NYRA sets BEL Spring/Saratoga stake schedules

[NTamm1215]

This escaped a great deal of attention last weekend in the face of the stakes races, controversy, and what not. Here's a full story:

http://www.nyra.com/aqueduct/stories...les-2011.shtml

Four stakes that were not run last year are back including the Matron and Futurity, which will now be run on July 4 weekend. That means more 2YO races are going to be carded in May and June, something there wasn't a great deal of last year early in the Belmont summer meet.

The Saratoga schedule is basically identical to last year with only a few minor adjustments. Considering how deep and competitive the De La Rose has been over the last few years, it is a great addition to the Whitney day card.

[parsixfarms]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

Four stakes that were not run last year are back including the Matron and Futurity, which will now be run on July 4 weekend. That means more 2YO races are going to be carded in May and June, something there wasn't a great deal of last year early in the Belmont summer meet.

I don't think it necessarily follows that we'll see more 2YO races at Belmont this spring. NYRA made the (unfortunately unsuccessful) attempt to first resurrect the Flash (and its female counterpart) to encourage early season 2YO racing, and then did away not only with the Flash but the Tremont as well. I'd bet this is as much about trying to preserve NYRA's options with the Matron and Futurity by keeping their graded status after a one-year hiatus (and it's easier to put the races in early July than between the Hopeful/Spinaway and Champagne/Frizette).