The New Jersey Sire Stakes for three-year-olds will get underway this Friday (May 18) at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

The once-mighty program has diminished to where there are but a handful of horses to compete in each of the $15,000 sophomore divisions. Therefore, both colt races will be contested as non-wagering events prior to the evening’s pari-mutuel program.

The same two pacing colts that competed in last year's freshman division will match up again, as Melanies Fran (to be driven by David Miller), who swept through the series last season, will again face his rival, Hypnotico (Austin Siegelman) at 6:00 p.m. Kevin McDermott trains Melanies Fran for the 80 Slot Right Stable.

U Need Stones (Yannick Gingras) had his way with the trotting colts as a freshman. He'll look to continue his mastery over three rivals for leading trainer Ron Burke at 6:10 p.m. ‘Stones’ has come back strong this season with a win and a second in as many starts this year for owners Burke Racing, Weaver Bruscemi, Larry Karr and Phil Collura. Shoshie Deo will be the main rival in the tilt.

The filly divisions drew five entries in each and will be raced as part of the pari-mutuel card.

Hurrikane Empress (Yannick Gingras), who is the returning champ of the filly pacing division for trainer John McDermott, will begin her title defence in Race 1. She swept the division with ease last year and has had a few starts to prepare for this battle for owners Jonathan Klee Racing, Kuhen Racing and Pegasis Investment Group.

The filly trot has been programmed as Race 3, where Princess Marxxx (Yannick Gingras) is the returning final winner in what is clearly the most competitive division. She captured last year's final for owner/breeder Steve Stewart and was a winner in her most recent overnight contest. Justin Lebo is the trainer.

The NJSS will return to the Meadowlands next Friday for Leg 2. The finals will be contested on June 1.

The usual array of wagering guarantees are in place, and the last-race Jackpot Super Hi-5 carryover is up to $221,892 heading in to Friday's races.

Post time for the card is 7:15 p.m.

(With files from the Meadowlands Racetrack)