The February 15 deadline for New Jersey Sire Stakes first sustaining payments is the last chance for owners of

New Jersey-sired two and three-year-olds to be kept eligible to the lucrative 2008 Premier and Green Acres racing programs.

The NJSS Premier Division, previously called the Pari-Mutuel Division, begins in May at the Meadowlands and August at Freehold Raceway. The Green Acres Division begins in August at Freehold.

The NJSS Premier Division payment is $350 for two-year-olds and $400 for three-year-olds. The Green Acres Division payment is $100 for both two and three-year-olds.

Also on February 15, a $650 supplemental 2007 yearling nomination (for foals of 2006) can be made for eligibility to the NJSS. That fee is in addition to the sustaining payments for two-year-olds also due on February 15.

The two-year-old sustaining payment must be made in order to keep the horse eligible as a three-year-old in 2009, even if the horse does not race in 2008 as a two-year-old. Supplemental nominations are also due February 15 for the NJSS-sponsored 2008 Lou Babic Open Pace ($400) and Babic Filly Pace ($300).

These payments must be in U.S. funds. No late payments will be accepted and no billing notices will be mailed. Certified mail is strongly recommended to:

NJSS
P.O. Box 330
Trenton, NJ
08625

(With files from the NJSS)