The publicity department for the Grand Circuit has sent out its weekly recap and preview of racing on the Grand Circuit.

This Week: Breeders Crown eliminations and Circle City, Harrah’s Hoosier Park, Anderson, Ind.; John Simpson Stakes, Harrah’s Philadelphia, Chester, Pa.; and Kindergarten Series third leg, the Meadowlands Racetrack, East Rutherford, N.J.

Schedule of Events: Grand Circuit action this week commences on Wednesday afternoon (Oct. 21) at Harrah’s Philadelphia with three divisions in the $96,801 John Simpson Stakes for three-year-old pacing fillies and two divisions in the $86,600 John Simpson Stakes for three-year-old trotting fillies. The Friday (Oct. 23) card features two divisions in the $111,600 John Simpson Stakes for two-year-old trotting colts and three divisions in the $110,000 John Simpson Stakes for two-year-old pacing colts.

Hoosier Park on Thursday (Oct. 22) will host the Circle City for three-year-olds of both sexes and gaits. There will be two divisions in the $65,000 three-year-old colt pace; a single $52,000 division in the three-year-old colt trot; two divisions in the $50,200 three-year-old filly trot; and two divisions in the $50,000 three-year-old filly pace.

Breeders Crown eliminations at Hoosier will take place on Friday (Oct. 23) and Saturday (Oct. 24). Friday will feature six sets of eliminations with a pair of $25,000 races for two-year-olds of both sexes and gaits and a pair of $25,000 races for three-year-old trotting and pacing fillies. Saturday features a single $25,000 elimination in the Mare Pace, plus two $25,000 eliminations in both the three-year-old colt pace and three-year-old colt trot.

The Meadowlands on Friday (Oct. 23) will host the third leg of the Kindergarten Series for two-year-olds of both sexes and gaits. There will be a pair of $20,000 divisions in each of the four classes.

Last Time: Drama Act overcame Post 8 to prevail against Grand Circuit stock in Saturday’s (Oct. 17) $120,000 Courageous Lady at MGM Northfield Park. To read a recap of the race, click here.

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 – 920; 2. Dexter Dunn – 698; 3. Tim Tetrick – 536.5; 4. Andrew McCarthy – 494; 5. David Miller – 493.

Trainers: 1. Ron Burke – 853; 2. Nancy Takter – 831.5; 3. Tony Alagna – 622; 4. Ake Svanstedt – 539; 5. Marcus Melander – 383.

Owners: 1. Caviart Farms – 200.5; 2. Determination – 200; 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 Hoosier Park, Harrah’s Philadelphia, and the Meadowlands. Harrah’s Hoosier Park will feature 12 Breeders Crown finals, plus the Madison County for two-year-olds of both sexes and gaits and the Pegasus for three-year-olds of both sexes and gaits. Harrah’s Philadelphia will host the John Simpson Stakes for three-year-old colt pacers and trotters and the Meadowlands will feature the fourth leg of the Kindergarten Series for two-year-olds of both sexes and gaits.

(With files from the Grand Circuit)