by Dustin Ross, regional racing operations manager, Tioga Downs

Nichols, NY — Bullville Powerful and Yannick Gingras won the second elimination of the Empire Breeders Classic 3-year-old colt pace at Tioga Downs on Sunday afternoon (May 18) in 1:52.2 over a track listed as good.

Bullville Powerful was a 1:52.2 winner in his elimination for Yannick Gingras.

The 3-year-old colt by Bettor’s Delight just lost to Blueridge Western last week in the Berry’s Creek Final, but will get another shot at a big payday in the final of the Empire Breeders Classic on Sunday, May 25. Elimination winners were given the choice of their post position for next week’s final and the connections selected post position two. Bullville Powerful is trained by Stephen Crevani and was bred and is owned by Crevani Farms. Also qualifying for next week’s final were Southwind Lark, General Montgomery, and Harrah’s Best.

Major Hottie took the first elimination for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers with David Miller in the sulky. The Art Major colt posted a new lifetime mark with the mile in 1:53.4 for trainer Mark Capone. The connections of Major Hottie have opted for post position three in next week’s final. Also qualifying were Cheyenne Barry, Riggins, and Baby Teeth.

The two fifth-place finishers were drawn for the entry to the final with Sailing Cruise getting in while Jagger Blue Chip will be listed as AE 1.

Fred Brown Photography

Riverbank Hanover won the fastest of three eliminations for the filly pacers.

Riverbank Hanover and Sam Schillaci posted the fastest elimination for the 3-year-old filly pacers with a new lifetime mark of 1:54.3. Michael Bucaria owns the Bettor’s Delight filly, while Jodi Schillaci does the training. With the victory Riverbank Hanover increased her career earnings to more than $95,000 in only 14 career starts. Also qualifying for next week’s final were Arts Diva and Artimittateslife.

Woman Rebels returned to Tioga Downs and came out victorious as she was in her final start of 2007 at Tioga when the filly set a track record of 1:53.4 for 2-year-old filly pacers. Although the mile was not as fast, it is still a victory for the Art Major filly and Jim Morrill, Jr. Woman Rebels is owned by Bulletproof Enterprises and is trained by Paul Reid. Also qualifying were Loving Caroline and First Draw.

Madam Countess also took down an elimination for 3-year-old filly pacers and was also steered by Tioga’s leading driver, Jim Morrill, Jr. The Art Major filly used her off the pace tactic to remain undefeated in five starts this season for trainer Erv Miller. Also qualifying for next week’s final were Ladycino and Wall Of Art.

The fields have been set for the Empire Breeders Classic finals as the best 3-year-old New York bred pacers collide at Tioga Downs on Sunday, May 25, at 1:15 p.m. with purses for the day of over $500,000. For more information on all of the entertainment at Tioga Downs visit us on our Web site at www.tiogadowns.com.