New Jersey state officials and horsemen are on the verge of announcing a landmark agreement that would cut the number of 2010 racing dates in New Jersey to 71, including a boutique, 50-date summer meet that would feature $1 million a day in purses. Under the agreement, racing would be conducted at Monmouth Park on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the summer, as well as on three Monday holidays. The fall meet at The Meadowlands would be scratched, replaced by a 21-day meet at Monmouth that would feature $250,000-$300,000 a day in purses.

"The entire focus of what we're doing is to produce a better product," Monmouth Vice President and General Manager Bob Kulina explained Tuesday morning. "We're looking at the Japanese, Hong Kong and Australian models, where you run only on weekends. We hope to provide an incredible entertainment value for the people in New Jersey, as well as the horse players across the country."

The previously agreed-to contract between the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, which owns Monmouth and The Meadowlands, and the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, called for 141 dates for the 2010 season.

The pending agreement is a one-year deal and is subject to approval from the New Jersey legislature.

"There's a lot of legislative approval that will be needed to get this done, but all the connected parties are aboard and the process will be starting immediately," said Kulina.

Andrew Caulfield takes a look at GI Santa Anita Oaks winner Crisp (El Corredor) in this week's column. Like his sire Mr. Greeley, El Corredor has sired at least one Grade I winner in each of his first four crops.