At the Post: Big things expected at Suffolk opening today

The 2014 live racing season at Suffolk Downs will begins today in conjunction with the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby.In addition to live racing, the track will host its fifth annual “Boston’s Biggest and Best Kentucky Derby Party” with wagering on the Kentucky Derby simulcast and an outdoor party on the Grandstand apron featuring music, family fun activities and a variety of food and beverage options.Familiar names filled the entries for opening day. Lynn resident Jay Bernardini finished third in the trainer standings in 2013 with 40 victories and will saddle five horses on Saturday to kick off the season. Five time leading rider Tammi Piermarini is back to defend her title after spending the winter competing primarily at Turf Paradise in Arizona.After enjoying a breakthrough season in 2013 in which she saddled 17 winners from 92 starters and finished seventh in the trainer standings, M.C. Reardon also has five horses entered for opening day.uHeadlining the 9-race opening day card is a $13,000 starter allowance for three-year-olds and up scheduled at five furlongs on the main track. Classic Speed, a nine-time local winner, has been installed as the 2-1 morning line favorite.Trained by Jay Bernardini, the seven-year-old gelded son of Wekiva Springs will regular rider Tammi Piermarini in the irons. After getting the winter off, Classic Speed has been training sharply for his return to the races and worked a bullet on April 29, completing four furlongs in 48 3/5 for the best of nine workouts at that distance that day.uAlso in the field is New England Turf Writers’ Association Special Achievement award winner Glowing Promise at odds of 6-1. The eight-year-old gelding was recognized in 2013 for his outstanding season in which he finished on the board in nine of his eleven starts. Veteran rider Vernon Bush will be aboard for owner and trainer John Nassi.Kevin McCarthy’s popular B E Boston Strong will make his return to his home track after competing in Florida for the winter. The four-year-old gelding is listed at odds of 8-1 and will have Joe Buchanan aboard.Post time for Opening Day is 2:15 p.m.uAfter Opening Day, racing will be conducted Wednesday and Saturday the first week, then Monday, Wednesday and Saturday (Preakness Stakes Day) the following week. Beginning Monday, May 19, four-day race weeks (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday) will be scheduled until the conclusion of the meet. Following Opening Day, regular first post time will be 12:45 p.m.