Connelly begins defense of training title

As Presque Isle Downs prepares to launch its 10th season of live racing, Teresa Connelly, who last year became the first woman to finish as the track’s leading trainer, starts off at zero.

Not zero wins at the start of the meet like everyone else, but zero for nearly five months in 2016. She begins the season at the Erie, Pa., track with an 0-for-16 record for 2016.

Not to worry, however.

Connelly began last year’s meet with just one win in four starts and won only six races through June. But she finished strongly, winning 22 races between Aug. 24 and Oct. 6 to lead the trainer standings with 40 victories, 11 more than runner-up Wayne Rice. Her winning percentage was a solid 25 percent, and bettors who followed her horses were rewarded with a $2.36 return on investment.

Connelly has four horses entered on Sunday’s eight-race program on opening night, including three first-time starters in maiden special weight events (races 3 and 4). Although she is just 2 for 12 with debuting runners at Presque Isle in the past two years, one of the winners came last meet at 26-1.

The opening-night card drew 76 horses, plus four also-eligibles. Purses remain the same as last season, with maiden special weight races worth $27,000 and first-level allowances carrying a purse of $28,000.

Antonio Gallardo, the leading rider in each of the past two seasons, is named on mounts in five races Sunday and seven of the eight races Monday, including the $100,000 Tom Ridge Stakes for 3-year-olds.

Opening night is also the first Family Night of the season, with $2 cheeseburgers, two hot dogs for $2, and $1 french fries available between 5 and 8 p.m. The same food discounts will be offered each Wednesday and Sunday.

Ontrack patrons will also have access to the new Brews Brothers, a restaurant with a view of the racetrack offering meals, music, and microbrews.

Presque Isle will offer the same 12-stakes package as last season, highlighted by the $200,000 Presque Isle Mile for 3-year-olds and up Sept. 18 and the Grade 2, $400,000 Presque Isle Masters for fillies and mares going 6 1/2 furlongs on Sept. 19. Five stakes for Pennsylvania-breds received a $25,000 purse boost to $100,000 apiece.

The 100-day meet will follow a Sunday-to-Thursday calendar through Oct. 6, with first post at 5:25 p.m. Eastern.