WEG stakes nominations up

The Woodbine Entertainment Group’s lucrative summer stakes schedule has drawn an outstanding number of nominees for many of its 2009 events.

In February, the nation’s premier standardbred event, the $1.5 million(C) Pepsi North America Cup for 3-year-old colt pacers, attracted a record number of initial payments as 133 colts were nominated to the race. That number is up from 92 last season. After the March 15 sustaining payment, the number was still a very substantial 110. The Pepsi North America Cup has been moved back two weeks this year and will be raced on Saturday, June 27, at Mohawk.

The $700,000(C) (est.) Shes A Great Lady for 2-year-old pacing fillies has 83 more nominees than last season, with 341 making the initial payment on March 15.

"It's gratifying to see the exceptional numbers across the board for our stakes program," said Bruce Murray, WEG's VP of Standarbred racing. "The volume indicates there is a lot of focus on racing stakes horses at Mohawk and Woodbine and we appreciate the continued support of the many owners."

Nominations were also up substantially for the $1 million Metro Pace (354--up 62 from 2008), the Burlington Stakes (153--up 42 from 2008), Wellwood Memorial (300--up 26 from 2008) and Armbro Flight (36--up 5 from 2008).

For a complete look at this year’s nominations and the 2009 stakes schedule, visit www.woodbineentertainment.com. (WEG)

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