by Paul Ramlow, Grand Circuit Publicity Director

This Week: The Grand Circuit is off this week. Racing will resume May 28 at Hoosier Park in Indiana.

Last time: The 2011 Grand Circuit season opener took place last week at Freehold Raceway with the $160,850 Dexter Cup for 3-year-old colt trotters and two divisions in the $79,650 Lady Suffolk for 3-year-old filly trotters.

The Dexter Cup went to Robert Key’s Ice Machine with a come from behind effort in 1:57.3. David Miller was in the bike for the Charlie Norris trainee, who scored by 1-1/4 lengths over favored Marcus Bi (Daniel Dube). Justa Jersey Boy (Andy Miller) was third.

USTA/Ken Weingartner photo

Ice Machine and the winning connections celebrate following the Dexter Cup at Freehold.

“I thought he was very good,” Norris told Harness Racing Communications’ Ken Weingartner after Ice Machine’s victory. “He came into the race in good form. I thought he could get around a half; we trained him on a half at Spring Garden (Ranch in Florida) over the winter.

“On the outside, he can go a long way. We’ve got a lot of miles in him. He’s fit. David said he was well in hand, so I think we’re OK.”

Ice Machine, a son of Muscles Yankee-Icy Pleasure, increased his earnings this year to $91,975. He has won five of 13 lifetime starts and earned $126,076.

The combination of owner Robert Key and trainer Charlie Norris also captured a $39,825 Lady Suffolk division as Pacific Splash scored in a time of 1:59.1. Norris was in the sulky for the win with the American Winner-Pacific Kathryn lass.

The other $39,825 Lady Suffolk split went to Stephen Michaels, Jim Winkse, William Weaver III and Paul Kelley’s Balmy Breeze in 1:59.2. Cat Manzi drove the Chocolatier-Southwind Palm miss for trainer Paul Kelley.

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

Looking ahead: The Grand Circuit’s next stop will be at Hoosier Park in Anderson, Indiana. The featured event will be the $200,000 (est.) Dan Patch for free for all pacers, slated for the Saturday, May 28, program.

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

Track–Dates
Hoosier Park–May 28
Historic Track (Goshen)–July 1-July 3
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