by Dustin Ross, Tigoa Downs

Don’t miss the future stars of harness racing as Tioga Downs will host The Tompkins Geers for 2-year olds for the first time beginning on Sunday, July 23rd at 12:45 p.m. and continuing Monday July 24th at 6:50 p.m. (EDT). Two fields of 2-year old colt pacers and four fields of 2-year old trotting fillies are set to battle it out in Nichols, New York.

Among the names to drive on Sunday include Brian Sears, John Campbell, George Brennan, Cat Manzi, Trond Smedshammer, Jimmy Takter, Ray Schnittker, Doug Ackerman, and Charlie Norris.

Jimmy Takter will bring in two high price yearling trotting fillies, which are Pampered Princess and What A Way, who were both purchased for $240,000 each. What A Way is coming off just two qualifiers at The Meadowlands however, Pampered Princess is coming off of an impressive victory on the front end at Pocono Downs with a mile of 1:59.4 and last quarter timed in: 28.2.

Ray Schnittker will look for two in a row at Tioga Downs with 2-year old trotting filly Down Goes Debbie who was a $130,000 yearling purchase. Down Goes Debbie and Schnittker cruised last week in their first lifetime start to a Tioga Downs track record of 2:00.2 for 2-year old trotting fillies.

Doug Ackerman will be on board his two trotting fillies, Real Hope and Rhonda T who have shown speed early in their career. Real Hope last start made a break behind the gate and caught the field at Balmoral in the $28,000 Hanover stake, just getting beat by a length in 1:59.3.

Just a reminder to all of the company involved with the Tompkins Geers that there will be a party in the “Tioga Tent” after the races on Sunday afternoon. All are invited to enjoy food, drinks, and live entertainment located on the apron in front of the grandstands.

There will also be a FREE golf outing on Monday, July 24th at Tioga Country Club set for a 10:00 a.m. shotgun start. To sign up contact Jason Settlemoir at (607) 699-3900 Ext: 7588 or email at jsettlemoir@tiogadowns.com . You will also be able to sign up Sunday after the races in the “Tioga Tent”, or before the races in the race office.