Fort Erie kicks off its 2021 meet Tuesday with a massive 12-race card that has 105 entries and a special post time of 3 p.m. The 42-day meet goes until Oct. 26, racing on a Monday-Tuesday schedule at the Ontario track. Post time for Monday racing is 1 p.m., and Tuesday twilight cards begin at 4 p.m. For the second year in a row, the meet will begin without spectators due to continuing COVID-19 restrictions. The terrific opening-day program includes two lucrative “Cup” races, a pair of $30,000 maiden stakes: the Sprint into Summer, and the Summer Solstice Cup. “We wanted to start off this season with a strong card, and we think the Cup races are a great addition to our opening day,” said Drew Cady, the general manager of the Fort Erie Live Racing Consortium. “Every horseperson has been working hard to prepare their horses for this year’s meet, and we believe it will be a great season despite delays due to the provincial lockdown.” :: Bet the races with confidence on DRF Bets. You're one click away from the only top-rated betting platform fully integrated with exclusive data, analysis, and expert picks. The consistent 7-year-old Seau should be favored in Tuesday’s feature, a first-level allowance with a $12,500-12,000 claiming option going a mile on the turf. Seau earned a string of 79 Beyer Speed Figures last fall while running competitively against $20,000 conditioned claimers and $8,000 starter opposition on the grass at Golden Gate. He wintered at Turf Paradise, where he was claimed from a front-running victory in his last start for $20,000 on April 12. Sahin Civaci has the mount on Seau for trainer Marty Drexler, who has a 26 percent strike rate first time off a claim since the beginning of 2020. “He’s a nice horse who’s got his quirks about him, but he’s sound enough,” Drexler said. “He obviously looks plenty good in this spot if he shows up.” The Mighty Judge is the other Woodbine-based runner in the seven-horse field. The 6-year-old son of Curlin has been freshened since tailing off during the latter portion of the Gulfstream Championship meet, and has been working right along on the Tapeta. He won three races in 2020, including a $12,500 claimer at Monmouth with an 82 Beyer. The centerpiece of the meet is the 86th running of the $400,000 Prince of Wales Stakes, the middle leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, on Sept. 14. The 1 3/16-mile dirt route for Canadian-bred 3-year-olds heads a card that also includes two $80,000 Ontario-sired sprint stakes: the Rondeau Bay for 3-year-old fillies, and the Lake Erie for male 3-year-olds. Given the current restrictions, it’s uncertain whether fans will be able to attend the Tuesday card. Popular handicapper Ashley Mailloux and track announcer Frank Salive will be providing selections for Fort Erie racing.