Tioga Downs has announced that its 'Pick 6 Sundays' will return with an even larger guaranteed pool for the 2011 race season

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In co-ordination with horse owner and trainer Peter Kleinhans, and the Southern Tier Harness Horsemen’s Association, Tioga Downs will now guarantee its Pick 6 at $10,000.

Tioga's Pick 6 was guaranteed at $6,000 last year, but was given a hike this year to draw more interest to the wager on Sundays. The same takeout rate of 21 per cent will apply to the wager this year, and if no one successfully hits the Pick 6 a consolation payout of 25 per cent of the pool will be paid to ticket holders with the highest number of correct picks.

The first Pick 6 Sunday is set to kick off the track's 2011 season of live racing on Sunday, May 8 with a first-race post time of 1:30 p.m.

“We are excited to raise the guaranteed pool up this year on the Pick 6 and give something for our fans to look forward to," said Jason M Settlemoir, the track's VP of Racing and Simulcast. "We would like to thank Peter Kleinhans and the STHHA for their support in helping us think of the bettor first and foremost.”

Tioga Downs will kick off its sixth season of live racing on Saturday, May 7 (Kentucky Derby Day).

For more information on the track's 61-day race meet, surf to tiogadowns.com.

(With files from Tioga Downs)