by Paul Ramlow, Grand Circuit Publicity Director

This Week: Freehold Grand Circuit, Freehold Raceway, Freehold, New Jersey

Schedule of events: The Grand Circuit continues its season opening stop at Freehold Raceway this Friday (May 4) with two divisions in the $77,700 Lady Suffolk for 3-year-old filly trotters. Each division features a field of eight and will race for a purse of $38,850.

The Saturday (May 5) program features the $138,300 Dexter Cup for 3-year-old colt trotters. A field of eight has been entered in the Dexter Cup, which is the first major stakes race on the road to the $1.5 million Hambletonian on August 4 at Meadowlands Racetrack.

Among the horses entered are Market Share and Southwind Austin, who were recently featured on the USTA website.

Helene Gregory/World Wide Racing Photos

Market Share was a 1:57.1 winner in the Dexter Cup elimination.

Last time: Market Share won the $46,100 elimination race for the Dexter Cup this past Saturday (April 28) at Freehold Raceway. Driven by Jeff Gregory for trainer Linda Toscano, Market Share trotted the mile in a career-best 1:57.1, finishing two lengths ahead of Trouble, who edged out Not Afraid in third.

The top six in the order of finish advanced to the $138,300 final, along with two colts who had the highest lifetime earnings and had byes, Frost Bites K and Southwind Austin. Finishing fourth through sixth and also advancing were On The Podium, Astarisborn Hanover and Broadway Zinger.

Grand Circuit Driving Standings: Jeff Gregory tops the Grand Circuit driving standings after winning the Dexter Cup elimination, the first GC event of the year.

Looking ahead: Following this season opening stop, the first of 17 on the 2012 schedule, Grand Circuit action will resume in June at Hoosier Park in Indiana.