Suffolk Downs to open its 75th season today

EAST BOSTON ? Suffolk Downs opened its doors for the first time July 10, 1935 and today the East Boston oval kicks off its 75th anniversary with a 10-race live card as well simulcast wagering including the Preakness Stakes.Doors open at 10 a.m. with the first live race slated for 1:15 p.m. The 135th running of the Preakness from Pimlico is set for 6:15.Admission is free Saturday, and a season pass can be purchased for $5, with all proceeds supporting the track’s thoroughbred retirement programs.Patrons can have their picture taken with a racehorse and jockey at the Fan Photo Experience located at the main Clubhouse entrance (12:45-2:45, weather permitting). Family Fun activities will take place near the outdoor playground.After Opening Day, the following two weeks of live racing will consist of two race days each. These dates are Wednesday, May 19; Sunday, May 23; Wednesday, May 26; and Saturday, May 29. Beginning Memorial Day, the track will conduct a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday racing schedule until the conclusion of the meet on Saturday, November 13. Normal first race post time is 12:45 p.m.The feature on the opening-day card is an entry level allowance that drew a full field of 12.I’m It Wayne, who was claimed for $5,000 in his last start at Gulfstream appears well spotted by trainer Marcus Vitali who wins with 38 percent of his horses first off the claim.The 4-year-old colt has three wins in eight lifetime starts and has hit the board in seven starts.He shows a bullet: 48.3 work over the Suffolk strip and could take this group wire-to wire.uTwo-time MassCap winner, and horse of the year in 1998, Skip Away, died Friday at age 17.The gray won the MassCap in 1997 and 98.