East Rutherford, NJ — The Meadowlands is pleased to announce an enthusiastic response to the February payment for the track’s signature event, the $700,000 (est.) Meadowlands Pace. The first payment for 3-year-old colts and geldings saw 55 sustain eligibility and two pay the $7,500 supplement for a total of 57 paid in. This represents a 27 percent increase over the 2022 February figure.

Among the more renowned are Dan Patch and O’Brien award winner Stockade Seelster, Breeders Crown winner Ammo, Governor’s Cup king El Rey and PASS champ Fulton, who came aboard via the supplemental payment.

The $175,000 (est.) filly companion to “The Pace,” known as the Mistletoe Shalee, also saw a significant bump of 33 percent year over year with 32 fillies paid in. All the girls are RSVP’d for “The Biggest Party in Harness Racing” on the evening of Saturday (July 15), including Canadian debutante Sylvia Hanover, who completed the difficult Dan Patch/O’Brien award double and America’s best freshman filly Twin B Joe Fresh.

Overall, the Feb. 15 payments for the marquee stakes at the marquee track came in slightly over the 2022 results. The lists of nominees are being prepared and should be posted on the track website shortly.