The publicity department for the Grand Circuit has sent out its weekly recap and preview of Grand Circuit races.
This Week: Matron Stakes, Dover Downs, Dover, Del. and Fall Four eliminations, Meadowlands Racetrack, East Rutherford, N.J.
Schedule of Events: The Grand Circuit will return to Dover Downs this Thursday (Nov. 14) for four Matron Stakes for three-year-olds of both sexes and gaits. The three-year-old colt pace carries a purse of $248,350, the three-year-old colt trotters will race for $208,300, the purse for the three-year-old filly trot is $176,150, and the three-year-old filly pacers will race for $165,900.
On Saturday night (Nov. 16), the Meadowlands Racetrack will host a single elimination in the Fall Four events for freshman pacers and trotters. There will be one $20,000 elimination in the Three Diamonds for two-year-old filly pacers. Eliminations were not required in the Valley Victory for two-year-old male trotters, the Governor’s Cup for two-year-old male pacers and the Goldsmith Maid for two-year-old filly trotters.
Last Time: After being disqualified from first in the Breeders Crown at Woodbine Mohawk Park on October 25, David McDuffee’s Papi Rob Hanover ($2.40) found redemption in the $186,000 Matron Stakes for two-year-old pacing colts and geldings, held Thursday (Nov. 7) at Dover Downs. To read a recap, click 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 – 1,356.5; 2. Yannick Gingras – 1,268; 3. Dexter Dunn – 984; 4. David Miller – 930; 5. Andrew McCarthy – 783.
Trainers: 1. Ron Burke – 1,292; 2. Tony Alagna – 847; 3 Nancy Johansson – 662; 4. Ake Svanstedt – 637; 5. Marcus Melander – 603.
Owners: 1. Courant Inc. – 274.5; 2. Brad Grant – 267.1; 3. Burke Racing Stable – 238.7; 4. Robert Key – 226; 5. Fashion Farms – 224.5.
Looking Ahead: Grand Circuit action will take place next week at the Meadowlands with the finals for the Fall Four for two-year-olds — the Governor’s Cup, Valley Victory, Three Diamonds and Goldsmith Maid — along with the TVG finals for older trotters and pacers of both sexes. In addition, Dover Downs will host eliminations for the Progress Pace for three-year-old male pacers.
(With files from the Grand Circuit)