by Paul Ramlow, Grand Circuit Publicity Director

This Week: Delvin Miller Adios eliminations, The Meadows, Washington, Pennsylvania

Schedule of events: Grand Circuit week at The Meadows begins on Saturday, July 23, with a trio of $50,000 eliminations for the Delvin Miller Adios for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers. The balance of the Grand Circuit action at The Meadows takes place next week.

Last time: Driver Ray Schnittker continued his hot hand in the recently concluded Grand Circuit stop at Tioga Downs as he posted five victories in Tompkins-Geers action.

Schnittker found his way to victory lane in four $16,810 divisions in the 2-year-old filly trot, scoring with Real Babe, Lima Playmate, Check Me Out and Valentine Queen. He also won with Delano in a $19,550 division of the 2-year-old colt trot.

Dave Palone and Jeff Gregory each added a trio of winners in the Tompkins-Geers at Tioga.

Palone won a pair of divisions in the 2-year-old filly pace, behind Hallie Gallie in a $21,150 division and Air Guitar Hanover in a $21,650 division. His other win came with Miss Annie J in the $62,000 3-year-old old filly pace.

Gregory found his way to victory lane in a $37,210 3-year-old colt trot split with Keenan, a $19,550 division of the 2-year-old colt trot behind A Penny Earned and a $16,810 division of the 2-year-old filly trot with Maven.

Grand Circuit Driving Standings: Dave Palone continues to lead the Grand Circuit driving standings with 12 winners. Ray Schnittker and Tim Tetrick are tied for second with 10 scores. David Miller is fourth with six victories. Brett Miller checks in fifth with four wins. Jason Bartlett and Jeff Gregory share sixth place, each with three triumphs. Dan Daley, Matt Kakaley, Andy Miller, Jim Taggart, Jr. and Jimmy Takter are tied for eighth place with two wins apiece.

Looking ahead: Grand Circuit action will take place at The Meadows next week, with the marquee event being the $650,000 (est.) Delvin Miller Adios for 3-year-old colt pacers. The Adioo Volo for 3-year-old filly pacers and six Arden Downs events for 2- and 3-year-olds are also on the busy schedule.

The remaining 2011 schedule for the Grand Circuit is as follows.

Track–Dates
Meadows–July 25-July 30
Meadowlands–August 4-August 6
Illinois State Fair (Springfield)–August 12-August 18
Indiana State Fair (Indianapolis)–August 19
Harrah’s Chester–August 21-August 27
Indiana Downs–August 24-August 27
Mohawk–September 3-September 10
Delaware, Ohio County Fair–September 18-September 22
The Red Mile–September 29-October 9
Breeders Crown at Woodbine–October 21-October 29
Balmoral Park–November 5-November 12
Maywood Park–November 18