As you select future stakes engagements for your current crop of freshman hopefuls, consider the fact that there has been a significant change to one of the marquee races for three year old trotters in 2012.
The Dr. Harry M. Zweig Memorial trot, a trophy coveted by many Hambletonian winners over the years and most recently won by no less than the 2010 Trotter of the Year, Lucky Chucky, has undergone a dramatic change for the future.
Beginning in 2012 (the required two year old payment to sustain eligibility for next year is due by March 15, 2011) the Zweig will shift from being raced in divisions with a split purse to the top (9) money winners formula that has proven so popular recently in harness racing.
The purse for the Open (Colt) Zweig has been increased to an estimated $400,000 with an $80,000E consolation for those not drawing into the top class.
The Zweig fillies will also see a substantial increase to $170,000E (top nine) and $40,000E for the consolation.
While the payments have been increased to reflect the higher purse, the added money has been doubled from $75,000 to $150,000 by Tioga & Vernon Downs.
Early projections see the Zweig being raced at Vernon Downs over Labor Day weekend in 2012, in the hope of providing a high dollar opportunity for the top sophomore trotters in place of the World Trotting Derby.
Link to conditions attached. http://horsemen.ustrotting.com/OnLinePDFConditions11/Zweig%20Mem%2038.pdf
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