In preparation for the start of Pocono Downs' 2010 season of live harness racing, the first qualifying races at the oval will be conducted Thursday, March 11

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Pocono Downs Director of Racing Saul Needle and his staff have put together a morning qualifying card of 10 races. First-race post time is 10:00 a.m.

Following Thursday’s qualifiers, additional sessions will be held on Tuesday, March 16, and Thursday, March 18. After that, all qualifiers will be scheduled for Thursday mornings at 10:00.

Pocono will open its live racing season on Tuesday, March 23 with a 6:30 p.m. first-race post time. Live racing will be conducted four days a week, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights with the first post at 6:30 p.m.

However, after May 31, Monday nights will be added while the Friday evening cards eliminated during the months of June, July and August.

The season is scheduled to run through November 13.

(With files from Pocono)