The publicity department for the Grand Circuit has sent out its weekly recap and preview of Grand Circuit races.
This Week: Carl Erskine Trot, Monument Circle, the USS Indianapolis and the Crossroads of America, Harrah’s Hoosier Park, Anderson, Ind.; and Kindergarten finals, Meadowlands Racetrack, East Rutherford, NJ.
Schedule of Events: The Grand Circuit remains at Hoosier Park this weekend as the track will have four stakes races on the Friday (Nov. 1) card. Leading the way is the $220,000 Carl Erskine Trot for three-year-old male trotters. Also on tap will be the $225,000 Monument Circle for three-year-old male pacers, the $120,000 Crossroads of America for three-year-old filly trotters and the $120,000 USS Indianapolis for three-year-old filly pacers.
On Saturday (Nov. 2), Meadowlands Racetrack will card the four Kindergarten Series finals for two-year-old pacers and trotters. The two-year-old colt trot carries a purse of $251,460, the two-year-old filly trotters will race for $251,020, the purse for the two-year-old filly pace is $193,820 and the two-year-old colt pacers will race for $172,000.
Last Time: Woodbine Mohawk Park was in the Grand Circuit spotlight last weekend as the Ontario oval hosted 12 Breeders Crown finals. For complete recaps, analysis and race replays from all of the finals, click here and here.
Grand Circuit Standings: In 2019, the Grand Circuit leaders in three categories (driver, trainer and owner) will once again be tracked on a points system (20-10-5 for the top three finishers in divisions/finals and 10-5-2 for the top three finishers in eliminations/legs). Winbak Farms is the sponsor for the 2019 Grand Circuit awards.
Here are the leaders following this past weekend:
Drivers: 1. Tim Tetrick – 1,291.5; 2. Yannick Gingras – 1,188; 3. Dexter Dunn – 954; 4. David Miller – 880; 5. Andrew McCarthy – 768.
Trainers: 1. Ron Burke – 1,242; 2. Tony Alagna – 812; 3 Ake Svanstedt – 617; 4. Nancy Johansson – 612; 5. Marcus Melander – 603.
Owners: 1. Courant Inc. – 274.5; 2. Brad Grant – 257.9; 3. Burke Racing Stable – 231.2; 4. Fashion Farms – 224.5; 5. Robert Key – 221.
Looking Ahead: Grand Circuit action will take place next week at Dover Downs as the Delaware track will host the Matron Stakes for two-year-olds of both sexes and gaits on the Thursday (Nov. 7) program.
(With files from the Grand Circuit)