Big Jim, the 2010 divisional champion, tops the list of three-year-old colts and geldings which will compete in a $25,000 prep race for the $400,000 Anthony Abbatiello New Jersey Classic on Saturday, May 20

at Meadowlands Racetrack.

The nine colts and geldings in the prep will join Shadyshark Hanover in the May 28 final, the richest event restricted to New Jersey-sired pacers. The Anthony Abbatiello New Jersey Classic shares billing with the $150,000 Miss New Jersey final for fillies on May 28.

Big Jim won six of 10 starts, including the Breeders Crown, en route to Dan Patch and O'Brien awards as the Two-Year-Old Colt Pacer of the Year. He is the fastest freshman pacer in history with a world record of 1:49.1 set in the Governor's Cup at Woodbine. Big Jim will make his 2011 debut for owner James Carr and trainer James Dean from Post 8 in the tenth race Saturday night. Phil Hudon will fly down from Canada to drive the colt.

"He's doing great physically," Carr said. "There's not a thing wrong with him, knock on wood. He got there Monday [to Ray Remmen's barn at the Meadowlands]. We had entered him for a three-year-old race in Toronto, but nobody dropped in the box to go against him. I'm coming down for the race this week, even though there's no elimination necessary and this is a prep. Phil schooled him recently in 1:53.2 and said he could have gone plenty more."

Carr is pointing Big Jim for the $1.5 million Pepsi North America Cup at Mohawk Racetrack and then the $1 million Meadowlands Pace.

"After the New Jersey Classic, he will go in the Somebeachsomewhere and North America Cup," he said. "Then it's on to the Meadowlands Pace. We hope to also get at least one New Jersey Sire Stakes race in before the final. There might also be an overnight in there somewhere. I'll just have to wait and see on that."

The field for the $25,000 New Jersey Classic Prep, from the rail out: Roll'em Up, Lizard King, Lokoniforadventure, Jo Pas PE III, RU Ready To Rock, High Noon, Grams Legacy, Big Jim, Doin Time Together. All are sired by Rocknroll Hanover, with the exceptions of Western Ideal sons High Noon and Big Jim.

(Meadowlands)