by Paul Ramlow, Grand Circuit Publicity Director

This Week: Delaware Grand Circuit, Delaware County Fair, Delaware, Ohio

Schedule of events: Grand Circuit action begins on Wednesday (Sept. 22) with the $353,400 Jugette for 3-year-old filly pacers, a single division in the $98,025 Buckette for 3-year-old filly trotters, and two divisions in the $63,100 Standardbred for 2-year-old filly trotters. The big Thursday (Sept. 23) racing program is headed up by the $604,100 Little Brown Jug, the second leg of Pacing’s Triple Crown for 3-year-olds. Thursday’s Grand Circuit action also includes the $150,000 (est.) Old Oaken Bucket for 3-year-old trotting colts, the $95,000 (est.) Standardbred for 2-year-old colt pacers, the $80,000 (est.) Standardbred for 2-year-old colt trotters, and the $70,000 (est.) Standardbred for 2-year-old filly pacers.

Last time: Mark MacDonald, Ron Pierce and Brian Sears were the driving stars as the Grand Circuit concluded its stay at Mohawk Racetrack as each reinsman had a driving triple in stakes action.

MacDonald posted all three of his wins this past Saturday night (Sept. 11). He won the $240,457 Simcoe Stakes for 3-year-old colt pacers with Kyle Major, a $92,275 Champlain Stakes split for 2-year-old filly pacers with Pretty Katherine and a $90,336 Champlain Stakes division for 2-year-old filly pacers with Idyllic.

Pierce was behind Costa Rica in the $230,195 Simcoe Stakes for 3-year-old filly trotters, a $122,829 Simcoe Stakes division for 3-year-old colt trotters with Muscle Massive and a $94,174 Champlain Stakes division for 2-year-old filly trotters with Global Desire.

Sears was in victory lane in a $137,265 Champlain Stakes split for 2-year-old colt pacers with Roll With Joe, a $122,829 Simcoe Stakes division for 3-year-old colt trotters with Break The Bank K and a $90,336 Champlain Stakes split for 2-year-old filly pacers with Modern Connection.

Grand Circuit Driving Standings: Tim Tetrick continues to lead the Grand Circuit driving standings with 16 victories in 2010. Brian Sears is in second place with 13 winners. John Campbell, Jim Morrill, Jr. and Ron Pierce are tied for third place, with 11 victories apiece. Yannick Gingras and David Miller share sixth place, each with 10 winners. Dave Palone holds down eighth place with seven triumphs. George Brennan is ninth with six winners. Mike Lachance, Ray Schnittker and Brandon Simpson are tied for tenth place, each with five winning drives.

Looking ahead: The Grand Circuit heads to Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs next weekend for Breeders Crown eliminations. The 2-year-olds of both sexes and gaits will compete on Friday (Oct. 1) while the 3-year-olds and the older horses will battle on Saturday (Oct. 2). All 12 finals will be held on Saturday (Oct. 9).