by Paul Ramlow, Grand Circuit Publicity Director

This Week: American-National finals, Balmoral Park, Crete, Illinois

Schedule of events: The American-National finals will be contested on Saturday (Nov. 12) at Balmoral Park. On tap will be six lucrative events — the $225,000 (est.) 3-year-old colt pace, the $180,000 (est.) open pace for 4-year-olds and up, the $150,000 (est.) open trot for 4-year-olds and up, the $150,000 (est.) 3-year-old filly pace, the $125,000 (est.) 2-year-old colt pace final and the $125,000 (est.) 2-year-old filly pace final.

Last time: A single $20,120 American-National elimination for 2-year-old colt pacers was contested this past Saturday (Nov. 5) at Balmoral Park. Ridge Warren piloted Star Recruit to the winner’s circle in a time of 1:53.2 for trainer Steve Carter. The son of Dragon Again-Remarkable Star was a neck winner over Caviart Key, who is also trained by Carter. Star Recruit is owned by his conditioner, in partnership with Peggy Carter, Robert Reid and Chuck Grubbs. The top nine finishers in the elimination will join Fridaynightflight in Saturday’s American-National final.

Grand Circuit Driving Standings: Dave Palone has the lead in the tight Grand Circuit driving standings with 29 victories. Tim Tetrick is in second place with 28 winners. David Miller is in third place with 27 triumphs. Ron Pierce checks in fourth with 20 victories. Yannick Gingras is in fifth place with 17 triumphs. Brian Sears holds down sixth place with 13 wins. Jody Jamieson, Andy Miller and Ray Schnittker share seventh place, each with 10 scores. Brett Miller and Montrell Teague are tied for tenth place, each with seven wins.

Looking ahead: The Grand Circuit will stay in Illinois next week with the final stop of the 2011 season coming at Maywood Park. The Friday (Nov. 18) card will feature the $225,000 (est.) Windy City Pace for 3-year-old colts, the $120,000 (est.) Abe Lincoln for 2-year-old colt pacers, the $100,000 (est.) Galt Memorial for 3-year-old colt trotters and the $75,000 (est.) Cinderella for 3-year-old filly pacers.

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

Track–Dates
Balmoral Park–November 5-November 12
Maywood Park–November 18