The first 39-dates, the
spring season in March, April and May, offers a three-day a week schedule –
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. First post is 12:30 p.m.
Freehold will mark the March
1 opening day with a special $13.95 buffet in the Renaissance Dining Room and a
free six-pack cooler to patrons who purchase a Freehold live program [while
supplies of the coolers last].
The stakes schedule features
the $160,000 estimated Dexter Cup Trot on Saturday, May 5 [eliminations, if
needed, on April 28] and its companion filly event, the $80,000 estimated Lady
Suffolk Trot on May 4. These are both showcases for three-year-old
trotters.
Eight of the stakes on the
Freehold schedule are sponsored by the Standardbred Breeders & Owners
Association of New Jersey, restricted to New Jersey-sired horses [all purses
are estimates] and positioned during the 51-date fall meet: the $58,000 Marion
Dancer on September 6, the $70,000 Helen Smith on September 7, the $80,000
Charles Smith on September 14, the $60,000 Harold Dancer on September 20 and a
quartet of $50,000 to 60,000 New Jersey Futurities [September 14, October 5,
October 12 and October 13].
Freehold will once again be
participating in the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering
Program and will be offering a $5,000 guaranteed Pick-4 (races 2-5) each day of
the meet.
For the Opening Day card on
March 1, 2012, horsemen must declare in by 9 a.m. Monday, February 27, 2012.
For the balance of the meet,
Freehold will have a regular draw schedule: Tuesday 9 a.m. for Friday;
Wednesday 9 a.m. for Saturday and Saturday 9 a.m. for Thursday.
Submitted by Carol Hodes for
SBOANJ
