Saturday, June 30, 2012

Don't Know Chip captures Tioga Downs Saturday night feature

Don't Know Chip and Corey Braden captured Tioga Downs' $16,500 open trot on Saturday night.

The duo got away fourth as Aruba Vacation (Fern Paquet Jr.) hustled the field to the quarter in 27.3.

As the field raced passed the half mile mark of the race in 58.1, Braden moved Don't Know Chip first up to contend head to head with Aruba Vacation by three quarters in 1:26.1.

Around the final turn, Braden asked for more from Don't Know Chip and he responded opening up to win in 1:55.3.

Spring Goal (Luke Plano) came on late to finish second, while All About Justice (Mike Simons) hung on for third.

Sean Bier posted a driving double on the evening's nine-race card, which inches him closer to the 2,000 career win mark as he currently sits at 1,994. 

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Sunday, July 1 at 1:30 pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us on our website at www.tiogadowns.com.

Higher And Higher captures Tioga Friday night feature


Higher And Higher made her first appearance back at Tioga Downs on Friday night since her sixth place finish in this year's Artiscape pace on June 10.

Trainer, driver, and co-owner Daryl Bier got Higher And Higher away fifth from post position number seven as the field passed the quarter in 27.

All Spirit (Jim Marohn Jr.) quickly shuffled from fourth as the fielded headed by the three eighths to take control from Kiddie McCardle past the half in 55.2.

Down the backside and headed towards three quarters, Daryl Bier, edged Higher And Higher from fifth to begin the first over grind and began to press the leader by three quarters in 1:23.3.

Around the final turn Higher And Higher stuck a head in front and put away All Spirt, but Kiddie McCardle escaped the pocket and charged three wide.

However, through the stretch Higher And Higher proved too much and prevailed in 1:52.1 for her seventh win of the year.

Kiddie McCardle (Corey Braden) finished second, while All Spirit (Jim Marohn Jr.) hung on for third.

Mike Merton posted a driving grand slam on the night's nine-race card, while Jim Meittinis scored a double.
 
Tioga Downs continues live racing on Saturday, June 30 at 6:50 pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us on our website at www.tiogadowns.com .

Friday, June 29, 2012

Tioga Downs to offer $5,000 guaranteed pick four each Sunday in July


Tioga Downs, in conjunction with the United States Trotting Association's Strategic Wagering Program, will offer a $5,000 guaranteed Pick Four each Sunday in July (July 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29).

The Pick Four will be offered on the last four races of the day on each Sunday afternoon racing program (Post time 1:30 pm). 

"We worked with the USTA for the Bettor's Delight and Artiscape events this year and the pick four was a huge success for us, getting well over the $5,000 number in the pool," said Jason M. Settlemoir, VP of Racing and Simulcast. "We are excited to work with the USTA once again and are pleased to bring a guaranteed pool to our customers for the month of July."

Tioga Downs begins its weekend of live racing action on Friday, June 29 at 6:50 pm.

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

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Fall Bliss captures Tioga's Sunday afternoon feature


Fall Bliss and Mark MacDonald captured Sunday afternoon's $16,500 open pace at Tioga Downs in a new lifetime best of 1:50.3.

Starting from post position number four in a field of six, MacDonald settled in fifth as Vlos (Eric Carlson) cut through fractions of 26.1, 54.2, and 1:22.2. As the field passed three quarters, Voice Of Truth (Fern Paquet Jr.) were first over on the outside with Fall Bliss tracking his cover.
Mark MacDonald and Fall Bliss win Sunday's feature

Around the final turn Fall Bliss surged off of Paquet's helmet and in a matter of strides grabbed control of the racetrack down the stretch. Vlos fought back gamely in the lane but had to settle for second, while Big Bay Point (Lewayne Miller) after sitting a pocket trip finished third.

Scott Blackler trains the 4-year-old son of Blissful Hall – Fall Festival, who won for the fifth time in 19 seasonal outings this year. With the win, Fall Bliss increased bankroll to more than $59,000 on the season.

Tioga Downs races next Friday and Saturday at 6:50 pm, and Sunday afternoon at 1:30 pm.

There will also be a special holiday card on Wednesday, July 4th at 6:50 pm capped off by a fireworks display following live racing.

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

Spice It Up Lindy takes home Saturday night feature at Tioga Downs


Spice It Up Lindy (Jim Meittinis) made it four wins in a row on Saturday night at Tioga Downs in the $16,500 Open handicap trot.

Fresh off of his lifetime best of 1:52.4 at Pocono Downs, Spice It Up Lindy returned to Tioga where he had posted two straight wins.

Spice It Up Lindy makes it four in a row
Leaving from post position number six in a field of seven, Meittinis backed Spice It Up Lindy off of the gate in fifth as the field headed through fractions of 27.2 and 56.4.

Down the backside, Meittinis sent the 9-year-old gelding first over to take on the leader Allmar Surprise, through three quarters in 1:25.1.

Around the final turn, Meittinis asked Spice It Up Lindy for more and he responded opening up in the stretch to win in 1:55.1.

The win was the fourth in five seasonal starts for Spice It Up Lindy and trainer-owner Santo Zuzolo, and the seventeenth of his career.

Aruba Vacation (Fern Paquet Jr.) shook loose late in the stretch to finish second, while Heidi Falls (Jim Marohn Jr.) finished third.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Sunday, June 25 at 1:30 pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us on our website at www.tiogadowns.com.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Kiddie McCardle takes Tioga Friday night feature


Kiddie McCardle and Corey Braden took home Friday night's $16,500 featured fillies and mares open handicap pace at Tioga Downs.

Leaving from post position number three in a field of seven, Braden settled in third as Itstimeformetofly (Lewayne Miller) was on top through an opening quarter in 26.4.

Corey Braden and Kiddie McCardle take Friday's feature
Runaway Tray (Jim Taggart Jr.), last week's winner, sat in the pocket past the half mile mark of the race in 56.

As the field straightened up and headed towards three quarters, Kiddie McCardle applied heavy first over pressure through a third panel in 27.4, reaching three quarters in 1:23.4.

Around the final turn, Braden cleared to the front and coasted home a winner, lengths in front of Runaway Tray who shook loose for second, while Bunny In The Bank (Jim Meittinis) closed late for third.

The win was the seventh of the year for Kiddie McCardle who is owned by Mark Goldberg of Washington, Pa. and is trained by David Duspiva.

With the win, Kiddie McCardle pushed her seasonal earnings to more than $73,000.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Saturday, June 23 at 6:50 pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us on our website at www.tiogadowns.com .  

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Companion Late Closer for Empire Breeders Classic Added at Tioga


Tioga Downs will offer late-closers for those New York bred 3YO pacers not competing in the Empire Breeders Classic (EBC).
 
Horses nominated to any of the state bred programs (NYSS, Excelsior & NY fairs) may be made eligible for these races.
 
The condition for these events is Non-Winners of $60,000 lifetime by July 1, 2012.
 
The nomination deadline for both is July 15, 2012. 
 
The pacing fillies will have a $10,000G elimination on Sunday, August 5 and a $20,000G final on August 12. 
 
There is a $250 nomination fee due by July 15 and there will be a $250 entry fee due for the elimination, no fee for the final. 
 
The colts have a shorter gap in the NYSS schedule, so that event will be a single race for $20,000 (one division) or $15,000 (if multiple divisions) on Sunday, August 12.
 
There is a nomination payment of $250 for the colts, due by July 15.
 
There will be no entry fee for the colt race. 
 
"Considering the NYSS schedule allowed a break in their events over the two weeks necessary for the Empire Breeders Classic," said Jeff Gural. "I wanted to provide races for those not in the EBC. It should give them an opportunity to earn and continuity in their schedule." 
 
Payment forms are available on the Tioga website. Call the Tioga race office at (607) 699-7688 with questions.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Big Bay Point takes Open pace on Monday night at Tioga Downs


Tioga Downs hosted a special Monday night racing program, with Big Bay Point capturing the $16,500 featured Open pace.

Leaving from post position number one, driver Lewayne Miller hustled Big Bay Point off the rail early to protect position, settling in third as Vlos (Eric Carlson), and Winbak Dimensions (Jim Marohn Jr.) battled to an opening quarter of 26.2.

Big Bay Point (near) nips Vlos in Monday's Open Pace
As the field headed past the three-eighths mile mark, Carlson was unwilling to turn the lead over to Marohn with Winbak Dimensions and the duo battled through a half in 54.1.

Headed towards three quarters, Winbak Dimensions had called it quits and Miller pulled Big Bay Point from the pocket to apply immediate pressure on the leader past three quarters in 1:22.1.

However, Vlos reached down and found more continuing to battle Big Bay Point through deep stretch, but tired late in the mile to lose by half a length in 1:51.4.

The win was the fourth of the year for the 5-year-old son of Camluck – Great Memories for trainer Cory Deyermand.

Vlos (Eric Carlson) raced an impressive mile to be second, while Hay Goodlooking (Rick Plano) paced home late for third.

Lewayne Miller posted a driving grand slam on the night's 12-race card, while Fern Paquet Jr. and Greg Merton each recorded driving doubles.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Friday, June 22 with a post time of 6:50 pm.

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

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Historic Stakes produce two track records on Sunday afternoon at Tioga Downs


The Historic Stakes rolled into Tioga Downs on Sunday afternoon in Nichols, New York and helped produce two new track records.

In the first non-wagering event, a field of four sophomore colt pacers went to the post with Heston Blue Chip a perfect two for two thus far in 2012.

Regular pilot Tim Tetrick made the trip to drive Heston Blue Chip and the duo couldn't have made it look any easier.
Heston Blue Chip sets a new track record for 3yo colt pacers 

The 3-year-old son of American Ideal – Shot Togo Bluechip cruised to victory in a new lifetime mark and also a new track record time for 3-year-old colt pacers of 1:49.2.

"He is such a nice horse and this was a great training mile for him," said owner Ken Jacobs in the winner's circle following victory. "He is staked to everything from here on out, but the Meadowlands Pace is the one that I am looking towards and the one that I would really like to win. He isn't going to Vernon on Friday for the sire stakes leg. It's just too much with travel and everything so close, so his next start will be at Yonkers."

In the Historic for 3-year-old filly trotters, Tetrick, once again penciled his name next to a new track record, this time with Can't Have My Moni.

Can't Have My Moni nails Cowgirl Hall in a new track record time
The 3-year-old daughter of Cantab Hall – Moni Maker sat the pocket trip behind Cowgirl Hall (Gates Brunet) through fractions of 27.3, 57.3, and 1:25.2.

Down the lane it looked as though Cowgirl Hall was going to hold off the challenger, but was nailed right on the wire by Can't Have My Moni and Tetrick.

Dream Of Winning (Brett Miller) captured the Historic for 3-year-old filly pacers in 1:52.

Dream of Winning just gets up to win with Brett Miller
Coragiosso (Phil Fluet) won the lone division for 3-year-old colt trotters in 1:54.3, and Southwind Moni (David Miller) won the first division for 3-year-old filly trotters in 1:55.4.
Tioga Downs continues live racing on Monday (June 18), with a post time of 6:00 pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us on our website at www.tiogadowns.com .  

Camel and Ostrich Racing Makes its Debut


Tioga Downs held its first edition of the Camel and Ostrich races that made their way from The Meadowlands on Friday night to Nichols, New York on Saturday night.

More than 3,600 fans showed up to enjoy some unique racing never before seen in the area or at Tioga Downs.
 
Fans were treated with a three-entry ostrich race after race number two, and a four camel race after race number six on Saturday's twelve race card.

Many first time visitors and families came out to take part in the action that also included Tioga's first annual hot dog eating contest as part of hot dog weekend taking place at the racetrack.

In the $16,500 fillies and mares open pace, Runaway Tray (Jim Taggart Jr.) made up for last week's second place finish, and took home the lion's share of the purse.

Runaway Tray captured her fourth victory of the year for trainer Alex Kavoleff in 1:53, increasing her seasonal bankroll to more than $55,000.  

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Sunday (June 17) featuring the Historic Stakes, with a post time of 1:30 pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us on our website at www.tiogadowns.com .  

Friday, June 15, 2012

Historic Stakes take center stage at Tioga Downs on Sunday afternoon


The Historic Stakes for 3-year-olds roll in to Tioga Downs on Sunday afternoon with a post time of 1:30 pm.

Two of the four divisions have been carded as non-wagering events due to four horses being entered for the 3-year-old colt pace, and six horses (with a three horse DR Ackerman entry) being entered for the 3-year-old colt trot.

Those events will take place after races one and three on the afternoon's 12-race card.

In the $69,488 lone division for 3-year-old filly pacers, JK Fine Art (Tim Tetrick) will look to add to her already impressive bankroll this season entering Sunday with more than $71,000 in just three starts.

The 3-year-old daughter of Art Major – Presidential Lady was second in the Lismore and her latest NYSS start at Tioga Downs for trainer Linda Toscano.

Looking to upset JK Fine Art will be Dream Of Winning (Brett Miller) who makes her first start outside of Pennsylvania for trainer Aaron Johnston.

The 3-year-old daughter of Yankee Cruiser – Magical Dreamer posted a lifetime best of 1:51.3 earlier this year at Harrah's Philadelphia and in her most recent PASS start finished third after cutting the early fractions.

Fifteen 3-year-old trotting fillies entered and were split into two divisions slated for race six and race eight on the card.

2011 Kindergarten Classic Champion, Lady Andi, will be making her third start of her sophomore campaign for trainer Larry Rathbone.

The 3-year-old daughter of Andover Hall – Lady Lifter has drawn post position number seven in the first division and will have the services of catch driver Brett Miller.

Tioga Downs kicks off three straight days of live racing on Saturday, June 16th at 6:50 pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us on our website at www.tiogadowns.com .  

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Tioga Downs whipping pilot program to take effect on Saturday

Tioga Downs has joined forces with the Southern Tier Harness Horsemen's Association in developing a pilot program for whipping that will take effect this Saturday night.

The guidelines for the whipping program are below, and will be handed out to drivers and trainers in the paddock this weekend along with boards displaying the rules in the paddock for the remainder of the racing season.

"We feel that the whipping issue is something that we need to get out in front of as an industry and be proactive with. We are going to try these whipping policies for the remainder of this race meet and continue to work with our horsemen's organization for the betterment of our industry,” said Jason M. Settlemoir, VP of Racing & Simulcast.

Tioga Downs Whipping Rule:  Pilot Project effective June 16, 2012

1.      Drivers shall comply with the rules of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, in particular 9 NYRCC § 4117.8 (Whips, goads and head poles), and all drivers agree through their horsemen's organization with the racetrack that they will use and it shall be necessary to use the whip in compliance with these additional standards at Tioga Downs:
 
2.      Drivers shall not cause an injury, visible or not, to the horse with the whip.

3.      Drivers shall not whip a horse that is out of contention.

4.      Drivers shall not repetitively (i.e., more than two strikes without a pause) whip a horse that is not responding to the whip.

5.      Drivers shall keep a line in each hand (except as may be necessary to adjust equipment, e.g., pulling plugs, dropping blinkers) from the start of the race until the 7/8 pole.

6.      A driver who uses the whip in a one-handed motion once the horse has reached the 7/8 pole shall strike only the shaft of the sulky or the saddle pad, may not use the whip in an unreasonable (i.e., excessive or indiscriminate) manner, and must pause after two strikes.

7.      No goading device, including but not limited to a chain, spur, or mechanical or electrical device, other than a whip permitted by the NYSRWB rules, shall be used upon a horse either while racing, training, or at any other time on the premises of Tioga Downs.


Please be reminded that, among other requirements, the NYSRWB rules require that:


8.      The use of the whip shall be confined to an area above and between the sulky shafts and the outside wheel discs.

9.      Drivers shall use the whip in a conventional manner which includes not striking or jabbing the horse with the butt end of a whip.

10.  Drivers shall not use the whip in a manner that is brutal, excessive, indiscriminate, or unnecessary, or that interferes with or causes disturbance to another horse or driver.

11.  Under the supervision of the judges, there shall be a mandatory visual inspection of each horse following each race for evidence of excessive or brutal use of the whip.


Tioga Downs has also adopted a House Rule that no person shall possess any mechanical or electrical goading device on the grounds of Tioga Downs
Tioga Downs kicks off three straight days of live racing on Saturday, June 16th at 6:50 pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us on our website at www.tiogadowns.com

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

CAMELS, OSTRICHES AND PIGS OH MY AT TIOGA DOWNS THIS WEEKEND

Animals other than horses to cross finish line at Tioga Downs
 
For the first time, animals other than horses will cross the finish line at Tioga Downs this weekend.

Camel and ostrich racing makes its debut Saturday night during live racing.  The ostrich race will take place following the second race (7:15 pm) and the camel race will take place after the sixth race (8:35 pm).

Tioga Downs Vice President of Racing Jason Settlemoir will ride one of the camels against three professional camel riders.

Pig races are scheduled for Sunday during a special Father’s Day of racing. Racing starts at 1:30 pm with pig races throughout the afternoon.

Admission to Tioga Downs is free.

Tioga Downs is also offering Hot Dog Weekend featuring $1 hot dogs both Saturday and Sunday with a special toppings bar and the first ever Hot Dog Eating Contest on Saturday night.

Tioga Downs wraps up third annual Scholarship Race

This past Sunday afternoon at Tioga Downs, five local area high school students got the opportunity of a lifetime in the third annual Tioga Downs Scholarship Race.

The students representing five local area high schools were: Kayla Pepper of Johnson City High School, Whitney Seabrooks of Binghamton High School, Gabriella Martinichio of Chenango Forks, Adrian Roma of Maine-Endwell, and Karina Liberati of Chenango Valley.

The five students had participated in training sessions with some of the Tioga Downs horsemen over a three week period in preparation for Sunday's race.

Helping assist the girls, and also riding in the double seated jog carts with them for the race, were Jason MacDougal, Tim Lanpher, Corey Braden, Fern Paquet Jr., and Tyler Freese.

The students raced once around the racetrack in between the second and third race on Sunday afternoon and it was a photo finish at the wire.

Karina Liberati of Chenango Valley and driver Tyler Freese edged out Kayla Pepper and Jason MacDougal to take home the $3,000 scholarship for first place.

Kayla Pepper received $2,000 for second, Whitney Seabrooks finished third good for $1,200, Adriana Roma received $800 for fourth, and Gabriella Martinichio picked up $500 for fifth.

"This is one of our best events we have at Tioga throughout the year. It gets some of our local area kids involved in harness racing and gives them a great opportunity to help pay for their continued education after high school," said Jason M. Settlemoir, VP of Racing and Simulcast.

The sponsors helping support the third annual Scholarship race are the Harness Horse Breeders of New York State, Southern Tier Harness Horsemen's Association, New York Sire Stakes, and Tioga Downs.   

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

Dreamfair Eternal takes Artiscape Pace in track record time, while Clear Vision upsets in the Bettor's Delight


Fans were treated to twenty of the sports best horses in training and two fantastic races on Sunday afternoon at Tioga Downs, that included the $184,000 Artiscape Pace and $182,000 Bettor's Delight open pace.

In the $184,000 Artiscape Pace, Dreamfair Eternal and Jody Jamieson left from post position number one and got away sixth as Anndrovette (Tim Tetrick) surged to the lead from post position number nine.

As the field passed the quarter in 26.1, Brian Sears was forced to the front with Put On A Show after a failed attempt to tuck in third.

The outer flow developed with Chancey Lady (David Miller) pulling first over from fifth supplying a perfect second over trip for Dreamfair Eternal and Jody Jamieson.

The field tripped the half mile mark in 53.4 and continued a heavy pace by three quarters in 1:21.

Dreamfair Eternal (Jody Jamieson) win the 2012 Artiscape
Around the final turn Chancey Lady continued her impressive first over grind, but the biggest threat was on her back with Dreamfair Eternal exploding off of Dave Miller's helmet to pace clear of the field in the stretch. 

The mile of 1:49 established a new track and stakes record that Dreamfair Eternal had held in partnership with 2011's Artiscape Champion, Anndrovette.

Rocklamation (Ron Pierce) opted to sit in along the rail third during the mile and found room late to be second, while Drop The Ball (Yannick Gingras) closed from ninth at the three quarter pole to be third.

The win was the first of the year for the 8-year-old daughter of Camluck – J Cs Nathalie, who is owned by John Lamers and is trained by Patrick Fletcher.

In the $182,000 Bettor's Delight open pace, last year's champion Bettor Sweet (John Campbell) was not going to be denied the front end, but paid the steep price of 25.3 to get there.

Foiled Again and Yannick Gingras also left alertly from the outside and was able to get in the two hole behind Bettor Sweet.

Clear Vision and Matt Kakaley were sitting sixth along the rail past the three eighths when Razzle Dazzle (Brian Sears) pulled first up from fifth providing perfect cover.

Bettor Sweet and Campbell were able to get a second quarter breather in 28.2 reaching the half in 54 as Razzle Dazzle continued first up.

Down the backside Rockincam gapped out of third allowing Sears to get back to the pylons forcing Clear Vision to continue first up uncovered.

At the three quarter mile mark of the race in 1:21.1, Gingras said go with Foiled Again pulling the pocket on Bettor Sweet and applying heavy pressure turning for home.

Foiled Again put a head in front down the stretch, but was unable to hold off stablemate Clear Vision and Kakaley on the wire in 1:48.2.

Clear Vision prevails in a three-horse photo in the Bettor's Delight
The mile was just a fifth of a second off of the world record for aged gelding pacers established in last year's Bettor's Delight by Bettor Sweet – 1:48.1, and established a new lifetime mark for Clear Vision.

The 6-year-old son of Western Hanover – Artistic Vision is owned by Burke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi, Panhellenic Stable, and J Koran and is trained by Ron Burke.

It was the third win in eleven seasonal starts for Clear Vision who increased his seasonal earnings to more than $240,000 with the win.

Foiled Again, also part of the four horse Burke entry finished second, Bettor Sweet hung on for third, while We Will See (Ron Pierce) was fourth.

Three divisions of New York Sire Stakes for three year old filly pacers were also contested on Sunday afternoon, with New York Kitty (George Brennan) – 1:52.1, Eighthunrdolarbill (George Brennan) – 1:51.1, and Major Look (Jeff Gregory) – 1:50.1 taking their respective divisions.

Tioga Downs will continue live racing action on Saturday, June 16 at 6:50 pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com .

Sunday, June 10, 2012

E Street Plan takes second leg of the Nichols True Value Late Closer


E Street Plan and Mike Simons took home Saturday night's second division of the Nichols True Value late closer at Tioga Downs.

The duo left alertly from post position number eight and relinquished the lead to pacesetter Eastend Eddie (Sean Bier) through an opening quarter of 26.4.

E Street Plan (Mike Simons) win Saturday's feature
Simons then let Eastend Eddie do the heavy lifting through fractions of 55.2 and 1:23.2 before pulling around the final turn to challenge in the stretch.

Down the stretch Eastend Eddie reached for more, but E Street Plan proved too strong capturing victory in 1:51.

The mile established a new lifetime mark for the 3-year old son of Rocknroll Hanover – Plan On It, who posted his fifth win in ten seasonal starts for trainer Chuck Connor Jr.
 
Tioga Downs continues live racing on Sunday, June 10 at 1:30 pm featuring the $182,000 Bettor's Delight and $184,000 Artiscape Pace.

Tioga Downs will also offer a $5,000 guaranteed pick four on races 9 – 12 which starts with the Bettor's Delight, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com .

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Up Front Kellie Jo takes Tioga Friday feature


Up Front Kellie Jo and Sean Bier used a soft early half to help capture victory in Friday night's $16,500 Fillies and Mares open handicap pace at Tioga Downs.

Leaving from post position number three, Bier eased out of the gate and then took control of the field past the opening quarter in 27.2.

Runaway Tray and Jim Taggart Jr. settled in second as Up Front Kellie Jo caught a 30-second breather to reach the half in 57.2.

As the field headed down the backside towards three quarters, Taggart pulled Runaway Tray from the two hole trying to catch Bier off guard but the duo fought back and stayed in the lead at the three quarter mile mark of the race in 1:24.4.

Around the final turn the pressure from Runaway Tray continued and the duo was joined by Smoke Pan Mirrors (Fern Paquet Jr.), but at the wire it was a gritty Up Front Kellie Jo in 1:53.3.

Runaway Tray held tough for second, while Smoke Pan Mirrors was third.

The win sent Up Front Kellie Jo over the $100,000 earnings mark on the year in her sixth seasonal victory for trainer Mark Ford.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Saturday, June 9 at 6:50 pm with a 12-race card, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

Friday, June 8, 2012

All Star fields headline Bettor's Delight and Artiscape Paces at Tioga Downs


Sunday afternoon (June 10 – post time 1:30 pm) twenty of arguably the best aged horses in all of harness racing will converge on the five eighths mile oval of Tioga Downs in Nichols, New York.

Ten of the very best aged male pacers will line up for the $182,000 Bettor's Delight open pace led by a four horse entry from the powerful Ron Burke stable.

Led by defending pacer of the year, Foiled Again, the quartet who also includes triple millionaire Won The West, Meirs Hanover, and Clear Vision, will be looking for the stable's first Bettor's Delight championship.

Looking for the repeat is the 2011 defending champion, and world record holder, Bettor Sweet.

Last year Bettor Sweet opened eyes and set a new world record of 1:48.1 when he held off We Will See (Ron Pierce) in the stretch for trainer Tom Cancelliere.

We Will See, who will once again be handled by Ron Pierce will return to Tioga Downs on Sunday as well looking for redemption on last year's race.

The $182,000 Bettor's Delight will go to the gate as race number nine on Sunday afternoon and will kick off the $5,000 guaranteed pick four in conjunction with the USTA’s strategic wagering program.

The field is listed below:

Race 9:
$182,000 Bettor's Delight Open Pace

#          PP        HORSE                                  DRIVER                    TRAINER
1          4          Won The West             Jim Morrill Jr.               Ron Burke
1A       6          Clear Vision                             Matt Kakaley               Ron Burke
1B        7          Foiled Again                             Yannick Gingras           Ron Burke
1C       8          Meirs Hanover             George Brennan           Ron Burke
2          1          Razzle Dazzle                           Brian Sears                   Jerry Silverman
3          2          Rockincam                               David Miller                 R. Nifty Norman
4          3          Aracache Hanover                    Doug McNair               Gregg McNair
5          5          Bettor Sweet                            John Campbell  Tom Cancelliere
6          9          Real Nice                                 Jason Bartlett                Richard Banca
7          10        We Will See                             Ron Pierce                   Sam De Pinto

Co-featuring the Sunday afternoon race card with the best male pacers in the country, will be ten of the most talented mare pacers Tioga Downs has ever seen for the $184,000 Artiscape Pace. The star studded field is led by defending aged pacing mare Anndrovette, who captured the 2011 edition of the Artiscape in track record time of 1:49.4. Tim Tetrick will be doing the driving from post number nine for conditioner PJ Fraley as part of a two horse entry that includes Krispy Apple (George Brennan). The field of ten also includes Put On A Show (Brian Sears) who missed her four year old season due to injury, but has been razor sharp as of late posting four wins in her last five starts. Another new comer to the top mare ranks is the wicked fast, Drop The Ball, who found her best strides late in the year last year of her 3-year old season. The 4-year old Western Terror daughter tuned up for the Artiscape in her first and only start of the year last week at The Meadowlands finishing second after a first over trip. Yannick Gingras has opted off of Rocklamation from the Ron Burke stable to drive Drop The Ball for trainer Ross Croghan. Below is the field for the $184,000 Artiscape Open Mare Pace:

Race 7:
$184,000 Artiscape Open Mare Pace

#          PP        HORSE                                  DRIVER                    TRAINER
1          2          Krispy Apple                            George Brennan           P J Fraley
1A       9          Anndrovette                             Tim Tetrick                   P J Fraley
2          4          Ginger And Fred                      Jim Morrill Jr.               Ron Burke
2A       7          Rocklamation                           Ron Pierce                   Ron Burke
3          1          Dreamfair Eternal                      Jody Jamieson              Patrick Fletcher
4          3          Chancey Lady                          David Miller                 P J Fraley
5          5          Drop The Ball                           Yannick Gingras           Ross Croghan
6          6          Higher And Higher                    Daryl Bier                     Daryl Bier
7          8          Put On A Show                        Brian Sears                   Chris Ryder
8          10        All Spirit                                   Jim Marohn Jr. Judy Lanpher
    
Post time for the twelve race Sunday afternoon card is slated for 1:30 pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com .

Sunday's Tioga Downs races heard live on SiriusXM satellite radio


Sunday's stakes race at action at Tioga Downs can be heard live on SiriusXM satellite radio.
 
Dave Johnson, the longtime voice of the Kentucky Derby on ABC, will bring you the action along with owner-trainer Peter Kleinhans.
 The broadcast will kick off at 3:30 and conclude at 5 and can be heard on Sirius  channel 93 and XM channel 209.
 
 The focus will be on the $184,000 Artiscape, which is Race 7, and the $182,000 Bettor's Delight, Race 9.
  
The broadcast of the Tioga Stakes races are part of an on-going series of harness broadcasts that will be heard throughout the summer and fall on Sirius XM and are available to the network's 22 million subscribers.
 
The series is sponsored by the USTA, the Hambletonian Society, Yonkers Raceway, the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen's Association and the trio of Jeff Gural-owned tracks, the Meadowlands, Vernon Downs and Tioga Downs.