by Paul Ramlow, Grand Circuit Publicity Director

This Week: Landmark Stakes, Historic Track, Goshen, New York

Schedule of events: The Grand Circuit will be at Goshen this coming week with eight Landmark Stakes events for 2- and 3-year-olds of both sexes and gaits, all slated for the Saturday, July 2, racing program.

The Landmarks for sophomores have estimated purses of $21,000 (3-year-old colt trot); $20,000 (3-year-old colt pace); $16,000 (3-year-old filly trot); and $14,000 (3-year-old filly pace), while the four Landmark events for freshmen offer estimated purses of $18,000 (2-year-old colt pace); $15,000 (2-year-old colt trot); $11,000 (2-year-old filly pace); and $9,000 (2-year-old filly trot).

Last time: Hoosier Park hosted the Grand Circuit in late May, with the featured event being the $200,000 Dan Patch for free for all pacers. Giddy Up Lucky won the Dan Patch by 1-1/4 lengths over Vintage Master in 1:50.1. Golden Receiver was third. Eric Goodell drove Giddy Up Lucky, the favorite, for trainer Josh Green and owners Baron Racing Stable and VIP Internet Stable.

Grand Circuit Driving Standings: Four drivers share the early Grand Circuit lead, each with one winning drive. The four are Eric Goodell, Cat Manzi, David Miller, and Charlie Norris.

Looking ahead: Grand Circuit racing will take place next week at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. The W.N. Reynolds Memorial action will commence on Tuesday, July 5, with the $100,000 (est.) 2-year-old colt trot and the $75,000 (est.) 3-year-old filly pace.

The remaining 2011 schedule for the Grand Circuit is as follows.

Track–Dates
Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs–July 5-July 9
Tioga Downs–July 14-July 18
Meadows–July 25-July 30
Meadowlands–August 4-August 6
Illinois State Fair (Springfield)–August 12-August 18
Indiana State Fair (Indianapolis)–August 19
Harrah’s Chester–August 21-August 27
Indiana Downs–August 24-August 27
Mohawk–September 3-September 10
Delaware, Ohio County Fair–September 18-September 22
The Red Mile–September 29-October 9
Breeders Crown at Woodbine–October 21-October 29
Balmoral Park–November 5-November 12
Maywood Park–November 18