First draw for Massachusetts Sire Stakes Thursday

Plainville, MA — Harness racing horsemen and women are reminded that the draw for the first legs of the $2.5 million (est.) Massachusetts Sire Stakes will take place on Thursday (Sept. 22) at Plainridge Park. All 3-year-old divisions will go on Sunday (Sept. 25) and all 2-year-old divisions will be on Monday (Sept. 26) and both draws will be held Thursday, with the box closing at 9 a.m. The full condition sheet is currently posted at ustrotting.com under the Horseman tab.

Participating trainers and connections are also reminded that starting this year, horses must race in at least two of the three preliminary legs in order to be eligible for the finals. The 2022 stakes will be held on Sunday and Monday through October with the exception of Sunday (Oct. 9) and Monday (Oct. 10) with the eight divisional finals being contested on Monday (Oct. 24). All post times will be 2 p.m.

There are 83 2-year-old and 76 3-year-old trotters and pacers eligible this year and the connections of all 159 horses have the following dates circled on their calendars.

Sunday (Sept. 25)

3-year-old first leg

Monday (Sept. 26)

2-year-old first leg

Sunday (Oct. 2)

3-year-old second leg

Monday (Oct. 3)

2-year-old second leg

Sunday (Oct. 16)

2-year-old third leg

Monday (Oct. 17)

3-year-old third leg

Monday (Oct. 24)

2 & 3-year-old finals

by Tim Bojarski, for the Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts