The Grand Circuit will roll into Lexington, Kentucky this Thursday (September 10), as the third leg of the Kindergarten Series for two-year-old trotters is all set to go at the Red Mile.
The program will feature four $10,000 divisions – two for colts/geldings and two for fillies.
The fillies have been split into a pair of eight-horse divisions (Races 5 and Race 7), and it appears as though the stable of trainer Jimmy Takter will send out the prohibitive favourite in each.
Takter’s filly Haughty heads into the first division off a 1:56 win in Leg 2 of the Kindergarten Series, which took place 10 days ago at Tioga Downs. Takter is listed to drive the filly for owners Al Libfeld, Marvin Katz and Sam Goldband.
Takter may well be driving the betting choice in Race 7, too, as Hollywood Hill will bring her impressive credentials into her split. The filly has won three of her five career outings for owners Goran Falk and Christina Takter.
The colts will compete in Race 6 and Race 9, and Tioga Downs track record holder Jack Vernon appears to be a clear choice in Race 6 for owners The Miller Stable, trainer Randy Beeckman and driver Corey Callahan.
Race 9 appears to be more of a puzzle, as several lightly-raced prospects are scheduled to strut their stuff.
First-race post time for the Red Mile’s Thursday card is 7 p.m.
Live racing at the Red Mile will continue through September 19 before it breaks for Jug week. It will then return with the fortnight of Grand Circuit racing with a Wednesday-through-Saturday schedule beginning on September 30.
The first week is a 7 first-race post time and Week 2 is a 1 p.m. matinee each day. The Lexington Selected Yearling Sale will begin on the evening of Monday, October 5 and will continue through Friday night. Catalogues are available.
Also of note, nominations to the Grand Circuit Late Closers must be postmarked by September 15. The form is available here.
(With files from the Red Mile)