Lost in the Noise, Tioga Downs Offers $10,000 Guaranteed Pool for Pick 6

With all the noise going around about the Meadowlands, some of the other harness racing news gets drowned out.  One such piece of news is that Tioga Downs will be offering a guaranteed $10,000 pool for the Pick 6.  Granted, it is not a 15% takeout but 21%, but for a track of Tioga's size, a guaranteed $10,000 pool for the Pick 6 is a big investment.  The Pick 6 will be offered only on Sundays during the meet, meaning the first Pick 6 will be offered on  Sunday, May 8.

Another good thing is I made my selections for Vernon Downs for Friday evening.  What can I say, I love the small tracks.  I can't help but wonder if Vernon Downs could ever replace the Meadowlands if it closed?  Yes, the racing stock would have to be upgraded considerably, but the fact it is in the boon docks shouldn't matter with the vast majority of wagering occuring off track.  Jeff Gural could pull it off; IF the horsemen would go along with it.  Anyway, here are my selections for Friday night:


Vernon Downs, Friday, April 22, 2011
1st Trot  - $3,300 Conditioned                           7th Trot - $8,000; Open II
2 - Jaffah's Victory  8-1                                         2 - Aviewtoakill  7-2 
3 - Two Black Clouds  5-2                                     9 - Boy Meets Grill  8-1
8 - Enzo  9-2                                                       4 - Skad's Winner  10-1
                                                                          7 - Crestwood Patriot  12-1  

2nd Pace - $3,500; Claiming Handicap FM         8th Pace - $4,300; Conditioned
1 - Alamode A  10-1                                              2 - Dana's Dragon  7-2
7 - Blaze of Color  8-1                                           3 - Pretty Lurleen   12-1
6 - C N Grey  5-2                                                  5 - Delightful Dancer  9-2

3rd Trot - $5,500; Claiming Handicap                 9th Trot - $10,000; Open
6 - Forrest County  7-2                                          6 - Fancy shot  5-2
5 - Corregidore  6-1                                               3 - Unshakeable  7-2
7 - Ivanhoe Diamant  5-2                                        5 - The Mad Duke  6-1

4th Pace - $5,500; Claiming Handicap FM         10th Pace - $10,000; FM Open
9 - Canaco Star  12-1                                            1 - On that Note  12-1
3- Pounne De Luxe  6-1                                         4 - Late Flyin N  8-1
7 - Kisssing Camels  8-1                                       3 - Fox Valley Sage  6-1
6 - My Girl Lora  5-2
                                                                          11th Pace - $3,500; Cond Claiming
5th Trot - $6,000; Conditioned                             4 - Smiling Major  9-2
8 - Vacation Day  5-2                                            5 - Dreamnbiu  6-1
2 - Catch That Yank  6-1                                       9 - Pan Taylor  7-2
6 - Saver  7-2
                                                                          12th Trot - $2,500; Conditioned
6th Pace - $3,000; Conditioned                           2 - Valley Crown  9-2
7 - Major Keson  10-1                                           3 - Famous Image  8-1
1 - Occupant  6-1                                                 8 - Tip The Tide  5-2
4 - Incredible Della  5-2                                         7 - Axis Of Evil  12-1