The upcoming breeding season is the first season where foals sired by a stallion four year old or younger will be restricted from many of lucrative stakes as part of an effort to keep harness racing's stars racing at least an additional year. This means those three year olds heading to the breeding shed are likely to see their first crop going for less money.
Of course there are some exceptions. For example if a 4yo stallion raced a minimum of six starts from April 1 of their 4yo season, their off-spring will be eligible to compete; a stallion was unable to race as a 4yo due to injury (more about this later); a stallion raced fewer than starts in their three year old season; did not race after August 1 in their 3yo season; made less than $500,000 in their 3yo season.
An application for an exemption due to illness or other reasons a horse would not be competitive as a four year old may be filed upon a report from a veterinarian, but stakes sponsors have a right to have such reports reviewed by a university medical school, with their opinion being final.
It will be interesting to see how many 3yos actually hit the breeding shed next year.
Friday night is the Windy City Pace for 3yo pacing colts and geldings in addition to races restricted to state-sired horses.. We will take a look at the Windy City Pace.
10th Maywood Park - $215,000; Windy City Pace - 3yos
1 Hurricane Kingcole (Dube, 6-1) - Needs to be close from the start.
2 Pet Rock (Mcnair, 2-1) - Just missed from the outside at Yonkers. One to beat.
3 A Rocknroll Dance (D Miller, 5-2) - Threat with a trip.
4 Dynamic Youth (Mccarthy, 4-1) - On paper figures but driver doesn't seem to get him there.
5 Easy Again (Teague, 15-1) - Picks up a share at best.
6 Lucky Jet (Tetrick, 8-1) - Has not done well against open company. Pass.
7 McErlean (Jamieson, 15-1) - Expect driver to beg off mount. That says it all.
8 E Z Noah (M Miller, 20-1) - Seems to be overmatched here.
Selections: 3-2-1-5
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