driving triples on the night's 12-race card, while Jim Meittinis and Jimmy Marohn Jr. recorded doubles.

Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Sunday, June 12th at 1:30 pm and will feature the $208,000 Bettor's Delight open pace and $178,000 Artiscape open mare pace.

Also featured on Sunday's card is the $10,000 guaranteed pick six on the final six races of the day in which Tioga Downs and HANA have teamed up to have a Pick Six "Pool Party."

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

Friday, June 10, 2011

Dreamfair Eternal set to defend her crown in the 2011 Artiscape


It was just over a year ago that Dreamfair Eternal came into the 2010 Artiscape Pace with almost the identical road mapped out as this year.

Last year she had four Open starts under her belt and this year the Artiscape will mark the fourth start of the year for defending Dan Patch Champion, Dreamfair Eternal.

Anthony Kerwood teamed up with the Patrick Fletcher trainee to become the first horse in the history of Tioga Downs to pace a sub 1:50 mile taking home the $160,000 Artiscape in 1:49.4.

Fletcher still trains Dreamfair Eternal for John Lamers, but regular pilot Randy Waples will make his first trip to Tioga Downs on Sunday afternoon and look for a repeat performance of last year's victory.

Dreamfair Eternal will start from post position number 10 on Sunday and will sport head number five.

She has been listed as the 3-1 third choice in the sixth race.

Below is the field for the 2011 Artiscape Pace
Race 6
$178,000 Artiscape Open Mare Pace



# PP HORSE DRIVER TRAINER

1 1 Ticket To Rock Jody Jamieson Ross Croghan

1A 5 Laughandbehappy David Miller Ross Croghan

2 2 Shacked Up Eric Goodell Josh Green

2A 3 Androvette George Brennan Mark Kesmodel

2B 9 Chancey Lady Jason Bartlett Mark Kesmodel

3 4 Best Boss Mike Lachance Pat Lachance

3A 7 Hula’s Z Tam Pat Lachance Pat Lachance

4 6 On The Glass Yannick Gingras Ron Burke

4A 8 Rock N Soul Matt Kakaley Ron Burke

5 10 Dreamfair Eternal Randy Waples Patrick Fletcher


In the $208,000 Bettor's Delight Open pace, the Ron Burke powerhouse entry of Won The West, Foiled Again, and Atochia has been given the nod as the 3-1 morning line favorite.

The trio will all make its second consecutive start in the Bettor's Delight and in the 2010 inaugural edition, the group finished third, fourth, and fifth.

Fresh off of his Molson pace romp, Foiled Again will look for revenge as the double millionaire son of Dragon Again raced in the 2010 Bettor's Delight and got locked in the pocket down the lane.

Long time pilot Yannick Gingras will re-unite with Foiled Again, but will have to overcome a case of the post position blues as they have drawn post nine in a 10-horse field.

Also making his second Bettor's Delight start will be Hypnotic Blue Chip who last raced in the Dan Patch at Hoosier Park but pulled up at the half mile mark.

The Kevin Mc Dermott trainee just recently qualified at Chester Downs on Tuesday morning and breezed to a 1:51.1 qualifying victory with a final panel of 27.3.

Below is the field for the 2011 Bettor's Delight:
Race 10:
$208,000 Bettor's Delight Open Pace

# PP HORSE DRIVER TRAINER

1 7 Won The West David Miller Ron Burke

1A 9 Foiled Again Yannick Gingras Ron Burke

1B 10 Atochia Matt Kakaley Ron Burke

2 1 Bettor Sweet Daniel Dube Thomas Cancelliere

3 2 Valentino Jason Bartlett Nicholas Surick

4 3 Hypnotic Blue Chip Jody Jamieson Kevin Mc Dermott

5 4 Aracache Hanover Douglas McNair Gregg McNair

6 5 We Will See Ron Pierce Sam De Pinto

7 6 Giddy Up Lucky Eric Goodell Josh Green

8 8 He’s Gorgeous George Brennan Tracy Brainard

Tioga Downs begins racing at 1:30 pm on Sunday afternoon and will feature its $10,000 guaranteed Pick Six on the final six races of the card, in which the Bettor's Delight will be the third leg.

Tioga Downs and HANA have also teamed up to host a special "Pool Party" for the pick six this weekend.

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

Here are replays of last year's Bettor's Delight and Artiscape.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Tioga Downs to Race Special Monday Card

Because of the Salt-N-Pepa concert on Friday night, Tioga Downs will be racing a live card on Monday, June 13.

Post time will be 4:00PM.

Entries will be taken tomorrow (Friday) morning until 9AM by the Racing Office at (607) 699-7688.

The condition sheet is available at the Tioga website.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Hambletonian Alum and 2-Time New York Champion Highlight Tioga and Vernon's Newest Episode of "Inside Harness Racing"


This week’s episode of "Inside Harness Racing" at Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs will air Thursday at 1:30 PM/EST and 6:00 PM/EST on Time Warner Cable Sports throughout Upstate New York at Northern Pennsylvania.

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

Hambletonian alum Cassis and two-time New York champion He's Gorgeous highlight the racing on this week's show.

Viewers will also get an insider's look at racing sulkies and see a special feature on Vernon Downs newcomer Frank Milby.

Plus, we catch up with veteran trainer/driver Rick Plano and Jimmy Marohn, Jr interacts with fans via his Twitter account.

There is also a preview of Sunday's blockbuster stakes card at Tioga Downs featuring the $200,000 estimated Bettor's Delight Open Pace and Artiscape Pace plus the Tioga Downs Scholarship Race sponsored by the Southern Tier Harness Horsemen's Association, Harness Horse Breeders of New York State and 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 and Vernon Downs, visit their websites at www.tiogadowns.com and www.vernondowns.com.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Storyeum Upsets He's Gorgeous in Open Pace at Tioga Downs on Sunday afternoon


In Sunday afternoon's $16,500 Open Handicap pace at Tioga Downs, Storyeum and Ed Hensley left from post position four in a field of seven and settled in the pocket behind 2-5 favorite He's Gorgeous (Greg Merton).

However, Hensley was not happy with the pocket trip and moved Storyeum right back to the front through fractions of 56, and 1:24.3.

Heavy favorite He's Gorgeous sat the two hole trip but couldn't pick up the leader down the stretch and Storyeum went on to record his fifth win of the year in 1:52.3.

He's Gorgeous (Greg Merton) hung on for second, while Western Smoocher (Rick Plano) got up for third.

In the opening divisions of the Nichols True Value Pace, Modern Day Clyde and Corey Braden used a two hole trip to bust loose in the lane and post a huge upset over heavy favorite JK Kinahurra for trainer Colby Hubble.

The 34-1 long shot gunned by the leaders down the stretch to score in 1:53.4 for his fifth win in nine seasonal starts.
Dry Gulch was the heavy-bet favorite in the second division and didn't let his backers down as Merton stepped through fractions of 26.2 and 56.

Down the backside, Cracker Pullet and Mike Micallef pulled the pocket on Dry Gulch and these two engaged in a cut throat duel around the final turn after three quarters in 1:24.1.

However, Merton asked for more and Dry Gulch responded by putting away the deuce popper to win in 1:52.2 for his sixth win of the year.

Magical New Day (Greg Grismore) moved up the pylons and just missed at the wire, while Rockstar Temper (Howard Parker) came from last to take down the show spot.

In the third and final division, Ed Hensley steered Who Your Frens Are to a new lifetime mark of 1:53.4 with a second over trip for trainer Bobbi Martin.

It was the fifth win in 11 seasonal starts for the 5-year-old son of Camotion – Southwind Raven.

Ed Hensley posted five driving victories on Sunday afternoon's 13-race card to leap back into first place in the drivers standings, while Greg Merton made three trips to the winner's circle.

Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Saturday, June 11th with a post time of 6:50 pm.

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

Raymer-Marohn Jr. sweep series at Tioga Downs


Trainer Tyler Raymer and driver Jimmy Marohn Jr. made a clean sweep of the opening legs of the Williams Auto Trot on Saturday night at Tioga Downs.

In the first division, Hoboken Sonny went right down the road through fractions of 29, 57.4, and 1:26.4 before opening up on the field and drawing clear to win by open lengths in 1:55.4.

Westside Lindy (Howard Parker) got up for second, while The Count (Greg Grismore) was third.

It was the third win in five seasonal starts for the 4-year-old son of S J's Photo – Yankee Minuet, who is owned by Harbor Racing Stable of Houston, TX.

The second division looked almost identical to the first division as Marohn wasted no time getting P L Conjure to the front and was never pressured through fractions of 27.3, 57.2, and 1:25.3 before trotting away from the field to a new seasonal best of 1:54.3.
It was the fourth win of the year in 12 starts for the 5-year-old son of Kadabra – Avie Hanover for the ownership group of Raymer, Solomon, and Moss.

Polar Rail (Ed Hensley) got up in the final strides despite a tough first over trip, while The Kentuckian (Greg Merton) got third.

Jimmy Marohn Jr. posted a driving grand slam on the night's 12-race card and jumped to the top of the Tioga Downs driver standings, while Fern Paquet Jr. and Greg Merton each scored doubles.

Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Sunday, June 5th with a post time of 1:30 pm, and will once again feature its $10,000 guaranteed Pick Six on the final six races of the card.

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

Saturday, June 4, 2011

High School students prep for scholarship race at Tioga Downs


It was week two of a three week lesson at Tioga Downs for four local area high school students who will take part in a scholarship harness race on Sunday, June 12th.

Participants from Vestal, Newark Valley, Union Endicott, and Waverly High Schools are in the process of learning some of the tricks of the trade from some of the top conditioners at Tioga Downs.

Jason McDougal, Ed Hensley, Judy Lanpher, and Jamie Paquet have all volunteered their time to assist in helping the high school students get a better understanding of the sport of harness racing and some of the daily care that goes into the horses.

The race will take place on Sunday, June 12th at Tioga Downs in between the live races, which will also feature the $200,000 Bettor's Delight Open Pace and its counterpart the $200,000 Artiscape Pace for open mare pacers.

The students will ride in a double-seated jog cart with their professional driver-trainer who they have learned from for the past three weeks.

Scholarships for the event will be given out in the order of finish of the race, 1st place: $3,000, 2nd place: $2,000, 3rd place: $1,200, 4th place: $800.

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

Friday, June 3, 2011

All Spirit takes home Tioga Friday night feature


All Spirit returned to her winning ways Friday night at Tioga Downs in the $16,500 fillies and mares open handicap pace.

The 5-year-old daughter of Bettor's Delight – Spirit Of Ivy used her usual tactics to come from off the pace and catch a second over trip through a half in 56.2.

As the field reached three quarters Pure Desire and Greg Merton were still in command in 1:24.3 but Marohn decided it was go time and tipped All Spirit three high and in seconds circled the field.

Down the stretch it wasn't a matter of if, but by how many that was the only question left for All Spirit who stopped the teletimer in 1:53, equaling her seasonal best.

It was the third win in eight starts for All Spirit who is trained by Judy Lanpher for Larry Lanpher of Winter Park, FL.

Leanback Coco and Phil Fluet hung on for second despite the first over trip, while Hello Great Mate and Lewayne Miller closed late for third.

Lewayne Miller posted a driving triple on the night's nine-race card, while Jimmy Marohn Jr. enjoyed two driving victories.

Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Saturday, June 4th with a post time of 6:50 pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Tioga Downs and Horseplayers Association of North America Announce Party for Sunday, June 12, 2011

Tioga Downs and Horseplayers Association of North America (HANA) Harness Racing Division "HANA Harness" are pleased to announce a Pool Party to be held on Sunday, June 12, 2011, when some of America's best FFA Pacing Horses and Mares will be competing in the $200,000 Estimated Bettor's Delight and $200,000 estimated Artiscape, respectively.

The featured wager of the Pool Party will be the $10,000 guaranteed pool Pick 6.

"HANA is pleased to host this pool party with Tioga Downs as they were the first harness track in North America to lower their takeout rates on all wagers to the state minimum and they continue to be innovative and sensitive to the horseplayers' needs. We are very happy to have Tioga Downs the host of the first harness pool party in the United States," said Jeff Platt, President of HANA.

"Tioga Downs is honored to be the first harness track in the United States hosting a pool party with HANA. Making Tioga Downs' racing product attractive to all horseplayers and harness players in particular has and continues to be a goal of Tioga Downs," Jason Settlemoir, Tioga Downs Vice President of Racing commented.

Among the contenders expected for the $200,0000 estimated Artiscape are Androvette, Dreamfair Eternal, Ginger & Fred, Laughandbehappy, and On the Glass.

Last year, the Artiscape was won by Dreamfair Eternal, in a speedy 1:49.4, who will be looking to win her second straight Artiscape.

Among those expected for the $200,000 estimated Bettor's Delight will be Molson Pace victor Foiled Again, Hypnotic Blue Chip, One More Laugh, We Will See, and Won The West.

The 2010 edition of the Bettor's Delight was won by Shark Gesture in a thrilling 1:48.3 mile.

HANA Harness is currently working on a few items which we hope makes the night even more player friendly: We are lining up advance deposit wagering companies to offer special rewards for the pick 6, will be posting free past performances on the website, and offering picks and selections from various players and sources.

To keep informed, or to get involved, please join HANA Harness at our website and watch for updates on our Facebook Page.

The Horseplayers Association of North America is a grassroots group of horseplayers, not affiliated with any organization, who are not pleased with the direction the game has taken.

HANA believes that both tracks and horseman groups have become bogged down with industry infighting and have completely forgotten something: The importance of the customer.

HANA hopes, through proactive change on several key issues (including but not limited to), open signal access, lower effective takeouts, wagering integrity, affordable data and customer appreciation, the industry's handle losses can be reversed.

HANA is currently made up of approximately 2000 horseplayers (both harness and thoroughbred) from almost all states and Canadian provinces.

It currently represents over $80,000,000 of yearly racing handle.

Our web address is www.horseplayersassociation.org and interested horseplayers can sign up there for free.

We are horseplayers, just like you and we are trying to make a difference.

We need, appreciate, and ask humbly for your support.

Takter: "She's the Zenyatta of the Pacing World"


That was the comment trainer Jimmy Takter made after his champion filly, See You at Peelers, won the $279,175 Empire Breeders' Classic at Tioga Downs in a world-record performance of 1:49.2 to run her lifetime record to an unbelievable 15-for-15.

See You at Peelers and the rest of the Empire Breeders' Classic races at Tioga and Vernon Downs highlight the newest episode of "Inside Harness Racing."

The show airs tonight at 6:00 PM/EST on the Time Warner Cable Sports network throughout Upstate New York and Northern Pennyslvania.

Replays of the show can also be seen Thursday at 9:30 PM, Friday at 11:30 PM and Saturday at 11:30 AM.

Fans outside of the viewing area can watch the show anytime on the Tioga Downs YouTube Channel.

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

For more information on Tioga Downs, visit our website and "Like" us on Facebook.

Tioga hosts NYSS Preps on Monday afternoon


Tioga Downs held a special matinee race program on Monday afternoon and featured three New York Sire Stakes prep races each for $10,000.

Lucky Cadet and Lewayne Miller stole the show in the prep race for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers with a new lifetime best of 1:51.2.

Miller sent the 3-year-old son of Art Major – Yankee Luck first over and cleared past the three quarters in 1:23.3 and cruised home to win with a final panel of 27.4.

It was the second win of the year for Lucky Cadet, who is trained by Erv Miller for Mary Jane Anderson and Ronald Michelon.

In the prep for 3-year-old colt trotters, Pay The Winner got up in the final strides of the mile to win his first of the season in a new lifetime best of 1:55.

Sam Schillaci trains, drives, and co-owns the 3-year-old son of Credit Winner – Prize Chip with Howard Berke and Matt Bencic.

Lucky Turn and Jason Bartlett, despite having the nine hole in their prep race, got the job done late in the lane to win her first of the year in a new lifetime best of 1:55.

Linda Toscano trains the 3-year-old daughter of Bettor's Delight – Life Cycle for Ken Jacobs.

Jimmy Marohn Jr. and Sam Schillaci each posted driving doubles on the afternoon's 11-race card.

Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Friday, June 3rd with a post time of 6:50 pm.

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

See You At Peelers in a world record performance in the Empire Breeders' Classic


See You At Peelers came into Sunday night's Empire Breeders' Classic a perfect 14 for 14 in her racing career; she pulled out of Tioga Sunday night 15 for 15 and with the title of World Champion.

The 3-year-old Bettor's Delight – West Side Glory daughter took home the $279,175 final in a world record equaling 1:49.2 with Marcus Johansson aboard for trainer Jimmy Takter.

The connections of See You At Peelers opted for post three in the final and after drifting off the gate, Johansson quickly took control of the mile past the quarter in 27.

The field lined up single file past the half in 55.2 and as the field aimed towards three quarters, David Miller was forced to move Shyaway first over.

However, no one was even getting to the leader's wheel as See You At Peelers paced a third panel in 27.1 reaching three quarters in 1:22.3.

The main threat left for See You At Peelers was Swinging Beauty and Scott Zeron, who had been sitting in the pocket the whole mile, but Johansson asked for more and the filly responded.

See You At Peelers paced home a final panel in 26.4 to win by a length in 1:49.2, equaling the world record for 3-year-old pacing fillies on a five-eighth’s mile track established by Showherthemoney at Dover Downs in 2009.

Swinging Beauty and Scott Zeron hung on for second, while New Album and George Brennan got up for third.

With the victory, See You At Peelers has now banked more than $720,000 for Christina Takter and John & Jim Fielding.

In the $289,925 final for the 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers, Fashion Delight used some early speed to get into position, taking the field to the quarter in 27.1.

As the field went by the stands for the first time, Brian Sears moved Feel Like A Fool to the front, but David Miller was making him pay a price to get there in a second quarter of 26.3, reaching the half mile mark in 53.4.

When Sears turned to head towards three quarters, there was no letting up as Matt Kakaley moved Samandar to the outside to apply immediate pressure and trip the three quarter time in 1:21.4.

After rebuffing the challenge, Sears had one more opposition to face with Fashion Delight sitting on his back, but Fashion Delight was too much for him in the stretch and got up to win by a neck in 1:50.2.

Feel Like A Fool and Brian Sears took second, while Sir Ziggy's Z Tam and Pat Lachance used a rail ride to get third.

With the victory, the Jim Campbell trained 3-year-old Fashion Delight – BJ's Sunshine colt increased his career earnings to more than $655,000 for Fashion Farms LLC of New Hope, PA.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Monday, May 30th (Memorial Day) with a special 1:30 pm afternoon post time.

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