The Kindergarten Classic series for two-year-old trotters has risen steadily in popularity over its five year history

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Conceived by Jeff Gural with the idea of offering races for two-year-olds to gain racing experience, and as an alternative to the major stakes, the series has seen both nominations and the final purse increase each year. In 2011, the colt final went for $200,500 and the fillies $182,500.

For 2012, the Kindergarten expands from four to five legs and returns to The Meadowlands for the first two. The $10,000 (guaranteed) series legs begin on Thursday, July 26 and come right back the next Thursday at The Big M. Observing the busy schedule for various sires stakes programs through the month of August and early September, the series resumes at The Red Mile for legs three and four on consecutive Thursdays, September 13 and 20. Skipping forward to avoid conflict with The Red Mile Grand Circuit, the last leg will be on Friday, October 19 and the $175,000 (estimated) final on October 26, both at Vernon Downs. A minimum of two leg starts is required to be eligible for the finals.

Nomination requires a payment of $600 on March 15 and another $600 to sustain comes due on April 15. A $250 entry fee is due for each leg. There is no entry fee to race in the final. Nomination forms are available on the Vernon Downs website.

(Vernon Downs)