The publicity department for the Grand Circuit has sent out its weekly recap and preview of Grand Circuit races.
This Week: Blue Chip Matchmaker and George Morton Levy series finals and consolations, Yonkers Raceway, Yonkers, N.Y.
Schedule of events: The Grand Circuit at Yonkers this week features the $662,800 final and the $100,000 consolation of the George Morton Levy series for open pacers, as well as the $401,600 final and $75,000 consolation in the Blue Chip Matchmaker series for open pacing mares. All four races will take place on Saturday (April 20).
Last time: Ideal Jimmy and Western Fame have raced with distinction throughout the George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series. Saturday night (April 13) was no exception. The tandem each handily won their respective Yonkers Raceway event. All told, four $50,000 Free-For-All forays were carded. For complete analysis, 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 at Yonkers:
Drivers: 1. Tim Tetrick – 126; 2. George Brennan – 90; 3. Jason Bartlett – 77; 4. Scott Zeron – 68; 5. Matt Kakaley – 63.
Trainers: 1. Jim King Jr. – 82; 2. Rene Allard – 57; 3. Ron Burke – 53; 4t. Tony Alagna – 41; 4t. Richard Banca – 41.
Owners: 1. D R Van Witzenburg – 40; 2. Brad Grant – 34.3; 3. Robert Cooper Stables – 32.8; 4. Jo Ann Looney-King – 30; 5. J L Benson Stables – 27.5.
Looking ahead: Grand Circuit action will take place next weekend at Freehold Raceway, with $40,000 (est.) Dexter Cup eliminations (if necessary) for three-year-old open trotters on Saturday (April 27).
(With files from the Grand Circuit)