by Nick Salvi, for Tioga Downs

Nichols, NY — Tioga Downs will offer late closers for those New York bred 3-year-old pacers not competing in the Empire Breeders Classic.

Horses nominated to any of the state bred programs (New York Sire Stakes, Excelsior and New York 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.

The pacing fillies will have a $10,000 elimination on Sunday (August 5) and a $20,000 final on Sunday (August 12). There is a $250 nomination fee due by July 15 and there will be a $250 entry fee due for the elimination, with 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.