Finger Lakes stakes very familiar
The stakes schedule at this year's Finger Lakes meeting remains nearly unchanged from last year's, with 17 stakes worth a total of $1,225,000 over 160 racing days.
Once again, the New York Derby, to be run July 15 with a purse of $150,000 added, will be the second leg of the OTBs' Big Apple Triple for New York-bred 3-year-olds. The series - which starts with the Mike Lee Stakes at Belmont Park on June 25 and ends with the Albany Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 25 - holds a $250,000 bonus for a sweep of the three races.
One stakes bears a new name this year. The Wine Country Handicap is now the Leon Reed Memorial Handicap, named for the assistant starter who died last November of injuries sustained in a starting gate accident.
The Finger Lakes meet is scheduled to start April 14.
2006 stakes schedule
| DATE | EVENT | CONDITIONS | DISTANCE | PURSE |
| Mon.,May 29 | George W. Barker Stakes | 3YO & Up | 6 furlongs | $50,000 |
| Mon.,May 29 | Susan B. Anthony Handicap | F&M, 3YO & Up | 6 furlongs | 50,000 |
| Sun.,June 18 | Ontario County Stakes | 3YO | 6 furlongs | 50,000 |
| Tues.,July 4 | Arctic Queen Handicap | F&M, 3YO & Up | 6 furlongs | 50,000 |
| Tues.,July 4 | Niagara Stakes | F3YO | 6 furlongs | 50,000 |
| Sat.,July 15 | New York Derby | 3YO | 1 1/16 mile | 150,000 |
| Sat.,July 15 | Leon Reed Memorial | 3YO & Up | 6 furlongs | 50,000 |
| Sat.,Aug. 19 | Lady Finger Stakes | 2YO F | 6 furlongs | 70,000 |
| Sat.,Aug. 19 | Aspirant Stakes | 2YO | 6 furlongs | 70,000 |
| Mon.,Sept. 4 | New York Oaks | 3YO F | 1 1/16 mile | 75,000 |
| Mon.,Sept. 4 | New York Breeders' Futurity | 2YO | 6 furlongs | 100,000 |
| Sun.,Sept. 17 | Genesee Valley Breeders' | HCP.3YO & Up | 1 1/16 mile | 50,000 |
| Sun.,Sept. 17 | Jack Betta Be Rite Stakes | F&M, 3YO & Up | 1 1/16 mile | 50,000 |