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 8) with the $103,000 (est.) Lady Suffolk for 3-year-old filly trotters. The Saturday (May 9) program features the $181,369 Dexter Cup Final for 3-year-old colt trotters.

Last time: The 2009 Grand Circuit season commenced last Saturday (May 2) at Freehold with a pair of $30,228 eliminations for the Dexter Cup.

In the first elimination, Anders Bluestone rallied to win his second career start in 1:57.1. Trainer Jimmy Takter, who captured the 2008 Dexter Cup with Holiday Credit, campaigns Anders Bluestone. The colt won his career debut on April 21 at Pocono Downs, drawing off to a three length victory in 1:57.2.

In his Dexter effort, Anders Bluestone (also driven by Takter), won by a neck over Photoforwin (Rick Beinhauer). It was eight lengths back to Wishful Sir (Andy Miller) in third. Bobbi Jo’s Lindy (Ray Schnittker) also advanced from the first elimination to Saturday’s final.

Anders Bluestone is owned by Christina Takter, John Fielding, Goran Anderberg and Jim Fielding.

The second elimination went to Keystone Activator, who set a 3-year-old trotting colt track record of 1:55.3. Driven by George Brennan and trained by Jim Raymer, Keystone Activator drew off to a 1-1/2 length victory over Muscle Mayhem (David Miller). It was 3-1/4 lengths back to Vesuvio AS (Jim Meittinis) in third. Finishing fourth and earning a spot in the final was Citation Lindy (Ray Schnittker), who cut the fractions.

Trillium Racing Stable and Tammie Raymer own Keystone Activator, who has been first or second in 11 of 18 career starts for earnings of $133,095.

Grand Circuit Driving Standings: George Brennan and Jimmy Takter share the early lead in the Grand Circuit standings with one winner apiece.

Looking ahead: Following this season opening stop, the first of 20 on the 2009 schedule, Grand Circuit action will resume in late May at Hoosier Park in Indiana.