Anyone who is eligible to compete in the 2022 Massachusetts Sire Stakes should take note that continuation payments are due on Tuesday, Feb. 15.
The stakes, which start on Sept. 25, have an estimated total value of $2.24 million and will be contested in three $60,000 preliminary legs for each age, sex and gait, followed by eight $100,000 finals on Oct. 24.
There have been three condition changes for starters this year that were recently announced by the board of directors.
• The qualifying rule has been changed from 30 days to 45 days.
• Also, new guidelines for qualifying times are as follows: Two-year-old pacers must go in 2:05 and two-year-old trotters in 2:07. Three-year-old pacers must go in 2:03 and three-year-old trotters in 2:05.
• Lastly, in order to be eligible for the final, a horse must have started in at least two of the three preliminary legs.
Both continuation payment forms and sustaining payment forms, which are due April 15, can be downloaded at sominc.net.
Here is the complete 2022 Massachusetts Sire Stakes schedule:
Sunday, Sept. 25: three-year-old first leg
Monday, Sept. 26: two-year-old first leg
Sunday, Oct. 2: three-year-old second leg
Monday, Oct. 3: two-year-old second leg
Sunday, Oct. 16: two-year-old third leg
Monday, Oct. 17: three-year-old third leg
Monday, Oct. 24: all finals
(Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)