In 1975, a one-mile inner course was erected in place of the inner-turf course at Aqueduct. The track was meant to better accommodate winter racing in New York.

Approximately 150 stalls have been allotted at Aqueduct and Belmont in hopes of having a successful meet. The Big A’s inner dirt track has played a role in many trainers careers: Oscar Berrea Jr., John Forbes, Alen Iwinski, and Scott Lake to name a few.

Barrerra trained in the 80′ and 90’s, and and he moved to Finger Lakes and trained H.O.T.Y Perty Number.

Forbes is the all-time leading trainer at the Meadowlands. He was instrumental in Julie Krone’s career. He headed Phantom House Farm, with Tale of the Cat winning the G-1 King’s Bishop in 1997.

Iwinski dispersed his stables in 2005 due to health reasons. He has won titles at Delaware Park and Philadelphia Park.

Scott Lake currently leads Philly Park and Laurel as the leading trainer. He was the national leader in 2003 and 2004. He earned his 4,000th win on October 31, 2007 at Penn National.

Gary Contessa, Bruce Levine, Dominc Galluscio, and MIke Hushion are major trainers heading to run at the Big A this year.

Live racing runs Wednesday – Sunday, with a first post of 12:30pm Eastern.

Historically, the track has played kind to rail speed, and horses that love the surface, seem to target this meet to end the year in fine fashion. So pay attention, and see if that old bias holds true.