15-race all stakes card at Meadows Friday

The card features nine divisions of a Pennsylvania Stallion Series stake for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers and six splits of a Stallion Series event for freshman filly trotters. With each division going for $20,000, 111 youngsters will vie for $300,000 in total purses.

 

The unique card reflects the vigor of harness racing in Pennsylvania and, in particular, the popularity of the $3.3 million Stallion Series, which was launched last year at the state's three commercial raceways to provide lucrative earnings opportunities for horses not quite competitive in Pennsylvania Sires Stakes. Originally for 2-year-olds only, the program was expanded this year to include 3-year-olds.

 

Each of the eight Stallion Series divisions offers a $40,000 championship leg. The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association, the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen's Association, and the Standardbred Breeders Association of Pennsylvania provide funding support for the Stallion Series. (The Meadows)