Spotlight On The Grand Circuit
The publicity department for the Grand Circuit has sent out its weekly recap and preview of racing on the Grand Circuit.
This Week: John Simpson Stakes, Harrah’s Philadelphia, Chester, Pa.; W.N. Reynolds Memorial, the Meadowlands Racetrack, East Rutherford, N.J.; and Courageous Lady, Northfield Park, Northfield, Ohio.
Schedule of Events: Grand Circuit action this week will commence on Friday afternoon (Oct. 16) at Harrah’s Philadelphia with two divisions in the $112,400 John Simpson Stakes for two-year-old trotting fillies and three divisions in the $93,602 John Simpson Stakes for two-year-old pacing fillies.
On Friday, the Meadowlands will host the W.N. Reynolds Memorial for two-year-old trotters. There will be one $61,500 division for two-year-old trotting colts and one $55,600 division in the two-year-old filly trot.
On Saturday (Oct. 17), Northfield Park will feature the $120,000 Courageous Lady for three-year-old pacing fillies.
Last Time: Driver Dexter Dunn secured a pocket seat for Amigo Volo and with several horses making breaks over the 'good' surface, had open road to pop and power to a 1:51 victory in the $444,000 128th Kentucky Futurity on Sunday (Oct. 11) at the Red Mile. To read analysis and a recap of the race, click here.
![](/sites/default/files/AmigoVolo-2020KentuckyFuturity-640px-01.jpg)
Amigo Volo and driver Dexter Dunn, pictured winning the 2020 Kentucky Futurity at the Red Mile.
Grand Circuit Standings: In 2020, the Grand Circuit leaders in three categories (driver, trainer and owner) will once again be tracked on a points system (20-10-5 for the top three finishers in divisions/finals and 10-5-2 for the top three finishers in eliminations/legs). Winbak Farms is the sponsor for the 2020 Grand Circuit awards.
Here are the leaders following this past weekend:
Drivers: 1. Yannick Gingras – 915; 2. Dexter Dunn – 648; 3. Tim Tetrick – 526.5; 4. Andrew McCarthy – 484; 5. David Miller – 478.
Trainers: 1. Ron Burke – 833; 2. Nancy Takter – 811.5; 3. Tony Alagna – 622; 4. Ake Svanstedt – 514; 5. Marcus Melander – 383.
Owners: 1. Determination – 200; 2. Caviart Farms – 193.8; 3. Brad Grant – 192.3; 4. Burke Racing Stable – 178.7; 5. Courant Inc. – 154.5.
Looking Ahead: Grand Circuit action will take place next week at Harrah’s Philadelphia, Harrah’s Hoosier Park and the Meadowlands. Harrah’s Philadelphia will host the John Simpson Stakes for three-year-old trotting and pacing fillies; Harrah’s Hoosier Park will have The Circle City for three-year-olds of both sexes and gaits; and the Meadowlands will feature the third leg of the Kindergarten Series for two-year-olds of both sexes and gaits.
(With files from the Grand Circuit)