Suffolk cancels Mass 'Cap

For the second time in the last three years, Suffolk Downs, has canceled running of the Grade 3, $500,000 Massachusetts Han-dicap. The move is part of the track's suspension of its open stakes program for 2005 because of poor business this past winter.

Also lost to budget restraints is this year's $200,000 James B. Moseley Sprint Handicap. Both the Massachusetts Handicap and Moseley had been slated for June 18.

Ten other $40,000 open stakes races were also canceled. Eight stakes for Massachusetts-breds will remain on the schedule.

The Massachusetts Handicap was canceled for similar reasons in 2003.

"Based on the impact that the harsh winter had on simulcast wagering and our current projections, we feel it's more prudent to maintain a healthy purse level for our daily schedule than to run these major races this season," said Bob O'Malley, chief operating officer of Suffolk Downs.