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After earning back-to-back Dan Patch Awards and earning more than $2 million on the racetrack, Lucky Chucky began his stud career last year at Winbak Farm in New York. We travel to the farm and catch up with "Chucky" on this week's episode of "Inside Harness Racing."

"Inside Harness Racing," a weekly, half-hour television show, airs today (Wednesday) at 6:00 PM on Time Warner Cable Sports throughout Upstate New York. For the second year in a row, the show will also be broadcast on HPI TV in Canada. Viewers can also watch every episode online at the Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/tiogadowns).

"Lucky Chucky won the Zweig at Tioga Downs during his 3-year-old season and had a great following so we're excited to be able to visit him and update his fans on his new career as a Daddy," said the show's host and producer, Justin Horowitz.

Leading Vernon Downs driver Chris Lems is also featured on this week's show in Settlemoir's Spotlight.

Plus, Sapphire City broke the Tioga Downs track record on Sunday. We'll recap his sub-1:50 performance and talk with driver Tyler Buter, who was aboard for the win.

Watch this week's episode right now below:

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Sapphire City continued with his career best form on Sunday afternoon at Tioga Downs in the $16,500 Open pace, winning in 1:49.4.

The mile by Sapphire City established a new track record for 4-year-old gelding pacers on the five-eighths mile track.

Leaving from post position number three, Tyler Buter was unhurried as Eastend Eddie (Jason Bartlett) was putting up scorching fractions of 26, 54, and 1:21.1 on the front end.

Around the final turn, Sapphire City was tracking the leader and eating up racetrack with every stride to easily draw clear and win in a new lifetime best.

The 4-year-old gelded son of Metropolitan – Spectre Almahurst is owned by Centaur Stables and Jordon Skult and is trained by Mitchell Mac Kenzie.

It was the sixth win of the year for Sapphire City, who with the win, increased his seasonal bankroll to more than $68,000.

Voice Of Truth (Jim Meittinis) closed late for second, while Sheer Brilliance (Sean Bier) was third.

Jim Meittinis, Greg Merton, and Phil Fluet each posted driving doubles on the afternoon's 12-race card.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Friday, May 18 at 6:50 pm.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

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The Evictor, (Lewayne Miller) despite making his initial start in 2012 following two qualifiers, used a first over grind to score in the $16,500 Open Trot on Saturday night at Tioga Downs.

Leaving from post position number two, Miller drifted out of the gate and settled in fourth as Diamond Hunter (Jimmy Marohn Jr.) cut through fractions of 28, 58.1, and 1:27.

As the field reached the top of the stretch, The Evictor, had the leader collared and drew clear of the field down the stretch to capture the night's featured event.

John Butenschoen trains the 4-year-old gelded son of Valley Victor – Express Chip for William Wiswell and Jean Goehlen.

Aruba Vacation (Fern Paquet Jr.) couldn't find room until deep in the stretch to get up for second, while A Gentleman (Phil Fluet) was third.

Jim Taggart Jr. posted a driving triple on the night's 10-race card, while Fern Paquet Jr. made his way to the winner's circle on two occasions.

Jim Meittinis and Fern Paquet Jr. are tied in the driver's standings for wins through four racing cards in 2012 with six wins each.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Sunday afternoon (May 13) at 1:30 pm with a 12-race card.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

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The first leg of the popular Miss Versatility series for trotting mares is scheduled for Sunday, May 20.

The series will make its first appearance north of the border, one of several adjustments in the format for the upcoming season.

The number of preliminary legs has been increased from three to four, with Mohawk Racetrack hosting the first two with the second leg on Sunday, July 1st.

The Meadowlands hosts leg three on Friday, August 17 and the last leg will be at Tioga Downs on Sunday, August 26.

The Delaware County Fair will again host the final on Little Brown Jug Day, Thursday, September 20.

The connections of those mares racing in the final will receive a hospitality package including tent access, courtesy of the LBJ.

The purse for each leg has been increased from $25,000 to $40,000 ($30,000 div) and the final will be well in excess of $100,000 this season.

The list of nominees and race conditions may be found here.

The draw for the May 20 card is on Wednesday, May 16.

Further draw info is available by following this link or calling the Mohawk Race Office at (905) 854-7805.

The declaration fee in the amount of $2,000 in US funds should be made payable to Mohawk Racetrack.

The declaration fee is required only once, regardless of the number of legs raced in.

There is no further entry fee due for the final.

Mares must start in a minimum of two legs to be eligible to race in the final.

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A duo of NYSS prep races highlighted Tioga Downs' Friday night, 12-race card, with Jamie Sue posting the fastest time of the night.

Jim Meittinis sent Jamie Sue to the front after the field went by the opening quarter in a soft 28.4.

The duo then cut through fractions of 58 and 1:27 before heavy pressure was applied by the first-over Marinade Hanover (Sam Schillaci).

Meittinis had to ask Jamie Sue for all she had down the stretch to fight back and find the wire first in 1:54.2.

Mark Ford trains the 3-year-old daughter of Art Major – Road To Pandalay for Robert Di Nozzi of Ossining, NY.

Brownsville Bomber (Fern Paquet Jr.) was victorious in 1:55.4 in the second division of the NYSS preps on Friday night for trainer Ed Hart.

Fern Paquet, Jr. posted a driving triple on the night's 12-race card, while Jim Meittinis and Jim Marohn Jr. each collected two driving victories.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Saturday night (May 12) at 6:50 pm with a 10-race card.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

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Harness racing fans, both new and old, will once again have a TV outlet for their favorite sport.

"Inside Harness Racing," a weekly, half-hour television show, returns for its third season. The first episode airs today (Wednesday) at 6:00 PM on Time Warner Cable Sports throughout Upstate New York. For the second year in a row, the show will also be broadcast on HPI TV in Canada. Viewers can also watch every episode online at the Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/tiogadowns).

"We're very excited to once again offer fans a television outlet for the great racing, great stories and great characters at Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs," said the show's executive producer and host, Justin Horowitz. "TV is one of the best outlets to promote our game and we're grateful to our partners at Time Warner Cable Sports for once again giving us a prime outlet."

Each week, the show will not only cover the major races at Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs with replays and interviews, but also will go beyond the races with special features to introduce viewers to the personalities and horses behind the scenes.

Fan education will also be a major focus with a regular segment called "Harness Racing University" that will teach new fans and horseplayers about the wagering side of the sport.

A story that aired on "Inside Harness Racing" was awarded an honorable mention in the 2011 John Hervey Awards for excellence in harness racing broadcasting.

The debut episode can be viewed below

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Tioga Downs continued with its second day of live racing action on Sunday afternoon.

Highlighting the 13-race card were two divisions of NYSS prep races for 3-year-old trotting fillies.

In the second division, Cowgirl Hall and Gates Brunet, showed that they are ready for the sire stakes which are just around the corner.

Leaving from post position number five, Brunet was insistent on having control of the fractions and was used twice to finally gain control at the half in 56.3.

From there, Cowgirl Hall did everything she was asked trotting away impressively from the field in a new lifetime mark, and a current national season's record for a five-eighths mile track of 1:55.1.

The 3-year-old daughter of Cash Hall – Centerfold Hall is owned by Gewertz, Rosenthall, Brunet, and Brunet and she is trained by Gates Brunet.

In the first division, Miss Connor stayed perfect in her young racing career by posting her second win in as many outings for trainer Chris Ryder in 1:58.2.

Jim Morrill Jr. posted a driving triple on the afternoon's card, while Jim Meittinis and Sean Bier each scored doubles.

Tioga Downs continues live racing on Friday night (May 11) at 6:50 PM.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

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Tioga Downs kicked off its opening race card for the 2012 race season on Saturday evening in front of more than 11,700 patrons in the Southern Tier.

Live racing began at 5:00 PM this year to capture more fans for live racing by drawing off of the early Derby crowd during the day, and the results were a huge success.

"Today at Tioga was probably the largest crowd in years at a harness track in New York State," said Chairman of American Racing and Entertainment, Jeff Gural, during the opening day festivities.

Highlighting the 10-race card at Tioga were three New York bred prep races in preparation for New York Sire Stakes just around the corner.

Two divisions for 3-year-old colt trotters led the way, but Coraggioso stole the show by posting a powerful front end performance in 1:55.3.

The mile demolished his previous lifetime best by nearly three full seconds, and sent the message throughout New York that the homebred son of Credit Winner – Electra Hall for Joe Spadaro and Tom Durkin is ready for action.

Phil Fluet trains and drives Coraggioso who sports a record of five wins, two seconds, and a third in 10 lifetime starts.

Flyhawk Jester (Howard Parker) took home the other division for sophomore trotters in 1:56.2, while Lewayne Miller and My Boogie Shoes scored in the lone division for 3-year-old pacers in 1:53.4.

"All of us at Tioga Downs would like to thank the community for showing their continued support to harness racing in the Southern Tier by once again flocking to opening day for racing, and look forward to another great year at Tioga Downs," said Jason M. Settlemoir, VP of Racing and Simulcast.

Tioga Downs continues live racing action on Sunday afternoon (May 6) at 1:30 PM.

For more information on Tioga Downs please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

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#4 - UNION RAGS heads into the biggest test of his career moving in the right direction. Homebred son of DIXIE UNION not only raced against the bias in The Florida Derby, but also lost a shoe on two separate occasions that day. He's trained like a "wild beast" since arriving in the Bluegrass State and appears ready to give these guys a good old-fashioned beating! #3 - TAKE CHARGE INDY had the best of it when defeating the top choice in their most recent. He exits the right prep and should outrun his odds. #15 - GEMOLOGIST is two for two under the "Twin Spires." The Longshot is #16 - EL PADRINO.


Suggested Wagering Strategy:

Exacta/Trifecta/Superfecta Key: 4/3-15-16.

Exacta Part-Wheel: 3-15-16/4.

Exacta/Trifecta/Superfecta Box: 3-4-15-16.

Trifecta Wheel: 4/3-15-16/All and 4/All/3-15-16.

Toby Callet, a professional horseplayer himself for nearly 40 years, provides Toby's Key Plays and Horses To Watch. He's a nationally recognized public handicapper as well. Four-time panelist at The 2007 Horseplayers' Expo at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, Callet has been involved in many aspects of thoroughbred handicapping. Two-year-old Pedigree Analyst at Calder Casino and Race Course (calderracecourse.com) since 1997, his Key Plays focus primarily on maiden races and turf events. For more information about Toby Callet, his work, and the venues he covers, please visit tobycallet.com or americashandicapper.net or email him at flhcp@bellsouth.net.

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Horseplayers will once again be treated to some of the lowest takeout rates in all of harness racing when Tioga Downs opens its seventh season of live racing tomorrow (Saturday).

For the third year in a row, Tioga Downs will offer low takeout rates of 15% on Win/Place/Show wagers; 17% on Exactas/Daily Doubles; and 21% on all other exotic wagers.

"We’d like to thank the Southern Tier Harness Horsemen's Association for their continued cooperation with our low takeout," said Jason M. Settlemoir, Vice President of Racing and Simulcast. "We believe our low takeout rates and competitive racing continues to make the Tioga Downs signals one of the best bets in harness racing."

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When Tioga Downs opens for its seventh season of live racing this Saturday, fans will once again be treated to a full menu of fast horses and exciting promotions.

Special opening day post time is at 5:00 PM.

The first three races of the card will be contested then a break will be taken at 6:00 PM to allow fans to watch and wager on the 138th Kentucky Derby. Following the Run for the Roses, the remainder of the 10-race card will be run, starting at approximately 7:00 PM.

The season-long festival at Tioga Downs begins with a Cinco de Mayo themed party featuring a live mariachi band, margaritas and mint juleps plus the traditional race date t-shirt and magnet giveaway and a spectacular fireworks show following live racing.

Giveaways will be presented at least once a month with daily promotions designed to help introduce and engage fans with harness racing.

For the second year in a row, Tioga Downs presents the Million Dollar Ball Drop promotion. Fans can enter each racing day for a chance to win $1 Million on September 3 when 500 golf balls are dropped from a fire truck.

The always popular Horseplay Car Giveaway also returns. For a $1 donation to a local charity, fans can throw a mini rubber horse into a moving car. Each night, one successful fan will receive a $100 betting voucher and also be entered into the Grand Prize drawing to win the 2012 Toyota Yaris on Closing Night, Saturday, September 15.

New this season is Hot Dog Weekend featuring pig, ostrich and camel racing. The festivities take place June 16-17. July includes "Back to the Track" weekend featuring a free concert by former American Idol contestant Aaron Kelly. The now famous Corntastic Weekend, celebrating all things corn, returns in August.

On the track, Tioga Downs features a loaded stakes schedule worth more than $2.5 million, highlighted by the $400,000 Cane Pace, opening leg of the Pacing Triple Crown. Eliminations are scheduled for Sunday, August 26 with Finals on Labor Day, September 3.

North America's fastest standardbreds return on June 10 for the $200,000 Bettor's Delight. The previous two editions of the event have produced world record performances, including Bettor Sweet's 1:48.1 victory last year. The pacing mares share the spotlight on the same day when they contest the $200,000 Artiscape, won last year by Dan Patch Award winner, Anndrovette.

Tioga Downs will also host several legs of the lucrative New York Sire Stakes throughout the season beginning May 18.

The full 2012 stakes schedule is listed below:
June 10 - $200,000E Artiscape Aged Mare Pace (Post Time 1:30)
June 10 - $200,000E Bettor’s Delight Open Pace (Post Time 1:30)
June 17 - $300,000E Historic 3YO Trot & Pace (Post Time 1:30)
July 19-22 - $720,000 Tompkins-Geers Grand Circuit Stakes (Post Time 6:50)
July 22 - $720,000 Tompkins-Geers Grand Circuit Stakes (Post Time 1:30)
August 5 & 12 - $500,000E Empire Breeders Classic 3YO Pace (Post Time 1:30)
August 26 - $40,000E Miss Versatility Open Mare Trot (Post Time 6:50)
August 26 & September 3 - $400,000 Cane Pace 3YO Open Pace (Sept. 3 Post Time 1:30)
September 3 - $125,000E Shady Daisy 3YO Filly Pace (Post Time 1:30)

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2011 leading dash winning driver, Dan Noble, will be joining the Sunday afternoon driving colony at Tioga Downs for the 2012 race season, starting with this coming weekend on Sunday, May 6.

Noble, who posted 773 wins in 2011, currently ranks sixth in harness racing for driver wins with 179 in 2012.

"I'm looking forward to coming to Tioga on Sunday afternoons to compete against some of New York's finest drivers," said Noble.

Also joining Noble and Jason Bartlett at Tioga Downs on Sundays this year will be the recently New York placed Mark Macdonald, who has been driving full time at Yonkers Raceway.

"I'm really excited to be coming to Tioga Downs on Sunday afternoons," said Macdonald. "I love afternoon racing and I was there once last year and it is a beautiful facility in a beautiful little area. I'm also looking forward to seeing and racing out of the new paddock."
Tioga Downs is set to open for the 2012 race season on Saturday, May 5th (Kentucky Derby Day) with a special post time of 5:00 PM.

Tioga Downs will be holding the first three live races on the card from 5:00 – 6:00 before taking a break during the Kentucky Derby, and then continuing with the remainder of the race program around 7:00 PM.

Entries for Saturday should be called into the Tioga Downs race office by 9:00 AM on Wednesday.

Tioga Downs will also host live racing on Sunday, May 6 with a post time of 1:30 PM.

For more information on Tioga Downs, please visit us online at www.tiogadowns.com.

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Tioga Downs' annual "Dress Rehearsal" will take place this Tuesday evening with four qualifiers under the lights at 6:50 PM.

Each season, the local media is invited to attend a session of qualifying races to generate interest in the live racing season.

Media access to racing personalities, press guides with the season's highlights listed and delicious hors d'oeuvres will compose Tuesday's menu.

Also on display is the brand new race paddock, located near the top of the stretch.

All horsemen shipping into Tioga should go directly to the stable gate and will be able to unload and park their rigs near the paddock.

Tioga live racing begins on Saturday, May 5 with an early post time of 5:00 PM.

On that day, the first three races will go, then live racing will be suspended until the conclusion of the Kentucky Derby (post time approx 6:25) and resume around 7:00.

Highlighting opening weekend are the New York Sire Stakes preps for 3YO's designed to give trainers a place to start their sophomore sire stakes hopefuls before the actual NYSS events begin the following week.

The first draw is on Wednesday, May 2 with the box closing at 9:00 AM.

The first condition sheet is available here and you may phone entries into the Racing Office at (607) 699-7688.

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Tioga Downs will offer New York Sire Stake Prep races to all NYSS-eligible horses.

The unofficial "Preps" are for New York-bred 3-year-olds of each sex and gait.

These races are designed to insure the sire stakes horses a start against other sophomores heading into the first leg of the program.

The "Preps" require entrants to be NYSS-eligible and do not count toward the point total kept for the NYSS Finals.

The purse for each is $10,000 and there is a $110 starting fee.

Horses must show a clean line in 30 days meeting Tioga's qualifying standards.

The Prep races will take place over the first two weeks of live racing with the 3YO colt trotters and pacers racing on opening day, Saturday May 5th; the filly trotters on Sunday, May 6th and the filly pacers on the second week of racing going forward on Friday, May 11th.

Tioga kicks off its 61-day meet on Kentucky Derby day, Saturday May 5th, with a special post time of 5:00 PM.

The first draw takes place Wednesday, May 2nd, box closes at 9:00 AM.

For more information, please visit the Tioga Downs website at www.tiogadowns.com or call the Race Office at (607) 699-7688.

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Tioga Downs Casino in Nichols will host Derby Fest 5 on Saturday, May 5th, celebrating the 138th Kentucky Derby live from Churchill Downs and the official kick-off of the 2012 Live Harness Racing Season.

This year, Tioga Downs has another reason to have a party, Cinco De Mayo.

On top of having Mint Juleps, there will be Margaritas, a Sombrero Hat contest, and our ever popular Kentucky Derby Hat Contest.

The exciting day of events, which drew over 12,000 patrons in 2011, begins with simulcast racing from Churchill Downs starting at 10:30 AM. Guests can watch and wager on all the races leading up to the 138th Run for the Roses (post time approximately 6:24 PM).

Tioga Downs live harness racing season kicks off with a special post-time of 5:00 PM and will break to air the Kentucky Derby at 6:24 PM.

Kentucky Derby Fest 5 will be bigger and better than ever with more excitement and entertainment, including seven live performances throughout the day including an authentic Mariachi Band at 4:30 PM, and more.

The Derby and Sombrero Hat Contests will be held on the track side apron at 3:00 PM with registration beginning at 2:00 PM. Wear your best Kentucky Derby or Sombrero hat for a chance to win a $500 race voucher.

Live harness racing will continue following the Kentucky Derby at approximately 7:00 PM and will end with a spectacular fireworks display.

Go to www.tiogadowns.com for further information and event times.