by Paul Ramlow, publicity director, The Grand Circuit

This Week: W. N. Reynolds Memorial, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Schedule of events: Reynolds Memorial action at Pocono begins on Tuesday (July 7) with four divisions in the $117,217 2-year-old colt trot and four splits in the $100,000 3-year-old filly pace. Featured on the Wednesday (July 8) card will be six divisions in the $150,000 2-year-old filly pace and two splits in the $74,127 3-year-old colt trot. The Friday (July 10) program will feature the $160,000 (est.) 2-year-old filly trot and the $67,000 (est.) 3-year-old colt pace. The $140,000 (est.) 2-year-old colt pace and the $75,000 (est.) 3-year-old filly trot will conclude the festivities on Saturday (July 11).

Last time: John Campbell and Ron Pierce shared the spotlight during the Historic week of Grand Circuit racing at The Meadowlands as each of the veteran drivers made four visits to the winner’s circle in stakes action.

Campbell’s wins came with Precious Stone in the $75,633 Ladyship for 3-year-old filly pacers; Cantab It All in a $31,820 division of the Acorn for 2-year-old filly trotters; Behindclosedoors in a $31,320 Acorn split; and Lucky Chucky in a $30,520 division of the Harriman for 2-year-old colt trotters.

Piece was in victory lane behind Explosive Matter in a $50,366 division of the Dickerson for 3-year-old colt trotters; Margarita Momma in a $45,366 Coaching Club Oaks split for 3-year-old filly trotters; Mr Salvatore Fra in a $39,331 division of the Goshen Cup for 2-year-old colt pacers; and Break The Bank K in a $30,020 Harriman split for 2-year-old colt trotters.

Linda Toscano was the training star during the Grand Circuit’s annual stop last week at Goshen Historic Track as she made five visits to the winner’s circle in Landmark Stake events.

Toscano took a trio of $5,661 splits of the 2-year-old colt pace with Capital Blue Chip, He’s Gorgeous and Holiday Spot; and won a pair of 2-year-old filly pace divisions, taking a $5,672 purse event with Truly A Treasure and a $5,522 purse race with Galimony. Jim Morrill, Jr. piloted the first four winners for Toscano, while Stephane Bouchard was behind Galimony.

Jason Bartlett won a trio of Landmark Stakes, scoring with I’m So Blue ($20,753 3-year-old colt pace), Eagle Way ($17,040 3-year-old filly pace) and Upfront Cosmo ($5,361 2-year-old colt pace division).

Grand Circuit Driving Standings: John Campbell, Jim Morrill, Jr. and Ron Pierce are tied for first in the Grand Circuit driving standings with four wins each. Jason Bartlett, Ray Schnittker and Tim Tetrick share fourth place with three wins apiece; Jack Baggitt, Jr., Stephane Bouchard and David Miller are tied for seventh place, each with two victories. There are 10 drivers tied for tenth place, each with one victory in 2009.

Looking ahead: The Grand Circuit heads to Tioga Downs for racing action next weekend. Tioga will offer the Tompkins-Geers Stakes for 2- and 3-year-olds of both sexes and gaits beginning on Friday, July 17.