The February 15 deadline for New Jersey Sire Stakes first sustaining payments is the last chance for owners of NJ-sired two-year-old and three-year-old trotters and pacers to be kept eligible to the lucrative 2010 Premier and Green

Acres racing programs.

The NJSS Premier division begins in May at the Meadowlands and August at Freehold Raceway. The Green Acres division begins in August at Freehold.

The NJSS Premier division payment is $350 for two-year-olds and $400 for three-year-olds. The Green Acres division payment is $100 for both two and three-year-olds.

Also on February 15, a $650 supplemental 2009 yearling nomination (for foals of 2008) can be made for eligibility to the NJ Sire Stakes. That fee is in addition to the sustaining payments for two-year-olds also due on February 15.

The two-year-old sustaining payment must be made in order to keep the horse eligible as a three-year-old in 2010, even if the horse does not race in 2009 as a two-year-old. Supplemental nominations are also due February 15 for the NJSS-sponsored 2008 Lou Babic Open Pace ($400) and Babic Filly Pace ($300).

These payments must be in US funds. No late payments will be accepted and no billing notices will be mailed. Certified mail is strongly recommended to NJSS, P.O. Box 330, Trenton, NJ 08625.

(NJSS)