When the trotters are released from the starting gate in the fourth race at Freehold Raceway on Saturday, May 1, it will mark the beginning of the stakes season at the

historic track.

In addition, it will kick off the Grand Circuit season in harness racing.

Eight three-year-old trotters will be cut loose in the $51,900 elimination of the 51st edition of the Dexter Cup. The first three finishers will return for the $156,000 final on Saturday, May 8.

The entire Dexter Cup elimination field is making its 2010 debut.

The Jimmy Takter-trained entry of Hard Livin and Senor Glide are tabbed as the 2-1 morning line favourites. The second choice at 3-1 is the Ray Schnittker-trained entry of Shaq Is Back and Margarita Man. The third coupling in the race has common ownership, and it is Scent Of Oil and Wicked Style, which has been labeled at 5-1.

The complete field for the elimination by post position, driver and odds is as follows:

Shaq Is Back – pp1, George Brennan, 3-1; Hard Livin – pp2, Ron Pierce, 2-1; Mamas Boo Bear – pp3, Steve Smith, 6-1; Scent Of Oil – pp4, Dave Miller, 5-1; Margarita Man – pp5, Ray Schnittker, 3-1; Carnegie – pp6, Andy Miller, 4-1; Senor Glide – pp7, Daniel Dube, 2-1; Wicked Style- pp8, Cat Manzi, 5-1.

The three that come out of the elimination will join Big Stick Lindy, Celebrity Blue Chip, Flex The Muscle, Indefensible and Take My Picture, all of whom received byes to the final by rule.

The Dexter Cup elimination will be part of a 15-race live program. First race post has been set for 12:30 p.m.

(Freehold)