by Dustin Ross, regional racing operations manager, Tioga Downs

Nichols, NY — Tioga Downs will kick off its three-day racing weekend on Friday, May 9, at 6:50 p.m. with a 10-race program.

The $15,000 Open Trot will be one of the co-features on Friday and has been carded as the fifth race of the night. Scorpion Moon, who is fresh off a 1:53.4 score at Pocono Downs has been slated as the 7-5 morning line favorite with Tioga’s leading driver Jim Morrill, Jr. in the sulky. Tracy Brainard trains the 7-year-old son of Armbro Scorpion and also co-owns with partner Andrew Herzog.

One of his main competitors will be Hitwiththeladies from post position four. The 4-year-old Giant Hit horse is coming off an impressive year in 2007 where he banked over $230,000 in 14 starts for owner-trainer Allan McCarty.

The Fillies and Mares Open Pace for $15,000 will also co-feature Friday’s card. Elusive Prey has been given the nod as the 5-2 morning line favorite for trainer Kevin Johnson and driver Joe Pavia, Jr. The 4-year-old Western Hanover mare has yet to find the winner’s circle this year in three starts. Last season Elusive Prey banked over $390,000 in 22 seasonal starts.

Saturday night’s (May 10) card will feature the Nichols True Value Trotting Series for 3-year-old filly trotters, the Tioga Country Club Trotting Series for 3-year-old colts and geldings, and the $15,000 Open Pace with a full field of nine.

There will be plenty of sire stake hopefuls at Tioga on Sunday afternoon (May 11) as they continue in the second leg of the M&J Oil and Lube Pace for 3-year-old filly pacers and The McNamara’s Pacing Series for 3-year-old colts and geldings.

Wall Of Art will look for her last tune-up before the eliminations of the Empire Breeders Classic that will take place on Sunday, May 18, at Tioga Downs. Last year the Art Major filly won an elimination of the Sweetheart at The Meadowlands, along with finishing second in a division of the Countess Adios, losing to Worldly Treasure.

For more information please visit us on our Web site at www.tiogadowns.com or give us a call at 1-888-WIN-TIOGA.