A total of 162 offspring of Maryland stallions have been pre-entered in the 10 races which comprise the 2002 Maryland Million, to be run at Pimlico Race Course on Sept. 21. Four 2001 winners are nominated to defend their titles.
The post positions will be drawn Sept. 18 at 11:30 a.m. in the Triple Crown Room at Pimlico.
In the $200,000 Maryland Million Classic, 2001 winner Sumerset is one of a possible field of 13. The Classic is contested at 1 3/16 miles on the main track.
Last year's winner, Elberton, is named to run in the $100,000 Maryland Million Turf. Elberton is a track record holder at Pimlico. Cynics Beware, third in the 2001 grass event, is among 15 pre-entered to the race.
Case Of The Blues, who won the 2001 Maryland Million Distaff Handicap, will return to defend her title. Eighteen others are named to the $100,000, six furlong race, including distaff stars Urban Dancer and Willa On The Move.
The Maryland Million Starter Handicap has attracted 13 pre-entries
including defending champion Blazing Colors. The starter handicap has a purse of $50,000 and is run at a distance of nine furlongs.
The other races to be contested are the $100,000 Lassie, the $100,000 Nursery, the $100,000 Oaks, the $100,000 Sprint, the $100,000 Ladies, and the $50,000 Distaff/Starter Handicap.
Million Day is the second biggest day of racing in Maryland behind Preakness Day. Pimlico will present the Maryland Million Horse Fair, which includes event filled attractions on the main track and an infield party called the Mini-Million Kid's Corral. The first 5,000 fans in attendance will receive a free Maryland Million Tote Bag.
The Maryland Jockey Club will also honor Mario Pino, the 18th jockey in history to ride 5,000 winners, as part of the festivities. The presentation will be held after the eighth race and shown on WNUV-TV as part of its live two-hour coverage. Pino reached the plateau last Sunday at Delaware Park.
