The publicity department for the Grand Circuit has sent out its weekly recap and preview of racing on the Grand Circuit.
This Week: Red Mile Grand Circuit, The Red Mile, Lexington, Ky.
Schedule of Events: The second week of Grand Circuit action at the Red Mile kicks off on Friday (Oct. 9) with three divisions in the $258,800 International Stallion Stakes for two-year-old trotting colts and two divisions in the $218,000 International Stallion Stakes for two-year-old pacing fillies.
On Saturday (Oct. 10), the Red Mile will host the $350,000 (est.) International Stallion Stakes for two-year-old colt pacers and the $300,000 (est.) International Stallion Stakes for two-year-old trotting fillies.
On Sunday (Oct. 11), the Red Mile will offer the $500,000 (est.) Kentucky Futurity for three-year-old trotters, the companion $275,000 (est.) Kentucky Filly Futurity for three-year-old trotting fillies, the $400,000 (est.) Tattersalls Pace for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings, the $275,000 (est.) Glen Garnsey Memorial for three-year-old pacing fillies, a pair of $150,000 (est.) Allerage races for open pacers and open trotters and two $85,000 (est.) Allerage races for older pacing mares and older trotting mares.
Last Time: Every superlative has been uttered about Atlanta over her illustrious career, and she lived up to all of them on Saturday (Oct. 3), winning the $175,000 Dayton Trotting Derby at Hollywood Dayton Raceway. Dispatched at even money, the five-year-old daughter of Chapter Seven established a new Dayton Raceway track record of 1:51 by coming from behind for driver Yannick Gingras to wear down Manchego (Dexter Dunn) and then hold off runner-up Lindy The Great (Andy Miller) and show finisher Crystal Fashion (Jordan Stratton). To read a recap of Atlanta's win and to watch the replay, click here.
Grand Circuit Standings: In 2020, 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 2020 Grand Circuit awards.
Here are the leaders following this past weekend:
Drivers: 1. Yannick Gingras – 705; 2. Dexter Dunn – 473; 3. Andrew McCarthy – 429; 4. Tim Tetrick – 376.5; 5. David Miller – 358.
Trainers: 1. Ron Burke – 688; 2. Nancy Takter – 596.5; 3. Tony Alagna – 517; 4. Ake Svanstedt – 374; 5. Marcus Melander – 333.
Owners: 1. Determination – 200; 2. Brad Grant – 168.1; 3. Caviart Farms – 165.4; 4. Burke Racing Stable – 154.7; 5. S R F Stable – 131.6.
Looking Ahead: Grand Circuit action will take place next week at Harrah’s Philadelphia, Northfield Park and the Meadowlands Racetrack. Harrah’s Philadelphia will host the John Simpson Stakes for two-year-old pacing and trotting fillies, Northfield will host the Courageous Lady for three-year-old pacing fillies, and the Meadowlands will feature the Reynolds Memorial for two-year-olds of both sexes and gaits.
(With files from the Grand Circuit)