by Paul Ramlow, publicity director, The Grand Circuit

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 7) with two divisions in the $80,000 Lady Suffolk for 3-year-old filly trotters. The Saturday (May 8) program features the $156,000 Dexter Cup Final for 3-year-old colt trotters.

Last time: The 2010 Grand Circuit season commenced last Saturday (May 1) at Freehold with a single $51,900 elimination for the Dexter Cup.

Shaq Is Back (George Brennan) won the Dexter Cup elimination by 3-1/2 lengths over Senor Glide (Daniel Dube) in 1:57.2. Mamas Boo Bear (Steve Smith) was third.

The top three finishers from the elimination will join Big Stick Lindy, Celebrity Blue Chip, Flex The Muscle, Indefensible and Take My Picture, who all received byes, in this week’s final.

Grand Circuit Driving Standings: George Brennan has the early lead in the Grand Circuit standings with one winner.

Looking ahead: Following this season opening stop, the first of 18 on the 2010 schedule, Grand Circuit action will resume in late May at Hoosier Park in Indiana.

The remaining 2010 schedule for the Grand Circuit is as follows.

TRACK–DATES
Hoosier Park–May 29-May 30
Meadowlands (Historic Series)–June 30-July 3
Historic Track (Goshen)–July 2-July 5
Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs–July 6-July 10
Tioga Downs–July 16-July 19
Meadows–July 25-July 31
Meadowlands–August 4-August 7
Illinois State Fair (Springfield)–August 13-August 19
Indiana State Fair (Indianapolis)–August 19-August 20
Indiana Downs–August 21-August 28
Harrah’s Chester–August 22-August 27
Mohawk–September 4-September 11
Delaware, Ohio County Fair–September 19-September 23
Breeders Crown at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs–October 1-October 9
The Red Mile–October 14-October 23
Balmoral Park–November 6-November 13
Maywood Park–November 19