On Friday, September 19th, Presque Isle Downs kicks off a stakes-filled week-end of racing with the Grade 2 Presque Isle Downs Masters Stakes along with the Presque Isle Mile and two juvenile stakes. Also on Friday, Parx celebrates Pennsylvania-breds with Pennsylvania’s Day at the Races. On Saturday, September 20th, the action switches to Parx for the Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby and the Grade 1 Cotillion Stakes.
Presque Isle Downs premier race, the Grade 2 Presque Isle Downs Masters Stakes for fillies and mares, three years old and up drew thirteen entries. The talented field includes favorites, Candy Reward, a Pennsylvania bred by Warrior’s Reward that won six races in a row including the Princess of Sylmar Stakes at Presque Isle Downs, and Ms Tart, who won five races this year including two stakes. Another favorite, Elysian Field, trained by Mark Casse, is a five year old that was Canada’s Sovereign Award champion three year old filly in 2023, and last out, won the Grade 3 Seaway Stakes at Woodbine. Others in the field include Ellen Jay, trained by Brad Cox, and Stormcast who was third last out to Elysian Field.
The field for the Presque Isle Mile Stakes also drew thirteen entries including several tough seven year olds. Grounded, seven years old, won three in a row this year, and Surly Furious, another seven year old, won over $640,000 in his lifetime. Local horse, He’s a Mess, seven years old and a Pennsylvania bred, won two races this year including the Hard Spun Stakes at Presque Isle Downs. Favorites include Encino, a winner of two races this year and trained by Brad Cox, and the stakes winner, The Wine Steward, trained by Michael Maker. Trademark, another contender, is six years old and a millionaire.
The remaining two stakes on the card are for two year olds. The Fitz Dixon, Jr. Memorial Juvenile Stakes going six and a half furlongs with a purse of $100,000 drew ten juveniles. The field includes several maidens and Pennsylvania-breds. Locally based trainer Kevin Rice entered a pair that each won one race. A Million Dreams broke his maiden first out at Presque Isle Downs, and Mo Dodgy broke his maiden second time out in a maiden special weight at Saratoga. Rockstar Cassanova has one start, one win as does Carnival Rock.
The other two year old stake, the Presque Isle Debutante Stakes for two year old fillies also drew ten horses. The favorite, Kontiki, trained by Brad Cox, won three in a row including two stakes out of four starts. Jockey Flavien Prat has the mount. Trainer Ron Potts entered three fillies, including two with two wins out of three starts, Smooch Up and Thank You Amy. Four fillies ran once and broke their maiden first time out. Peach Tie started once and won, Miss Thalia ran once and won, Mia’s Go won her only start, and Cuda Cutie won her only start impressively. In Her Glory broke her maiden at Saratoga in her second start on the turf, and local horse Tiz Goldy, a Pennsylvania bred, has two starts and a win. The highly competitive race will put these two year olds to the test.
Post time for the Masters Stakes Race Day is 5 P.M. Watch exciting racing that includes older, seasoned runners and potential new stars. Pop-up giveaways, prizes, exciting top quality racing, entertainment, food trucks, and special combo bets are available. Bet on top horses with combo bets in the Pennsylvania Pick Four and the Keystone Daily Double for September 19th and 20th combining horses at Presque Isle Downs and Parx.
