by Dustin Ross, regional racing operations manager, Tioga/Vernon Downs

Nichols, NY — Tioga Downs held its second round of qualifiers on Friday, April 23, which featured a few of its top performers from past years.

Jim Perry sent out six starters including Winbak Dimensions and Opan Heart who have raced mainly in the Tioga Downs Open ranks over the past two seasons. Corey Braden steered Open Heart to a 1:58 victory in the sixth and final qualifier of the day with a final panel of :28.2. Stablemate Winbak Dimensions and Jimmy Marohn, Jr. finished a half-length back, closing home in :27.4.

Two of Perry’s Open pacing mares also posted qualifying victories on Friday morning: Penny Pincher (Jeff Sorenson) in 2:01 and Diva Delight (Jim Marohn, Jr.) in 1:59.3.

Tioga Downs will host its Press Night on Tuesday, April 27, at 6:50 p.m., which will also be its third round of qualifiers. Entries for qualifiers need to be called into the Tioga Downs race office by Monday, April 26, at 10 a.m. The race office can be reached at 607.699.7688.

Opening day of live racing is on Saturday, May 1, with a post time of 6:50 p.m.

For more information visit www.tiogadowns.com.