The number of three-year-olds sustained to The Meadowlands' signature stake, the Crawford Farms Meadowlands Pace, increased by more than 50 percent in 2019 with 63 making the February payment as opposed to 40 last year.

Among those seeking the coveted trophy are the Dan Patch Award-winning freshman colt Captain Crunch, who heads up a talented returning crop that includes open stakes winners Captain Ahab and Workin On A Mystery along with New York and Pennsylvania sires stakes champs Reigning Deo and Proof respectively. The connections of top regional colts Bronx Seelster (Ontario) and Melodies Major (New York) have made the $7,500 February supplemental payment to gain eligibility to the "Pace".

The Mistletoe Shalee also saw a solid forward move from 35 in 2018 to 47 this year with the Dan Patch Award winning freshman filly star Warrawee Ubeaut, the fastest two-year-old in harness racing history regardless of sex, and She's A Great Lady / O'Brien Award winner Tall Drink Hanover cast as the leading ladies.

Both of these marquee stakes are part of the "Greatest Party In Harness Racing" on Pace night, Saturday, July 13.

Overall there was a slight uptick in the total number paid into Meadowlands Grand Circuit stakes year over year. The list of nominees for all stakes is available on the Meadowlands' website.