by Paul Ramlow, publicity director, The Grand Circuit

This Week: Tompkins-Geers Stakes, Tioga Downs, Nichols, New York

Schedule of events: Tompkins-Geers action begins on Friday (July 17) with the $92,000 (est.) 2-year-old filly trot. The Saturday (July 18) program features a pair of events, the $104,000 (est.) 2-year-old colt pace and the $60,000 (est.) 2-year-old filly pace. Sunday’s (July 19) card at Tioga offers the $112,000 (est.) 2-year-old colt trot, the $70,000 (est.) 3-year-old colt trot and the $60,000 (est.) 3-year-old filly pace. Action concludes on Monday (July 20) with the $67,000 (est.) 3-year-old filly trot and the $60,000 (est.) 3-year-old colt pace.

Last time: Driver Jim Morrill, Jr. and trainer George Teague, Jr. were the stars of Grand Circuit week at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. Morrill piloted an amazing 11 winners in the 35 W.N. Reynolds Memorial stakes divisions, with eight of those victories coming for the Teague barn.

The Morrill-Teague team combined to win four $25,000 divisions of the 2-year-old colt pace, scoring with Dr Dreamy, Fancyfreeshark, Manofleisuresuit, and Up Front Tim T. They also won a pair of divisions of the 3-year-old colt pace ($26,309 purse-Johnny Z) and ($25,909 purse-Mr Wiggles) and the 2-year-old filly pace ($25,000 purse-Fancy Filly) and $25,000 purse-Tee Time).

Morrill’s other three Grand Circuit wins came with Upfront Pattys Boy ($29,404 2-year-old colt trot division); Bullet Express ($26,179 2-year-old filly trot split); and Precious Medal ($25,909 3-year-old colt pace division).

Tim Tetrick won five Reynolds Memorial divisions last week, while Brett Miller added four Reynolds victories.

Grand Circuit Driving Standings: Jim Morrill Jr. has a commanding lead in the Grand Circuit driving standings with 15 wins so far in 2009. Tim Tetrick is in second place with eight winners. John Campbell, Brett Miller and Ron Pierce share third place, each with four victories. Jason Bartlett, David Miller, Dave Palone, Ray Schnittker and Jimmy Takter are tied for sixth place, with three wins apiece.

Looking ahead: Following this week’s stop at Tioga Downs, the Grand Circuit heads to The Meadows for action beginning on Friday, July 24. In the spotlight that day will be $50,000 eliminations for the track’s marquee event, the Delvin Miller Adios for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers. The $620,000 (est.) Adios final is slated for Saturday, August 1.