by Dustin Ross, Regional Racing Operations Manager, Tioga Downs

Nichols, NY — Tioga Downs held the draw on Wednesday morning (July 31) for the Empire Breeders Classic eliminations for 3-year-old New York bred pacers. A total of 12 pacing colts were entered and were split into two six horse $12,500 eliminations, set to go postward in races four and eight on Sunday afternoon.

Leading the field of six in the first elimination is Adios runner-up Vegas Vacation from the powerful Casie Coleman stable, who has listed Brian Sears to do the driving. Coming off a second place finish to Sunfire Blue Chip in the $450,000 Adios final, Vegas Vacation drew post six.

Here is the field in post position order, with drivers listed before scratch time: 1. Odds On Equuleus (John Campbell), 2. Sir Cary’s Z Tam (Pat Lachance), 3. Source Of Pride (Mark MacDonald), 4. Thirty Two Red (Ray Schnittker), 5. Doctor Butch (Jim Morrill. Jr.) and 6. Vegas Vacation (Brian Sears).

In the second $12,500 elimination, Adios winner Sunfire Blue Chip from the Jimmy Takter stable leads a field of six pacing colts looking to advance to the $257,250 final. Yannick Gingras will once again do the driving on the son of American Ideal–Shot Togo Bluechip from post four on Sunday afternoon.

Here is the field in post position order, with drivers listed before scratch time: 1. Bet The Moon (Jim Morrill, Jr.), 2. Captive Audience (Randy Waples), 3. Swift As A Shadow (Jim Morrill, Jr.), 4. Sunfire Blue Chip (Yannick Gingras), 5. Olde Time Hockey (Jason Bartlett) and 6. A Bettor World (Jim Marohn, Jr.).

Nine 3-year-old pacing fillies entered on Wednesday morning for the $250,750 Empire Breeders Classic and all nine will move directly into the final. Entries include Ballineen, Bettor Think Twice, Cult Status, Give Me An Amen, JK Black Beauty, Park N Orchard, Road Bet, Shebestingin and Social Scene.

Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Friday (Aug. 2) with a post time of 6:50 p.m. For more information on Tioga Downs visit www.tiogadowns.com.