Day racing new to schedule

OCEANPORT, N.J. - The Meadowlands' 63-day meeting, which begins Sept. 2, will be highlighted by the Grade 2, $400,000 Meadowlands Cup on Oct. 4. A total of $1.5 million in purses will be offered over eight stakes races.

The Meadowlands meeting runs through Nov. 23. In a change from last year, The Meadowlands will race during the day Tuesdays, with first post 1:10 p.m. There also will be racing during the day on five Mondays (Sept. 2, Oct. 14, Nov. 4, Nov. 11, and Nov. 18) and on Thursday, Sept. 5. Post time is 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays through Saturdays.

Robert Kulina, vice president of Thoroughbred Racing for the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, which operates The Meadowlands, said he expects a strong field for the Meadowlands Cup.

"The Meadowlands Cup is positioned three weeks before the Breeders' Cup this year," he said. "That should ensure a strong Meadowlands Cup, which will hopefully complement a strong meet."

Along with the Meadowlands Cup, other graded stakes are the Grade 3 Boiling Springs Breeders' Cup Handicap, the

Grade 3 Violet Handicap, the Grade 2 Pegasus Handicap, and the Grade 3 Cliff Hanger Handicap.