The first of three live race dates at Sandown Park on Vancouver Island has attracted just 53 horses, which will compete this Saturday, July 12, opening day at the five-eighths mile oval.

First race post time is 1:15 p.m.

More than $27,000 in purses will be up for grabs, as qualifying legs for four stakes races comprising the bulk of the card.

Two divisions of the featured stakes event, the Oak Tree, will be raced with seven pacers to contest the first division (Race 1) and six in the second division (Race 6).

The three claiming stakes being raced will also have qualifying legs divided into two divisions.

HPI customers may place wagers on Sandown Park races via the internet or the telephone.

Sandown Park races will not be available for viewing or wagering at any site other than Sandown Park.

Click here to view Sandown's Saturday entries.

Sandown's theme this Saturday is Kids Day Out, featuring a Teddy Bears Picnic, Musical Entertainment and Face Painting and Tickles the Clown Show. There will also be prizes for best bears.

(With files from Sandown)