Little Santamonica and driver Aaron Byron captured Friday
night's $16,000 fillies and mares open pace.
The duo settled in second from the
four hole as All Spirit (Jim Marohn Jr.) took the field by the opening quarter
in 27.2.
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| Little Santamonica (Aaron Byron) win Friday's featured race |
By the fans and the stands for the first time, Jim Meittinis moved
Hayworth Blue Chip to the front from third and got by the half in 56.1. Down
the backside, Byron sent Little Santamonica first over through a third quarter
in 27.2 and eventually cleared the leader by three quarters in 1:23.3. Around
the final turn Byron had Little Santamonica firing on all cylinders to open up
on the field and win by three and a half lengths in 1:52.2.
Tracy Brainard owns
and trains the 5-year-old daughter of Little Steven – Tonianne N. Hayworth Blue
Chip (Jim Meittinis) hung tough for second, while last week's winner All Spirit
(Jim Marohn Jr.) was third.
Aaron Byron, Jim Marohn Jr., and Brandon Simpson each posted
driving doubles on the night's 12-race card.
Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Saturday, May 18th
with a post time of 6:50pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us
online at www.tiogadowns.com.
These races are written during the four live race day week next Friday through the Monday, May 27 Memorial Day card.
There are two classes for each sex and gait, a $7,500e class ($100 entry fee) for Excelsior eligible and a $12,500e class ($250 entry fee) for sire stake horses. Both will go on the same card, as is the practice for the NYSS/Excelsior program.
Tioga uses a four-day box, with the entries for Friday, May 24 due by 9am on Monday, May 20.
The condition sheet is available on the Tioga website and further information may be gained by calling Director of Racing Jason Bluhm at 607-699-7688.
Money Twitch A and Simon Allard captured Sunday afternoon's
$16,000 open pace at Tioga Downs.
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| Simon Allard and Money Twitch A capture Sunday's Open Pace |
Leaving from post position number five in a
field of six, Allard settled in fifth as Eastend Eddie (Keith Kamann) led the
field through an opening panel of 27.1. By the three eighths pole Greg Merton
moved heavily favored River Shark first over from sixth with Money Twitch A
moving to the outside to draft his live cover. River Shark was in a tough spot
grinding first over through a 55.1 half before heading into the strong head
wind by three quarters in 1:23.4. Around the final turn, Allard tipped Money
Twitch three wide off of Merton's cover and quickly stepped by the leader and
opened up in the stretch to win by a length in 1:52.4.
Recent News (Marcus Miller) followed Money Twitch third over
throughout the mile and followed his cover to finish second, while One More
Laugh (Ray Schnittker) despite traffic problems found room late to finish
third. Last week's winner, Windsum Callum nailed down the fourth spot, while
heavily favored River Shark with the tough trip could do no better than fifth.
Fern Paquet Jr. and Greg Merton each posted driving doubles
on the afternoon's 13-race card. Tioga Downs continues live racing action
on Friday, May 17th with a post time of 6:50pm, for more information
on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.
Tioga Downs' hometown horse, Aruba Vacation and Fern Paquet
Jr. captured Saturday night's $16,000 Open trot.
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| Local favorite Aruba Vacation captures Saturday's Open Trot |
Leaving from post position
number three in a field of seven, Paquet put Aruba Vacation on the engine
through early fractions of 27.2 and 57.1. Down the backside, Aaron Byron sent
Sand Wyndham first up from third to challenge the leader through a third
quarter of 28.2 reaching three quarters in 1:25.3. Around the final turn Aruba
Vacation had rebuffed all challengers and opened up to win by two lengths for
his fourth win of the season in 1:56.
Guy Howard trains the 6-year-old homebred
son of Dream Vacation – Dixie Hit who with the win increased his career
bankroll to more than $468,000.
Don't Know Chip (Jim Marohn Jr.) closed late to finish
second, while pocket sitting Cowgirl Hall (Gates Brunet) hung on for third. Fern
Paquet Jr. posted a four bagger on the night's 12-race card winning with
Aruba Vacation, Grey Ice, Herecomesthechief, and Mystical Con.
Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Sunday, May 12th
with a post time of 1:30pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us
online at www.tiogadowns.com.
The 7-year-old pacing mare All Spirit felt right back at home on Friday night at Tioga Downs when she visited one of her favorite spots, the winner's circle.
All Spirit and Jimmy Marohn Jr. were hampered with post position number eight in last week's FM Open pace, and could do no better than sixth after getting away last.
This week the pair enjoyed post position number one, and settled in fourth through a driving rain storm that saw heavy favorite, Ramona Disomma leading through early fractions of 27.3 and 57.
Down the backside, Aaron Byron sent Little Santamonica first over from third with All Spirit tracking on her back.
Little Santamonica and Ramona Disomma raced head to head by three quarters in 1:25.3.
Around the final turn, Marohn tipped All Spirit three-wide to open up in the stretch and win by two in 1:54.1.
It was the first win in three seasonal starts for the daughter of Bettor's Delight – Spirit Of Ivy for trainer Judy Lanpher and owner Larry Lanpher of Florida.
Hayworth Blue Chip (Jim Meittinis) closed to be second, while Blows Me Away (Sam Schillaci) also came from off the pace to finish third.
Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Saturday, May 11th
with a post time of 6:50pm, for more information on Tioga Downs please visit us
online at www.tiogadowns.com.
Online handicapping contest beginning May 17 offers free entry, $1,500
top prize
After launching a similar
contest at Vernon Downs last month with more than 500 entries, Tioga Downs has
opened registration for its own version of the Showdown Online Handicapping
Contest. Though the contest does not begin until May 17, free registration is open now.
Tioga Downs Showdown requires contestants to select one
horse in any race each racing night. That
horse must finish first, second or third in order for the contestant to remain in
the competition. If the contestant is
successful, they will advance to the next race night, otherwise, they will be
eliminated.
The contestant that lasts the longest will win the $1,500
top prize. The runner-up will receive $750.
Tioga Downs has also partnered with Trackmaster to offer
contestants free platinum past performances for a selected race of the day
throughout the duration of the contest.
“I was really pleased with the response we received to the
contest at Vernon and I wanted fans and horseplayers to get the same
opportunity to compete for the $1,500 top prize with Tioga up and running now,”
said Justin Horowitz, Regional Racing Marketing Manager for Tioga Downs.
Fans are encouraged to register now by visiting showdown.tiogadowns.com.
All contestants must be registered and submit their
selection no later than 10 minutes before the first post time at Tioga Downs.
First post time on May 17 is 6:50 p.m.
Free online streaming video is also available on the Tioga
Downs website so contestants can follow along with their selections each race
night.
Live racing resumes at Tioga Downs Friday (tonight) with a
6:50 p.m. first post time.
Deweycheatumnhowe,
Marcus Miller, and Tioga Downs Opening Day Featured on Season Premiere May 8
NICHOLS, NY –Inside Harness Racing, the fast-paced,
half-hour program chronicling the happenings at Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs,
returns for its fourth season on May 8 (today) at 6:00 PM EST on Time Warner
Cable Sports Channel. The show continues to be hosted by Lew Barasch
Breakthrough Award honoree Justin Horowitz.
The new season kicks off with a jam-packed episode. A story
about 2008 Hambletonian winner Deweycheatumnhowe’s new home in New York is a
standout feature in the premiere. Find out how the champion trotter could
become a game changer to the Empire State’s racing and breeding fortunes.
Plus, up-and-coming driver Marcus Miller sits down with Horowitz to discuss his
future in the sport and his love of social media, particularly Twitter.
Also, more than 10,000 people showed up at opening day at
Tioga Downs. If you weren’t there in person to experience the festivities, you
won’t want to miss videographer Jim Rotundo’s artistic story about the
day. He captured all of the most exciting moments for you to see.
If you live in an area that does not receive Time Warner
Cable Sports Channel, you can watch the show anytime on our YouTube page. http://www.youtube.com/tiogadowns
###
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| Windsun Callum pulls off a 32-1 upset in Sunday's feature |
Aaron Byron made the move this year to Tioga Downs for the
summer, and on Sunday afternoon, Windsun Callum, began adapting to his new
surroundings by winning the $16,000 Open pace.
The duo left from post position
one in a field scratched down to eight starters with Sheer Brilliance (Corey Braden)
setting the early tempo of 26.4 and 56.
Down the backside Byron placed Windsun
Callum in the cover flow by three quarters in 1:23.2.
Around the final turn,
Byron tipped Windsun Callum three wide and paced by the leaders to draw clear
in the stretch and win in 1:52.2.
It was the fourth win of the year in 10
starts for the 9-year-old son of Cam's Card Shark – Star Magic who is trained
by Jeff Byron for owner David Byron of Ontario.
The 10-year-old millionaire, Eagle Luck (Jim Marohn Jr.) closed late for
second, while Sheer Brilliance (Corey Braden) hung tough for third.
Mike Simons posted a driving triple on the afternoon's 13-race card, while Jason Bartlett and Rick Dane Jr. each scored doubles.
Tioga Downs continues live racing on Friday, May 10th
with a post time of 6:50pm, and the race office would like to remind all
horsemen that the draw for Friday, May 10th will take place on
Monday morning (May 6) with the box closing at 9:00am.
For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online
at www.tiogadowns.com.
Tioga Downs opened up for its eighth season of live racing on Saturday, May 4 in Nichols, New York.
As in years past, the harness racing fans of the Southern Tier showed their support as more than 15,000 attended "Derby Fest" at Tioga Downs.
Jimmy Marohn Jr. and Visible Gold got the year started off
with a bang winning the third leg of the Hudson River Series in a new lifetime
best of 1:49.3.
The pair left from post six in in 26.1, but were forced to
release Long Live Rock (Jeff Dauplaise) who was parked on the outside.
.JPG) |
| Visible Gold wins Leg 3 of Hudson River Series |
The
field paced by the half in 54 as Domethatagain (Marcus Miller) headed the field
towards three quarters.
Down the backside, Visible Gold found room and angled
off the pylons following Mr Dennis (Nick Surick) by three quarters in 1:21.1.
Around the final turn Marohn sent Visible Gold three wide and paced away from
the field in the stretch for his ninth win in a row.
Tioga Downs' 2012 leading trainer, Ron Burke, trains the
5-year-old son of Bettor's Delight – Gabrielle for Burke Racing, Weaver
Bruscemi, and RTC Stables all of Pennsylvania.
Domethatagain (Marcus Miller)
hung tough for second, while Take It Back Terry, the other half of the Burke
entry paced home late for third.
Spice It Up Lindy (Jim Meittinis) captured Saturday night's
$16,000 open trot in 1:53.3, while Doc's Hope (Jim Meittinis) took home the
$16,000 fillies and mares open pace in 1:52.
Jim Meittinis posted four driving victories on the night's 10-race card, while Jimmy Marohn Jr. had a triple.
For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online
at www.tiogadowns.com.
Tioga Downs is set to embark on its eighth season of live racing from Nichols, NY on Saturday, May 4th (Kentucky Derby Day) with a post time of 5:00pm.
A 10-race card will highlight the day and kick off the 61-day race season that continues through Saturday, September 14.
The 2013 schedule is covered with marquee stakes events throughout the summer totaling nearly $2 million and will feature some of our sports most accomplished stars.
One of the most exciting dates on the calendar comes on June 9th as Tioga will host the best older female and male pacers in the $200,000e Artiscape Pace and $200,000e Roll with Joe (Formerly known as the Bettor's Delight).
"The Roll with Joe and Artiscape always attract some of the sport's best to Tioga Downs and we look forward to hosting these events every year and putting on a good show for our fans," said VP of Racing and Simulcast, Jason Settlemoir.
Fans may also register each racing night for the 3rd annual Million Dollar Ball Drop, another season-long promotion that could award one lucky winner with $1 million on Saturday, September 7.
Other special promotions for the 2013 racing season also include race date t-shirt and magnet giveaway (May 4), wall calendar giveaway (May 12), hat giveaway (May 27), Yannick Gingras colors replica t-shirt giveaway (June 9), Pilsner glass giveaway (June 16), harness racing coloring book (June 30), beanie horse toy giveaway (July 28), fleece pullover giveaway (August 11), and a Corey Callahan bobblehead giveaway (September 2).
On Monday, September 2nd Tioga Downs will host the $400,000e Cane Pace for the best 3-year-old male pacers in North America, along with its counterpart, the $110,000e Shady Daisy for 3-year-old pacing fillies.
Also sharing the spotlight on the card will be the return of the $50,000 Drivers' Championship which makes its way back home to Tioga Downs.
A leg of the event will be held at Vernon Downs on Sunday, August 25th, but the final round will be contested at Tioga Downs.
Post time for the special matinee program is set for 1:30pm.
For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.
A Who's Who of Harness Racing's Elite Expected to Compete in 2013
Vernon's
premier aged trotting stakes, the Credit Winner Open Trot and the Muscle Hill
Aged Mare Trot, saw slight increases with 33 and 29 nominations respectively.
The Credit Winner eligibles are highlighted by defending
champion Hot Shot Blue Chip plus a host of top four-year-olds including
Hambletonian winner Market Share, Breeders' Crown winner Intimidate, and the
Jimmy Takter-trained duo of Guccio and Little Brown Fox.
The Credit Winner and Muscle Hill will each be raced on
September 6 at Vernon Downs.
Tioga's top aged pacing events, the Roll With Joe (formerly
the Bettor's Delight) and the Artiscape saw numbers nearly equal to last year
with 28 males in the Roll With Joe and 19 mares in the Artiscape.
The Roll With Joe features all of the aged pacing divisions
superstars entering 2013 including Foiled Again, Golden Receiver and Bettor
Sweet, plus an all-star cast of four-year-olds led by Sweet Lou, Heston Blue
Chip, Bolt The Duer and Pet Rock.
The Roll With Joe and Artiscape kick off Tioga's open stakes
season on Sunday, June 9.
"We're very pleased with the horsemen's continued support of
our stakes program,” said Jason Bluhm, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs Regional
Director of Racing. "I think I speak for all of the fans when I say I'm really
looking forward to seeing how the group of four-year-olds stacks up against the
aged horses."
"The past two Horses of the Year, San Pail and Chapter
Seven, have each raced in the Credit Winner and we're hoping to once again
showcase the sport's premier trotters to our fans and horseplayers again,” said
Scott Warren, Vernon Downs Director of Racing.
The Kindergarten Classic for two-year-old trotters saw a six
percent increase in nominations with more than 340 colts and fillies paid into
the event. The list of eligibles includes 39 freshmen from the much anticipated
first crop of world champion Muscle Hill. The Kindergarten Classic begins
August 2 at the Meadowlands with the $200,000e final on October 25 at Vernon
Downs.
Tioga Downs would like to remind all horsemen that we have
switched to a four-day box for the 2013 racing season.
Entries for opening day
(Saturday, May 4) are due into the Tioga Downs race office (607.699.7688) by
9:00AM on Tuesday, April 30.
Tioga Downs' opening day will carry a
special post time of 5:00PM.
We will race 3 races and then take a 1 hour break
for the Kentucky Derby
and resume racing at 7:00PM.
For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online
at www.tiogadowns.com or call the
Tioga Downs race office at 607.699.7688.
Tioga Downs is set for opening day of its 2013 race season on Saturday, May 4 (Kentucky Derby Day) with a post time of 5:00 pm.
A few of
the Tioga Downs opening day traditions will continue with a visit from the
Buffalo Jills, Derby Day Hat Contest, race date t-shirt and magnet giveaways, horseplay
car giveaway, and much more.
Tioga held its first qualifying races of the year this past
Friday (April 19) with four qualifying events going to the gate.
Another set of
qualifiers will be held on Friday, April 26 with entries due in to the Tioga
Downs Race Office (607.699.7688) by 10:00AM on Thursday morning (April 25).
A
final set of qualifiers will be held on "Press Night" on Tuesday, April 30th
with qualifiers beginning at 6:50PM.
Entries to the "Press Night" qualifiers
are due into the race office by 10:00AM on Monday morning (April 29).
Tioga would like to remind all horsemen that we have
switched to a four-day box for the 2013 racing season.
Entries for opening day
(Saturday, May 4) are due into the Tioga Downs race office (607.699.7688) by
9:00AM on Tuesday, April 30.
For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online
at www.tiogadowns.com or call the
Tioga Downs race office at 607.699.7688.
Tioga Downs is gearing up for its eighth season of live
racing action from Nichols,
NY, and will prepare by holding
qualifiers on April 19th at 11:00 AM.
The season kicks off on
Saturday, May 4 (Kentucky Derby Day) with a post time for live racing of 5:00 PM.
Tioga will host three of its live races before taking a break for the 139th
running of the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs, and will then continue with
the remainder of its racing program immediately following.
Tioga Downs would like to remind all of its horsemen that we
will be switching to a four day box this year.
The draw for Saturday, May 4
will take place on Tuesday, April 30th with entries due in to the Tioga
Downs race office by 9:00 AM.
Qualifiers at Tioga Downs will also be offered on Friday,
April 26 at11:00 AM, and on Tuesday, April 30 at 6:50 PM for its annual "Press
Night" with all of the local media.
For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online
at www.tiogadowns.com or call the Tioga
Downs race office at 607.699.7688.
The sustaining payments for the 2013 Kindergarten Trotting Classic, Artiscape, Credit Winner, Miss Versatility, Muscle Hill and Roll With Joe (formerly known as the Bettor's Delight) are due by April 15. Visit the Tioga Downs website or call 607-699-7688 for further information.
