by Moira Fanning, publicity director, the Hambletonian Society

Cranbury, NJ — The Historic Stakes for freshman pacers and trotters will be raced at Harrah’s Philadelphia this August. The sophomore events remain at Tioga Downs.

Furthering their commitment to top quality stakes racing, the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association and Harrah’s Philadelphia will host the quartet of Grand Circuit events on the following dates to complement the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes 2-year-old program as well as other unrestricted 2-year-old stakes on the calendar.

Wed., Aug. 7-$60,000 est.-The E.H. Harriman Cup for 2-year-old colt trotters
Wed., Aug. 14–$66,000 est.-The Acorn for 2-year-old filly trotters
Fri., Aug. 30-$75,000 est.-The Goshen Cup for 2-year-old colt pacers
Fri., Aug. 30-$64,000 est.-The Debutante for 2-year-old filly pacers

The Historic races are owned and administered by the Hambletonian Society and yearling nominations were taken in May 2012. The freshman races were last hosted by Vernon Downs.

The Indiana Horse Racing Commission’s recent approval to move all Standardbred racing to Hoosier Park means several Grand Circuit stake events will move from Indiana Downs to the Anderson seven-eighths-mile oval. Dates of the races will not change.

March payments for these events are due Friday (March 15) and per USTA Rule 12 section 4, must be postmarked by midnight on Saturday (March 16). Forms and payment information is available at www.hambletonian.org.

• Circle City 2-year-olds
• Circle City 3-year-olds
• The Elevation 2-year-old pacing colts
• Historic Series for 2-year-olds
• Indiana Pacing Derby for Free for All Pacers
• Kentuckiana Stallion Mgt. Filly Pace & Trot (for 2-year-old fillies)
• Monument Circle 3-year-olds
• Oliver Trotting Classic 3-year-olds
• Pride in Progress for Free for All Trotters