Del 'Cap takes purse reduction

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Stanton, DE (Sports Network) - In an effort to expand its stakes program, Delaware Park has reduced the purse of the Delaware Handicap from $1 million to $750,000. The track's premier race will be conducted on Saturday, July 17.

"The $250,000 Delaware Handicap purse reduction allows for the addition of a pair of $125,000 stake races to be run later in the season - the Sweet & Sassy Stakes on October 23 and the Brandywine Stakes on October 30," the press release stated.

Won last year by Swift Temper, the Delaware Handicap is a 1 1/4 mile race for fillies and mares. Contacted last week following the Eclipse Awards, track publicity director Chris Sobocinski said that talks have been held on having 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra and two-time Eclipse Award winner Zenyatta run in the Del 'Cap.

Contenders for the Del 'Cap will be able to start in the $150,000 Obeah Stakes on Saturday, June 12. Three-year-old fillies will be featured in the $250,000 Delaware Oaks the Saturday prior to the Delaware Handicap. Careless Jewel won the Oaks before capturing the Alabama Stakes at Saratoga.

Delaware Park's 2010 season begins on Saturday, May 1 and concludes Saturday, November 6. A total of 22 stakes races have been scheduled for the year.