Meadowlands stakes schedule worth $1.7 million

The $500,000 Meadowlands Cup will headline a stakes schedule featuring nine races worth a total of $1.7 million at the upcoming 49-day Meadowlands meet, which begins September 3, and runs through November 10.

The Grade 2 Meadowlands Cup at 1 1/8 miles for 3-year-olds and up on Sept. 28 will highlight the meet along with the Grade 2 $250,000 Pegasus Handicap at 1 1/8 miles for 3-year-olds on Oct. 19. The $500,000 Meadowlands Cup purse represents a $100,000 upgrade from last year's purse of $400,000.

Additionally, the Meadowlands will host a quartet of Grade 3 races including the $150,000 Cliff Hanger Handicap on Sept. 14, the $200,000 Boiling Springs Breeders' Cup on Sept. 21, the $150,000 Violet Handicap on Sept. 28, and the $200,000 Honey Bee Handicap on Nov. 2.

The first week of the meet will begin with an afternoon Labor Day card, the only daytime racing of the meet. The track will be open five nights a week, from Tuesday to Saturday, with a first post of 7:35 nightly.