As the familiar tractors hit the track for the 2013 live racing season, the hustle and bustle is beginning at the Pocono stables. The track in Northeast is opening their 48th season on March 23.

All horsemen interested in racing at the facility must submit an application for either stalls or ship-in privileges here. The stables open for the season on Friday, March 1.

The season starts with live racing on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights and a first-race post time of 6:30 p.m. This will be the biggest season yet with the Breeders Crown set for Saturday, October 19. Eliminations for this prestigious night are Saturday, October 12.

Saturday, June 30 promises to be a thrilling night with Sun Stakes Saturday II and the return of the Earl Beal, Jr. Memorial Trot; the Ben Franklin Free For All Pace; the James Lynch Memorial; and the Max Hempt Memorial.

Super Stakes Saturday adds even more excitement to the stakes schedule this season, as Pocono hosts the Battle of the Brandywine, the Valley Forge, and the Colonial on Saturday, August 17. This night of top-notch racing will alternate between Pocono and Harrah’s Philadelphia on a year- to-year basis.

Racing concludes for the season on Saturday, November 16.

(Pocono)