Kindergarten nominations show increase

The Kindergarten Classic series,offered for freshman trotters only in 2010, has matured into an intriguing option for those seeking opportunities to prepare their precocious harness racing juveniles for the fall stakes.

 

The number of nominees increased dramatically this year which, in addition to in increase in money added to the finals from $25,000 to $40,000, will see the purses for each of the finals rise to well in excess of estimates.

 

The number of colts nominated increased by more than 50 percent to 116 and those making the final will compete for over $160,000. The 98 fillies paid in falls just shy of that benchmarkand their final purse will be in the $140,000 neighborhood.

 

The series begins at the Meadowlands, with the filly divisions raced on Wednesday, July 21, and the colts on the next day. Vernon Downs will host all subsequent races with leg two at the venerable upstate New York strip on Friday, Aug. 20. The balance of the races take place on Friday, Sept. 10 and Friday, Sept. 17 before the Sept. 24 finals.