Flamingo Stakes to Be Run Jan. 2

The Flamingo Stakes, a traditional tune-up for Kentucky Derby hopefuls, will be the first major test for 3-year-olds next year, according to the stakes scheduled released by Hialeah Park.

The $250,000 Flamingo is scheduled for Jan. 2 as Hialeah completes its first early winter racing period. The track was awarded the early period starting Nov. 11 and ending Jan. 7 this season.

The stakes schedule has a total prize-money figure of $1.6 million, about $740,000 less than the track paid out during the more profitable midwinter dates last year.

The other top races in the schedule are the $100,000 Everglades Stakes for 2-year-olds Dec. 20, the $175,000 Widener Handicap Dec. 26, the $175,000 Hialeah Turf Cup Jan. 3 and the $125,000 Black Helen Handicap Jan. 7.