MassCap revival in Suffolk plans

Though it's Kentucky Derby week, highlighted by the 132d Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs, it's also the start of thoroughbred season at Suffolk Downs, which opens its gates for live racing Saturday, beginning a season track officials hope will include the return of the Massachusetts Handicap.

The MassCap and the rest of the major stakes races at Suffolk were suspended after 2004 for financial reasons, but track officials hope to have a limited stakes schedule this summer, capped by the MassCap in September. The MassCap began in 1935 and ran continuously until 2002, when it was suspended for a year. It returned in 2003 and 2004 before being suspended again last year.

''We're hoping we can do it," said chief operating officer Bob O'Malley. ''We still have a few things to do, but right now we're looking at Sept. 30 for the MassCap."

O'Malley said it's been a struggle to get quality horses for live racing.

''We had a rough April, but we want people to know we're still alive and kicking . . . Hopefully, we can get things going."

The Rockingham Park harness season opens May 27. It's the 100th anniversary for the Rock, with a season of celebration scheduled.

MARK BLAUDSCHUN