The Grand Circuit Dexter Cup is one of the highlights of Freehold Raceway’s 2013 stakes schedule. Along with the stakes races, Freehold Raceway has added the Kenneth Fischer Memorial Spring Late Closing Series for 3- and 4-year-old pacers.
The stakes season kicks off with the Grand Circuit 3-year-old Dexter Cup trot eliminations on April 27, with the final, estimated at $130,000, to be held on May 4. The Lady Suffolk, the filly division, estimated at $77,000, is carded on May 3.
The spring late closing series, being contested for the first time, is named after the late Kenneth Fischer, former owner of Freehold Raceway and Gaitway Farms. The first leg will be held on May 4, the second leg on May 11 and the final on May 18, with an estimated purse of $30,000.
The New Jersey Sires Stakes-Green Acre divisions dominate the fall portion of the stakes schedule along with the Lou Babic Memorial for 2-year-old pacers. The eliminations for the Babic will be held on Aug. 31, with the two finals coming back on Sept. 7. The finals are estimated at $90,000 for the colt division and $55,000 for the fillies.
Several Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association (SBOA) stakes are included on the 2013 schedule, starting with the Helen Smith for 3-year-old trotting fillies on Aug. 30. Other SBOA stakes include the Marion Dancer (2-year-old filly trotters), the Charles Smith (3-year-old trotters), the Harold Dancer (2-year-old trotters) and N.J. Futurity races.
The annual Open Space Pace will be held on Sept. 21 during Open Space Pace Day. This day is being recognized as a part of an effort to preserve open space in New Jersey by raising awareness of the standardbred horse and harness racing industry.